Best Luxury Hotels in Shanghai

Set within the revitalised World Expo district beside the Huangpu River. With 254 rooms and suites, the hotel occupies a striking curved tower in Expo Place, a contemporary hub that connects culture, business and creative enterprise along one of Shanghai’s most dynamic riverfronts. Interiors by SilverFox Studios draw on the architectural language of Expo 2010, combining steel, wood, concrete and rich textures to create an atmosphere that feels confident, expressive and rooted in the city’s modern identity.

Dining is a central part of the experience. BAOBAO Lounge offers a sociable indoor-outdoor setting for steamed delicacies, light dishes and local drinks. Fishermen’s Pavilion on the 19th floor presents imaginative interpretations of Yangtze River Delta cuisine prepared by Shanghai-born chefs, with river views and private dining rooms for exclusive gatherings. The 20th floor rooftop venue, TOTS, brings cocktails, small plates, cabanas, DJ sessions and late-night energy with sweeping skyline vistas.

The hotel’s cultural spirit continues through curated creative partnerships, riverside runs with local collectives and music-led social events, while the location places guests moments from major Expo landmarks including the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the China Art Museum and the World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, the brand’s second address in the city, offers 204 rooms and suites designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and Cheng Chung Design. Located on the southern stretch of the New Bund in Pudong, this serene riverfront retreat balances Shanghai’s cosmopolitan rhythm with a sense of calm and connection to nature. Interiors draw inspiration from the city’s Art Deco heritage, blending East–West influences through intricate craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Dining spans modern European cuisine at Arame, refined Min cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Justin Yang at Fu Cheng, and afternoon teas or signature cocktails at Peacock Alley. Guests can unwind in the tranquil spa, swim in the 25-metre marble-clad indoor pool, or maintain balance in the 24-hour fitness centre. The hotel’s position offers direct access to Qiantan Park and the waterfront promenade, while nearby cultural landmarks such as the West Bund Art Museum and Tank Shanghai make it a sophisticated base for both leisure and business travellers seeking understated grandeur on the river’s edge.

The Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong is an ideal base for exploring the Pudong district, with its distinctive skyline and fast-paced, exciting atmosphere. Experience Michelin-recommended Cantonese cuisine at the Shàng-Xí restaurant, or relaxed authentic Italian dining at Camelia, where the Sunday brunches are famous. Plus, if you’re travelling with family, the children’s welcome program will ensure the little ones are well taken care of.

One of the tallest hotels in the world, the Park Hyatt Shanghai sits 79 floors up in the Shanghai World Financial Centre, at the beating heart of the Lujiazui financial district. If you’re looking for comfort, the Park Hyatt has the largest standard rooms in Shanghai, as well as high ceilings for a spacious feel, and every room is elegantly and luxuriously appointed with a walk-in dressing room. Take advantage of the complimentary Tai chi class in the courtyard each morning to start your day right.

Located in the former home of the famed Shanghai Club, the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund stands out from the crowd with its seamless combination of Baroque Revival architecture and a brand new building in modern style. Within easy reach for a stroll along the Bund or the delights of Nanjing Road, it offers such excellent service that you won’t want to leave – from luxurious massages and treatments in the spa to personal shopping assistants and an on-site florist, as well as six distinctive dining options to suit all tastes. Make sure to check out the Long Bar, painstakingly restored to its former glory with the help of historic records and archive photographs.

The award-winning Peninsula Shanghai holds the distinction of being the only new building on the Bund on the past 70 years. Combining retro style with modern amenities, it showcases the best Shanghai has to offer. Choose between two Michelin-starred restaurants as well as bars, lounges and 24-hour in-room dining for ultimate comfort, and be sure to take a dip in the stunningly beautiful Art Deco swimming pool.

This stylish urban retreat sits on the bank of the Huangpu River, giving guests a sense of serene relaxation even in the vibrant heart of Shanghai. Dine in style on a terrace overlooking the Bund, take afternoon tea in the sophisticated Banyan Lounge, or enjoy drinks on the roof bar. Unwind in one of the three relaxation pools or visit the yoga studio to find your serenity after a busy day exploring everything the city has to offer.

Situated in the breathtaking Jin Mao Tower, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai is one of the top ten highest hotels in the world, and is certainly also among the most unique. With well-equipped rooms with stunning views and ten exquisite restaurants and bars, you need never leave, but when you do the hotel’s central location in the Lujiazui financial district puts the whole of Shanghai at your feet.

The lavish and elegant Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is located on the upper floors of a 58-floor tower, giving stunning views of the city in all directions. The nearby Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, when lit up at night, makes the perfect backdrop to an evening spent at Flair, the highest rooftop bar in China. If that’s not to your taste, the hotel features two gorgeous restaurants, and the Aura Lounge and Jazz Bar serves delicious cocktails and more than 30 varieties of Rose Champagne.

The PuLi Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of Shanghai for ease and convenience, but its luxurious facilities and urban resort vibe means that you’ll still feel like you’re getting away from it all. Take advantage of the generous and comfortable rooms, Michelin-starred restaurant, 24-hour butler service and state-of-the-art health club, including a stunning infinity pool with a view of Jing’An Park, for ultimate relaxation.

Located high above the city in the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest skyscraper and the second tallest in the world, the hotel spans the 84th to 105th floors and also occupies the 120th floor. It boasts 165 luxurious rooms and suites, which rank among the highest and most spacious in the city. The stunning interiors feature lacquer, glaze, and enamel finishes complemented by metal, crystal, and mosaic details generating an artistic and creative ambience. Guests can relax at the Reiki spam work up a sweat in the fitness centre and indulge in world-class dining experiences at the hotel’s seven restaurants and bars, each offering a unique ambiance and panoramic views of Shanghai.

The fabulous Fairmont Peace Hotel combines Art Deco glamour with up-to-the-minute indulgence. Located in a prime spot right on Nanjing Road, China’s most famous shopping street, it’s an ideal base from which to explore the variety and excitement of Shanghai. Choose from six high-quality restaurants and lounges, including the ninth-floor terrace with unparalleled views of the city, and when it’s time to retire for the night, enjoy luxurious accommodations that have seen almost a century of history.