If the name didn’t already give it away, The Sukhothai Shanghai is the sister hotel to Bangkok’s renowned luxury property. But his isn’t a Thai resort transposed onto Chinese soil. Instead, Shanghai’s version is darker, moodier and far more minimalist, swapping gold-trimmed motifs for polished grey stone, warm silks, brushed brass accents and a contemporary aesthetic.
From the moment you walk into the lobby, you notice the restraint. It’s sophisticated without being cold, and somehow manages to create a little bubble of serenity despite sitting inside one of the busiest districts in the city. Step outside and you’re seconds from a luxury mall, hip cafés, restaurants and some of Shanghai’s best bars; step inside and the light dims and everything slows down.
What are the rooms like at The Sukhothai Shanghai?
I stayed in a Premier Room, a spacious, angled layout that felt a little unconventional at first, especially with some strategically placed mirrors that made the room feel bigger than it actually is. It’s a mid-tier room but carries the polish of something more premium thanks to its modern design. The king bed is plush and comfortable, and there’s a proper work desk for those travelling on business.
The bathroom is wrapped in sleek grey marble and has an enclosed shower-and-tub zone that feels more like a personal sauna. The rainfall shower has excellent pressure, though the handheld spray isn’t as strong. It’s also worth noting that while the bathroom is well designed, there’s only one sink, and for some reason, my room came with two bottles of hand soap and no lotion. Particularly disappointing since the amenities are from PAÑPURI, the Thai skincare brand that smells spa-like and divine.
What are the restaurants like at The Sukhothai Shanghai?
Breakfast takes place at Urban Café, a buzzing dining room with green leaf-patterned tiles, terrazzo walls and urban-inspired artwork. It’s lively and stylish and the breakfast buffet leans more international than Thai or Shanghainese. There are occasional Thai and Chinese dishes available at the live stations, but the focus is mainly on a wide, crowd-pleasing selection. For something more elevated, the hotel’s Michelin-recommended restaurant, La Scala, offers refined Italian cuisine in a beautifully designed space inspired by Renaissance gardens.
What's the service like at The Sukhothai Shanghai?
Service throughout the hotel is generally warm and efficient, though there were a few inconsistencies. The most noticeable moment was at check-in, when I spotted a sweet wrapper on the counter left behind by the previous guest. It’s a small detail, but it sets a tone that I wouldn’t expect from a five-star property. Similarly, the duplicate hand soaps in the bathroom added to the impression that housekeeping might have been rushing that day. Apart from these blips, the staff were friendly and professional, and the rest of the property was spotless.
What's the area like around The Sukhothai Shanghai?
What The Sukhothai Shanghai excels in, however, is location. It’s incredibly central – located right next to a premium shopping mall, surrounded by great cafés and restaurants, and within walking distance of flashier shopping streets. There was even a massive Louis Vuitton pop-up housed in a cruise ship-style structure nearby, a perfect example of how there's always something fun and glamorous going on in Shanghai. For nightlife, this location is ideal; bar hopping was effortless, and we never had to travel far to find a great cocktail.
Why you should book a stay at The Sukhothai Shanghai
All in all, The Sukhothai Shanghai is a stylish, comfortable and well-located hotel with a lot going for it. The design is beautiful, the rooms are relaxing and the location is hard to beat. There were a few moments that didn’t quite meet the standard you’d expect — nothing major, but noticeable enough for discerning travellers to clock. Still, for the price point and overall quality, it’s a strong contender among Shanghai’s modern luxury hotels, especially if you prefer understated elegance over grand opulence.