The idea of a hotel being a place of relaxation and escape is deeply ingrained in our culture. However, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai has flipped this notion on its head, leaving some guests in a state of anxiety rather than tranquility. Located in the heart of one of the world’s most bustling cities, this five-star hotel occupies floors 53 to 87 of the iconic 88-story Jin Mao Tower, a skyscraper that stands at an impressive 420 meters (1,380 feet) tall. What truly sets this hotel apart is its breathtaking, yet terrifying, 33-story barrel-vaulted atrium, which伸展s to a staggering height of 115 meters (377 feet) from floor 56. The atrium, surrounded by 548 rooms and 28 corridors, has become a social media phenomenon, with guests sharing their amazement—and downright fear—of this architectural marvel online.
For many, the sheer scale of the atrium is overwhelming. One UK visitor, who goes by the name of James on Tripadvisor, described the experience as “intolerable” for anyone with even a mild fear of heights. He wrote, “The hotel’s famous 33-floor barrel-vaulted atrium rises a scary 377ft. For those with even mild acrophobia, this will be completely intolerable.” James’ room on the 65th floor offered a partial river view, but the height was anything but partial—it was downright terrifying. Another guest, Stephen L from Hong Kong, echoed similar sentiments. Upon stepping out of the elevator, he was struck by the atrium’s timeless spiral design. He admitted to being so captivated by the view that he couldn’t resist taking photos, though he confessed he was worried he might drop his phone. The atrium’s vertigo-inducing effect is so intense that some people have even been deterred from visiting the hotel altogether. Footage filmed from the top of the atrium has left some viewers feeling uneasy, with comments like, “Just watching this makes me nervous,” and “The acrophobia is insane man, even looking at this makes me feel like I’m gonna fall.”
Despite the fear it instills in some, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai is undeniably a marvel of modern architecture. The atrium, where afternoon tea is served at a restaurant called Patio, is a spectacle that invites awe and wonder. For those with a head for heights, the hotel offers incredible views of The Bund, a historic waterfront street lined with iconic buildings. The hotel’s gym and several of its bars and restaurants also provide breathtaking vistas of the city skyline. Cloud 9, the hotel’s cocktail bar on the 87th floor, is a favorite among the bold, offering drinks literally among the clouds. However, it’s worth noting that the Grand Hyatt Shanghai isn’t the tallest luxury hotel in the city. That distinction belongs to the J Hotel, located at the top of the Shanghai Tower, the third-tallest building in the world. The J Hotel’s 165 opulent rooms occupy the top floors of the 632-meter (2,073-foot) skyscraper, offering an even more elevated experience for those who dare.
The Grand Hyatt Shanghai isn’t the only hotel that might give acrophobics pause. The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, for instance, occupies floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), one of the tallest buildings in the world. This hotel is home to the world’s highest swimming pool, which sits at an astonishing 490 meters (1,600 feet) above sea level, as well as the world’s highest rooftop bar, Ozone, which offers a dizzying elevation of 490 meters (1,608 feet). Guests at the Ritz-Carlton can enjoy unparalleled views of the city while sipping on a cocktail—or swimming, if they’re feeling adventurous. Another notable mention is the Hotel de la Coupole in Sapa, Vietnam, which is nestled 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level. With its French-inspired style and lofty location, the hotel has earned the nickname “Versailles in the Clouds.” These hotels, while not for the faint of heart, offer unique experiences that draw thrill-seekers and luxury enthusiasts alike.
For those who can handle the heights, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai offers a wealth of luxurious amenities. The hotel’s gym, for instance, provides a unique workout experience with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city skyline. Guests can also enjoy exclusive dining experiences at the hotel’s eight bars and restaurants, many of which boast stunning views. The Patio restaurant, located at the base of the atrium, is a popular spot for afternoon tea, while Cloud 9 offers an assortment of cocktails and canapés in an unparalleled setting. Even the standard rooms at the hotel are impressive, with many offering partial or full views of the Huangpu River or the city skyline. For those who can handle the vertigo-inducing heights, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai is a true gem, offering an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
The phenomenon of extreme heights in luxury hotels speaks to a broader trend in the hospitality industry: the pursuit of the extraordinary. Hotels like the Grand Hyatt Shanghai, the J Hotel, and the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, offering guests experiences that are as much about the views as they are about the service and amenities. While these hotels may not be for everyone, they cater to a growing demographic of travelers who are willing to pay a premium for the thrill of staying in some of the tallest buildings in the world. Whether it’s sipping cocktails among the clouds or swimming in a pool hundreds of feet above the ground, these hotels promise an experience that is nothing short of unforgettable. For those who are fearless enough to take on the dizzying heights, the rewards are well worth it.
