4 Best Hotels in Xintiandi and City Center, Shanghai

Outside, this 60-story tower on the edge of People's Square turns heads with its futuristic design; inside, the decor follows more classic lines, with Chinese celadon vases, wedding boxes, and ornamental jades complementing soft green-and-yellow palettes and warm fiddleback woods in the spacious rooms. The largely business clientele appreciates the one-touch "At Your Service" call button, and the Mandara Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, excellent lounge and restaurants, and proximity to many of the top tourist attractions are big draws for leisure travelers.

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.

A prominent skyline landmark—topped by a revolving, 45th-floor restaurant in what looks like a flying saucer—this hotel caters primarily to business travelers with lower Park Tower rooms that face People's Square and higher City Tower rooms. Suites have huge living rooms, kitchen/dining rooms, and spacious baths that make them convenient for families, though, and there are deep discounts for weekend stays.