The best hotels in Shanghai for every type of traveller

Shanghai is a vibrant and bustling urban hub that invites all types of travellers to visit and relish this ever-awake city. Whether you’re a tourist or business traveller passing through, a student embarking on a summer adventure or a creative seeking immersive artistic experiences, you’ll be able to discover Shanghai’s unique blend of modern and classic charm through this curated selection of the city’s best hotels. 

For traditional travellers

Waldorf-Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

There is no other hotel that offers a greater luxury hotel experience in Shanghai than the Waldorf-Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, perched on the edge of the city’s historic waterfront. When you walk into the lobby, you’ll be greeted by elements of grandeur: imposing columns, crystal chandeliers and ceiling windows. From private kitchens to canopy beds, each of the 260 rooms and suites are designed to immerse guests in the ultimate opulence. Surround yourself with the scent of academia in the library, an amenity that sets the hotel apart from its neighbours. Its great location places you adjacent to Shanghai landmarks such as the ever-popular Nanjing Road Shopping District. 

For creatives

Shanghai-Deco Hotel

Artists will appreciate the Shanghai-Deco Hotel, which boasts interiors inspired by ancient Chinese styles draped in red, gold and turquoise, or maybe they’ll find their muse in the golden calligraphy panels hanging on the walls. However, this hotel offers more than just artful design. Visit the nearby Shanghai Oriental Geological Science Museum, which is home to thousands of rare and precious stones, crystals, and gems collected from around the world. Sanjiagang Beach Park is only a ten-minute drive away if you want to take in some natural beauty. 

For young travellers on the go

Moxy Shanghai Xuhu

The Moxy brand is known for its neon signs, street art-inspired interiors and youthful atmosphere catering mainly to younger travellers, and the Shanghai branch is no different. Not only does the Moxy Shanghai Xuhui inspire a sense of fun and colour, but its compact rooms and bathrooms are also designed for convenience and efficiency, perfect for a fast-paced traveller exploring every nook and cranny of the city. If you want some retail therapy, don’t forget to check out the Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre, located a 15-minute drive away.

For love birds

Jing An Shangri-La Shanghai

Couples seeking a romantic getaway don’t need to search much further than the Jing An Shangri-La Shanghai for a chance to reconnect with each other. This luxury hotel is a tranquil retreat that features an indoor pool, ensuite bathrooms with marble heated floors and rainfall showerheads, and rooms with blackout curtains to ensure privacy. Rejuvenate your mind and body at the spa, which offers body treatments like hot stone massages and aromatherapy. Spend a date night dining at one of the six in-house restaurants. 

For business travellers

The Eton Hotel

Business travellers looking for convenient accommodation can stay at The Eton Hotel. Centrally located in downtown Shanghai, this hotel is great for business travellers, where you can dine at the daily buffet breakfast and work up a sweat at the fitness facility between meetings. For groups of business travellers looking for a place to host a convention or conference, the hotel has ballrooms and banquet halls to serve that very purpose. Eton is also a stone’s throw away from the Shanghai World Financial Center.

For night owls

MGM Shanghai West Bund

Shanghai might be known as the global financial centre within the Chinese Mainland, but its emerging status as an entertainment hub also makes it a force to be reckoned with. This is why the MGM Shanghai West Bund is the ideal base for those looking to have fun nights out. Not only does the hotel allow convenient access to the Bund’s superlative bars, but it also has its own rooftop bar called SKY59, where music, art and cocktails all combine. 

For sports enthusiasts

Crowne Plaza Shanghai Anting

Wellness comes first when you stay at the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Anting. This hotel boasts a golf course, a world-class fitness centre and cycling activities that can get your heartbeat racing and endorphins pumping. Fancy a day at the races? Catch one at the Shanghai International Circuit, located a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Whether you’re with family or flying solo, experience the best of fitness at this sprawling, extensive hotel. 

For families

Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai

Families with young children will appreciate the efforts this hotel has made to ensure a fun and lively stay for the little ones. At the Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai, there are several children’s themed rooms with cartoon tiger pillows and bedsheets on the beds. You may even catch one of the mascot characters coming to life and wandering the lobby or inside the several restaurants to greet and play with your kids. There’s also an on-site ball pit with slides for entertainment.