Grand Central Hotel Shanghai Review: Location, Amenities & More

If you are planning a trip to Shanghai and want to stay in the heart of the action, the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai on Nanjing Road is a name you will see repeatedly. This review brings together verified data from its official website, guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Agoda, and details from major booking platforms to help you decide if this 5‑star property matches your needs. We focus on the questions travellers actually ask: location, star rating, amenities, and how the hotel fits into a Shanghai itinerary.

Last checked: 2026-05-30

Star Rating: 5-Star · Room Count: 353 · Location: Nanjing Road, next to The Bund · Amenity Highlight: Large indoor pool

Is the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai in a good location?

Location is the most cited reason travellers book this hotel. The property sits at 505 Jiujiang Road, in the heart of the Huangpu District, just off East Nanjing Road – Shanghai’s premier shopping pedestrian street. TripAdvisor reviewers frequently mention its convenience; as one guest put it, “the location is perfect for exploring both The Bund and the old town.” The hotel’s own website states it is about 900 metres from The Bund, a walk that takes most guests ten to fifteen minutes.

The East Nanjing Road metro station is a short walk away, providing direct access to the city’s subway network. For first-time visitors, this central spot means you can reach People’s Square (0.9 mi) and the Yu Garden area without a taxi. According to a YouTube hotel review, the location is rated 10/10 and described as “ideal for sightseeing.”

Proximity to The Bund and Nanjing Road

The Bund waterfront is approximately 0.6 mi (1 km) away – a flat, pleasant walk along the Huangpu River. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is literally across the street. For guests who enjoy evening strolls, the illuminated Bund skyline is a 15‑minute walk, and the hotel’s position on Jiujiang Road keeps street noise lower than properties directly on Nanjing Road itself.

Nearby landmarks and transport

Shanghai’s main railway station is about 2.5 mi away, and both airports are accessible via metro or taxi. Expedia notes the hotel is “close to People’s Square and The Bund,” and that it offers a tour desk for booking day trips. The combination of metro access and walkability makes this a strong choice for tourists who want to minimise transit time.

How many stars is the Central Hotel Shanghai?

The official property website lists the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai as a 5‑star hotel. This classification is consistent with the amenities offered: a full‑service business centre, multiple dining outlets, a spa and fitness centre, a large indoor pool, and 24‑hour front desk service. On TripAdvisor, the hotel holds a rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on over 2,000 reviews, which is solid for a property in this category.

Official star rating from the property website

The hotel’s own site uses the term “premier non‑smoking 5‑star hotel.” Booking platforms such as KAYAK and Hotels.com also indicate it is a 5‑star property, though the official rating system in China can vary. The property was built in 2009 and has been consistently marketed as a luxury business‑leisure hotel.

What 5‑star amenities are offered

Beyond the standard expectations, guests can use the indoor pool, spa, sauna, fitness centre, and a business centre. Room features include high‑speed Wi‑Fi (free of charge), flat‑screen TVs, climate control, and separate sitting areas in many rooms. TripAdvisor reviews note that rooms on higher floors (e.g., the 12th floor) are particularly quiet and well‑appointed, with large bathrooms.

Does Grand Central Hotel Shanghai have a pool?

Yes. The hotel operates a large indoor swimming pool, confirmed by the official property website, KAYAK, and Hotels.com. It is one of the property’s signature leisure amenities.

Indoor pool details

The pool is located within the hotel’s spa and wellness area. In addition to the pool, the facility includes a sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi. Guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor mention the pool as a highlight, particularly for families and business travellers looking to unwind after a day of meetings or sightseeing.

Other leisure facilities

The fitness centre is equipped with modern cardio and weight machines. The spa offers massage and treatment rooms, and there is a beauty centre on site. These amenities are available to all hotel guests, with some services requiring advance booking. The combination of pool, spa, and fitness options makes this hotel a solid choice for travellers who value in‑house wellness.

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai to Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is located in the Pudong district, roughly 20–30 km from the hotel depending on the route. Travel time by car or taxi is 30–45 minutes in normal traffic, longer during peak hours. Public transport (Metro Line 2 to Chuansha Station, then a short bus or taxi) takes about 60–75 minutes.

Distance and travel time

From the hotel’s address at 505 Jiujiang Road, the drive to Disneyland using the Yan’an Elevated Road and S1 Expressway is approximately 20 mi (32 km). Taxis are readily available at the hotel entrance; the fare typically ranges from 120–180 RMB, excluding surcharges. Because the hotel is central, it is not the fastest departure point for Disneyland compared to hotels in Pudong, but for guests who want to combine a city stay with one theme‑park day, it remains a viable option.

Transport options

The hotel’s tour desk can arrange private transfers and tickets. Alternatively, the East Nanjing Road metro station provides access to Line 2, which connects to the Disneyland Resort station via a transfer at Longyang Road. While not as convenient as staying in Pudong, the journey is manageable for a day trip. Guest reviews on Agoda and TripAdvisor do not specifically discuss Disneyland trips, so this is based on general transit data.

Best for which travellers

• Tourists wanting Bund/Nanjing Road access – the hotel’s location is its strongest asset; you can walk to most central attractions within 20 minutes.
• Business travellers seeking 5‑star amenities – a business centre, meeting rooms, and reliable Wi‑Fi make it suitable for corporate stays.
• First‑time visitors to Shanghai – being in the historic core helps you get oriented quickly, and the hotel staff can arrange tours.
• Families with older children – the indoor pool and spacious rooms (many with twin configurations) are practical, though the neighbourhood is busy.

Alternatives to consider

If the Grand Central Hotel does not fully fit your needs, these nearby options offer a different balance:

• If you prefer a quieter location: The Conrad Tokyo Luxury Hotel follows a similar editorial format but is in Tokyo – not a direct alternative in Shanghai, but useful for comparative research on upscale Asian hotels. Within Shanghai, The Middle House in the Jing’an district offers a more residential feel.
• More budget‑conscious: The Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Zhabei is a 3‑star property near the railway station, offering lower rates and basic amenities.
• Closer to Disneyland: The Toy Story Hotel at Shanghai Disney Resort is on‑site, saving travel time.

For a data‑driven comparison of another 5‑star city hotel, our Millennium Hotel Doha review provides a similar evidence‑heavy breakdown.

Sources cited

• Grand Central Hotel Shanghai – official website
• TripAdvisor – Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
• KAYAK – Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
• Expedia – Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
• Hotels.com – Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
• Agoda – Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
• Trip.com – Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
• HotelsCombined – Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
• YouTube hotel review