Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai: A Different Kind of Luxury

Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai takes a different approach to luxury than many of the city’s more traditional five-star hotels. Rather than relying on formal grandeur, the hotel combines contemporary design, residential-style public spaces and Kimpton’s lifestyle-oriented approach to service.

I visited the hotel a few weeks before this review was written, looking at how the property has established itself since opening in August 2023.

Located in Qiantan, one of Shanghai’s newer business and cultural districts, Kimpton Qiantan occupies a riverside position with views toward the West Bund. Its design brings together elements of Shanghai and Paris, while the hotel’s restaurants, bars and wellness facilities give it a distinctly social character.

For travelers looking for something less conventional than a traditional luxury hotel, that combination is perhaps the hotel’s most interesting proposition.

A New Luxury Address in Qiantan

Kimpton Qiantan is in the Qiantan International Business District. It is close to the West Bund Art Center and China Art Museum. Qiantan Leisure Park, Taikoo Li Qiantan and the Oriental Sports Center are also within walking distance.

The district has developed rapidly in recent years and is sometimes described as Shanghai’s “New Bund.” Its combination of offices, retail, cultural attractions and waterfront spaces has given the southern Pudong area a very different character from the historic Bund across the river.

The hotel is about 700 meters from Oriental Sports Center Metro Station, served by Lines 6, 8 and 11. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is approximately 13.5 kilometers away, while Shanghai Pudong International Airport can be reached by road in around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

The location therefore works for both business and leisure travelers, particularly those who want to explore Qiantan and the southern stretch of Shanghai rather than stay in the city’s traditional central hotel districts.

A More Residential Approach to Hotel Design

The hotel was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), with interiors by Studio Carter. The design combines Shanghai references with Parisian influences, but the most noticeable difference is how the public spaces are organized.

Rather than presenting a conventional lobby dominated by a reception desk, the hotel’s Living Room is designed more like a series of residential spaces. Semi-transparent curtains divide different areas, creating smaller zones within the larger room.

That approach reflects Kimpton’s positioning as a lifestyle luxury brand.

Robbyn Carter, founder of Studio Carter, described the concept as a place where “guests, creators, dreamers, and visionaries come together.”

Matthew Cooper, General Manager of Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai, offered a more direct explanation of the brand’s positioning.

“Kimpton is different from traditional luxury brands; it places greater emphasis on lifestyle and personalized service.”

That distinction is important when considering the hotel. Kimpton Qiantan is not trying to recreate the formal atmosphere associated with some of Shanghai’s established luxury hotels. Its identity is more contemporary, social and design-led.

Living Room (Hotel Lobby) Inspired by cozy family living room, the public areas are divided into different functions, with semi-transparent curtains acting as a "screen" to add a poetic beauty. — *Living Room (the lobby). Inspired by cozy family living room, the public areas are divided into different functions, with semi-transparent curtains acting as a “screen” to add a poetic beauty.*

Room & Suite

Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai has 143 guestrooms and suites.

Natural light is a central part of the room design, with metal-gridded glass windows connecting different areas of the space. Custom-designed elements including the minibar, television cabinet, desk and fireplace are integrated into the room rather than treated as separate pieces of furniture.

A Modern Essential Room measures 48 square meters and is available with either a king bed or two twin beds. The hotel also offers larger suites, including the 91-square-meter Chez Chloé Suite.

Details include a lift-up minibar, art and fashion books and a Zuvi light-energy hair dryer.

The overall design is more residential than traditional corporate luxury, with carpeting, custom furniture and warm materials creating a softer atmosphere.

That residential quality is consistent with the hotel’s broader approach: the rooms are part of the same lifestyle concept that runs through the public spaces rather than being isolated from it.

*Modern Essential Room, 48 sq. m., 2 Twin Beds or 1 King Bed*

*Chez Chloe Suite_Bathroom, 91 sq. m., 1 King Bed*

Le Chloé Brings French Dining to Qiantan

The hotel’s main restaurant is Le Chloé French Brasserie, which combines French dining with a garden-inspired setting.

An open kitchen provides a view of the culinary operation, while the restaurant connects directly with Le Salon Chloé, a garden-style lounge designed for drinks and more casual socializing.

The dining concept continues upstairs at the Upper Deck. Accessible by a staircase, the space has a more theatrical character and leads to an outdoor bar overlooking the Huangpu River and Shanghai skyline.

The Upper Deck serves cocktails alongside selections of spirits, white wine, whisky and gin.

Together, the restaurant and bar spaces reinforce the hotel’s lifestyle positioning. They are designed not simply as hotel facilities, but as social spaces that can function as destinations within the property.

Le Chloe French Brasserie — *Le Chloé* *French Brasserie*

Le Salon Chloe_Terrace — *Le Salon Chloe_terrace*

Meeting and Event Spaces

For meetings and events, Kimpton Qiantan has a 420-square-meter ballroom, also known as the Leisure Hall or Le Bal Room, on the first floor.

Three additional function rooms — Silver, Bronze and Copper — are located on the second floor. Each has floor-to-ceiling glass doors, providing a more contemporary setting for smaller meetings and events.

The spaces give the hotel flexibility beyond the leisure market, particularly for corporate travelers and social events connected with Qiantan’s growing business community.

Rooftop Pool and Wellness

The hotel’s 24-hour fitness center is located on the top floor and includes modern exercise equipment and customized workout programs.

The outdoor rooftop swimming pool is another of the property’s defining spaces. Positioned above the city, it looks toward the Huangpu River, West Bund and Shanghai skyline.

Cabanas and light-colored curtains give the pool area a more resort-like atmosphere, providing a contrast to the surrounding urban environment.

The hotel also provides bicycles for guests, adding another way to explore the surrounding Qiantan area.

Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai_Global 100 Instagrammbale Hotels 2025 — *Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai_Global 100 Instagrammable Hotels 2025*

A Different Definition of Luxury

Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai occupies an interesting position in Shanghai’s luxury hotel market.

It does not rely on the traditional formula of imposing architecture, formal public spaces and highly ceremonial service. Instead, the hotel puts more emphasis on design, lifestyle, social spaces and a residential atmosphere.

That difference is apparent from the moment guests enter the Living Room and continues through the guestrooms, French restaurant, bars and rooftop pool.

For travelers who prefer contemporary design and a more relaxed interpretation of luxury, Kimpton Qiantan offers an alternative to Shanghai’s more conventional five-star hotels.

Its location in Qiantan is also increasingly relevant as the district continues to develop as a business, cultural and leisure destination.