A dazzling fusion of futuristic skyscrapers and historic colonial architecture makes this vibrant metropolis an irresistible destination for travelers seeking the ultimate contrast between tradition and modernity. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Shanghai based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Shanghai: Moju Hotel
Best boutique hotel in Shanghai: PuLi Hotel & Spa
The URBN Boutique Hotel in Shanghai is a pioneer in sustainable luxury, famously recognized as China’s first carbon-neutral hotel. Tucked away on a quiet street in the Jing'an District, the property is a brilliant example of adaptive reuse; it was transformed from a 1970s post office warehouse into an intimate, 26-room sanctuary.
CNN + 2 more“This 26-room boutique hotel in downtown Jing’an District was once a post office and now claims to be China’s first carbon neutral hotel. The renovation, which was completed using 100 percent locally-sourced and recycled materials, has won numerous awards for its sustainability and design.”
Kevin’s Old House is an intimate, charming guesthouse tucked away on Changle Road in the heart of Shanghai’s historic French Concession. Unlike the city’s massive skyscrapers, this small property feels like a well-kept secret. Occupying a traditional mansion, it offers a nostalgic escape where the décor leans into classic European-inspired elegance and vintage Chinese motifs, making it feel less like a hotel and more like stepping back into the 1930s.
Lonely Planet“Housed in a secluded 1927 four-storey French Concession villa, this lovely, quiet place is run by a friendly, English-speaking owner. Six spacious suites are spread throughout the house. Suite 328 is the pick of the bunch.”
Hotel Equatorial Shanghai has been a fixture in the city’s skyline since it first opened in 1991. Located at the bustling intersection of Hua Shan Road and Yanan Road West, the hotel serves as a classic choice for travelers looking to be positioned right in the heart of the Puxi central business district.
CNN“One of the first hotels in Shanghai built to receive international travelers after the Chinese economy opened up to world trade, the 520-room, four-star lodging is in the thick of things.”
Located in the vibrant Changning District, the former Pentahotel Shanghai occupies a prime spot right next to the lush Zhongshan Park. This property has undergone a significant transformation and is now known as the Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai. Its history is tied to the evolution of the area, serving as a convenient hub for both business travelers and tourists since it first opened its doors in 2008.
CNN“All 250 rooms at Pentahotel are fitted out in a minimalistic style with views over downtown residential buildings. The hotel is near three metro lines.”
Recommended by:
CNN, Lonely Planet, Fodors
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
CNN
Recommended by:
CNN
Shanghai is one of the busiest cities in China attracting thousands of tourists for business and pleasure alike. A dynamic city with a wonderful blend of Eastern and Western cultures, it is truly a global destination.
Xujiahui
Located in Central Shanghai, this is home to one of China's largest football field. It draws a bevy of youngsters and expats to its shopping malls which contain all the top designer labels and chain of restaurants. There is a famous market dedicated exclusively for electronic goods.
People’s Square
It draws people from all over China offering a variety of merchandise. There are a few landmarks found here like the Shanghai museum, theatre and also a museum for contemporary art. Several premier hotels and global restaurants serving delicious meals are situated here.
Waitan
Located along the waterfront, Waitan is also known as Bund. Restored colonial-era buildings house chic nightclubs and cocktail bars. Michelin star hotels and food stalls selling local dishes provide something for every palate.
New World
It is commonly known as Xintiandi, and is a trendy hotspot with luxury retail stores and upscale nightlife. The streets are lined with flagship stores of global brands, and chic wine bar, several western restaurants and al fresco cafes are found in abundance.
Lujiazui
A part of the town which is known for its futuristic ambience, with posh dance and dining options offering a panoramic view of the neighbourhood. There is a strong European influence on every aspect of life here. Since it is the financial hub of Shanghai top 5-star hotels have property located here.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Shanghai.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Shanghai, then book Moju Hotel. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Shanghai.
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Shanghai, then you should book PuLi Hotel & Spa. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Shanghai, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Shanghai, then go for Capella Jian Ye Li. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Shanghai, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm? Check out Shanghai Blue Mountain Hostel. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Shanghai.
If you're looking for a room with a view, then try Waldorf Astoria on The Bund or W Hotel The Bund. Both hotels offer amazing views of Shanghai according to recent customer reviews.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $60 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $100 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Shanghai hotel then you can expect to pay around $180 per night.
Half-Day Old Shanghai Small Group Bike Tour. In a small group, this bike tour (maximum 5 guests) takes you on a historical and cultural journey through the history of one of China's most famous cities. See the Cite Bourgogne and Zhou Enlai's residence and learn about the restored Shanghai Old Street. Price: $57.
Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai. Make your way down the famous Yunnan Road, stopping at several restaurants that are local favorites. Try typical Shanghainese dishes such as scallion oil noodles, steamed buns, parched chicken, and soup dumplings with black vinegar. Price: $72.
Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience. Get the most out of your Shanghai trip by experiencing the combination of a Huangpu River cruise and a Xinjiang food experience. Price: $138.
More things to do in Shanghai
Shanghai, a sprawling metropolis at the mouth of the Yangtze River, serves as a living chronicle of China’s transformative journey. Once a humble fishing village and market town, its trajectory shifted dramatically during the 19th century when it was forced open as a treaty port. This era introduced foreign concessions that fundamentally reshaped the city’s architectural and cultural landscape, creating a unique fusion of neoclassical European buildings and traditional Chinese neighborhoods. By the 1930s, the city had already earned a reputation as a bustling, cosmopolitan hub of commerce and intrigue, often referred to as the “Paris of the East.”
Today, Shanghai stands as the global face of China’s economic ambition and modernity. It is an undisputed powerhouse of international finance, technology, and trade, anchored by the futuristic skyline of the Pudong district. The city embodies a sophisticated duality; it is a place where cutting-edge, glass-clad skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower—the tallest in China—loom over the historic, tree-lined lanes of the former French Concession. It represents a forward-looking society that balances rapid-fire innovation with a deep-seated respect for its complex, layered history, acting as a laboratory for China’s future while maintaining a distinct, international flair that sets it apart from the rest of the nation.
Beyond its glitzy exterior, the city holds fascinating surprises. Many visitors are unaware that Shanghai possesses more Art Deco buildings than almost any other city in the world, a legacy of its early 20th-century boom. Its local dialect, Shanghainese, remains a vibrant, distinct language that differs significantly from standard Mandarin. Furthermore, the city is home to the world’s longest metro system and the fastest commercial maglev train, underscoring its commitment to efficiency. Even the city’s name, meaning “upon the sea,” serves as a subtle nod to its origins on once-submerged marshlands that have since been engineered into the world’s busiest container port.
We recommend you read our guide about where to stay in Shanghai. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our list of the best hotels in Shanghai, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Seoul or the best hotels in Beijing.