If the districts, tourist attractions, and sheer number of travel choices in Shanghai seem overwhelming, take a deep breath and check out our guide to the best hotels in town. Whether you’re a big spender or saving some cash, we’ve got just the perfect stay for you.
For the Luxury Traveler: W Hotel
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a well-versed veteran of Shanghai, splurge on your visit with a stay at W Shanghai – The Bund. Having just opened at the end of June 2017, don’t miss the opportunity to stand in this brand new luxurious hotel. Its prime location on the Huangpu riverside near The Bund means panoramic river views and easy access to the city’s celebrated nightlife, restaurants, and shops.
Take your pick of 374 guestrooms or 35 suites. In a nod to old Shanghai, each room is outfitted with a xiaolongbao pillow and a pair of chopstick pillows. Of course, the hotel offers the same exemplar facilities of its W siblings, like Woobar or The Kitchen Table (New York-style bistro). Best of all, the outdoor pool, WET, looks out directly at the Oriental Pearl Tower.
District: Hongkou District
Address: 66 Lvshun Road
For the Mid-Range Traveler: Renaissance Shanghai Zhongshan Park Hotel
There are several strong reasons to consider a stay at Renaissance Shanghai. Its location near Zhongshan Park (similar to Shanghai’s Central Park) situates guests near green outdoor spaces and urban destinations, while a quick walk down the block lands you at the metro gates. Plus, it has bragging rights to the title of tallest Renaissance hotel in the world.
With more than 600 deluxe rooms and suites, this hotel suits all types of travellers: business, families, leisure, and more. There’s plenty to explore in the neighbourhood beyond the eponymous park nearby. We recommend heading east to Jing’an District for a taste of Shanghai’s bar scene or south to Xujiahui for a meal.
District: Changning
Address: 1018 Changning Road
For the Budget Traveler: Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel
For dependable and affordable accommodation in China, head to the nearest Jin Jiang Hotel; we suggest Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel for convenience and centrality. Amid the bustle of the downtown area, this location still manages to exude a sense of cloistered calm.
The rooms themselves are a good value for the money and the surrounding area, putting you close to both Jiaotong University and Jing’an. If you have a break during the day, while away an hour or two at Huashan Park or Jing’an Temple, or spend an afternoon at the Shanghai Film Art Center.
District: Changning
Address: 918 Yan’an West Road
For Families: Toy Story Hotel
As cliche as it might be to point to Disney hotels as the most family-friendly hotel option, it still holds true for Shanghai, where one year later, the Disney magic still hasn’t worn off at all. Toy Story Hotel – the “value” counterpart to Shanghai Disneyland Hotel – was designed entirely with families in mind. There’s no bar or swimming pool on the premises; instead, they offer lower sinks in some bathrooms, small seats for children, and characters walking around to interact with guests.
This is the first hotel themed around the Toy Story franchise, and fans can choose their side: half of the hotel is dedicated to Woody, the other to Buzz Lightyear.
District: Pudong New District
Address: 360 Shendi West Road
For a Unique History: Astor House Hotel
Also known as the Pujiang Hotel, the Astor House was first established in 1846 during the Qing Dynasty as Shanghai’s first hotel. Through the vicissitudes of the years, it has held onto some of its original features while attracting guests like Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin. It is located slightly north of the Bund for a bit more breathing space from the crowds and the younger, flashier hotels.
If you’re interested in learning more about history, cinema, or Shanghai, this is the hotel for you. Other hotels around The Bund may now boast more upscale facilities, but the story of this hotel adds a rare kind of depth without sacrificing comfort.
District: Hongkou
Address: 15 Huangpu Road