Frankly, Shanghai needs no introduction. Often the first stop for travelers exploring China, it’s not only the country’s most populous city but also one of its most dynamic. As a major hub for international trade, Western influences are visible throughout this vast metropolis, especially in its architecture and lifestyle. And when it comes to the best hotels in Shanghai, you’ll find that most blend East and West, much like the city itself.
While you’ll likely spend most of your time enjoying soup dumplings, admiring the iconic skyline, and visiting nearby water towns, make sure to also spend some time at your hotel. Because here’s the thing about Shanghai’s finest hotels: they’re not just a place to sleep at night—they’re an experience in themselves. Whether through engaging cultural activities, stunning architecture, or breathtaking views, these properties will elevate your trip.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Hotels in Shanghai:
For a Serene Retreat: Amanyangyun
For Boutique Luxury: Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li
For High Style: Upper House Shanghai
For an Urban Oasis: The PuLi Shanghai
For Views of the Bund: Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li
Photo: Courtesy of Capella
Tucked away in the former French Concession, Capella Shanghai offers guests the chance to stay in one of the last remaining clusters of shikumen. This style of architecture, unique to the city, blends Western townhouses with traditional Chinese courtyard living. Each villa spans five floors, with one- to three-bedroom options, featuring a mix of French-inspired furniture and Chinoiserie details that reflect the neighborhood’s history while incorporating feng shui principles to honor Chinese heritage. Wandering through the narrow alleys feels like stepping back in time, and once you reach the guest-only garden—complete with plush seating and a peaceful water feature—you’ll feel worlds away from the bustling sycamore-lined street just outside.
Photo: Courtesy of Capella
Attentive service is a hallmark of this intimate property, as is the spa in a nearby shikumen. There, you can customize an essential oil sachet before your treatment and end the experience with tremella soup, a dessert from Traditional Chinese Medicine that’s earned the nickname “beauty soup” for its collagen and hydrating properties. On site, you’ll also find a French restaurant by celebrated chef Pierre Gagnaire, a bakery that makes fresh bread and pastries every morning, and a bar that uses local ingredients in many of its cocktails. As you walk around the area, keep an eye out for historic Art Deco buildings—or, if you’re really curious about their stories, the hotel also offers a guided tour. —Christina Liao
Amenities: Complimentary activities, complimentary minibar, complimentary snacks and refreshments in the lobby, indoor plunge pool, restaurant, bar, spa, fitness center
Editor’s tip: Part of the complimentary programming includes a nightly drink at the bar, featuring a variety of classic cocktails with a local twist.
Address: 480 West Jianguo Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 20031
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Upper House Shanghai
Photo: Courtesy of Upper House Shanghai
Located in the heart of Jing'an, just steps away from the lively chaos of Nanjing West Road, Upper House is Shanghai’s ultimate hideaway for those seeking both privacy and high style. As you pull up through the bamboo-lined driveway and enter the lobby—with its jade-tiled walls and massive Murano glass chandelier—you’d never guess you were so close to one of the city’s busiest shopping areas. Decorated with a distinctive blend of Italian modernism and Chinese craftsmanship (the interiors were designed by Piero Lissoni), there’s a temple-like calm to the clean lines and dark woods that fill every corner of the property. The rooms are equally striking: when you open your door, the blinds rise to revealAll the sweeping views of the city beyond—best enjoyed from the freestanding soaking tub in your ensuite bathroom, which is generously stocked with Bamford products, including the essential geranium bath salts. It’s a masterclass in thoughtful East-meets-West design.
Photo: Courtesy of Upper House Shanghai
Another standout feature of The Upper House is its food and drink options. Every evening during my stay, every spot seemed buzzing with both locals and visitors. On the more casual side, there’s Café Gray Deluxe, an all-day restaurant and lounge on the third floor that turns into a moody cocktail bar at night and hosts a rotating series of culinary pop-ups. When I visited in December, the team was running a pop-up by the World’s 50 Best Bars, with mixologists from across East Asia crafting artisanal cocktails at various booths. But the real highlight is the superb Sui Tang Li restaurant, which is worth a visit even if you’re not staying here. It serves modern takes on classic dishes from Shanghainese, Sichuan, and Cantonese cuisines. Standouts include the rich, deeply umami jamón Ibérico xiao long bao with a colorful swirl on the wrapper, and the crunchy hazelnut foie gras paired with crispy scallion pancakes for scooping. Unsurprisingly, the dining room was packed. Most importantly, though, the hotel has a lovely residential feel—if you want to feel like a stylish, well-off Shanghainese for a few nights, this is the place to book. —Liam Hess
Amenities: Complimentary minibar (snacks and soft drinks), indoor swimming pool, hot tub, restaurants, bar/lounge, spa, 24-hour fitness center, bikes available, complimentary Wi-Fi
Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the excellent spa and fitness area, which includes a 33-meter indoor pool, a Finnish sauna, yoga and meditation classes, and facials from brands like Biologique Recherche and 111Skin.
Address: No. 366 Shi Men Yi Rd, Jing’An District, Shanghai, China, 200041
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Amanyangyun
Photo: Courtesy of Aman
Spread across 140 hectares just outside central Shanghai, this is arguably one of the most prized properties in Aman’s portfolio. Beyond being a peaceful sanctuary sought after by wealthy locals and well-to-do visitors, Amanyangyun also tells a beautiful story of conservation. When a much-needed reservoir in rural Fuzhou was approved in 2002, the fate of an ancient village seemed sealed. Chinese entrepreneur Ma Dadong couldn’t bear to lose this piece of his history from his native Jiangxi province. He took on the huge task of relocating 50 Ming and Qing Dynasty villas, along with 10,000 camphor trees, to be carefully reassembled brick by brick and replanted on the outskirts of Shanghai. Since opening in 2018, it’s often been praised as the city’s most impressive and luxurious hotel.
Photo: Courtesy of Aman
The mix of spacious suites and multi-bedroom standalone villas—most with private courtyards, and the villas also featuring large pools—is a masterclass in blending history with modern living. The resort’s heart is at Nan Shufang, where guests can join free activities like Chinese calligraphy and incense ceremonies in a building that was once a private school. And if that’s not enough to impress you, the lush grounds certainly will, from the bamboo grove to the pom-pom-like dwarf grass, or the expansive art gallery showcasing work from Chinese and international artists. The hotel also has one of the largest spas in Shanghai, with daily wellness classes, both indoor and outdoor pools, and a pilates and yoga studio. There’s no shortage of dining options either, including Lazhu, which honors the property’s Jiangxi roots, a lakeside Italian restaurant that uses ingredients from the on-site organic garden, Cantonese hot pot, and a teahouse that celebrates one of China’sMost Honored Rituals. —C.L.
Amenities: Complimentary activities and afternoon tea, indoor and outdoor pools, bike rental, art gallery, movie theater, restaurants, bar, spa, fitness center
Editor’s tip: There’s so much to do on the property that you’ll want to set aside a full day to skip the city and enjoy everything the resort has to offer. Art lovers should also plan their visit around the hotel’s annual festival in October.
Address: 6161 Yuanjing Rd, Minhang District, Shanghai, China, 201111
Book via Aman.com
The PuLi Shanghai
Photo: Courtesy of The PuLi Shanghai
Tucked away in Jing’An, just steps from West Nanjing Road—a popular shopping street lined with high-end stores and glitzy malls—the PuLi is a quiet escape despite its central location. The grand lobby, with its soaring ceiling and 105-foot Long Bar, makes an instant impression, but from there, the vibe is more about calm than excitement. The bamboo-lined outdoor terrace sits in front of a reflection pool, select rooms overlook the district’s namesake park, and the indoor infinity pool offers views of lush greenery.
Photo: Courtesy of The PuLi Shanghai
As the brand expands and the Shanghai property becomes the flagship for the PuLi Group, a major renovation is set to finish later this summer. All rooms will get a fresh look with custom furniture and original Chinese artwork, designed to feel like a collector’s home. Public spaces in the lobby and the spa will be updated too. Two new dining options will be introduced, including an eight-seat omakase restaurant, while the Long Bar will get a revamp, shifting from classic drinks to more creative cocktails that blend East and West. —C.K.
Amenities: Complimentary minibar, indoor pool, restaurants, bar, spa, fitness center
Editor’s tip: It’s worth making time for a massage by one of the skilled therapists at the spa.
Address: 1 Changde Rd, Jing’An District, Shanghai, China, 200040
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Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund
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When it comes to Shanghai’s skyline, most people head to the Bund along the western bank of the Huangpu River. This historic waterfront area is filled with European-style buildings, featuring stunning examples of Neoclassical, Baroque, and Art Deco architecture. Across the river, you’ll find the city’s iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, a must-see when it lights up at night. But if you want a photo that captures both old and new, the North Bund is a lesser-known, less crowded spot to take it all in. And for spectacular panoramic views from the comfort of a hotel, Banyan Tree is just down the road.
Photo: Limelight Studio
With 130 rooms, this hotel is the perfect urban retreat for travelers who want to be close to most of the city’s key attractions, but just far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle. All rooms overlook the river, but for the best experience, book one with a view of the Bund—you’ll see the Oriental Pearl Tower not just from the bed, but from the bathtub too. Even if you can’t get one of these popular rooms, the rooftop bar and Prince Kitchen restaurant both offer picture-perfect views. During your stay, be sure to visit the spa for one of the brand’s signature treatments, or take a dip in the indoor pool to beat jet lag. —C.L.
Amenities: Indoor pool, rooftop bar, restaurants, spa, fitness center
Editor’s tip: The city’s skyline lights go off promptly at 10 p.m. in winter and 11 p.m. in summer (except holidays), so make sure you’re back at the hotel before then to fully enjoy the night view.
Address: 19 Gongping Rd, Hongkou District, Shanghai, China, 200086
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the 5 best hotels in Shanghai written in a natural helpful tone
General Beginner Questions
Q What are the 5 best hotels in Shanghai right now
A While best can depend on your needs the toprated luxury hotels often include The Peninsula Shanghai The Bund Hotel The RitzCarlton Shanghai Pudong The Shanghai Edition and The PuLi Hotel and Spa These are consistently praised for location service and design
Q Which of these hotels is closest to The Bund
A The Peninsula Shanghai and The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund are literally on the Bund offering direct views of the Huangpu River The RitzCarlton Pudong is directly across the river giving you the famous skyline view of the Bund from your room
Q Are these hotels very expensive
A Yes these are all considered luxury 5star hotels Expect to pay a premium for the location service and amenities However prices vary by season You can often find better rates in winter or during weekdays
Location Views
Q I want a room with a view of the Oriental Pearl Tower Which hotel should I choose
A For a direct iconic view of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Pudong skyline stay at The Peninsula Shanghai or The Waldorf Astoria on the Bund Youll be looking at the tower from across the river If you want to be in the towers neighborhood The RitzCarlton Pudong offers incredible views of the Bund from the other side
Q Is it better to stay on the Bund side or the Pudong side
A It depends on your preference
Bund side You are in the historic walkable heart of old Shanghai with classic architecture and nightlife
Pudong side You are in the modern financial district with futuristic skyscrapers but youll need a taxi or metro to get to the historic areas
Amenities Practical Tips