Deciding where to stay in Shanghai is not an easy task. The city is huge and very diverse. Thus, the sheer amount of options can seem daunting. On the plus side, the city offers accommodation for all tastes, fancies, and budgets. Therefore, you will for sure find what you want.
We’ve been to the city several times. Though we still gravitate towards areas that are fantastic for travelers, every time we try to discover somewhere new. The following are our top places to stay in Shanghai. Take a look and pick your favorite!
The Bund
Shanghai’s Bund is so beautiful and unique, that it is now world famous. The area combines the best of the city: a glorious past and China’s bright future.
We love it because of its stunning views and superb historic architecture. In fact UNESCO included it, with its 52 historic buildings, in its World Heritage List. Besides, it’s the best place to walk. You can walk along the river, admiring the views over the river and Pudong, the ultra-modern area across the river.
The Best Hotels on the Bund
Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund
The best hotel in Shanghai is the Fairmont Peace Hotel, facing the river, directly on the Bund. The 1929 masterpiece was one of the first towers in the eastern hemisphere. Today, it offers ultra-luxurious rooms, a fantastic rooftop terrace, and epic views of the city.
Broadway Mansions Hotel
Considering its class and location, the Broadway Mansions Hotel is actually inexpensive. The 1934 art deco building is on the Bund. It’s to the north, where the creek enters the river. Thus, you can walk everywhere. The hotel is classy, elegant, and offers breathtaking views.
Around People’s Square
The area around People’s Square is a major transport hub that connects you to the entire city and beyond. Besides, it’s next to one of the city’s most important drags: Nanjing Road. It combines historic and contemporary architecture, and you can walk to the Bund in half an hour.
It’s an area full of attractions, restaurants, and bars. We love it because of green lush People’s Park. It’s an oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The Shanghai Art Museum and the Shanghai Grand theatre are here.
The Best Hotels around the People’s Square
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road
We had a great time at the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road because of its big interior pool. The hotel is on famed pedestrian Nanjing Road. Therefore, you can walk everywhere in no time. The rooms are big and extra comfy.
The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai
The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai is a stunning art deco 1930s building. It’s one of the few hotels in the city with rooms with big balconies. That’s why we stayed there. Everything is elegant and classic at the Yagtze. Its location couldn’t be better!
Jing’an
Jing’an is west of People’s Square. The neighborhood is mostly residential and full of fancy restaurants, shops, and hotels. Several metro stations connect it to the entire city. Thus, it’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be super close to all the action, but in a quieter area.
It’s famous for its incredible Jing’an Temple, an exact replica of an ancient one. We like walking about the tree lined paths of Jing’an Park. The gorgeous Shanghai Rose Garden is a 10 minute walk from the temple.
The Best Hotels in Jing’an
The Sukhothai Shanghai
We discovered this brand when we stayed at their incredible hotel in Bangkok. The Sukhothai Shanghai is equally grand. The rooms are extra big and feature wooden floors. The hotel has an indoor pool.
Paramount Gallery Hotel
The Paramount Gallery Hotel occupies the top floors of the historic 1930s Paramount Building. Fully refurbished to include modern day conveniences, it has retained its art deco fixtures and character. It’s got a great location: in front of Jing’an temple.
Former French Concession
The Former French Concession is some 3 miles (4 km) west of the Bund and the river. The historic neighborhood is beautiful and one of the city’s most important attractions. Established in the 1840s, it was one of the first concessions in the country.
As architects ourselves, we consider it one of the greatest areas in the city. You will see jaw dropping historic architecture, including churches, governmental buildings, and palaces. Today, it is an upscale area with some of the best restaurants, shops, and bars in the city.
The Best Hotels in the Former French Concession
The Langkam Shanghai Xintiandi
If you are into fancy bars, restaurants, and shops, book a room at the Langkam Shanghai Xindiandi. It’s next to Huaihai Road, the epitome of high end shopping and dining. The hotel has everything you expect from a 5 star property, including an indoor pool.
Shanghai Mia Hotel
You won’t get better rooms at this price in Shanghai than at the Mia Hotel. It’s in the heart of the French Concession and offers comfortable rooms with great beds. The best rooms have balconies.
The Old City
The first time we visited Shanghai long time ago we stayed in the Old City. It was love at first sight. The area is next to the bund and connected to the entire city. You can go everywhere in no time.
We love it because it combines parks, contemporary architecture, and historic Chinese and western structures. It’s also a great area to walk about admiring the views. In particular around Yuyuan Old Street, Yuyuan Gardens, and Gucheng Park.
The Best Hotels in the Old City
The St. Regis on the Bund
If you know the brand you know what to expect: ultra-luxury, comfort and impeccable service. The St. Regis on the Bund is a contemporary tower with absolutely everything, including high tech gear, massive rooms, plush beds, and a fabulous pool. Book a top floor room for unforgettable views over the city.
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden
The Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden is one of our favorite hotels in the city. It’s next to Yu Gardens and offers epic views of the river and Pudong. It’s got an indoor pool. Book a top floor room with a tub overlooking the city and you will never want to leave.
Lujiazui (Pudong)
If you want to stay in the future, stay in Lujiazui in Pudong. The area’s skyline is famous around the world for its uber-futuristic buildings. You will see some of China’s most celebrated architecture, including the one and only Oriental Pearl TV tower and the Shanghai Tower.
Lujiazui is also very green. The area next to the river is a long park with views over the Bund. You have to cross the river with a boat for epic views of The Bund, and Pudong on your way back.
The Best Hotels in Lujiazui
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Ritz Carlton Shanghai. It’s next to the Oriental Tower. Book a Pearl Tower view room for the best views of Shanghai ever. Swim in the indoor pool with fantastic views too. This is one of the best hotels in the world!
Oriental Riverside Bund View Hotel
The Oriental Riverside Bund View Hotel is part of the Shanghai International Convention Center, one of the first modern buildings that came up in Lujiazui at the turn of the millennium. Its huge metal spheres are iconic now! It’s in the heart of the district and offers fantastic views of the Bund in front. The top floor rooms have balconies.
How Many Days in Shanghai
Shanghai is so big and diverse that you need years to see it all! Besides, the city’s atmosphere is fantastic! You can eat, party, shop, walk, and do just about everything you ever dreamed off. In fact, the longest we’ve stayed was 2 weeks and never had a dull moment.
Now, we believe that you need to spend at least 5 days in Shanghai. You will have to rush a bit, but you will get to see the landmarks and experience one of the world’s greatest cities.
