Pullman Shanghai Central
In a city brimming with hotel openings, Pullman Shanghai Central manages to distinguish itself with quiet confidence. More than just another property, it reflects a thoughtful narrative, where design meets purpose and service is elevated by intention. It’s a hotel that doesn’t just open its doors, but opens a conversation about what modern hospitality can be.
Tucked in the heart of Shanghai, Pullman Shanghai Central (aptly named) offers a seamless blend of modern comfort and local charm. During my recent stay, I had the chance to experience its service, amenities, and atmosphere firsthand.
The Scene
Let’s talk about the Pullman brand first.
Pullman is a premium upscale hotel brand under Accor, primarily targeting business and leisure travelers who enjoy a cosmopolitan, performance-driven luxury lifestyle. They are the business professionals, the millennial-minded travelers, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) clients.
The name “Pullman” comes from George Pullman, founder of Pullman Company, the U.S. rail-car company famous for luxury sleeper cars in the 1800s.
In 1991, Accor took over CIWL (Compagnie Internationale des Wagons‑Lits) including Pullman, Altea, and other hotel brands. By 1993, most Pullman hotels had been rebranded as Sofitel or Mercure, effectively retiring the Pullman name temporarily.
Accor relaunched and reimagined Pullman in 2007 as a high-end hotel brand, which now has over 130 hotels in more than 40 countries, bridging business and leisure, embracing digital transformation and sustainability initiatives.
The Hotel
Pullman Shanghai Central is located at 15 Dapu Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai. The hotel is a distinct 226 metre tall, 52-story landmark building completed in 2007.
It was part of the Oasis Skyway Garden Hotel complex designed by Arte Charpentier & Associés and Bregman + Hamann Architects.
The hotel underwent rebranding and is now known as Pullman Shanghai Central, but retains its original “Skyway” heritage in structure and services. Featuring the spectacular view of city, it boasts a gym, a spa, an indoor swimming pool and sauna, 4 dining options, 323 rooms and suites and 8 meeting spaces including a grand ballroom.
The Location
The hotel is situated near the popular attractions of Xintiandi, Tianzifang, and Yuyuan Garden, with Metro Line 9 access directly across the street at Dapuqiao station (about 5 minutes walk).
Major landmarks like People’s Square, The Bund, Jing’an Temple, West Bund, and Huaihai Road are within a 10–20 minute drive.
- 10-minute drive from Xujiahui Business area and Xintiandi.
- 15-minute drive takes you to People Square, the Bund, Mercedes-Benz Arena and World Expo Park.
- 30 minutes by car can reach Lujiazui financial centre.
- 35-minute by car Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
- 45-minutes by car Shanghai Pudong Airport
Here are some of the top attractions surrounding the hotel, all within easy walking distance or a quick metro ride:
Tianzifang & Taikang Road (500 m): A labyrinth of artsy alleyways, boutiques, cafés, and galleries—perfect for shopping, photography, and people-watching. This creative enclave sits just steps from the hotel.
Former French Concession (2.1 km): Tree‑lined avenues with art-deco villas, trendy restaurants, galleries, and leafy Fuxing Park which is a relaxing contrast to the urban center.
Xintiandi & Site of the First National Congress: A redeveloped shikumen neighborhood blending history and nightlife, home to the historic site where the CCP held its first meeting, now a museum.
The Bund (2 km): The classic riverfront promenade showcasing colonial architecture opposite futuristic Pudong skyscrapers. Evenings here are especially atmospheric.
Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar (2 km): A serene Ming-dynasty garden filled with pavilions, fish ponds, and rockeries; adjacent is a lively bazaar full of snacks and souvenirs
People’s Square & People’s Park (3 km): Spacious urban green areas surrounded by key cultural institutions like the Shanghai Museum, Grand Theatre, and Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.
Shanghai Museum (3 km): An extensive exhibit of art and history tracing China’s legendary past, right on People’s Square.
Power Station of Art (4 km): China’s first public contemporary art museum, located on the West Bund in a converted power plant.
Liuli China Museum & Deke Erh Art Centre (2 km): Charming art venues offering porcelain, contemporary art, and local crafts in the Taikang/Xintiandi area.
Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center: All located across the river in Pudong, home to observation decks, high-altitude restaurants, and skyline views.
Dining
The hotel has four dining options.
Taste Garden: The all-day-dining restaurant is located at garden level with pond-side terrace, offering international and Chinese buffet-style dining, including breakfast and dinner.
Lakeside Cafe / Lounge: Also located at garden level, it functions as an outdoor café and lounge during the day and cocktail bar in the evening.
Silk Banquet Chinese Restaurant: Located on the 24th floor, this upscale restaurant has 6 private rooms offering Cantonese fine dining with panoramic city views. Signature dishes include tea-flavored crispy chicken, garlic bass, nut & grain salad, steamed crab with colostrums, and premium fried rice.
The Executive Lounge (for eligible guests only): Also on the 24th floor, also serves complimentary meals throughout the day including afternoon tea, happy hour cocktails, and soft drinks/coffee all day. Breakfast is often served either in the lounge or allowed in the main buffet areas depending on booking.
Room & Suite
The hotel has 323 rooms and suites starting from 48 m² with floor-to-ceiling city view, separate tub & shower, marble bathroom, and modern technology like 42″ TV with cable and satellite channels, and high-speed Wi-Fi access.
Amenities per room include down comforter & pillow menu, blackout curtains, coffee/tea maker, minibar, desk, in-room safe, and eco-conscious features like LED lighting and bulk dispensers for toiletries.
Room categories include: Superior and Deluxe Rooms (from 48 m²); and Skyway Studio, Executive Suite, and Club Suite ranging from 72 m² to 120 m², offering lounge access and extra amenities like Nespresso machines and spacious living areas.
Wellness
Hotel’s full-service wellness amenities are on 5th floor. There are indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, and spa/treatment rooms.
Event & Meeting
Located on ground level is the Grand Ballroom. It is pillar-less and can accommodate up to 550 people. On the 3rd floor is the newly renovated Conference & Wedding Centre with 2 multi-function halls the Oasis and the Hua Fu. In addition to that are 4 well-equipped meeting rooms.
Bottom Line
Pullman Shanghai Central gets a lot of things right.
The lobby is big and comfy, with plenty of sofa space. This is especially great for group check-ins. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-kept. Breakfast has a solid variety, staffs are friendly, check-in is quick, and there’s even a robot that delivers room service, pretty cool.
Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. Being right in the heart of Shanghai makes getting around super easy. The hotel also stands out for its warm, attentive service, especially at the Silk Chinese Restaurant and the Executive Lounge. Both are up on the 24th floor, so you get great views and a nice vibe while you eat or relax.
Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate the little things too, like LED lighting and refillable toiletry dispensers in the rooms. It’s a small touch, but it shows they care.
Whether you’re here for work or a city getaway, Pullman Shanghai Central strikes a great balance between comfort, convenience, and thoughtful service, no wonder so many international or domestic guests keep coming back.
+86 21 3318 9988
15 Dapu Road, Huangpu District, 200023 SHANGHAI, China
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