Shanghai City Guide - Hotels

Most of the new hotels in Shanghai are aimed (and priced) at the increasing number of business visitors to the city, therefore the distinction between a ‘business’ hotel and a ‘luxury’ one is somewhat difficult to make. Tourism is still developing and, although lower priced hotels exist, room rates at the international brand hotels remain high throughout most of the year, with the one exception being during the Christmas holidays. At all other times, occupancy rates are very high and discounted rooms hard to find.

The hotels below have been classed into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over US$250 per night)
$$$ (US$175 to US$249 per night)
$$ (US$100 to US$174 per night)
$ (up to US$99 per night)
The prices above are per double room per night, and include all taxes. Breakfast is usually included in the price.

Portman Ritz-Carlton

Popular with repeat corporate guests, this classy hotel forms part of the 'expat magnet' Shanghai Centre, which incorporates shops, bars and restaurants. Situated on busy Nanjing Road, its service levels and attention to detail have gleaned several awards. Its 578 spacious rooms are divided into seven categories, and regularly host visiting celebrities and politicians. The second-floor jazz lounge is a pleasant place to offload some expense account dollars.

Shanghai Centre (Puxi) 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu
Tel: (21) 6279 8888.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Price: $$$

Pudong Shangri-La

Riverfront location, impeccable service and views of the Bund make this popular with both leisure and business travellers. In late-2005, it opened a deluxe second tower and added three of the city's best restaurants: Jade on 36, Yi Café and Nadaman. The CHI spa is incredibly luxurious, and business facilities are extremely well-equipped. Upper-floor Bund-view rooms offer complimentary binoculars and views from the gym are awesome.

33 Fucheng Lu (Pudong)
Tel: (21) 6882 8888.
Website: www.shangri-la.com
Price: $$$$

Grand Hyatt

Located on the 53rd-87th floors of Pudong's modern art deco, 88-storey Jin Mao Tower, the Grand Hyatt is the highest hotel in the world. Sophisticated and innovative design permeates the entire hotel and the rooms are among Shanghai's most coveted. Several bars and restaurants are topped off by the 87th-floor Cloud 9 lounge bar, an ultra-swanky spot to sip a martini and gaze (a long way) down on the city below.

Jin Mao Tower (Pudong)
88 Shiji Da Dao
Tel: (21) 5049 1234.
Website: www.grand.hyatt.com
Price: $$$

JW Marriott

This futuristic 60-floor landmark is Marriott's China flagship. Adjacent to People's Park. It combines 342 elegant hotel rooms and suites with 255 serviced executive apartments. The 360-degree city views from the 38th floor lobby are sublime. The 40th floor JW Lounge Bar includes tables built into the windows and superb views across the city. Other services include a 24-hour business centre and Mandara Spa.

399 Nanjing Xi Lu (Puxi)
Tel: (21) 5359 4969.
Website: www.marriott.com
Price: $$$

Motel 168

Excellent budget chain now proliferating across the city. Basic rooms are exactly that, but excellent value “business rooms” are large with all modern facilities including satellite television, free Internet access and rainforest showers. Very popular with university and group trips and businessmen on a tight expenses budget.

1119 Yanan Xi Lu, near Fanyu Lu (Puxi)
Tel: (21) 6316 8168.
Website: www.motel168.com
Price: $

Sofitel Hyland

Soaring glass tower overlooking the pedestrianized Nanjing Lu shopping street, and a short walk from the Bund. Recently renovated, the calming interior is happily free from major design statements to inhibit its gentle ambience. As well as a comprehensive range of conference services, special Shanghainese and Cantonese wedding packages are offered.

505 Nanjing Dong Lu (Puxi)
Tel: (21) 6351 5888.
Website: www.accorhotels.com
Price: $$

Jing'an Hilton

Shanghai's grand dame of the hospitality trade helped open up the city to all the foreign brands now rushing in. It still retains perhaps the most convivial hotel atmosphere in the city and is extremely popular with visiting VIPs and sportsmen (Roger Federer has stayed here). It is in a great location between Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu and for those who really want to indulge, there is ozone-enriched bio-climatised air in The Spa.

250 Huashan Lu
Tel: (21) 6248 0000.
Website: www.hilton.com
Price: $$$

St Regis

Opened in 2001, the St Regis oozes real class – replete with personal butler service and opera-style balconied lobby. All 318 elegant and contemporary rooms (including 48 suites) offer complimentary broadband Internet access, BOSE CD wave radio, and rainforest showers. Two floors have dedicated ladies guest rooms. The mostly business clients enjoy a nightly free cocktail. Wi-Fi access is available in all rooms and public spaces and a 24-hour business centre, currency exchange, concierge and in-room dining services are provided.

889 Dong Fang Lu (Pudong)
Tel: (21) 5050 4567.
Website: www.stregis.com/shanghai
Price: $$$$