Shanghai offers a wide range of hotels, from historic buildings around the Bund to modern luxury in the centre and family-oriented properties near Disney. We group its recommendations by budget and travel style.
Luxury and high-end stays
- The Peninsula Shanghai
- At the Bund Origin, facing Lujiazui. We highlight the green Rolls-Royce fleet and afternoon tea, and recommend it for a classic luxury atmosphere and river views.
- Bulgari Hotel Shanghai
- Italian design meets an older Suzhou Creek building. Its 47th-floor terrace looks towards the famous towers across the river.
- J Hotel, Shanghai Tower
- High in the 632-metre Shanghai Tower, with skyline views, baths above the city and sunset vistas that suit a special occasion or a splurge.
- Amanyangyun
- In Minhang, Ming and Qing houses sit among old camphor trees. Its restrained Eastern aesthetic is intended for travellers seeking seclusion away from the city bustle.
Family-focused stays
- San Want Hotel Shanghai
- A Want Want-themed hotel with playful family suites, branded gifts and snacks. It is 150 metres from Line 9, convenient for Xujiahui and Yuyuan.
- Kerry Hotel Pudong
- A large children's adventure zone, an indoor heated pool and direct access to Kerry Parkside make this an easy all-in-one family base.
- Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
- Five minutes on foot from the Oriental Pearl Tower. It highlights the 30th-floor heated pool and executive rooms with river views.
- Canopy by Hilton Shanghai Colourful Lane
- The hotel is about five minutes from the Legoland entrance, with an indoor play area, Hape toys and family-themed rooms.
Value and convenient chains
- Magnotel (People's Square / Madang Road)
- A Jin Jiang economy brand with polished interiors, listed at CNY 200–350 per person per night. We recommend these branches for metro access and nearby shopping; check the actual room rate when booking.
- Delman Bund Hotel
- An April 2026 opening has been announced for the central Bund area, with international-brand fittings and new, environmentally conscious interiors. Confirm the opening status before relying on it.
- Ji Hotel (Resort Area)
- Near Kangxin Highway on Line 11 and about three kilometres from Disney. A standardized, budget-conscious choice rather than a destination hotel.
Heritage, design and distinctive stays
- Jianguo Hotel Shanghai
- The hotel is 50 metres from Xujiahui station, with retro Shanghai-style rooms facing St Ignatius Cathedral and a well-maintained setting.
- The PuLi Hotel and Spa
- Eastern calm and contemporary minimalism in central Jing'an. We highlight attentive service, tranquillity and comparatively strong value within the luxury category.
- Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
- The former Shanghai Club building and a newer tower come together here. Its long bar, arcades and vintage lighting suit travellers drawn to history and cinematic interiors.
Choosing a hotel and avoiding common mistakes
- Choose by location
- For a first visit centred on shopping and Bund night views, look around People's Square, Nanjing Road or the Bund. For Disney, consider Chuansha or Xiuyan Road and the hotel's official shuttle information. For a quieter retreat, look to Jing'an or Minhang.
- Check older hotels carefully
- Some established hotels around the Bund and the centre have ageing facilities. Read recent guest reviews and photographs before booking, paying particular attention to noise, odours and room condition.
- Check the real walking route
- A short straight-line distance to the metro can conceal stairs or a long detour. With large luggage, check the walking route and lift access in advance.
- Compare prices yourself
- Prices and included benefits such as breakfast or transfers may differ between platforms. Compare them yourself before booking, and book early for holidays. This guide does not book hotels on your behalf.