Walk out of People’s Square Station at Exit 7, look up, and you’ll see it. That massive 208-meter tower with the UFO-like saucer on top. Honestly, it’s one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the city. While flashy new boutique spots are popping up all over the Former French Concession, the Radisson Blu New World remains the anchor of Nanjing Road. It’s been there since 2005, which in Shanghai years is basically an eternity. But there’s a reason it’s still a heavy hitter for travelers who actually know their way around the Huangpu District.
The Radisson Blu New World Location Hack
If you’ve never been to Shanghai, you might not realize how much of a nightmare the metro can be during rush hour. Being a "one-minute stroll" from People’s Square Station isn't just a marketing fluff—it’s a survival strategy. You’re sitting at the intersection of Lines 1, 2, and 8. That means you can get to the Maglev in 15 minutes, the Bund in five, and even Hongqiao Airport is a straight shot on Line 2.
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Kinda funny how people overlook this. They book a "trendy" spot three blocks further away and end up spending half their trip in a Didi or wrestling with crowds on the sidewalk. At the Radisson Blu New World, you basically live on top of the city's nervous system.
What’s actually inside the "UFO"?
The saucer is the Epicure on 45. It’s a revolving restaurant. Yes, it’s a bit of a throwback, but hear me out. It takes about two hours to complete one full rotation. If you go for dinner, you get to see the city transition from the gray-blue twilight into that neon-saturated Cyberpunk 2077 vibe that defines modern Shanghai.
They do an international spread—Australian Wagyu, American lobster, some decent Cantonese dishes. Is it the cheapest meal in town? Not even close. But for a first-timer, seeing the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower move past your table while you eat is pretty cool. Just above that, on the 47th floor, is the Sky Dome Bar. It’s arguably one of the best "high-end" bars in the city, especially when they have live jazz.
Rooms, Views, and That "Old School" Feel
The hotel has 520 rooms, and honestly, the layout is smart. Most of them face either People’s Park or the Bund. Pro tip: ask for a high-floor room facing the park. Seeing the green expanse of People’s Park surrounded by skyscraper canyons is a wild contrast.
Some guests mention that the decor feels "classic." That’s code for "not a minimalist white box." You’re looking at wood interiors, soft lighting, and actual carpets. It’s comfortable. It’s quiet. And the bathrooms? They still have those massive deep-soak bathtubs which are becoming a rarity in newer, more "efficient" hotel designs.
What most people get wrong about the price
People assume that because it looks like a futuristic spaceship and sits on Nanjing Road, it’s going to cost a fortune. But the Radisson Blu New World often hits a sweet spot. Depending on the season, you can snag a room for around 800 to 1,200 CNY. Compared to the Peninsula or the Waldorf Astoria down by the Bund, you’re getting similar views and better transit access for a fraction of the cost.
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Business vs. Leisure: The Reality
For business travelers, the "Business Class" rooms are the way to go. You get access to the club lounge, which means free breakfast, afternoon tea, and—the real winner—evening cocktails. It’s a solid place to take a meeting without the noise of the lobby.
The hotel is also literally connected to the New World City mall. If it’s raining—which it often does in Shanghai—you don’t even have to step outside to find a Starbucks, a massive food court, or even a Sega Joypolis for the kids.
- Check the Metro Exit: Always use Exit 7 at People's Square. It puts you right at the door.
- Morning Routine: Grab the complimentary coffee takeaway they offer at breakfast and walk across the street to People's Park to watch the locals doing Tai Chi.
- App Help: If you’re struggling with Alipay or Didi (the local Uber), the concierge staff here—specifically mentions of guys like Aron and Thomas—are famously helpful with tech issues.
- Swim Caps: If you plan on using the indoor pool on the 4th floor, bring a swim cap. It’s a strict rule in China, and buying one at the hotel will cost you.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you are planning to book the Radisson Blu New World, skip the standard rooms and look for a Junior Suite or a Business Class upgrade. The price gap is usually small, but the extra square footage and the lounge perks make a massive difference in a city as hectic as Shanghai.
Avoid the hotel taxi line if you can; just walk 50 meters away from the main entrance to hail a cab or use the Didi app to avoid the "tourist surcharge" some drivers try to pull. Finally, don't miss the 47th-floor views. Even if you don't drink, go up there just to see the glass dome architecture. It's one of the few places where the "old" 2000s-era luxury still feels genuinely impressive.