Top places to stay in Shanghai

Evening skyline of Lujiazui with the Oriental Pearl Tower lit in vibrant colors, reflecting off the Huangpu River as boats cruise past.

Shanghai is the kind of place where the future doesn’t feel like something you wait for, it feels like something you’re standing inside of, wrapped in neon, glass, and the unstoppable pulse of a city that never learned how to slow down.

The skyline hits you first: Pudong rising like a cluster of steel-and-light giants, each tower reflecting the river below in sharp, shimmering angles. The Bund sits opposite it in perfect contrast, old-world facades glowing gold at night, their European lines echoing Shanghai’s century of global crossroads. Wander through the French Concession and the energy softens instantly: sycamore-lined streets, Art Deco apartments, hidden cafés, and a kind of charm that feels stolen from another era. But then you step into a wet market, or a late-night street food lane, or Nanjing Road at full tilt, and Shanghai becomes its truest self, dynamic, restless, layered, harmonious in its chaos. It’s a place where tradition and futurism don’t crash into each other; they braid together. Shanghai doesn’t just move fast, it invites you to move with it.

5. Fairmont

Fairmont knows how to blend old soul with modern clarity. There’s brass and marble, but also warmth. It feels steady. Grounded. The kind of place that reminds you why five stars ever mattered in the first place.

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4. Edition

The vibe at Edition is moody and magnetic. It’s where stories begin over rooftop cocktails and end with jazz humming through the walls. Every corner feels curated, effortlessly cool, but never cold.

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3. Peninsula

The Peninsula moves with quiet grace. River views roll in like silk, and the lobby hums with old-world rhythm. It’s timeless in the way a handwritten letter is timeless. Elegant, personal, and never rushed.

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2. Shanghai Tower

Puts you in a different atmosphere entirely. It’s sky-high and glass-wrapped, with rooms that don’t whisper, they sing. You’re floating above the city, but somehow closer to yourself.

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1. Bulgari

There’s something regal about waking up at the Bulgari. Maybe it’s the way the curtains glow with morning light or how every detail feels measured, composed. It’s not trying to be seen, it already knows it will be.

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What are the best areas to stay in Shanghai?

Top picks include The Bund for iconic skyline views and historic grandeur, Xintiandi for upscale restaurants and nightlife, and Jing’an for stylish hotels with a central location. Pudong works well for business travelers or those chasing views of the futuristic skyline.



When is the best time to book Shanghai hotels for value?

March to May and September to November are ideal for pleasant weather and moderate crowds. For budget-friendly rates, look to June or January, when tourism dips slightly in both Shanghai and Hong Kong.



Do Shanghai hotels cater well to international travelers?

Yes. Many hotels, especially mid-range and up, have English-speaking staff, international plug adapters, and offer Western and Chinese breakfast options. Large hotel chains tend to provide the smoothest experience.



Are Shanghai hotels near public transport?

Absolutely. Proximity to the Metro is a standard feature, and it’s the most efficient way to explore the city. Look for properties within a 5-minute walk to a subway station for stress-free mobility.



What amenities are common in Shanghai hotels?

Expect Wi-Fi, air conditioning, concierge services, and often well-equipped gyms or spas. Luxury hotels may include rooftop pools with skyline views, while even budget spots often offer laundry service and free bottled water.

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