HOTELS
As one would expect in a city of Shanghai’s stature, there are hundreds of hotel options spanning the ratings spectrum. There are basically two categories of high-end stay: stylish ultra-modern international hotels that offer countless amenities and highly polished service, and the grand, elegant old-world hotels that maintain a feeling of a living past in Shanghai’s historic districts.
Most top hotels are Sino-foreign ventures, Chinese-owned with foreign management. Five-star and four-star hotels tend to have similar facilities and services, apart from technical requirements such as a swimming pool. The midrange market includes reliable chain hotels such as the Crowne Plaza, Novotel, Ramada and Holiday Inn. However, there are some wonderful new boutique offerings pop- ping up around the city.
When you check into a hotel you’ll have to fill in a registration form and have your passport scanned. A copy will be sent to the local Public Security Bureau. Grab a few hotel business cards from the front desk – these are vital to getting home in a taxi during your first days in the city. Also take our expat atlas with you as it will help you orient yourself relative to sites and services and ensure that your landing in Shanghai is a soft one.
PUXI 5-STAR
For new visitors interested in immersing themselves in the Shanghai experience, Puxi is the ideal place to stay. There are dozens of excellent hotels within striking distance of Shanghai’s legendary landmarks of People’s Square, the Bund and the French Concession. The accommodation options are far more varied than in Pudong, as many stately villas and colonial buildings have been converted into classy hotels. Of course, the standards of luxury still apply and there are also plenty of modern options.
The options that follow are iconic Shanghai hotels that will not disappoint. If, however, you seek to delve a bit deeper into what’s on offer, www.tripadvisor.com is the place to go. It’s not perfect and you’ll have to filter the reviews somewhat, but that is the nature of all such sites.
LE ROYAL MERIDIEN
In Renmin Park off Nanjing Lu, Le Royal Meridien is situated perfectly for sightseeing and getting around the city as the city's main metro hub is on your doorstep. The 66-floor building, which resembles a Transformer, is a city landmark. Behind the intimidating glamour, however, is a classy hotel with five- star services and great views – ask for a room on one of the higher floors so that you can take full advantage of the floor-to-ceiling window view.
Amenities: Internet, mini-bar, four restaurants, bars, room service, indoor pool, gym, spa, concierge, babysitting
789 Nanjing Dong Lu, by Xizang Zhong Lu
南京东路789号, 近西藏中路
3318 9999
www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien
MANSION HOTEL
The Mansion Hotel combines period charm and modern luxury like no other hotel in Shanghai. This beautiful 1930s building was once the residence of Du Yuesheng, one of Shanghai’s most powerful gangsters, who used it as a venue for extravagant parties. There are antiques everywhere that are tastefully absorbed by the exquisite luxury that pervades every aspect of this hotel. Start your stay in Shanghai with style.
Amenities: Internet, two restaurants, bar, room service, spa, concierge, babysitting
170 Nanyang Lu, by Xikang Lu
南阳路170号, 近西康路
6289 7878
www.peimansionhotel.com
THE WESTIN SHANGHAI
Located minutes from the Bund, the award-winning Westin offers large guest rooms that feature Westin’s patented Heavenly Bed and a large, comfortable work desk. The Westin Kids Club consists of a separate area with adjoining terrace and a pad- dle pool. Adults, meanwhile, can indulge in the hotel’s famous Banyan Tree Spa. It also has an excellent Sunday champagne brunch that’s very popular with expat families and monied locals alike.
Amenities: Internet, movie library, three restaurants, two bars, children’s programs, room service, indoor/outdoor pool, gym, spa, concierge, babysitting
Bund Center, 88 Henan Zhong Lu, by Guangdong Lu
河南中路88号, 外滩中心, 近广东路
6335 1888
www.westin.com/shanghai
OKURA GARDEN HOTEL
When it was built in 1990 on the site of the 1920s French Club and Cercle Sportif, the Japanese-managed Okura Garden was the top hotel in the French Concession. The Art Deco features of the original structure have been maintained throughout much of the building, particularly in the grand ballroom. Recently reno- vated rooms are average in size and lack the high-tech gadgets of newer hotels, but the classy ambiance and friendly staff more than make up for it as does the location in the heart of the French Concession.
Amenities: Internet, five restaurants, three bars, room service, health
club and spa facilities, indoor pool, tennis courts, concierge service, babysitting
58 Maoming Nan Lu, by Changle Lu
花园饭店, 茂名南路58号, 近长乐路
6415 1111
www.gardenhotelshanghai.com
PUXI 4-STAR
RUIJIN GUEST HOUSE
Located in the heart of the French Concession, this 1930s colonial hotel sits on the beautifully mani- cured grounds of the former Morris Estate. Try for rooms in Building No 1, the luxuriously furnished mansion that has attracted guests such as Mao Zedong and President Nixon. Pressing for a discount is known to pay dividends.
Amenities: Internet, room service, concierge
118 Ruijin Er Lu, by Fuxing Lu
瑞金二路118号, 近复兴中路
6472 5222
www.ruijinhotelsh.com
QUINTET
Quintet is an affordable and unique alternative to the chain hotels that predominate its price range. This charming bed-and-breakfast in a 1933 French Concession home has been in the family for generations, although it was recently renovated in 2008. The five rooms vary in size and style, but all are very comfort- able and provide modern ameni- ties. The staff are very helpful and professional.
Amenities: Internet, restaurant, concierge
808 Changle Lu 长乐路808号
6249 9088
www.quintet-shanghai.com
SOFITEL HYLAND HOTEL
This is a very handsome four-star tower located in the heart of the pedestrian sector of Nanjing Lu. The recently refurbished rooms are wor- thy of the brand and fully equipped with modern amenities. Service is efficient here, but has been reported to be somewhat less welcoming than other options.
Amenities: Internet, two restaurants, bar, room service, health club, spa, concierge
505 Nanjing Dong Lu 海仑宾馆, 南京东路505号, 近福建路
6351 5888
www.sofitel.com/1603
MILLENNIUM HOTEL
Well located between Hongqiao domestic airport and the Shanghai Exhibition Center, the five-star Millennium Hotel is a great con- temporary option if you need to stay in Hongqiao or are in town on business. The 369 exuberant rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious layout. Definitely try and bargain.
Amenities: Internet, four restaurants, two bars, room service, gym, spa, indoor/outdoor pool, concierge, babysitting, parking
2588 Yan’an Xi Lu, by Shuicheng Lu
上海千禧海鸥大酒店, 延安西路2588号, 近水城路
6208 5888
www.millenniumhongqiao.com
PUDONG 5-STAR
PUDONG SHANGRI-LA
Occupying perhaps the most prized location in Shanghai, overlooking the Huangpu River next to the Pearl Tower in Lujiazui, the Shangri-La is arguably the standard for modern luxury in Shanghai. The two towers contain almost 1,000 guest rooms, although only Tower One offers the spectacular views of the Bund across the river.
Amenities: In-room safe, Internet, eight restaurants, bars, room service, tennis court, pools, health club and spa, concierge service, laundry service, babysitting service, parking (fee)
33 Fucheng Lu, by Yincheng Dong Lu
富城路33号, 近银城东路 6882 8888
www.shangri-la.com
PARK HYATT SHANGHAI
For a truly elevated hotel experience, stay at one of the Park Hyatt rooms that occupy the 79th to 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, making it the world’s highest hotel. Simply the fact that you are in the third tallest building in the world could make this the coolest hotel in all of China. Think bathrooms that boast rainforest showers, TVs in the bathroom mirrors and toilet seats that automatically raise as you approach.
Amenities: Safe, Internet, restaurants, bars, room service, swimming pool, health club, spa, concierge, babysitting
Shanghai World Financial Center, 79-93/F, 100 Century Avenue
世纪大道100号, 上海环球金融中心 79-93楼
6888 1234
www.shanghai.park.hyatt.com
GRAND HYATT
Although it’s been eclipsed in height by the neighboring Park Hyatt, the Grand Hyatt still offers 555 rooms with spectacular views from the 54th to the 88th floors of the Jinmao Tower. Although no longer the place to stay in Shanghai, the service is still impeccable and the dreamy bar Cloud 9 still draws troves of visitors.
Amenities: Internet, six restaurants, bars, room service, swimming
pool, health club, spa, concierge, babysitting, parking (fee)
Jinmao Tower, 53-87/F, 88 Century Avenue, by Dongtai Lu
世纪大道88号, 金茂大厦53-87楼, 近 东泰路
5049 1234
www.shanghai.grand.hyatt.com
RITZ-CARLTON, PUDONG
Amazing views of the Bund and art- deco inspired rooms highlight this iteration of the Ritz opened in 2009.
Amenities: High-speed wired and wireless Internet access, Bose Wave Music System with an iPod dock, four restaurants and bars, spa, swimming pool, 24-hour Club Lounge, fitness studio
8 Century Avenue, near Lujiazui Huan Lu
世纪大道8号, 近陆家嘴环路 2020 1888
www.ritz-carlton.com/shanghai
PUDONG 4-STAR
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT HOTEL PUDONG
A very modern hotel catering pri- marily to business travelers, the pop- ular and well-reviewed Courtyard by Marriott is well maintained, has great service and is conveniently located by the Metro.
Amenities: Internet, two restaurants, bar, concierge, room service, health club, babysitting
838 Dongfang Lu, by Weifang Lu
东方路838号, 近潍坊路
6886 7886
www.courtyardshanghai.com
NOVOTEL ATLANTIS
Lacking frills, but very functional and a great bargain (after online discounts) for the splendid views of the Bund and the amenities, Novotel hosts a steady flow of business travelers looking for value and com- fort. The top floor boasts a revolving restaurant making it a fun place to host visitors.
Amenities: Internet, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, health club, concierge
728 Pudong Da Dao,by Dongfang Lu
海神诺富特大酒店, 浦东大道728号, 近东方路
5101 6060
http://www.novotel.com
FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON
This internationally managed Starwood property is located next to Nanpu Bridge and the Fuxing Lu tunnel, which puts guests within a few minutes of the Bund or down-town Puxi.The service is quite good and the rooms are conventionally pleasant.
Amenities: Internet, three restaurants, bars, room service, gym, spa, concierge service, babysitting service
2111 Pudong Nan Lu, by Pujian Lu
浦东南路2111号, 近浦建路
5039 9999
www.fourpoints.com/pudong
HOLIDAY INN PUDONG
This is a quintessential Holiday Inn, but excellent value (after online discounts) for the comfort, spotless rooms and amenities that it offers. Mostly caters to business travelers visiting Pudong, but its proximity to Metro Line 4 attracts a few tourists as well.
Amenities: Internet, three restaurants, bars, room service, swimming pool, concierge, health club, babysitting
899 Dongfang Lu, by Century Avenue
东方路899号, 近世纪大道 5830 6666
www.holidayinn.com
