The best hotels in Shanghai

This hostel sits on Jiangyin Road, a short walk from People's Square metro station and the Shanghai Museum. Dorm beds are clean and the private rooms are small but functional. The common area is lively and a good spot to meet other travelers. Staff are helpful with directions and local restaurant tips. A no-frills option that punches above its price point in a central location.

Located on Kaixuan Road near Jing'an Temple, this budget hotel offers clean, modern rooms at a fair price for the neighborhood. The decor is basic but everything works and rooms are well maintained. The metro stop is less than five minutes on foot, making it easy to reach the Bund or Yu Garden. Breakfast is included on most rates and is a decent spread. A solid practical choice for travelers who want a central base without overpaying.

The hotel occupies a heritage building on the North Bund at 585 Zhongshan East Road, directly facing the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline. Rooms are individually styled with touches referencing Shanghai's shikumen architecture and lane culture. The rooftop bar delivers one of the best views of the city without the usual tourist crowds. Service is genuinely attentive and staff remember guest preferences across a stay. Book a river-view room for the full effect, especially at night.

This aparthotel sits directly in the Xintiandi entertainment district on Madang Road, surrounded by restaurants, bars and boutiques. Studio and one-bedroom apartments come with kitchenettes, making it a practical option for longer stays. The building is modern and well maintained, with a small gym and a welcoming lobby. French Concession streets are walkable from the front door. The price for the location is genuinely competitive by Shanghai standards.

This boutique hotel on Zhongshan East Road keeps things understated and intimate compared to the larger Bund properties nearby. Suites are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows and clean contemporary interiors. The Huangpu River views from upper-floor rooms are exceptional, particularly at dawn when the light hits the colonial buildings. Staff ratio to guests is high and the experience feels personal rather than corporate. A good pick for couples who want a quieter, more refined stay close to the action.

Positioned on Tianmu Road West in the Putuo district, this hotel is a solid choice for business travelers who need easy access to the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Rooms are well sized with proper work desks and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. The fitness center is one of the better ones at this price level in the city. It lacks the romance of Bund-area properties but the trade-off is more space and quieter surroundings. The in-house restaurant is reliable for a working dinner.

Housed in a converted 1930s Japanese army headquarters building on Maojiayuan Road, this boutique property is one of the most architecturally interesting hotels in Shanghai. Exposed concrete, raw brick and industrial fittings sit alongside high-end fixtures without feeling forced. The rooftop bar overlooks the Huangpu and the Creative Warehouse arts district below. It is away from the main tourist drag, which keeps things calm. Rooms vary significantly in layout so check the floor plan when booking.

This hotel sits on Loushanguan Road adjacent to Zhongshan Park and the Changning district shopping hub. Rooms are spacious by Shanghai standards and the family suite configuration works well for parents with young children. The indoor pool and large fitness area are genuine assets. The neighborhood feels more local and less touristy than the Bund corridor, which is a plus or minus depending on preference. Metro line 2 connects easily to central attractions in under 20 minutes.

The Peninsula occupies a purpose-built 1920s-inspired tower at the northern end of the Bund on Zhongshan East Road, flanked by historic consulate buildings. Rooms are among the largest on the Bund with technology integration that is genuinely useful rather than gimmicky. The spa, pool and dining across multiple restaurants set a benchmark for the city. Service is precise and anticipatory without being intrusive. The Rolls-Royce fleet for guest transfers is a small touch that underlines the overall experience.

Amanyangyun is set within a 35-acre sanctuary in the Minhang district, built around 10,000 ancient camphor trees and a cluster of rescued Ming and Qing dynasty houses transplanted from Jiangxi Province. The property feels entirely removed from urban Shanghai despite being within the city limits. Villas are extraordinarily spacious and finished with antique materials sourced during the rescue project. Dining, tennis, a large pool and spa facilities are all on site. This is a destination in itself, not just a place to sleep between sightseeing.