Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Captain Hostel
A legendary backpacker institution located in a heritage building just one block from the Bund, Captain Hostel has been welcoming travelers for decades. The nautical-themed rooftop bar has unbeatable views of the Bund waterfront, and the mix of dorms and private rooms suits all budgets.
Check rates on Booking.comMingtown Hiker Youth Hostel
A popular and friendly budget hostel in the heart of the old city near Yu Garden, offering clean dorm rooms and private rooms at excellent prices. The hostel organizes walking tours and bike rentals, making it a great choice for independent travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comMadison Shanghai
A stylish budget hotel in the trendy French Concession with compact but well-designed rooms in a restored lane house. The location puts guests within walking distance of Tianzifang, Xintiandi, and the best bars and restaurants in the city.
Check rates on Booking.comMix Hostel Shanghai
A vibrant hostel in Jing'an catering to the backpacker community with a lively common area, regular social events, and comfortable dorm beds. The location near Jing'an Temple metro station provides easy access to every corner of the city.
Check rates on Booking.comJinjiang Inn (Various Locations)
China's largest budget hotel chain with dozens of properties across Shanghai offers clean, reliable accommodation at very affordable prices. Rooms are basic but comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, making them ideal for travelers prioritizing location and value over luxury.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Le Royal Meridien Shanghai
A well-located 4-star hotel towering over Nanjing East Road with contemporary rooms offering city views. The hotel's central location on the pedestrian shopping street makes it ideal for exploring both the Bund and People's Square on foot.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt on the Bund
Positioned directly on the North Bund with unobstructed views of the classic Bund buildings and Pudong skyline, this well-appointed hotel offers excellent value for a Bund-area location. The VUE bar and restaurant on the top floors are popular venues in their own right.
Check rates on Booking.comRadisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Housed in the distinctive revolving New World building at the top of Nanjing Road, this well-equipped hotel offers panoramic city views from most rooms. The rotating restaurant at the summit and proximity to People's Square are key draws.
Check rates on Booking.comNovotel Shanghai Atlantis
A family-friendly hotel in Pudong with comfortable rooms, extensive facilities, and easy access to Century Park and the Science and Technology Museum. Popular with tour groups and families, the hotel has a dedicated kids' club and multiple dining options.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
A reliable business-oriented hotel in the Xujiahui commercial hub, offering spacious modern rooms with good connectivity to metro lines serving the whole city. Well-positioned for both business travelers and tourists exploring Xuhui and the French Concession.
Check rates on Booking.comHoliday Inn Shanghai Pudong Nanpu
A well-priced hotel with comfortable rooms in Pudong's emerging Nanpu district, offering excellent metro connections to the Bund and other attractions. The outdoor pool and on-site dining make it a practical base for families and budget-conscious business travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comIbis Shanghai Nanjing Road
A smart budget-tier hotel offering clean, modern rooms in a superb location on Nanjing Road, just minutes from People's Square and the Bund. The no-frills approach keeps prices low without compromising on location.
Check rates on Booking.comMOXY Shanghai Hongqiao
Marriott's fun, design-forward budget brand positioned at Hongqiao transport hub, ideal for early flights or late arrivals at Hongqiao Airport or train station. The playful interiors, 24-hour bar, and grab-and-go food concept appeal to younger travelers and millennials.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
The Peninsula Shanghai
An iconic landmark occupying the prestigious 1928 heritage building at the northern tip of the Bund, The Peninsula is widely considered Shanghai's finest hotel. Impeccably furnished rooms overlook either the Bund promenade or the dazzling Lujiazui skyline, and the hotel's fleet of Rolls-Royces and private yacht complete the classic grand hotel experience.
Check rates on Booking.comFairmont Peace Hotel
Opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel and once called the finest hotel east of Suez, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is an art deco masterpiece on the Bund. Glamorous public spaces, the legendary Jazz Bar, and rooms with stunning river or city views make it an unmissable Shanghai experience.
Check rates on Booking.comWaldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
A stunning combination of a restored 1910 Shanghai Club building and a sleek modern tower, the Waldorf Astoria offers palatial rooms with Bund or river views. The legendary Long Bar — once the longest bar in the world — is a prime attraction in itself.
Check rates on Booking.comPark Hyatt Shanghai
Occupying floors 79-93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Park Hyatt is among the world's highest hotels with jaw-dropping views from every room and facility. The 100 Century Avenue restaurant and the rooftop pool at 85 floors up are extraordinary experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comBulgari Hotel Shanghai
Opened in 2018, the Bulgari is the height of contemporary luxury in Shanghai's Jing'an District, occupying a jewel-box tower adjacent to a beautifully restored 1934 heritage villa. The intimate 82-room hotel features the acclaimed Il Ristorante by Niko Romito and a breathtaking rooftop pool.
Check rates on Booking.comMandarin Oriental Pudong
Soaring above the Lujiazui financial district, the Mandarin Oriental Pudong offers magnificent views of the Bund from its floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel's Pane e Acqua restaurant, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, and a stunning infinity pool create an unmatched luxury retreat.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Hotel Shanghai
A refined urban oasis on Weihai Road in Jing'an, the Four Seasons combines classic luxury with warm, personalized service. The beautifully appointed rooms, rooftop pool with city views, and exceptional Camelia Restaurant make it a perennial favorite for business and leisure travelers alike.
Check rates on Booking.comW Shanghai – The Bund
Dramatically situated on the South Bund with sweeping river views, the W Shanghai is a high-energy lifestyle hotel with bold design and vibrant nightlife. The WET infinity pool overlooking the Bund and the WOOBAR are must-experience Shanghai spots.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Sukhothai Shanghai
A serene luxury retreat in the heart of the French Concession, The Sukhothai blends Bangkok-inspired elegance with Chinese heritage elements. Beautiful gardens, the excellent Zuk Bar, and a tranquil spa make it a peaceful sanctuary amid the city buzz.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
The Bund / Huangpu
The most prestigious address in Shanghai with colonial architecture, luxury hotels, and fine dining overlooking the Huangpu River. Walking distance to Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and People's Square.
Best for: First-time visitors wanting the classic Shanghai experience
French Concession (Xuhui)
Tree-lined avenues with the best independent restaurants, coffee shops, boutique hotels, and bars. The most liveable and charming neighborhood for exploring on foot.
Best for: Foodies, couples, and those seeking local atmosphere
Jing'an
Central district with excellent metro connections, luxury shopping on Nanjing West Road, and a growing cluster of high-end restaurants and bars around West Nanjing Road.
Best for: Business travelers and those wanting central access to all districts
Lujiazui / Pudong
Home to Shanghai's iconic towers, the financial district has excellent luxury hotels with Bund views, plus Century Park and the science museum for families.
Best for: Business travelers and those wanting ultra-modern luxury
Hongqiao
Convenient district adjacent to Hongqiao Airport and high-speed rail station, with modern hotels and shopping malls. Less scenic but very practical for early departures.
Best for: Travelers with early flights or late arrivals at Hongqiao
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
The Peninsula Shanghai
An iconic landmark occupying the prestigious 1928 heritage building at the northern tip of the Bund, The Peninsula is widely considered Shanghai's finest hotel. Impeccably furnished rooms overlook either the Bund promenade or the dazzling Lujiazui skyline, and the hotel's fleet of Rolls-Royces and private yacht complete the classic grand hotel experience.
Check rates on Booking.comFairmont Peace Hotel
Opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel and once called the finest hotel east of Suez, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is an art deco masterpiece on the Bund. Glamorous public spaces, the legendary Jazz Bar, and rooms with stunning river or city views make it an unmissable Shanghai experience.
Check rates on Booking.comWaldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
A stunning combination of a restored 1910 Shanghai Club building and a sleek modern tower, the Waldorf Astoria offers palatial rooms with Bund or river views. The legendary Long Bar — once the longest bar in the world — is a prime attraction in itself.
Check rates on Booking.comPark Hyatt Shanghai
Occupying floors 79-93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Park Hyatt is among the world's highest hotels with jaw-dropping views from every room and facility. The 100 Century Avenue restaurant and the rooftop pool at 85 floors up are extraordinary experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comBulgari Hotel Shanghai
Opened in 2018, the Bulgari is the height of contemporary luxury in Shanghai's Jing'an District, occupying a jewel-box tower adjacent to a beautifully restored 1934 heritage villa. The intimate 82-room hotel features the acclaimed Il Ristorante by Niko Romito and a breathtaking rooftop pool.
Check rates on Booking.comMandarin Oriental Pudong
Soaring above the Lujiazui financial district, the Mandarin Oriental Pudong offers magnificent views of the Bund from its floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel's Pane e Acqua restaurant, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, and a stunning infinity pool create an unmatched luxury retreat.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book Bund-area hotels 3-4 months ahead for peak season (May-June, Sep-Oct)
Check hotel websites directly as they often offer lower rates and free upgrades vs. booking platforms
Hotels require passport registration — bring your passport for check-in
Many hotels offer airport transfer packages; compare vs. maglev + metro for value
The French Concession is the best area for mid-range boutique hotels with local character
Avoid booking during Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Chinese New Year as prices triple and the city is overwhelmingly crowded
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.