Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

8 Best Luxury Hotels in Shanghai

Shanghai is an exciting Chinese city to visit, and one that is very accommodating to tourists from all around the world. It’s easy to get around town even if your Chinese language skills are lacking, and you don’t even need to rent a car because of the public transportation system is top-notch. There are also lots of great hotels in town that offer amazing views of the waterfront and make a priority of high-end customer service and amenities. These are the best luxury hotels to stay at when you visit Shanghai for family fun, an adventurous retreat, or for business.

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

This is a wonderful hotel in Old Shanghai that is contemporary, elegant, and very highly rated. There are 357 guest rooms and suites that have a contemporary style and also blend in traditional Chinese elements. The rooms here have awesome views through floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll be in the heart of the city’s entertainment hub when you stay here and also close to the Huai Hai Road shops. Here you can also enjoy afternoon tea with small bites in the lobby lounge and dine at Cachet, Cachet Al Fresco, and T’ang Court. There’s also a martini bar and posh outdoor terrace for cocktails and more. The Langham offers a 24-hour fitness studio, a heated indoor pool for swimming laps, and the Chuan Spa for relaxation and pampering.

Fairmont Peace Hotel Perfect location of the Fairmont Peace Hotel
Credit: Perfect location of the Fairmont Peace Hotel by www.facebook.com

Fairmont Peace Hotel

If you want to be near the luxury shops of Nanjing Road and near the Bund promenade, then the Fairmont Peace Hotel is a great choice. This is an Art Deco-style hotel that combines old-world glamour and modern conveniences. Extravagant galas and fashion shows have been held here in the past, and this is still a popular event venue. Dragon Phoenix is the onsite Chinese restaurant, and there’s a fun jazz bar to listen to music. Meanwhile, the terrace offers spectacular views of Pudong. The onsite Willow Stream Spa offers beauty treatments that are inspired by the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Overall, the Fairmont has 270 guestrooms, including 39 suites, for guests to stay in. There are there Nine Nation Suites that are decorated in the spirit of England, China, America, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, India and Germany.

Wanda Reign on the Bund Perfect outdoor terrace at  Wanda Reign on the Bund
Credit: Perfect outdoor terrace at Wanda Reign on the Bund by www.facebook.com

Wanda Reign on the Bund

Wanda Reign is another great luxury option to stay near Shanghai’s waterfront. Guests who stay here enjoy the stunning views of the Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River and also the convenience of walking to the Yu gardens and lots of top cultural and culinary attractions. The onsite restaurants serve fresh and local foods, many seafood dishes, afternoon tea, and specialty cocktails. Wanda Reign on the Bund has a 193 hotel rooms with luxury amenities and has even been billed as a “seven-star hotel,” making it a truly unique place to stay in Shanghai. It’s also known as a gathering place for Chinese elite and hip millennials with money to spend.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund Pure luxury at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Credit: Pure luxury at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund by www.facebook.com

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Also on the Bund waterfront, you’ll find Shanghai’s Waldorf Astoria hotel, which offers luxury accommodations with elegant guestrooms and fine dining. In this 1911 neo-classical building, you’ll find 260 sophisticated rooms and suites, a full fitness center, a library lounge, complementary Wi-Di, and a high-tech business center. Pelhams offers French cuisine, and Wei Jing Ge offers gourmet Chinese dishes. There’s also the Long Bar for drinks, the Salon De Ville for afternoon tea, and the Grand Brasserie for food from all over the world. The onsite spa has eight treatment rooms, and each has its own rain shower and private steam room.

Mandarin Oriental Pudong Beautiful entrance at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Credit: Beautiful entrance at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai by www.facebook.com

Mandarin Oriental Pudong

The Mandarin Oriental Pudong is a posh hotel along the Huangpu River and in the middle of the local financial district. There are 362 rooms and suites here, many rooms have views of the river, and bed and breakfast packages are available from CNY 1600. The Fifty 8° Grill serves contemporary and classic French cuisine, Yong Yi Ting specializes in fresh and regional flavors, Zest serves up Asian and international fare, and the Qi Bar is perfect for cocktails. There’s also a nice spa here that offers beauty treatments and educational workshops in things like Chinese astrology and palm reading, It has 13 spa suites, including two couple’s suites. There’s also a tea lounge, 25-meter indoor pool, fitness center, spa boutique, and healthy cuisine offered at the spa.

Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai Pool at Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai
Credit: Pool at Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai by www.facebook.com

Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai

The Kerry is a high-rise hotel that’s near Century Park in Shanghai and has 574 rooms and suites for guests. The 33 suites range in size between 84 and 168 square meters, and they all include a separate lounge room. There’s also a spacious banquet hall and conference facilities here, three restaurants, and a microbrewery that serves handcrafted beers. It’s easy to get here from Pudong International Airport via the Metro Line and Maglev train. You can visit the 24-hour fitness center here or take advantage of the onsite Jacuzzi, outdoor basketball, outdoor tennis court, exercise studios and training rooms, steam room, swimming pool, sauna, and spa.

Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai Work with a view at  Kempinski Hotels Shanghai
Credit: Work with a view at Kempinski Hotels Shanghai by www.facebook.com

Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai

This is another highly recommended stay if you’re looking for luxury in Shanghai. The Grand Kempinski has a European flair in the city’s financial district and has four restaurants, three bars, a pool, gym, and spa. You can choose to book a room with a breakfast package to enjoy a breakfast buffet from 6am to 10:30am at the onsite Elements Restaurant. The hotel also offers exclusive airport limo service if you’d like to be picked up from the international or domestic airports nearby.

Pudong Shangri-La East Shanghai Traveler enjoying Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, Shanghai
Credit: Traveler enjoying Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, Shanghai by www.facebook.com

Pudong Shangri-La East Shanghai

The last upscale hotel option that we’ll mention on this list is the Pudong Shangri-La East, which is the Pudong financial district and along the river. Therese’s a spa onsite for massage therapy, afternoon tea in the lobby lounge, and excellent cocktails at the Jade on 36 Bar. There are actually 10 dining venues here, which makes this a favorite place to stay among foodies. The onsite spa, CHI, offers facial therapies and body treatments based on the Qi philosophy and traditional healing rituals of China.

Travel Deals

Riggs Washington DC w/ Picnic Basket Lunch

$200+

10-Day Ireland Small Group Tour w/ Exclusive Castle Stay

$5297+

10-Day Canada Tour | Save $400 Per Couple

$2032+

Up to 20% Off | Air & 14-Day Ireland Wild Atlantic Way Tour

$2239+

6-Nt Halloween Spectacular Escorted Tour of Ireland

$1959+

Hotel Zena Washington DC w/ Tea Ceremony Cocktail

$237+

Save $400 | 10-Day Ireland by Train w/ Activities & Tours

$1399+

8-Day Danube Delights River Cruise | 2 For 1 Fares

$2795+

Up to $400 Off | Air & 15-Day Peru, Argentina & Brazil Tour

$3199+

7-Day Ireland Train Tour w/ Titantic Experience

$2328+

Royal Caribbean | 7-Nt Caribbean Cruise w/ Ship Credit

$682+

10-Day Ireland Self-Drive Tour w/ B&Bs + Castle Stay

QUOTE

Select Europe Train Tours w/ Flights | Up to $200 Off

$999+

Ireland Tours Up to 20% Off: Guided, Private or Self-Drive

$1620+

7-Day Ireland by Rail Tour w/ Belfast & Titanic Experience

$2328+