We review the best luxury hotels in Shanghai, China. These include The Middle House, Capella Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel, Four Seasons Shanghai, Four Seasons Shanghai At Pudong, InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin, Mandarin Oriental Shanghai, Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Shanghai, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, and The PuLi.
1. The Middle House
Easily the best boutique-sized hotel in Shanghai is The Middle House, which embraces the spirit of the city and its vibrant art, fashion, and food scenes. Situated in the neighborhood of Dazhongli (‘zhong,’ meaning the middle), this House is in the cultural and geographical middle of Shanghai.
The Middle House believes in intimate luxury, delivered with highly personalized service. The hotel features 111 elegant and modern Studios, 102 stylish long-term residences, and numerous outdoor spaces and terraces, all radiating the urban sophistication of cosmopolitan Shanghai.
The Middle House has a fabulous location, ideal for exploring on foot. It is a two-minute walk from the shops on Nanjing Road West and is close to Wu Jiang Road, an area known for its dumpling cafés and fun bars. Shanghai’s last remaining historic shikumen neighborhoods are also found nearby.
The foyer is jaw-dropping, with angled forest-green bamboo walls and an incredible 3,760-piece Venetian chandelier (pictured above). This stylish look is offset by trendy Chinese art.
Minimalist rooms offer sweeping views of Shanghai and are decorated in stylish charcoal and chocolate tones with large bathrooms separated by glass walls. Rooms also come with a complimentary bar stocked with soft drinks and beers and a bag for life.
Guests can discover a subterranean wellness destination decorated with grey brick, backlit white walls, and black porcelain bamboo slats. This area includes a spa and extensive fitness center, yoga studio, juice bar, and HYPOXI room. The adults-only heated indoor swimming pool where guests can enjoy cold-pressed juices and snacks at the Pool Juice Bar. The pool is right next to the spa and stays open until 11:00 pm. Mi Xun spa incorporates traditional Chinese medicine into its treatments to detoxify and is definitely worth a try. There’s also a 24-hour gym, yoga studio.
Food highlights include an excellent à la carte breakfast served at Café Gray Deluxe with plenty of healthy options, including green juices, muesli, buttery croissants, and scrambled eggs. In the summer, you can enjoy breakfast alfresco under the trees on the terrace. Café Gray Deluxe is a stunning bar area by night, with leather sofas, black walls, and dimmed mood lighting. There’s also a very good Italian and a Chinese restaurant within the hotel.
Frasca is a modern Italian eatery with ingredients sourced locally with the utmost care or imported from the finest appellations in Italy. Sui Tang Shang is a cozy, intimate lounge with terrace seating that opens daily from 11:30 am to midnight, offering an East-Meets-West atmosphere perfect for sipping on Asian-inspired craft cocktails. Finally, Sui Tang Li offers a menu composed of creative and contemporary Chinese dishes influenced by Chinese regional cuisines, Shanghainese, Sichuan, and Cantonese, alongside a drinks menu that features handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine and Chinese tea selection.
2. Four Seasons Shanghai At Pudong
The Four Seasons Shanghai At Pudong is a great choice if you prefer hotels with more recognized brands. This hotel rises high above the Pudong Lujiazui business district.
Four Seasons Shanghai At Pudong is located in a gleaming 21st Century Tower. It is surrounded by iconic skyscrapers and bustling city streets lined with luxury shopping, restaurants, and prestigious financial centers. Awaken to panoramic views of Shanghai from your room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoy breakfast at Camelia, then hop into the complimentary house car, which will whisk your way to meetings or sightseeing adventures with the family.
Unwind with a swim in the infinity pool (this pool is arguably one of the best in Shanghai) or at their intimate FLARE Spa before savoring the authentic Cantonese flavors at Shàng-Xí. The disadvantage of this Four Seasons is that the Pudong location isn’t great for leisure travelers. You are situated away from the tourist center around the Bund. Although this property is probably the best in Four Seasons in Shanghai, it is not situated in the ideal position for a vacation.
One noteworthy feature of this Four Seasons is the breakfast spread, which is spectacular, spread across three different rooms. You get this free if you book via our luxury travel concierge. Pearl view rooms are fantastic, the pool will probably be one of the best pools you have ever experienced, and we love the fact that Four Seasons hotels are always child-friendly if you bring your family on your travels.
Another great thing about the Four Seasons Shanghai At Pudong is the gorgeous club lounge. Enjoy the city’s additional privileges and breathtaking views from the Executive Club Lounge on the Hotel’s 35th floor.
3. Four Seasons Shanghai
Four Seasons Shanghai is the other Four Seasons in Shanghai. This one is better located for tourists but is not as new as Four Seasons Shanghai At Pudong. The hotel rises 37 storeys above a seemingly endless urban landscape.
This was the first Four Seasons to open in China and remains a favorite stop for business travelers and families alike. Set in Shanghai’s historical heart and with a classic feel, this well-located hotel can be found between the Bund and the former French Concession. Surrounded by shikumen architecture and bustling downtown streets that give this lively neighborhood an undeniable charm, you can enjoy Michelin-recommended Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine at Si Ji Xuan, relax on the landscaped pool terrace or take an exalted trip back in time and tradition at Qin the Spa.
Another great thing about the Four Seasons Shanghai is the gorgeous club lounge. Enjoy a spectacular Shanghai skyline view with personalized services in an intimate environment at the Executive Club Lounge, an exclusive Puxi hideaway on the Hotel’s 37th floor.
Wherever you are in the world, Four Seasons hotels are consistently one of the best hotels in that city or resort. There isn’t a Four Seasons loyalty program, so you will never be able to book a free stay by racking up and redeeming points, or by collecting points on your credit card and spending them at a Four Seasons hotel. It can’t be done. But you can get discounts at Four Seasons hotels and benefit from special rewards at Four Seasons hotels for no extra cost by booking your next stay via our concierge.
4. The Mandarin Oriental Shanghai
The Mandarin Oriental Shanghai is a gorgeous luxury hotel located in Shanghai’s new Harbour City development, a skyscraper-dotted expanse of green in the heart of Pudong’s growing financial district, just minutes away from Shanghai IFC and the Shanghai World Financial Centre. Although the hotel is across the river from the historic city center, it is conveniently located for tourists because it’s only a 10-15 minute walk to Lujiazui metro station and some of Shanghai’s major sightseeing attractions (e.g., Pearl Tower).
The Mandarin Oriental Shanghai is located on the riverside. A one-minute stroll from the hotel entrance takes you to a beautiful riverside promenade lined by lush greenery and excellent restaurants.
Guests staying in one of their 44 suites receive complimentary Club Lounge access. Emulating the feel of a residential living room, the large yet intimate space features wood and marble flooring, a dining room, a library, and a wine bar, all of them with panoramic views of the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyline. This lounge’s views are not as appealing as those at the two Four Seasons hotels, but this remains a top-notch executive lounge.
The club lounge offers breakfast, light lunches, and Afternoon Tea during the day, and later on, evening cocktails served with a selection of European and Asian snacks. The self-service bar is stocked with a range of wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
In the hotel’s basement, you will find the recreational facilities with a wonderful Spa, a gym (with state-of-the-art equipment), a 25 m indoor, stylish swimming pool (with jacuzzi), and an excellent spa.
The hotel has three on-site restaurants, all featuring excellent and high-quality food. Fifty 8° Grill focuses on modern French cuisine, Yong Yi Ting specializes in regional Jiang Nan cuisine, while all-day dining restaurant Zest specializes in Asian and International cuisine.
5. The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
Located in the heart of the city on the famous Nanjing Road, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is the centerpiece of Shanghai’s prestigious business and residential district. It is located directly across from the Shanghai Exhibition Center and offers stunning views of the Shanghai Skyline.
This award-winning property offers 593 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, unparalleled service, elegant event space, an extensive health club with a swimming pool, an outstanding restaurant, and bar serving Pan-Asian cuisine, and signature libations.
The Ritz-Carlton Club features luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, including four Penthouse Suites on Level 45 and The Ritz-Carlton Suite on Level 44. In addition to luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, the club lounge features five food and beverage presentations daily. Personal check-in and check-out service are available in the Club Lounge or in the comfort of your room. Business services are available, as well as an exclusive meeting room for 8-10 people where the first hour is complimentary.
6. Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai
Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai is located in one of the most legendary hotel addresses in Shanghai. First opened in 1929, Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai, was celebrated as the number-one mansion in the Far East. The then-Cathay Hotel had a prime spot and plush amenities that attracted celebrities and ex-pats, especially at its renowned Old Jazz Bar.
Today, the 270-room hotel offers the same allure, although updated, as evidenced by the indulgent Willow Stream Spa, which features a skylit pool. Cathay Room & Terrace offers modern European cuisine with picturesque Bund and Pudong skyline views. Dragon Phoenix is the city’s premier Chinese restaurant, and the beloved jazz bar still serves up lively tunes and timeless cocktails.
At the heart of Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai, lies the Fairmont Gold Executive Floor, the hotel’s executive retreat. Located on the Fairmont Peace Hotel’s ninth floor, Fairmont Gold envelopes you in an atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity. Book a Fairmont Gold room and experience luxurious interior-facing accommodations featuring high ceilings, four piece marble bath, and large closets. The rooms offer a coffee table, soft seating, a writing desk with a chair, HSIA, iPod docking station, and flat-screen television.
7. InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin
The InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin was formerly the State Guest House of Shanghai and has a rich heritage having served Chinese historical figures such as Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. During the War of Liberation, the hotel was the headquarters of the Communist Party in Shanghai.
InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin is head and shoulders above the other InterContinental hotels in Shanghai. This classically styled hotel is centrally located along tranquil Ruijin Er Road, close to Huaihai Road’s luxury retail, the quaint shops at Tianzifang, and the trendsetting Xintiandi bars and restaurants.
The hotel itself feels historical, with an impressive and elegant lobby and beautiful twin chandeliers radiating opulence throughout the room and up through the mezzanine of the main building’s nine floors. Views here aren’t noteworthy, but the lovely gardens are so unusual for a city hotel like this.
Book a club room, and you get access to the Club InterContinental lounge within the hotel compound in a low-rise colonial-style building. You get all the usual benefits, including complimentary breakfast, all-day beverages at the lounge, afternoon tea, and evening canapés with a great beverage selection.
The rather special evening spread here includes an ice-filled tray with fresh seafood, including crab and shellfish (mussels and scallops) along with your more usual smoked salmon, cold meats and cheeses, veggies, etc. and cakes and custardy desserts. There is also a wide range of free alcohol in the lounge, from wines and beers to spirits.
I am a major fan of InterContinental club lounges. The InterContinental brand offers some the best club lounges in London and also offers one of the best club lounges in Shanghai too.
8. The PuLi Hotel & Spa Shanghai
The PuLi Hotel and Spa Shanghai is conveniently located in the city’s most vibrant commercial center, the Jing’An district. The hotel melds bustling immediacy with the tranquillity of a luxurious resort.
Unique references to China’s history, from stoneware headrests to Shanghai grey bricks, are juxtaposed with iPod docks and Nespresso machines in The PuLi’s 229 guestrooms. Located on level three of The PuLi, UR Spa offers a luxurious and tranquil sanctuary from the stresses of everyday life. The hotel’s heated infinity pool and 100 m² state-of-the-art Health Club are directly adjacent. The Michelin-star restaurant, Phenix Eatery & Bar, by award-winning Chef Michael Wilson, presents an innovative, modern French menu.
The PuLi takes immense pride in its unique Club Floor Concept, one in which the traditional club lounge is deconstructed, and exclusive club benefits are delivered to guests in the privacy of the Club Rooms/Suites. What does this mean? It means you get extra benefits by booking into a room on the club floor, but there is no lounge.
9. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai is situated just across the majestic Huangpu River from the heart of downtown Shanghai, in its emerging eastern extension, Pudong. Historically a verdant agricultural tract, Pudong has been transformed almost entirely in just two short decades by the Chinese government’s creation of a Special Economic Zone within its borders.
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, occupies the top 18 floors of the Shanghai IFC, connected to a luxury shopping mall. The rooms overlook the Bund and the Huangpu river, and the hotel houses the world’s most intact collection of art deco architecture.
285 well-appointed guest rooms and suites from the 39th floor to the 51st-floor feature twice-daily housekeeping attention with evening turndown service as well as TV screens in all bathrooms, a lighted makeup mirror, iPod docking stations, complimentary morning newspaper, complimentary overnight shoeshine, and more.
There is also a fitness studio, a spa, and an indoor infinity swimming pool. Dining options include the stylish Scena for Italian cuisine and Michelin-star Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant. While this is an excellent hotel, the other Shanghai Ritz-Carlton is in a better location for leisure travelers.
Book a Club Room with access to the 24-hour Club Lounge and five food presentations daily. Located at level 49 of the hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, offering magnificent views of the Bund and Huangpu River.
10. Capella Shanghai
Nestled in the Xuhui District’s last remaining cluster of shikumen townhouses, Capella Shanghai is an urban sanctuary where you least expect it. With only a few of the original shikumen lanes remaining, Capella Shanghai is proud to protect and evolve the city’s cultural legacy. The design concept, created by Jaya Design International, embodies the spirit of Jian Ye Li and is reflected in the fusion of French and Chinese elements, a nod to its heritage and the golden era during the 1930s.
The heart of this urban sanctuary is the one, two, and three-bedroom Shikumen Villas, which blend historical Shanghainese courtyard living with Parisian design flair.
Three-Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire has spent five decades transforming simplicity into a symphony of flavor through the use of the finest ingredients and innate gastronomic creativity. His iconic name and reputation anchor the dining experience at Capella Shanghai.
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