If you’ve been in Shanghai all summer and haven’t a break, a staycation may just be what you need.

Staycations are easy if you want to a break from routine and don’t have time to head out of the city. It can be quite relaxing—lounging by the pool, soaking in a tub, or having the time to finally finish reading that book. But what if you want a fun kinda staycation?

Answer: Stay at W Shanghai and do the Social Retox brunch.

The Room

The cheapest room will be the Cozy Room, which starts at around ¥1,800++ per night before tax, breakfast not included. I stayed in the Spectacular Room—it’s pretty darn spacious, plus it comes with a bathtub.

Hotels in Shanghai for staycations: W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Hotels in Shanghai for staycations: W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Hotels in Shanghai for staycations: W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Hotels in Shanghai for staycations: W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Hotels in Shanghai for staycations: W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Book reading nook

Social Retox Sunday Brunch at W Shanghai

The Social Retox brunch is only available on Sundays from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at The Kitchen Table.

Hotels in Shanghai for staycations: W Shanghai. Social Retox brunch at Kitchen Table. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Hotels in Shanghai for staycations: W Shanghai. Social Retox brunch at Kitchen Table. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Hotels in Shanghai for staycations: W Shanghai. Social Retox brunch at Kitchen Table. Photo by Rachel Gouk.

Social Retox is all about cocktail culture. It’s the epitome of a boozy brunch with a dedicated gin & tonic station, craft beers, and champagne in the package. You’re offered a welcome drink even before you sit down.

Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Welcome drink
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
A whole slew of gins to choose from
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Botanicals for your gin & tonic
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Selection of house wines and champagne
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Shanghai Love beer on tap
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Really, whatever you want. They have it.
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Bloody Mary, check. (Spritz and Mules available too.)

But if you’re not into drinks, you can opt for just the food, which is generous, selected, and of high quality.  

The food is made for sharing, and starts off with a selection of cured meats and dips, followed by a platter of raw seafood. You get to choose one main course from five options (beef, lamb, pork, seafood, vegetarian) and finish off with a buffet of sweets and cheese

Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Charcuterie to start
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Bread and antipasti
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Crab salad
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Freshly shucked oysters, Boston lobster, Alaskan king crab, scampi, scallop ceviche, baby octopus escabeche
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
The mains (with sides)
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Lamb chops
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Beef Rossini
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
All you can cheese
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Dessert station
Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
This untouched beauty

Social Retox Packages:

Keep It Fun (¥398) – Food only

Soak It In (¥498) – Food plus unlimited cocktails, bubbles, wine, and beer

Live It Up (¥688) – All of the above plus free-flow Veuve Clicquot champagne

Boozy Brunch in Shanghai: Social Retox at The Kitchen Table, W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Veuve for those who want to go all out

Dinner at YEN

If you haven’t out partied yourself by the time dinner hits, check out YEN, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant. YEN serves Cantonese cuisine with a couple of Shanghainese dishes in the mix for the local market.

YEN for Cantonese cuisine at W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
YEN for Cantonese cuisine at W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.

It’s a premium restaurant—expect to pay upwards of ¥600 per person. Here’s what you can expect:

YEN for Cantonese cuisine at W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Iberico pork loin stuffed with mushrooms
YEN for Cantonese cuisine at W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Sour & spicy morels stuffed with sea grapes
YEN for Cantonese cuisine at W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Yunnan Matsutake with sea conch and dried scallop
YEN for Cantonese cuisine at W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.
Pan-seared Robbin’s Island M9 Wagyu Sirloin

Or you can adjourn to the WET Bar for more drinks and the nighttime view.

Hotels in Shanghai: W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk.

Things To Bring With You

A book. Now reading Charles Bukowski’s “Women”.

Bathing suit. W Shanghai is known for their pools (both indoor and outdoor) and expansive decks—work on that tan, you won’t have much longer until we hit winter.

Hotels in Shanghai: W Shanghai.
Hotels in Shanghai: W Shanghai.

Hotels in Shanghai no longer actively provide disposable, single-use toiletries. That means no throwaway toothbrushes, combs, and razors. They’ll supply them if you need it, but go green and bring your own. 

Before You Go & How To Book Your Room

Sign up to become a Marriott Bonvoy, if you aren’t one already. Why? Discounts, baby.

Members get perks like better rates, breakfast included, points to exchange for more perks, and free rooms in the near future, etc. It’s free to sign up, so it won’t hurt to do this first.

Hotels in Shanghai: W Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk

Promos from now until August 31:

Mega Fun (for families) from ¥2,330++/night, 2 adults and 2 kids, including buffet breakfast, plus vouchers for the spa.

MORE FUN 2GETHER from ¥2,080++/night, 2 adults, including buffet breakfast, 2 signature drinks at WET Bar, plus spa vouchers.

For more details, click here.


W Shanghai
Address: 66 Lvshun Lu, near Dongchangzhi Lu 旅顺路66号,  近东长治路
Tel: 228699
99