Best Urban Hotels in China

Located in the same neighbourhood as The Langham and The Ritz-Carlton, the InterContinental is just a five-minute walk from the subway station. It’s one of the few in the city to have an outdoor pool, with loungers, parasols and a pool bar, there’s also an indoor pool alongside the spa. It has three restaurants; Xiangyuan, Café Zen and the Japanese-style Riva. Guests can also enjoy drinks and live entertainment at the Lobby Lounge with a large array of whiskies. The decor here takes on a Spanish-inspired and modern style, with the exception of the Chinese-themed suite.

The Jervois, Hong Kong offers deluxe guestrooms and suites to travellers wishing to experience comfort in a luxurious setting. This boutique hotel by National Properties is situated near Victoria Harbour and is comprised of spacious suites with private lift access and exquisite interior design features. Each luminous room is complete with an elegant marble bathroom and a calming rain shower designed by famed French designer, Christian Liaigre. The Jervois’ location in Sheung Wan, near the prestigious Central District, invites guests to explore the neighbourhood’s fine dining establishments, high-end shopping experiences, and Hong Kong’s many magnificent attractions. The hotel itself has a fully equipped gym, on-site business support, and round-the-clock security. A stay the The Jervois, Hong Kong ensures access to every necessity and a host of lavish luxuries in an expertly crafted setting for guests to enjoy and feel at home.

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.

Swim with garden views and soak in the whirlpool; watch the floating world go by on the tidal Qiantang River; visit one of the world’s most famous green tea plantations close by (and try a huge number of varieties in the lounges); and workout in the top class fitness centre at The Azure Qiantang. Dine at Panorama on the 22nd floor and Lan Ting on the 23rd floor, whose glamorous 1920s-era accents create a vintage glamour. Ceilings that mimic the sky, a palette of baby blues and soft taupes and gleaming high-shine floors create a sleek aesthetic.

Located moments away from the Nanjing Library and the Presidential Palace, The Grand Mansion Nanjing is the perfect base from which to explore the delights of Metropolitan Nanjing. Its 158 rooms and 16 opulent suites are adorned with artwork and artefacts. The rooms are open and spacious, and pay homage to Chinese history and heritage. They all come equipped with modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, Air conditioning and a minibar. The Grand Mansion is home to a fully equipped fitness centre, pool, business centre and Spa. It is home to four separate restaurants, including the Atrium, a restaurant which specialises in international cuisine. The Grand Mansion is a great place for families as it has its very own kid’s club and a separate children’s swimming pool.

Located in the centre of the Qujiang New District near the Dayan Pagoda and Xi’an Qujiang International Convention and Exhibition Center, the Wyndham Grand Xian South offers luxurious amenities in Shaanxi’s historic capital city. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda can be found just 400 metres away and is another popular place for guests to visit while in Xi’an. Retreat to one of their 565 over-sized, elegant guest rooms featuring flat-screen TV’s, free WiFi, plush bedding, and a spa-like bathroom. Upgrade to a Club Level Room for additional amenities and special benefits, or indulge in a unique duplex suite with walk-in wardrobe, complimentary happy hour, and awe-inspiring views of the Great Tang All Day Mall. There are excellent onsite restaurants where guests can enjoy traditional Cantonese cuisine, eclectic Southeast Asian fare, or Japanese specialities.

Nestled along the shores of West Lake, this hotel provides views of the water, the lush garden grounds and the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil ambience. Seamlessly blending traditional Chinese aesthetics and native artworks with contemporary elements, the architecture features graceful lines and intricate details. A sanctuary of tranquillity and rejuvenation, the spa provides beauty rituals inspired by ancient Chinese traditions. Curated experiences such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy lessons and traditional musical performances also enable guests to immerse in local heritage. The InterContinental’s rooftop bar is a standout feature and an ideal vantage point to admire the breathtaking West Lake sunsets.

Marriott’s funky W hotels are popular with younger travellers, seeking trendy luxury with a fun vibe. Interiors are glamorous, with bold colourful accents. 317 rooms at W Guangzhou are spread over 30 floors, with flat-screen TVs and minibars. The top-end suites are true party pads with Bose sound systems, karaoke rooms, wine cellars, balconies and whirlpool tubs. There are two great bars for late-night libation, a bistro, a restaurant offering gourmet Asian cuisine. W also has a fantastic spa, gym and an indoor pool – a hotel highlight – with a green living wall and city views.

Situated in the heart of the Cotai Strip, Londoner Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Macao blends Macao’s East-meets-West heritage with refined British elegance. Inspired by London’s Georgian architecture, the hotel features 2,405 stylish rooms and suites, including the exclusive Paiza Grand, offering 313 ultra-luxurious suites with dedicated butler service. Guests can indulge in five distinctive dining concepts, from international buffets at Hampton Court to dim sum and British pub fare at The Conservatory, alongside a soon-to-open Sichuan restaurant. The Royal Pool offers private cabanas with premium amenities, while the Health Club provides state-of-the-art fitness facilities. A tranquil spa with 15 treatment rooms, a grand ballroom spanning 52,647 square feet, and 161 breakout spaces make it a prime venue for events. Just minutes from cultural landmarks, Londoner Grand seamlessly combines authentic Macao experiences with The Luxury Collection’s signature sophistication.

The Beijing version of the Kempinski is located in the diplomatic district of Chaoyang with public transport only a few minutes away. The hotel incorporates European and Asian style decor to result in a classy and chic place. With 526 rooms that include grand deluxe, deluxe and superior rooms, guests have a wealth of options. Kempinksi is famous for its exclusive services, which entail a 24-hour butler. The hotel has state-of-the-art conference facilities, which is why it is perfect for corporate guests. It has a choice of 7 restaurants, Including Paulaner Bräuhaus, which has the best Bavarian cuisine.

Located in Beijing’s revitalised Shougang industrial zone, the Shangri-La Shougang Park offers 283 rooms and suites in a strikingly reimagined steel plant, blending raw architectural grandeur with the brand’s hallmark hospitality. The hotel stands as a centrepiece of Beijing’s urban regeneration, combining steel structures, lofty ceilings and glass facades with warm, contemporary interiors.

Dining is a major highlight, with Shang Brew serving craft beer and modern Chinese fare in an industrial-chic setting, Centennial Hall offering Cantonese specialities, and The Lobby Lounge presenting elegant afternoon tea with park views.

A wellness retreat awaits in the hotel’s fitness centre, indoor pool and spa, while family-friendly facilities include a dedicated Kids’ Adventure Zone. Just 20 minutes from the Winter Olympic venues and 40 minutes from Tiananmen Square, Shangri-La Shougang Park perfectly captures the creative spirit of modern Beijing.