Hi, I’m Alex Chen. As a backpacker who’s explored some of the most remote corners of China, I often find myself asking: can luxury travel and budget-friendly freedom coexist? This time, I decided to approach that question from a new angle—by stepping into the world of high-end hotels in one of China’s most glamorous cities. I wanted to find out if those seemingly out-of-reach luxury stays could actually be experienced in a more affordable and realistic way.
In this guide, I’ve compiled first-hand information and tiered recommendations from dozens of luxury hotels in Shanghai. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a special celebration, or just want to treat yourself for once, you’ll find an option that fits your travel style.
Summary
Ranking the Best Luxury Hotels in Shanghai
Shanghai is home to an impressive number of upscale and even ultra-luxury hotels. Renowned global brands like Aman, Bulgari, The Peninsula, and St. Regis all have properties here. Although they’re all classified as five-star hotels, that rating is just the beginning. Many of these places offer services and facilities that go far beyond the five-star standard.
To make your hotel search easier, we evaluated 56 top-tier hotels in Shanghai. Our classification considers factors like brand reputation, location, amenities, service quality, views, pricing, and overall guest experience. The goal is to help you narrow down your choices based on what matters most to you.
Hotel Tier | Hotel Name | Hotel Brand | Hotel Group | Price per Night (CNY) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tier 1 | Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li | Capella | Capella Hotels and Resorts | 5,220 |
Amanyangyun | Aman | Aman Group | 6,900 | |
Bulgari Hotel Shanghai | Bvlgari | Marriott International | 5,310 | |
The Peninsula Shanghai | Peninsula | The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels | 3,270 | |
Regent Shanghai on the Bund | Regent | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 2,780 | |
Tier 2 | W Shanghai – The Bund | W Hotels | Marriott International | 2,360 |
Park Hyatt Shanghai | Park Hyatt | Hyatt Hotels Corporation | 2,040 | |
Alila Shanghai | Alila | Accor | 2,350 | |
The St. Regis Shanghai Bund | St. Regis | Marriott International | 2,150 | |
The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan | St. Regis | Marriott International | 1,780 | |
The Middle House | Swire Hotels | Swire Hotels | 1,640 | |
Bellagio Shanghai | Bellagio | MGM Resorts International | 2,240 | |
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong | Ritz-Carlton | Marriott International | 2,540 | |
The Shanghai EDITION | EDITION | Marriott International | 2,410 | |
Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund | Banyan Tree | Banyan Tree Holdings | 2,250 | |
Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao | Ahn Luh | Ahn Luh | 3,040 | |
J Hotel Shanghai Tower | J Hotel | J Hotel | 4,480 | |
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund | Waldorf Astoria | Hilton Worldwide | 2,280 | |
Fairmont Peace Hotel | Fairmont | Jin Jiang International | 2,240 | |
The PuLi Hotel and Spa | Urban Resort Concepts | Urban Resort Concepts | 2,080 | |
Tier 3 | Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai | Kimpton | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 1,600 |
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong | JW Marriott Marquis | Marriott International | 1,520 | |
The Sukhothai Shanghai | The Sukhothai | Independent (Hong Kong) | 1,890 | |
The Anandi Hotel and Spa | Anandi | The Anandi | 1,600 | |
Regent Shanghai Pudong | Regent | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 1,630 | |
MGM Shanghai West Bund | MGM | MGM Resorts International | 1,790 | |
Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai | Mandarin Oriental | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group | 1,670 | |
Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai | Shangri-La | Shangri-La Group | 1,620 | |
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square | JW Marriott | Marriott International | 1,600 | |
The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai | Ritz-Carlton | Marriott International | 1,490 | |
InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin | InterContinental | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 1,510 | |
The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi | The Langham | Langham Hospitality Group | 1,750 | |
Conrad Shanghai | Conrad | Hilton Worldwide | 1,390 | |
Hyatt Regency Shanghai Wujiaochang | Hyatt Regency | Hyatt Hotels Corporation | 1,120 | |
Tier 4 | Shangri-La Qiantan, Shanghai | Shangri-La Hotels | Shangri-La Group | 1,399 |
Far East Hotel Shanghai | Far East Hospitality | Far East Hospitality | 1,470 | |
Hyatt Regency Shanghai Wujiaochang | Hyatt Regency | Hyatt Hotels Corporation | 940 | |
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Hongqiao Jinxi | Crowne Plaza | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 895 | |
InterContinental Shanghai Expo | InterContinental | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 799 | |
The Hongta Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai | The Luxury Collection | Marriott International | 933 | |
InterContinental Shanghai JINJIANG | InterContinental | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 1,300 | |
Grand Hyatt Shanghai | Grand Hyatt | Hyatt Hotels Corporation | 1,280 | |
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian | JW Marriott | Marriott International | 1,110 | |
Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai | Andaz | Hyatt Hotels Corporation | 1,750 | |
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai | Shangri-La | Shangri-La Group | 1,280 | |
Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund | Indigo | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 1,190 | |
Hilton Shanghai | Hilton | Hilton Worldwide | 1,060 | |
The Westin Bund Center Shanghai | The Westin | Marriott International | 1,260 | |
Kempinski Hotel Pudong Shanghai | Kempinski | Kempinski Hotels | 1,090 | |
Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai | Kerry | Shangri-La Group | 1,990 | |
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian | Marriott | Marriott International | 1,350 | |
Sofitel Shanghai North Bund | Sofitel | Accor | 1,130 | |
InterContinental Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center | InterContinental | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 827 | |
InterContinental Shanghai Jing’an | InterContinental | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 1,300 | |
Hotel Indigo Shanghai Jing’an | Hotel Indigo | IHG Hotels & Resorts | 1,280 |
Tier 1 Luxury Hotels in Shanghai
Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li

- Location: Located in Xuhui District, Shanghai, this area offers strong local character and convenient nearby amenities. For business, the hotel is around 1 km from Huaihai Road commercial area. For sightseeing, it’s approximately 2 km from Wukang Mansion and 3 km from Jing’an Temple.
- Price per night: 5,225 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.8
Situated in a historic compound of shikumen buildings first appearing in 1860, the hotel is a showcase of East-meets-West architecture. It includes 55 villas and is the only all-villa urban resort in Shanghai. Concierge and front desk service are impeccable—warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. During check-in, I was offered welcome tea while the staff introduced the hotel’s features, amenities, and rich history in detail.
All rooms are villa-style, converted from classic shikumen buildings with five floors. My favorite configuration includes the first-floor living room and third-floor bedroom. Designed by Jaya, the décor is unique—elegant, serene, and refined. The hotel features the Michelin-starred French restaurant Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, and even breakfast is crafted by their team. Capella’s service is truly memorable—best described by the phrase “a home away from home.”
Amanyangyun

- Location: Located in Minhang District, connected to Maqiao Forest Park as part of a conservation project for ancient buildings and trees.
- Price per night: 6,900 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.7
Amanyangyun is the largest Aman property in the world by land area. Interior design is by Kerry Hill, with landscape work by Dan Pearson. My favorite area is the lawn in front of the lobby—where ancient camphor trees meet modern architecture for a truly stunning contrast. The service is deeply impressive; every team member is highly professional, thoughtful, and full of pleasant surprises, consistently meeting guest needs.
All rooms are suites based on the courtyard design of traditional Jiangxi houses. Each space aligns symmetrically along a central corridor, with warm-toned wood finishes creating a cozy and homelike environment full of Chinese elements. The hotel is also rich in facilities and experiences, including exhibitions, cycling, woodblock printing, calligraphy, morning rituals, and lighting ceremonies. Every day feels rewarding and full.
Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai

- Location: Located in Jing’an District, about a 10-minute drive to The Bund and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Hongqiao Airport is 40 minutes away, Shanghai Disneyland is 35 minutes away.
- Price per night: 5,314 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.6
This is the second Bvlgari hotel in China. Its interiors are designed by Italian firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The lobby uses black granite and bronze screens, while rooms mix teak wood and silk with subtle Bvlgari star details. Bathrooms feature custom Vicenza stone bathtubs and offer panoramic 180° views of Suzhou Creek and Lujiazui.
The color palette of the room is black, white, and gray. The bedroom offers a 270-degree view, perfect for watching The Bund from bed. Rooms include Master & Dynamic headphones from the U.S. for full music immersion. Butler-style service is a highlight—besides a detailed check-in, evening service includes lavender tea and a tower of macarons.
The Peninsula Shanghai

- Location: Located in Huangpu District, right at The Bund. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is just 900 meters away and easily walkable. Yuyuan Garden is about 2 km away and the Oriental Pearl Tower is around 4 km away. The hotel serves both business and leisure travelers perfectly.
- Price per night: 3,270 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.4
The Peninsula occupies its own building with vast public spaces. From the entrance, a grand floral centerpiece and distinctive fountain set a high standard. The lobby combines classical and Art Deco styles, paired with intricate floral arrangements and artworks, resulting in an atmosphere that’s both luxurious and graceful.
Rooms designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon evoke classic French elegance—refined, poised, and the very definition of understated luxury. The Peninsula’s signature use of rich materials makes every room feel substantial. The control panel system manages lighting, temperature, and more. Views overlook Suzhou Creek and the historic British Consulate, blending gardens, water, and city skyline into one breathtaking scene.
Regent Shanghai on The Bund

- Location: Located in the heart of North Bund, Hongkou District, next to Waibaidu Bridge. It faces the Huangpu River and backs onto Suzhou Creek, offering perfect views of both the Lujiazui skyline and historic Bund architecture. About 1.5 km from Nanjing East Road, it’s within walking distance to The Bund and the artsy North Suzhou Road. Ideal for sightseeing and photography.
- Price per night: 2,775 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.6
Regent is IHG’s revived luxury brand with a focus on Eastern aesthetics. Built on the site of the former Seagull Hotel, the building itself is part of Shanghai’s urban history. The international design team blended neoclassical architecture with modern design, retaining the building’s texture and adding curated art pieces and refined metallic lines for quiet elegance.
The river view is the hotel’s biggest draw. Most rooms face the Huangpu River and offer distant views of Pudong’s skyscrapers. Interiors are spacious, featuring gray-blue and champagne-gold tones, high-end bathrooms, and intelligent lighting. True to Regent standards, guests are greeted with personalized welcome service and 24/7 butler care. Some rooms even include private soaking tubs and balconies—a rare private oasis in the city.
Tier 2 Luxury Hotels in Shanghai
W Shanghai – The Bund

- Location: Situated in the North Bund area of Hongkou District, where Suzhou Creek meets the Huangpu River. The hotel is about 500 meters from The Bund and within walking distance to Waibaidu Bridge and the Nanjing East Road commercial area. Nearby metro access includes Line 12 (International Cruise Terminal Station) and Line 10 (Tiantong Road Station), making it ideal for both business and leisure.
- Price per night: 2,356 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.2
As a flagship W property in Shanghai, this hotel was designed by a renowned team. Its glass façade features layered geometric forms inspired by a “flowing city.” The interiors are bold and cutting-edge, with vivid lighting and dramatic installations in the lobby and dining areas, making for a visually immersive space. Floor plans and layout reflect W’s signature “vibrant luxury” style.
Rooms combine futuristic style and comfort, most offering skyline views of Pudong—especially stunning at night. Facilities include an indoor pool, gym, and the rooftop Sky Bar “Wet Deck,” popular for its party atmosphere after dark. The youthful and professional service team consistently earns praise, from welcoming to concierge support, making this a favorite for stylish, energetic travelers.
The Middle House

- Location: Nestled between Taiyuan Road and Nanjing West Road in Jing’an District, the hotel offers a balance between vibrant and tranquil. Just a 5-minute walk from Jing’an Temple, HKRI Taikoo Hui, and Metro Lines 2 and 12. Its setting blends high-end shopping with cultural charm.
- Price per night: 1,640 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.2
Part of Swire Hotels’ The House Collective, The Middle House was designed by Piero Lissoni with a theme of “Minimalist Oriental.” It merges modern geometry with ink-wash aesthetics and bamboo silhouettes. The building’s clean lines, warm stone, and wood finishes in the lobby create a serene, sophisticated atmosphere—perfect for urban tastemakers.
The hotel offers a limited number of rooms and apartment-style suites, ensuring high privacy. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, Italian-designed furniture, and custom fragrance amenities. Its Cafe Gray Deluxe and Chinese restaurant Sui Tang Li are both local fine-dining hotspots. The highly trained concierge team delivers attentive yet discreet service, ideal for those who appreciate understated luxury.
Fairmont Peace Hotel

- Location: Located at the corner of East Nanjing Road and Zhongshan Road in Huangpu District, directly across from the Huangpu River and The Bund’s historic buildings. A short walk to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Yuyuan Old Street, and Metro Lines 2 and 10 (People’s Square Station). A landmark without rival.
- Price per night: 2,235 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.7
Built in 1929, the Peace Hotel is a legendary icon of Old Shanghai. Designed in Art Deco style by the Sassoon family, it retains original marble floors, crystal chandeliers, stained-glass ceilings, and a grand pipe organ. It’s one of the few places where the charm of “Modern Shanghai” still lingers. The hotel has hosted heads of state and celebrities alike—where history meets prestige.
Rooms combine historic elements with modern comforts and fine materials. Guests can enjoy live jazz in the Nine Nations Bar, echoing the city’s vintage nightlife. Private bespoke services are available, including airport transfers, guided tours, and full spa experiences. A perfect match for refined travelers and culture lovers.
Tier 3 Luxury Hotels in Shanghai
The Sukhothai Shanghai

- Location: Located on Yuyuan Road in Jing’an District, close to Jing’an Park and the Nanjing West Road commercial zone. Surrounded by art galleries, indie bookstores, and cafés, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Metro Lines 2 and 7 at Jing’an Temple Station. The neighborhood blends local life with urban sophistication.
- Price per night: 1,888 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.3
This is the second Sukhothai hotel in Asia. It continues the brand’s Thai-inspired minimalist philosophy. Designed by Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, the hotel features a modest façade and interiors filled with natural stone, handcrafted woodwork, and water features, creating a calm, meditative atmosphere. There are also rotating art walls and fragrance corridors that blend lifestyle and creativity.
Rooms are minimalist yet warm, equipped with custom bedding and high-end sound systems. Bathrooms are especially spacious with standalone soaking tubs. Service reflects Thai hospitality—welcoming and detailed, from arrival tea to nightly turndown gifts. The gym and indoor pool are also top-tier, ideal for both business and leisure guests seeking a slower pace.
MGM Shanghai West Bund

- Location: Located in the heart of Longteng Avenue’s West Bund cultural corridor in Xuhui District. Near Longhua Temple, Tank Shanghai art museum, and the Huangpu River promenade. Easy access to downtown via Metro Lines 11 and 15. Quiet, artistic surroundings make it perfect for design lovers.
- Price per night: 1,789 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.6
Developed by MGM International, the hotel blends contemporary architecture with immersive art. Its geometric form interacts dynamically with natural light. Inside, materials and art installations come together in a high-concept design, fusing modern tech with an artistic vibe.
Rooms feature BOSE sound systems, imported Italian bathrooms, and smart control panels. Many rooms overlook the Huangpu River. Facilities include upscale dining, an art library, and a fragrance spa. The service is subtle yet thoughtful—ideal for privacy-conscious guests. Its nighttime lighting has earned the nickname “a paradise for photographers.”
Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai

- Location: Located in the heart of Lujiazui, Pudong’s financial district. Just a 5-minute walk to Shanghai World Financial Center, IFC Mall, and the riverside promenade. Metro Line 2 (Lujiazui Station) is nearby, offering direct access to the airport and major transit hubs—great for both business and sightseeing.
- Price per night: 1,668 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.5
One of Mandarin Oriental’s flagship properties in China, the hotel embodies the brand’s signature Eastern elegance and modern aesthetics. Designed by Foster + Partners, the space emphasizes light and texture with smoky woods, muted metals, and curated artworks, creating a calm and layered atmosphere. It has received multiple international awards for both design and service.
Rooms are bright and spacious with custom bedding and in-room aromatherapy sets. Bathrooms offer dual bathtubs and embedded TVs. Dining includes the Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Yong Yi Ting and French grill Fifty 8° Grill. The signature MO SPA and round-the-clock butler service are guest favorites—this is a standout luxury option in Pudong.
Tier 4 Luxury Hotels in Shanghai
Shangri-La Qiantan, Shanghai

- Location: Located in the heart of Qiantan International Business Zone in Pudong New Area, right next to Taikoo Li Qiantan and the East Branch of the Shanghai Library. It’s about an 8-minute walk from Chengshan Road Station on Metro Lines 6 and 8, and roughly a 35-minute drive from Pudong International Airport. This area blends business, shopping, and culture all in one.
- Price per night: 1,399 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.6
Renowned for its signature Asian hospitality, the Qiantan branch is one of Shangri-La’s newest flagships in Shanghai. The hotel’s design mixes modern Asian minimalism with natural elements, using large amounts of natural stone and floor-to-ceiling glass, offering bright, open public spaces. The lobby features a massive calligraphy installation and high ceilings, reflecting the brand’s refined aesthetic.
Rooms focus on tranquility and comfort, with soft natural tones. Some offer views of the Huangpu River or Expo Park. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, executive lounge, kids’ play zone, and a professional gym and pool. The hotel also offers complete meeting and banquet spaces, perfect for both family vacations and upscale business stays.
The Westin Bund Center Shanghai

- Location: Situated at the intersection of East Nanjing Road and Henan Middle Road in Huangpu District. Within walking distance to People’s Square, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and The Bund. Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8 are all nearby, making it very convenient for both tourism and business.
- Price per night: 1,259 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.2
As one of Marriott’s iconic brands, The Westin Shanghai blends modern urban architecture with a touch of European elegance. The high-ceilinged lobby features fresh floral arrangements year-round. Inside, the color palette focuses on soft beige and metallic accents. Rooms are spacious and composed, equipped with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath.
The hotel offers a fitness center, spa, and 24-hour dining. The breakfast selection is particularly well-rated, offering a wide mix of Chinese and Western options. With a mature service system and smooth check-in experience, this hotel is ideal for travelers who value reliability, location, and good value.
Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai

- Location: Located in the Huamu Administrative and Cultural Center of Pudong, adjacent to Century Park, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, and Kerry Parkside Mall. Within walking distance to Metro Lines 2 and 7. Just 10 minutes by car to SNIEC and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park. A very complete and convenient location.
- Price per night: 1,988 CNY
- Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
- Rating: Trip 9.4
As a representative property of Shangri-La’s Kerry Hotels, this location blends modern urban design with energetic style. The hotel is spacious and airy, with fresh, natural tones. The lobby and meeting areas often host art exhibitions and branded events. Overall, it offers a vibrant and high-end feel without being overly formal.
Rooms are well-equipped with air purifiers and ergonomic desks. Some room types offer direct access to the executive lounge or fitness areas. The hotel’s extensive amenities include a 6,000+ square meter fitness center, kids’ play zone, spa, and several restaurants. It’s an excellent choice for families, long-stay business travelers, and upscale convention guests.
FAQ
Shanghai features a wide range of internationally renowned luxury hotels favored by high-end travelers. Notable options include: Amanyangyun, Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai, Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li, The Peninsula Shanghai, and Regent Shanghai on The Bund. These properties offer not only world-class service and facilities but also distinctive local culture and architectural styles—perfect for experiencing Shanghai’s luxury lifestyle.
Luxury hotels in The Bund area—such as Peace Hotel, Regent, and W Shanghai—are often housed in historic buildings with rich Old Shanghai character and direct views of the Huangpu River, ideal for travelers who love cultural ambiance and romantic night scenes. Pudong’s high-end hotels—like Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La Pudong, and Ritz-Carlton Pudong—emphasize modernity and efficient functionality, making them better suited for business travelers and families who value updated amenities.
Yes, beyond the international chains, Shanghai offers many boutique luxury hotels with unique character. Examples include The Middle House, known for its minimalist Oriental aesthetics; The Sukhothai Shanghai, which blends Thai tranquility with urban sophistication; and Amanyangyun Zhujiajiao, which combines heritage architecture with natural landscaping. These properties stand out for their design, exclusivity, and immersive experiences—perfect for discerning travelers seeking something different.
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