Shanghai is known for its forest of skyscrapers with the world’s third-largest megatower leading the charge. Travelers wary of heights will find a medley of things to do at ground level including the historic waterfront, trendy Xintiandi, and the ancient Yu Garden. In terms of where to stay in Shanghai, the city is a playground of high-rise luxury hotels with infinity pools, rooftop bars, and awesome skyline views. The best hotels in Shanghai, China, are near or within eyesight of The Bund.
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The Best Hotels in Shanghai to Experience High-End Hospitality
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We hope you love these Shanghai hotels! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
The Peninsula Shanghai
- Address: 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, No 32 The Bund, Shanghai, 200002, China
- Rates from: $331/night
Situated at the north end of The Bund, the views from the Peninsula’s rooftop bar are tough to beat. Signature sips range from smoky mezcal libations to floral tipples. This popular hangout backs onto the Michelin-starred restaurant although deeper pockets warrant a private dining cruise on the hotel’s latest plaything – an Azimut 47 yacht.
Sumptuous upholstered beds are the centerpiece of the deluxe rooms while chic salons peek over the river or garden. Head to the Art Deco bathhouse where the heated pool is flooded in natural sunlight. As one of the best 5-star Shanghai hotels for families, the Peninsula Academy invites kids to try their hand at chocolate-making.
Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai
- Address: 20 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, 200002, China
- Rates from: $234/night
Standing out among luxury Shanghai hotels near The Bund, the Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai is an Art Deco masterpiece topped with an emblematic emerald roof. Chocolate box rooms with floral carpets connect to elegant bathrooms with clawfoot tubs. The cream of the crop, the Nine Nation Suites are styled according to Chinese, Indian, English, American, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, or German modes.
A dip in the indoor pool followed by a cocktail in the Jazz Bar is your antidote after a busy day exploring the sights. For sweeter palates, traditional high tea is served daily in the Jasmine Lounge.
PuLi Hotel and Spa Shanghai
- Address: 1 Changde Road, Jing’An District, Shanghai, 200040, China
- Rates from: $273/night
An urban sanctuary steps from Jing’An Temple, the ultra-glam PuLi is the leading 5-star spa hotel in Shanghai. Rooms accented with dark wood and creamy window couches are at their most bewitching once dusk falls. Slip behind the silk partition and you’ll find a sandsoap tub that’ll persuade you to forgo a perfunctory shower for a bubble bath.
Continue your wellness journey at the UR Spa where rituals are performed using organic products. The indoor pool is in a prime spot for eyeing up the greenery of Jing’An Park and Champagne at the Garden Terrace is a must.
Bulgari Hotel Shanghai
- Address: No 33. North Henan Road, Shanghai, 200085, China
- Rates from: $621/night
Around the corner from the Yu Garden, the Bulgari Hotel brings a touch of Italy’s Dolce Vita lifestyle to the streets of Shanghai. Fashionable rooms with an electrifying perspective of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower are trumped only by The Bund views exclusive to the penthouse suites. All units are stocked with a doggy bag of bespoke grooming products by the luxury brand.
One of the best luxury hotels in Shanghai for al fresco grazing, the candlelit rooftop bar La Terrazza is the star of the show. The heated pool is fringed by an interior garden and Balinese beds.
Wanda Reign on The Bund
- Address: 538 Zhong Shan Dong 2nd East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200010, China
- Rates from: $234/night
Perhaps the most outrageous boutique hotel in Shanghai, the Wanda Reign on The Bund is at the south end of the historic waterfront. With less than 200 rooms, it’s an intimate affair where domains are lavished with stained glass bathroom walls, custom silk murals, and taps encrusted with crystals.
If you end up in a room without a massage chair, nip down to the spa and you can deal with sore muscles in the hydrotherapy suite. The over-the-top decor follows suit in the ritzy pool area and Gastby-inspired bistros and lounges revolving around afternoon tea, oysters, Champagne, and sake cocktails.
Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai
- Address: 88 Songshan Road, Shanghai, 200021, China
- Rates from: $185/night
The first Andaz by Hyatt property to open on the Asian continent, this trendy hotel blends in perfectly with the equally hip Xintiandi neighborhood. Contemporary rooms at the Andaz Shanghai are rigged with customizable mood lighting and window walls for drinking up the urban scenery. Bathrooms feature heated flooring, stone-clad waterfall showers, and glowing tubs.
Avoid cabin fever by grabbing a cocktail or bite to eat at Bleu. Half speakeasy, half zen garden, this laid-back whisky bar captures the spirit of Old Shanghai. Remember to try the signature Kir Royal in the Andaz Lounge.
Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai
- Address: No. 59 Mao Ming Road, Shanghai, 200020, China
- Rates from: $86/night
Right in the heart of the lively Jing’an District, the Jin Jiang Hotel is equidistant from the namesake temple and People’s Park. Linked by an expansive lawn, the property is spread across the landmark Grosvenor House and the younger Cathay House. Traditionally appointed rooms come with king-sized beds plus a sofa and suites provide additional living space for families.
The Jin Jiang is one of the best hotels in China’s coastal city for Old Shanghai vibes. A daily buffet is laid out in a carpeted banquet room while the lobby lounge is furnished with antique tomes. Remember your swimwear if you want to take advantage of the indoor pool.
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel
- Address: 159 South He Nan Road, Shanghai, 200010, China
- Rates from: $140/night
Named for its location near the Old City, the Renaissance Yu Garden Hotel is one of the best hotels in Shanghai for digging into the city’s history. The Yu Garden, City God Temple, and Old Town Bazaar are minutes from the lobby and there’s even a free shuttle to spare your feet.
Bright, modern rooms peer over The Bund while superior suites feature separate living areas and freestanding baths. The indoor infinity pool hogs the limelight with its city panoramas. A string of restaurants serves a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Western dishes as well as cocktails at Yu Bar.
Regent Shanghai Pudong
- Address: 210 Century Avenue, Pudong District, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Rates from: $236/night
Settled amid the bright lights of the Lujiazui business district, the sky-high pool at the Regent Pudong is the hotel’s pride and joy. At arm’s length from the tallest building in China, the pool complex and all units at this 5-star Shanghai hotel feature window walls skimming the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Huangpu River.
Easily the wackiest wellness pursuit in the city, Flare Spa performs golf ball massages. Seeing as dwelling in the clouds can play havoc with your O levels, there’s no need to feel guilty about splurging on an oxygen facial while you’re there.
Novotel Shanghai Clover Hotel
- Address: Building No 1, Lane 3188, Xiupu Road, Pudong, Shanghai, 201315, China
- Rates from: $89/night
Only a five-minute drive from the park, the Novotel Clover Hotel is the best Shanghai hotel near Disneyland. In addition to a complimentary airport and resort shuttle bus, the property offers free parking while Downtown Shanghai is a metro ride away.
Post-outing amenities include a seasonal rooftop pool with sun loungers, a full-service spa, and room service. Not only are there family rooms and extra infant beds but the facility also has a playground where younger kids can use up any surplus energy. Thanks to the rocket-speed maglev train, there’s little need to book an airport hotel in Shanghai but this place is just 20 minutes away by taxi.
What is Shanghai known for?
Although its glossy skyline steals the show, Shanghai has just as many cultural sights as Beijing – not to mention a phenomenal culinary scene. When chewing over what to do in Shanghai, scoot the following activities at the top of your agenda.
- Stroll the historic waterfront at The Bund (Waitan)
- Calm your mind at Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
- Visit Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian temples
- Feel your ears pop riding the Shanghai Tower elevator
- Experience the VR Roller Coaster at the Oriental Pearl TV Towers
- Peruse ceramics, jades, bronzes, and clothing at the Shanghai Museum
- Feast your way around the Xintiandi lifestyle quarter while admiring the Shikumen architecture
- Explore the ancient, floating towns of Qibao and Zhujiajiao
- Ogle the futuristic Lujiazui cityscape
- Take the kids (or yourself) to Shanghai Disneyland
- Eat your body weight in xiao long bao (soup dumplings)
- Spend your leftover yuan on Nanjing Road
- Brave the Maglev Train – the fastest train in the world
How big is Shanghai?
Although geographically smaller than Beijing, Shanghai is the most populated city in China with a population above 29,000,000. The following hotels in Shanghai put you near all the major sights. 