10 Best Hotels in Shanghai, China

Name: The Middle House
Address: 366 Shimen Yi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai Shi, 200041, China
Telephone: 021-3216–8199
Price range: $$$$
Location: Jing'an

Shanghai's stature as China's business capital hasn’t stopped it from catering both to business and leisure travelers, especially with its handful of boutique hotels. Business hotels can be divided into two categories: modern Western-style properties, with all the latest amenities, and older hotels built during the city's glory days. The latter make up for a lack of service, modern fixtures, and convenient facilities with an abundance of charm, tradition, and history.

Judging by the number of international chain hotels in Shanghai, the city has proven just how much it has opened to the outside world. Many aren't merely hotels; they're landmarks on the Shanghai skyline. Even the historic properties feel the pressure to update their rooms and facilities.

Shanghai may have an excellent subway system and cheap, plentiful taxis, but if you want to take full advantage of the city's popular sights, restaurants, and nightlife, opt to stay in downtown Puxi, incorporating the quiet, leafy green Former French Concession, the historic Bund promenade, and the bustling shopping street of Nanjing Dong Lu. From these neighborhoods you'll have easy access to the rest of Shanghai.

The Middle House

$$$$ | 366 Shimen Yi Lu, Shanghai, 200041, China Fodor's Choice

Tucked in the busy HKRI Taikoo Hui mall complex, The Middle House from Swire Hotels is centrally located and sleek, with sophisticated public spaces and rooms designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni. Thoughtful touches like complimentary minibars, yoga mats, and high-end Native Union x La Boite Bluetooth speakers in all rooms elevate the stay.

The Peninsula Shanghai

$$$$ | 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, 200000, China Fodor's Choice

No detail is too small at the luxurious Peninsula, where the rooms are plush and have a classic design that recalls early 20th–century Shanghai, and the dining options and other amenities are world-class. For stunning views of the Oriental Pearl Tower, pop next door for afternoon tea on the terrace of the former British Consulate, which The Peninsula now manages.

The Bellagio Shanghai

$$$$ | 188 Bei Suzhou Lu, Shanghai, 200080, China

With a black-and-gold color scheme and spacious, opulently outfitted rooms, the Bellagio pairs Las Vegas sparkle with classic Shanghai views of Suzhou Creek and the Pudong skyline. It's slightly out of the way, set in Hongkou just north of the Bund, and although the area is being developed, there's not too much within easy walking distance.

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Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li

$$$$ | 480 Jianguo Xi Lu, Shanghai, 200031, China

A collection of private villas in restored, traditional, 1930s shikumen (stone gate) houses, Capella Shanghai is a secluded and stunning sanctuary in the heart of the Former French Concession. Each villa has its own small courtyard and rooftop space in a multistory layout that's charming and unique even if it means navigating steep stairs.

Four Seasons Pudong

$$$$ | 210 Shiji Dadao, Shanghai, 200120, China

The Pudong outpost of the Four Seasons is flashier and hipper than its older sister in Jing'an, but style doesn't diminish substance: the service is polished, and the beds are sublime. The clientele is an interesting mix, skewing heavily toward young, wealthy Chinese and business travelers. Get away from it all in the hotel's infinity pool, which offers sweeping views of the neighboring Jin Mao, Oriental Pearl, and Shanghai World Financial towers.

The Langham Shanghai, Xintiandi

$$$$ | 99 Madang Lu, Shanghai, 200021, China

Since it opened, The Langham Shanghai, Xintiandi has been receiving nothing but praise for service that's impeccable without being intrusive and rooms that are big and plush. Its location is fantastic, in the middle of Xintiandi, a stone's throw from shopping along Huaihai Lu and two subway lines, yet minutes from the surprisingly tranquil Lake Taipingqiao.

Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong

$$$$ | 8 Shiji Dadao (Century Ave.), Shanghai, 200120, China

The Ritz-Carlton Pudong has a 55th-floor spa with staggering views of the Huangpu River and the entire downtown skyline, an impressive Italian restaurant, and a rooftop bar that's such a good lookout point you may never want to leave. The service is impeccable, with prices to match. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and streamlined, art deco–inspired furnishings.

The Shanghai EDITION

$$$$ | 199 Nanjing Dong Lu, Shanghai, 200000, China

Sleek, design-savvy rooms done in muted-beige tones and an array of wining and dining options draw cosmopolitan travelers to this Ian Schrager/Marriott International property just off the Bund. The ambitious food-and-beverage program includes five bars, two of them rooftop, and three signature restaurants.

The Sukhothai Shanghai

$$$$ | 380 Weihai Lu, Shanghai, 200041, China

Designed by renowned architectural firm Neri & Hu, The Sukhothai Shanghai is a gorgeous, modern property, where brass accents contrast with natural materials like terrazzo, wood, and raw silk throughout both public spaces and rooms. The effect is a soothing one; a good thing given the busy location near Nanjing Xi Lu and the HKRI Taikoo Hui shopping complex. Order a specialty gin and tonic in the lobby bar, an innovative cocktail at ZUK Bar, or some modern Italian cuisine at La Scala.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

$$$$ | 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai, 200000, China

The fact that one part of this Bund-side hotel occupies what was once the Shanghai Club contributes to its history-steeped, picture-perfect elegance: from the moment you step inside, you'll be dazzled by the marble flooring and crystal chandeliers. If you can, splurge on one of the luxurious and very spacious heritage suites—you won't be disappointed.

Shanghai

Shanghai

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