Best Hotels in Shanghai

About Shanghai

Shanghai doesn’t whisper its energy-it pulses through every power line, taxi horn, and jade-green lane snaking off Nanjing Road. Even locals still catch themselves wide-eyed as morning sunlight flares over the skyline, painting glass towers with a watercolor glow. This sprawling city feels infinite but shaped by small habits: an elderly man practicing sword movements at dawn by the Bund, late-night grill smoke curling on Huanghe Road, the slow shuffle of crowds weaving through subway doors during the workweek’s first rush. Districts aren’t just dots on a map-they each hum with a distinct rhythm.

The new heart is pulled skyward in Lujiazui, all glinting finance towers and five-star hotels in Shanghai that wink at the clouds, but the soul hides in lanes of the French Concession-rinsed by camphor trees, best explored on foot. Shanghai mixes its history like a cocktail: colonial Art Deco facades for breakfast, bamboo steamers in a 1950s alley at lunch, and a neon modern skyline as dusk falls. Ask a bellhop which dumpling stand to hit or where the best nighttime stroll begins-they always know. The city rewards those who linger a moment, stray off the main drag, or book the best hotels in Shanghai down a side road where time softens at the edges. Oddly, mass hotel blocks and marble lobbies sit right against alley kitchens and tailors pounding away on creaky sewing machines. A city of big ambitions, pet peeves, and tiny, private miracles.

A variety of Shanghai tour packages are available in 2025, ranging from short city explorations and guided walking tours to all-inclusive multi-day itineraries that cover cultural sites, shopping, and culinary experiences, each offers the chance to discover Shanghai’s vibrant attractions and modern skyline at a pace that suits every traveler’s style.

Shanghai Airport Address

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): 1 Jichang Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China, 201202. Telephone: +86 21 96990. Email: customer_service@shairport.com.  

For arrivals, follow the signs past Duty Free; for departures, check-in rows can be long after 6:30a.m.-so get there early, especially at festival times.

The Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Late March through May-peach blossom season-gives crisp, blue mornings. October-right after the National Day rush-brings cool weather and lighter crowds. During June’s Dragon Boat Festival, brace for higher hotel rates and packed public transport. If booking hotels in Shanghai for Chinese New Year or Golden Week in early October, watch for prices to spike by 35–50%. A smart rule: reserve rooms 45–55 days out for the best Shanghai hotel prize choices; bookings in less than two weeks a) get you leftovers, b) cost about 20% extra. Summer brings brief heatwaves-not Delhi-levels, but humid enough to be sticky mid-afternoon. Pack an umbrella regardless; a sudden downpour is just local flavor.

How to Reach Shanghai

By air: 

Most international flights land at Pudong Airport; Hongqiao Airport handles domestic and a few East Asian routes. Maglev train-more a brag than a convenience, honestly-zips you to Longyang Road station in about 8 minutes; taxis are steadier for late arrivals (fare roughly 180–220 RMB to Jing’an or the Bund, late night surcharges after 11 p.m.).

By rail: 

Shanghai Railway Station and Hongqiao Railway Station connect to all major Chinese cities-bullet trains for Beijing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou are swift, but tickets for Friday or festival windows should be booked at least 7–10 days out (standing-room isn’t kidding: you stand). Booking with akbartravels.com makes it easier to filter through the English-speaking staff.

By road: 

Long-distance buses crawl in and out of South Long Distance Bus Terminal; not much need unless you’re off to a nearby town. Toll charges surge before public holidays-drivers get chatty on traffic updates.

Things to Do in Shanghai

• The Bund: Watch historic buildings face off against futuristic towers across the river-best lit up at night.
• Yu Garden: Ming-era gardens laid with winding stone paths and tucked-away pavilions.
• Shanghai Tower: Tilt your neck and take the elevator to the world’s second-tallest observation deck.
• Jade Buddha Temple: Gilded halls home to two luminous jade Buddhas, full of drifting incense.
• Tianzifang: Silky alleys packed with galleries, tiny bars, and tofu-scented snack stalls.
• Nanjing Road: Malls and neon as far as the eyes (and feet) will go-great for night walks or shopping marathons.
• Xintiandi: Outdoor tables, restored Shikumen lounges, and street musicians around every corner.
• Oriental Pearl Tower: Snapshot heaven with a glass walkway; lines move slow after 5 p.m.
• French Concession: Shaded walks, vintage stores, and coffee shops in converted villas-ideal for lazy afternoons.
• Tianhou Silk Market: For silks, scarves, and a whiff of bargaining drama.
• Shanghai Disney Resort: Cartoony joy, but hit weekdays if crowds kill your mood.
• Qibao Old Town: Seven arched bridges and canals, with duck-blood soup simmering street-side.
• Propaganda Poster Art Centre: Rare snapshots of Mao-era art in a quirky basement.
• Longhua Temple: Ancient pagoda and peach trees-especially lovely in springtime.
• Former French Club (now Okura Garden Hotel): Stairwells echoing with old jazz, worth a sneak peek at the lobby.
• Jing’an Temple: Golden roofs against glass towers; incense smell lingers out to West Nanjing Road Subway.

Shopping in Shanghai 

• Nanjing Road East: Miles of glitzy chain stores and Chinese department stores.
• Yuyuan Bazaar: Thick with trinkets, fans, and all manner of “jade” (real, fake, who knows?).
• IFC Mall: Designer boutiques plus some expat-heavy coffee shops.
• Super Brand Mall: Suits both budget and bling-hunters with over 250 shops.
• Huaihai Road Middle: International brands in a Parisian-tinged setting.
• Tianzifang: Narrow alleys with crafts, prints, and handmade jewelry.
• Qipu Road: Fashion bargains and frantic pace-expect to haggle.
• REEL Mall: Streamlined, minimalist, and quietly upscale.
• Xintiandi Style: Homegrown designers and snazzy home decor.
• SML Center: Youthful, high-energy, anchored by streetwear and buzzy bubble tea stalls.
• K11 Art Mall: Art gallery meets shopping experience-don’t miss the basement sculptures.
• New World City: Towering, surprisingly affordable, and hosts random “Buy 2, Get 3” sales.
• Pearl City: Crowded, lots of jewelry (especially freshwater pearls), and swift repairs if a clasp breaks.

Famous Restaurants in Shanghai 

• Jia Jia Tang Bao: Steaming soup dumplings-no reservations, always a short wait.
• Din Tai Fung: Their xiaolongbao come with a cult following.
• Lost Heaven: Yunnanese dishes bursting with chili and citrusy herbs.
• Yong Yi Ting (Mandarin Oriental): Michelin-star dim sum in a hushed, understated room.
• Jesse Restaurant: Local’s favorite for crisp-skin pork and sticky rice.
• Xibo: Modern Xinjiang specialties in a spot favored by expats.
• Wei Xiang Zhai: Sesame noodles, eaten elbow-to-elbow with locals at lunchtime.
• Fu 1088: Private “salons” tucked in 1920s villa-reservations a must.
• Bao Luo: Traditional Shanghainese flavors, hand-painted menus.
• Ultraviolet: Avant-garde, “multi-sensory” tasting menu-it’s a splurge for serious foodies.
• Old Jesse: Braised pork as glossy as lacquer, off menu crab in autumn.
• Wagas: Reliable salads, fine for lighter bites, attached to several hotels.
• Barbarossa: Moroccan flavors, glittering lake views-shisha in the evenings.

Popular Hotels in Shanghai

• The Peninsula Shanghai: Art Deco icon, river views, blackout blackout drapes for jetlag relief.
• Fairmont Peace Hotel: Green copper domes, jazz band in the lobby-expect staff to remember your coffee.
• Park Hyatt Shanghai: Sky-high comfort in the heart of Lujiazui, rainfall showers, less crowd at check-in.
• JW Marriott Marquis: Sleek, modern, efficient check-in, close to Nanjing Road shopping.
• The PuLi Hotel and Spa: Quiet luxury, infinity pool overlooking Jing’an Park.
• Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li: Villa suites in historic lanes-privacy kings, with fresh-baked pastries at breakfast.
• Bulgari Hotel: Italian chic, rooftop bar, and spa treatments to make your jetlag obsolete.
• The Langham: Rose-petal turndown service in the most genteel of Bund hotels.
• Andaz Xintiandi: Quirky decor, rooms with serious soundproofing, bars open late.
• Campanile Jing’an: “Best value” badge, clean and close to subways.
• Grand Kempinski: Unashamed grandeur plus a heated indoor pool.
• Holiday Inn Express Zhabei: Clutch for cheap hotels in Shanghai with generous breakfast packs.
• Pullman Shanghai: Practical option near main attractions, decent gym, low-stress desk staff.
• InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland: Resort carved out of a quarry-good for “wow” factor.
• Okura Garden Hotel: French Club history, subtle service; elevator still a bit creaky, but that’s part of its charm.

Popular Resorts in Shanghai

• Shanghai Disney Resort Hotel: Best for themed fun; shuttles start early.
• The Qube Hotel, Pudong: Close to the airport, family-friendly with a surprisingly lush garden.
• Sofitel Sheshan Oriental: Lagoon pools and hill views-a magnet for staycations.
• Melody Resort: Lake cabins, about 25 km from the city, best on weekdays for peace and quiet.
• Jin Jiang Pine City Hotel: Slightly faded grandeur, but the park setting wins hearts.
• Shanghai Fuyue Resort: Large, sometimes too bustling, but caters well to kids.
• Howard Johnson Plaza: Reliable, near top tourist spots.
• Dongjiao State Guest Hotel: Landscaped grounds, business events are frequent guests, bring your own snacks-mini-bar is limited.
• Crowne Plaza Lake Malaren: Golfers’ paradise, but traffic can be a headache in the mornings.
• Fuxuan Resort: Between park and water, with fair rental bikes.
• Yuehua Boutique Resort: Feels like a city secret, hard to find, but worth the hunt
• Gucun Park Resort: Huge park next door, hosts kite-flying events in spring.
• Novotel Shanghai Clover: Near Disney, gym is small but clean.
• Shanghai Qingpu Resort: Classic, aging, great for nostalgia buffs.
• Songjiang New Century Grand: Pools, playrooms, and ballroom dancing in the evenings.

Where to Stay in Shanghai

Each traveler brings different needs-business, nightlife, and quiet mornings. The Bund and Nanjing Road: unbeatable access to icons and shopping, though traffic noise peaks at 8 a.m. French Concession: leafy lanes, boutique hotels in Shanghai, and surprisingly discreet spots near cafés. Jing’an: best if you want modern amenities but escape loud tour crowds-morning tai chi and rooftop bars, oddly compatible. Xintiandi: lively, lively, lively-expect late-night energy, and book higher floors if street sound is an issue.

Places to Stay in Shanghai Near Popular Attractions

Bund: For skyline and river, The Fairmont Peace Hotel (Shanghai famous hotels) is hard to beat. Nanjing Road: JW Marriott Marquis-best combo of walking distance to flagships and sensible prices. Jing’an Temple: The PuLi stands out for tranquility, moments from rush-hour subway crush. Disneyland: Novotel Shanghai Clover sits right by the resort, letting parents recharge fast. Yu Garden: The Langham-classic grandeur, late breakfast hours help if you sleep in.

Budget Hotels in Shanghai

Budget doesn’t have to mean rough edges-Campanile Jing’an is a regular winner for under 400 RMB a night, with soft beds and fresh coffee by 7 a.m. Holiday Inn Express Zhabei gets points for free Wi-Fi, grab-and-go breakfasts, and clean, if shoehorned, showers. Capsule hotels near South Railway Station-2 star hotel Shanghai style-run 130–200 RMB if you’re OK with sharing a pod room. Need more ideas? Cheap hotels in Shanghai listings on akbartravels.com let you filter by mile radius, not just neighborhood. And for the bravest, Yes Inn in Yangpu district calls itself “the cheapest hotel in Shanghai”-last seen at 88 RMB for a bunk.

Shanghai Hotels by Star Rating

Luxury hotels in Shanghai: The Peninsula, Park Hyatt, Capella, Bulgari, and The Langham-expect pillow menus, spa bathtubs, and check-in staff who’ll remember your birthday (well, unless it’s Golden Week: then they forget everyone). 5 star hotels in Shanghai: JW Marriott Marquis, Grand Kempinski, and InterContinental Wonderland-some have robot butlers, all have serious blackout curtains. 4 star: Pullman Shanghai, Okura Garden, Howard Johnson Plaza-great value, fewer lobbies full of influencers. 3 star and below: Campanile, Holiday Inn, and smaller franchise spots in Zhabei or Changning-some lifts are slow, but the staff genuinely try. 2 star hotel Shanghai: Capsule dorms, Yes Inn, and the odd cozy B&B above dumpling shops-bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

Best Hotels in Shanghai Based on Location

• The Peninsula: Closest to the Bund, best for “Shanghai skyline selfies.”
• Pullman Shanghai: On the metro, easy for airport hops and sightseeing.
• Capella: French Concession’s best secret, walking distance to café life.
• Novotel Shanghai Clover: Disneyland lover’s pick.
• JW Marriott Marquis: Nanjing Road, biggest lobby, swiftest concierge desk.
• Campanile Jing’an: Best value near museums and shopping.
• Park Hyatt: For “I want to wake in the clouds” feels.
• Grand Kempinski: Good for Lujiazui business, quick drive to airport.
• Okura Garden: Historic elegance, not much nightlife, perfect for quieter stays.
• InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland: Resort relaxation meets futuristic architecture.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Shanghai

• Novotel Shanghai Clover: Massive breakfast spread, strollers available.
• The Qube Hotel Pudong: Spacious doubles, playground, and airport transfer.
• Crowne Plaza Lake Malaren: Pools for restless kids, golf for grown-ups.
• Capella Shanghai: Two-room suites, evening cookie drop-offs for kids.
• Sofitel Sheshan Oriental: Big lawns, kids’ clubs, pool floats.
• Fuyue Resort: Play lounges, cribs, and plenty of staff for questions.

Shanghai Hotels Tariff

Rates jump about 25% when school’s out, during Golden Week, and just before local AGMs (September, early November). Mid-January to March gets lower rates-except around Spring Festival, when everything’s booked. Shanghai hotel prize tiers: capsule at 100–220 RMB; midrange 360–800 RMB; Shanghai 5 star hotel suites at 1,200–5,000 RMB, sometimes higher. For real Shanghai hotel price comparison, block out three date ranges and city zones using akbartravels.com-weekend rates spike, but early bird deals aren’t always listed on international sites.

Shanghai Travel Tips

1. Book Early for the Best Hotel Rates: Hotel prices in Shanghai rise 30–50% during festivals and on weekends. Use akbartravels.com to compare, and aim to book 45–60 days ahead for popular dates.
2. Shanghai Flight Tickets Can Vary: To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Shanghai well in advance-last-minute deals rarely appear on festival weeks or holidays.
3. Stay Near a Metro Stop: Hotels in Shanghai near metro stations (Lines 2, 10, or 13) cut your commute by half. Taxis are plentiful but get pricey and slow during rainy evenings.
4. Get a Shanghai Transportation Card: Buy a rechargeable “Shanghai Public Transportation Card” at big stations-saves time, plus you avoid fumbling for coins when boarding city buses.
5. Download WeChat and Alipay Before You Go: These apps handle almost all payments, and many small vendors won’t accept cash or foreign cards-even at some hotels.
6. Carry a Printed Reservation and Photo ID: Hotels, especially around railway stations, often demand a hardcopy printout in case e-vouchers are delayed.
7. Luggage Storage Available: Most mid- and large hotels in Shanghai offer short-term luggage storage. Ask at reception and get a claim ticket-useful for late flights or day-trips.
8. Top Attractions Sell Out Fast: The Bund’s boat cruises, Shanghai Tower’s sky deck, and Yu Garden ticket windows get crowded on weekends after 10 a.m.; pre-book online or arrive by 8:30 a.m.
9. Beware of Peak-Time Traffic: City traffic slows to a crawl during 7:30–9:00 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m. If taking an airport taxi, add at least 40 minutes to your ETA during these bands.
10. Try Breakfast at Your Hotel: Even budget and mid-range hotels in Shanghai offer local breakfast if you ask-congee, youtiao, and steamed buns are the norm alongside classic toast.
11. Street Markets Shine on Weekends: Hidden markets like Yatai Xinyang Fashion & Gift Market bustle on Saturdays, offering unique souvenirs-arrive before noon for the best selection.
12. Hotels’ Early Check-in Policies: Some Shanghai hotels let you check in as early as 10:00 a.m. for a small fee if rooms are available; worth it after a red-eye flight.
13. Visit Water Towns on Cloudy Days: When the weather’s overcast, day-trip to Zhujiajiao or Qibao-crowds thin and canal-side cafés are quieter.
14. Stay Hydrated, Especially in Summer: Shanghai’s humidity can catch you off-guard; most convenience stores stock cold juice and bottled water for about 4–6 RMB.
15. Use akbartravels.com for Last-Minute Deals: If plans change, akbartravels.com is reliable for same-day booking, hotel apartments in Shanghai, and real-time Shanghai hotel price comparison.

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