Best Urban Hotels in China

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.

East meets west at this British institution nestled in the heart of New Zhujiang Town. Elegant Rococo interiors mark The Ritz-Carlton out as one of the more unusual properties in the otherwise very modern Guangzhou. Many of the 351 rooms and 91 fully serviced private residences offer river views. Those acquainted with the hotel brand (this was The Ritz-Carlton’s 72nd property) will enjoy a sense of familiarity and internationalism here. But charming accents of Chinese culture and history are found throughout the private and public areas. The cuisine is a mixture of Cantonese, Italian and Western, and The Churchill Bar boasts the city’s largest single-malt whiskey collection. Pamper yourself with Tea at the Ritz, served daily in the Pearl Lounge, accompanied by live music and a trip to the spa or heated outdoor pool.

TUVE, Hong Kong lies east of Victoria Park and offers a unique, minimalist stay for those who dream of tranquillity and simplicity. The hotel has 66 rooms, adorned with timeless décor, for guests looking to stray from the norm. The premier, deluxe, and comfort rooms are spacious and expertly decorated with natural materials to promote purity and quietness. Harmony is assured thanks to beautiful, soft lighting as well as the inviting natural light provided by large windows. TUVE is located in a calm neighbourhood to compliment the air of serenity that the hotel is renowned for and is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of surrounding areas. Despite TUVE’s intentional minimalism, your every need is met by the hotel’s facilities and dedicated, 24-hour reception team. It is no wonder TUVE boasts many accolades and comes highly recommended by guests.

If you prefer accommodation that is a bit tucked away from the city’s bustle, Shangri-La is it. Set in Zizhuyuan, the hotel has a serene environment that is complemented by a 3,000 m2 garden. Its interior is a blend of new and old decor. The different restaurant selections offer something for everyone. There is S.T.A.Y, the modern French restaurant, Shang Palace ah authentic Chinese cuisine, while Café Cha is perfect for breakfast. There is also the Garden Bar and Terrace for relaxing in the evening. The hotel has one building with 528 rooms and another with 142 rooms.

Suites in this complex on the Cotai stretch boast picture windows and minibars, as well as all the usual perks. As befits the resort’s name, decor is Venetian-themed, with gondola rides along interior canals adding to the illusion. Thirty dining alternatives, including a food court, cater for all tastes, while other attractions provided on site are shops, a gym, swimming pools, live entertainment and a casino. And if guests should want a change of scene, the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is within easy reach of all the sights.

Stay just a little way from Hong Kong Island, in the hubbub of colourful Kowloon. Hotel Icon, owned by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has Asia’s largest vertical indoor garden designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc and a Green Cafe – providing a welcome change in a sea of skyscrapers, walkways and roads. Hotel Icon also has 262 rooms, oodles of Chinese artwork, an outdoor pool, three restaurants and an elite glitzy club lounge with free drinks and snacks (for those choosing to upgrade).

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.

Set in International Finance Square, the Niccolo Chengdu has long served as a playground for the rich and famous. The 20-metre indoor lap pool is the perfect place to take a dip, while there is also an onsite sauna and fitness room. Each of the spacious 230 guestrooms and lavish suites is flooded with light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests are treated to an iPad mini as well as extremely fast WI-FI, 500-threadcount linen and luxurious Lorrenzo amenities. There are several excellent onsite restaurants to choose from with authentic Italian dishes being served at Niccolo Kitchen, Yue Hin offering classic Chinese dishes and a mixture of dishes from around the world are served at Pu’er.

Located in the central business and commercial district close to Wulin Square and Hangzhou Tower shopping mall, the JW Marriott Hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from West Lake. It has 305 guest rooms and suites, three glitzy restaurants (Man Ho, Cru Steakhouse and Asia Bistro) and a lobby lounge. Swim in the indoor pool, relax in the steam room and soothe aching muscles in the massage pool or the health club spa. Limousines are on hand to whisk guests around the city as required.

Located at the pinnacle of the towering Shenwan Huiyun Center, Shangri-La Nanshan, occupies the top 13 floors of the Shenwan Huiyun Center, and its 272 elegant rooms provide stunning views of Shenzhen Bay and the Hong Kong skyline, the verdant Overseas Chinese Town Wetland Park. The hotel features a Wellness Club on the 77th floor which provides a tranquil retreat for fitness and relaxation. Guests can enjoy a superb range of dining options including Café 66 for all-day dining, Summer Palace, which specialises in fine Cantonese and modern Chaoshan cuisine and the 360°Bar, Restaurant and Lounge presents contemporary style, creative cocktails and panoramic views. The hotel is conveniently located near three metro lines (Lines 2, 9, and 11) and just two metro stops away from the Futian High-Speed Train Station and a short 35-minute drive from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. Top attractions like Shenzhen Bay Park, Window of the World, and He Xiang Ning Art Museum are also within easy reach of this stunning hotel.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ impressive Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio boast the unmissable, 5-star InterContinental Grand Stanford, Hong Kong. The award-winning hotel stands tall over the Victoria Harbour in the heart of the Tsim Sha Tsui East district – renowned for shopping, business, and entertainment. Its 572 stylish rooms and suites offer remarkable vistas and unbeatable comfort to business and leisure travellers alike. This hotel is synonymous with luxury cuisine with 5 world class restaurants and bars. If you are looking to host a first-class conference or wedding, the Intercontinental Grand Stanford offers 12 event spaces to host from 10 to 350 people, catering options, and a dedicated Service Manager. For business, the hotel offers business services from 7am-11pm and for leisure, guests can enjoy the tranquil Sun Court Pool from 7am-9pm. With something to suit everyone, the hotel also provides 24-hour access to a full-equipped fitness studio and its ideal location allows for exploration of the attractions and festivities in Hong Kong’s CBD.

The Shangri-La group also offers the Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong. An urban resort in the Hung Ho district, its designer Andre Fu (responsible for the decor of the first hotel of our list) has once again woven his award-winning magic. Motifs reflect the neighbouring sea, while the outdoors is brought in, through the hotel’s signature aroma ‘Walk in the Woods’. 546 rooms all have minibars and Nespresso machines and all three eateries have alfresco areas – there’s even a Starbucks. Work out at Kerry Sports Base Camp, take a swim in the infinity pool, unwind at the spa, or simply watch the world go by on water as you lounge on the harbourside terrace.