Shanghai Hotel Recommendations 2026 Based on My Hosted Guests’ Honest Reviews
Data-backed hotel listing for guests who are planning to visit Shanghai
After hosting and assisting 222+ guests in Shanghai — through private tours, concierge services, and itinerary planning for both short and long stays — I noticed a clear disconnect between hotel marketing and the actual guest experience.
This blog is NOT the glossy photos. Not the “Top 10 Hotels in Shanghai” lists.
But what guests said after checking in, staying there, and navigating the city. After a self-investigative analysis, 222 guests stayed in 32 hotels. I took into consideration that some hotel choices were made by companies (i.e. business trips) or based on loyalty programs like AMEX, IHG, Bonvoy, etc. If you are considering booking hotels in Shanghai during your next visit, I hope this guide is helpful for your reference.
A local guide’s data-backed hotel guide, built from 222 real guest stays (2024-2026)
Introduction:
This article is not sponsored.
Every recommendation here is based on:
Where my guests actually stayed
Their post-stay feedback
My own experience visiting these hotels as a private guide and as a Shanghai Experience Designer. I observe the hotel staff from a guest’s perspective and sometimes interact with them when necessary to form an impression of whether or not I would recommend them.
Some hotels are global luxury brands. Others are lesser-known local or regional names.
What matters here is fit — how well a hotel supports the way people actually experience Shanghai.
I also created this Apple Maps Guide for iPhone users. This gives you an idea of where these hotels are distributed around the city.
What the Data Shows
From 222+ guests across 32+ hotels, several patterns emerged:
People’s Square and Jing’an / West Nanjing Road dominate first-time stays due to convenience
Bund hotels are popular, but value for experiences varies
Former French Concession (FFC), Xintiandi, and North Bund generate the most positive feedback
Popularity does not equal satisfaction
| People’s Square (21.3%) | Bund / East Nanjing (17.6%) | Jing’an / West Nanjing (17.0%) | Lujiazui (12.8%) | FFC (11.2%) | North Bund (10.6%) | Xintiandi (6.9%) | Other (2.7%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conrad | Peninsula Shanghai | Upper House | Mandarin Oriental | Capella Shanghai | Regent Shanghai on the Bund | Langham Xintiandi | Disney Hotel |
| Radisson Blu Shanghai New World | The Shanghai EDITION | The Sukhothai Shanghai | Ritz-Carlton Shanghai | Donghu Collection | SAVHE Hotel | Andaz Xintiandi | Crowne Plaza Hongqiao |
| JW Marriott Tomorrow Square | Peace Hotel | Alila Shanghai | Regent Pudong | Mia Hotel (South Shaanxi Rd) | Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai | Riverdale Xintiandi | Longemont Hotel |
| Marriott Marquis | Renaissance Yu Garden | Shangri-la Jing'an | Atour | Shangri-La Qiantan | |||
| Opartment | Westin Bund Center | Atour | |||||
| Others like Crown Plaza, Yangtze Hotel, Greencourt | Blossom House |
Shanghai Hotel Recommendations by Area
(Based on Real Guest Stays & Honest Feedback)
Pricing note: per night, double occupancy, excluding peak holidays
USD ≈ RMB ÷ 7.2 (rounded)
Room sizes reflect typical entry → higher-category rooms
Former French Concession (FFC)
Best for: Walkability, cafés, dining, a lived-in Shanghai feel
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li
Full address: 480 Jianguo West Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2017
Number of rooms: ~55 villas
Room size: ~100–200+ sqm / ~1,075–2,150+ sqft
Price range: RMB 7,000–12,000+ / USD 970–1,670+
Guest feedback:
“Didn’t feel like a hotel.”
“Unmatched service and privacy.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Budget-conscious travelers
Guests who want busy lobbies or nightlife
Donghu Collection
Full address: 70 Donghu Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Opened / last renovation: Historic property, renovated mid-2020s
Number of rooms: ~50–60
Room size: ~28–45 sqm / ~300–485 sqft
Price range: RMB 1,500–2,500 / USD 210–350
Guest feedback:
“Felt like living in Shanghai.”
“charming, great location and neighboruhood to walk/bike around.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Travelers who prefer large international brands
There are also Blackstone M+ Hotel, Metropolitan Seclusive Life on Wukang Road, InterContinental Hotel (Historic architecture), and Atours in the area. Sadly, Mia Hotel on South Shanxi is currently sold and under maintenance.
2. Jing’an / West Nanjing Road
Best for: Central access, modern comfort, shopping
Upper House
Formerly known as the Middle House Shanghai, name changed since October 2025
Full address: HKRI Taikoo Hui, 500 Weihai Rd, Jing’an District
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2010
Number of rooms: ~111
Room size: ~70–95 sqm / ~750–1,020 sqft
Price range: RMB 3,500–6,000 / USD 485–835
Guest feedback:
“So much space.”
“Love the attachment to Taikoohui for great shopping, local food, walking distance to Zhangyuan and subway station with 3 lines”
Who this hotel is not for:
budget travelers
The Sukhothai Shanghai
Full address: 380 Weihai Rd, Jing’an District
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2018
Number of rooms: ~200
Room size: ~44–60 sqm / ~475–645 sqft
Price range: RMB 2,200–3,500 / USD 305–485
Guest feedback:
“Peaceful, minimalistic design.”
“Excellent breakfast.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Travelers wanting a lively hotel atmosphere
Party-focused visitors
Alila Shanghai
Full address: 500 Weihai Rd, Jing’an District
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2023
Number of rooms: ~186
Room size: ~45–65 sqm / ~485–700 sqft
Price range: RMB 2,500–4,000 / USD 350–555
Guest feedback:
“Stylish and calm.”
“Spa is a highlight.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Budget travelers
Prefer quiet neighbourhood
Atour (Selected Locations)
Full address: Multiple locations
Opened / last renovation: Mostly post-2018
Number of rooms: ~150–300
Room size: ~28–35 sqm / ~300–375 sqft
Price range: RMB 700–1,200 / USD 100–165
Guest feedback:
“NEW! Big screen, great connectivity, has robots delivery! Very comfy showers, and bed. Way better than expected for its price.”
“Excellent value, FREE Laundry is a win!! Very thoughtful designs”
Who this hotel is not for:
Luxury seekers
Guests wanting large rooms
3. People’s Square
Best for: First-time visitors, logistics, transit
Opartment
Full address: Near People’s Square (varies by building)
Opened / last renovation: Historical, recently renovated
Number of rooms: Varies
Room size: ~45–80 sqm / ~485–860 sqft
Price range: RMB 1,500–2,800 / USD 210–390
Guest feedback:
“So much more space than hotels.”
“Feels like a home base.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Guests wanting hotel facilities or social atmosphere
JW Marriott Shanghai (People’s Square)
Full address: 555 Xizang Middle Rd, Huangpu District
Opened / last renovation: Renovated mid-2010s
Number of rooms: ~330
Room size: ~38–45 sqm / ~410–485 sqft
Price range: RMB 1,800–3,000 / USD 250–420
Guest feedback:
“Rooms are a bit dated, multiple complaints about cigarette smells in some cases”
“Good central base, amazing views standard 5-star hotel with great breakfast.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Travelers seeking character or boutique charm
Blossom House Shanghai On the Bund
Full address: 386 Renmin Road, Huangpu District
Opened / last renovation: 2020
Number of rooms: ~222
Room size: ~23–58 sqm / ~254–624 sqft
Price range: RMB 940–2,250 / USD 131–313
Guest feedback:
“Great location, very modern and great views”
“Amazing experience for its value, with a great river view too!”
”A comfortable stay with a more local but modern touch, helpful staff”
Who this hotel is not for:
Big families
Seek big brands
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World ⚠️
Full address: 88 Nanjing West Rd, Huangpu District
Opened / last renovation: Early-2000s, partial renovations
Number of rooms: ~360
Room size: ~35–45 sqm / ~375–485 sqft
Price range: RMB 1,500–2,500 / USD 210–350
Guest feedback:
“Dated.”
“Overrun by tour groups.”
” Rotating restaurant with spectacular views”
Who this hotel is not for:
Guests sensitive to crowds
Luxury and Boutique experience seeker
4. North Bund
Best for: Quieter river area, fewer tourists
SAVHE Hotel *Guests’ Favorite
SAVHE is one of those hotels that rarely appears on international “top hotel” lists, yet consistently earns positive reactions from my guests.
Full address: 1 North Sichuan Rd, Hongkou District
Opened / last renovation: Mid-2010s, refreshed
Number of rooms: ~200
Room size: ~30–55 sqm / ~320–590 sqft
Price range: RMB 1,200–2,000 / USD 165–280
Guest feedback:
“Quiet and modern, lesser known but highly satisfied.”
“Would happily stay again.”
“Very attentive and friendly staff, love the welcoming tea and all the thoughtful amenities, we even bought the amazing hair dryer home!”
Who this hotel is not for:
who need a swimming pool during their stay
don’t enjoy walking in local neighborhood
Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai
Full address: 33 North Henan Rd, Hongkou District
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2018
Number of rooms: ~82
Room size: ~60–120 sqm / ~645–1,290 sqft
Price range: RMB 5,500–8,000 / USD 765–1,110
Guest feedback:
“Luxury without chaos.”
”Very discreet location, great privacy”
Who this hotel is not for:
Budget-conscious travelers
Regent Shanghai on the Bund
Full address: 60 Gongping Rd, Hongkou District
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2023
Number of rooms: ~135
Room size: ~45–70 sqm / ~485–755 sqft
Price range: RMB 3,000–5,000 / USD 420–695
Guest feedback:
“New and polished. BEST VIEWS!”
“Staff’s English communication can be improved”
Who this hotel is not for:
budget traveler
5. Lujiazui (CBD Pudong)
Best for: Business travelers, skyline views, closer to PVG airport
Mandarin Oriental, Pudong
Full address: 111 Pudong South Rd, Pudong New Area
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2013
Number of rooms: ~360
Room size: ~50–80 sqm / ~540–860 sqft
Price range: RMB 3,000–5,000 / USD 420–695
Guest feedback:
“Professional and comfortable. Location is a bit off but tuck edaway from heavy touristic spots”
Who this hotel is not for:
Travelers seeking neighbourhood life
Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Full address: IFC, 8 Century Ave, Pudong New Area
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2010
Number of rooms: ~285
Room size: ~50–85 sqm / ~540–915 sqft
Price range: RMB 3,500–6,000 / USD 485–835
Guest feedback:
“Great views.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Guests wanting a boutique or local feel
Two other that guests frequently booked are Regent Pudong and IFC residence
6. Bund / East Nanjing Road
Best for: Iconic views (with trade-offs)
Why I Usually Don’t Recommend Staying on the Bund
The Bund looks spectacular—but staying there often doesn’t match expectations.
Common guest feedback:
Too touristy and heavy, bad traffic on the one-way streets in the area
Limited local dining options nearby
Less convenient subway access
Feels disconnected from daily Shanghai life
That said, some guests want the Bund experience—and for them, I only recommend these options:
The Peninsula Shanghai
Full address: 32 Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu District
Opened / last renovation: Opened in 2009, periodically renovated
Number of rooms: ~235
Room size: ~54–89 sqm / ~580–960 sqft
Price range: RMB 3,500–6,000 / USD 485–835
Guest feedback:
“Impeccable service and very spacious rooms.”
“Feels formal but extremely polished.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Guests looking for a casual, neighborhood-style stay
Travelers who prefer lively surroundings outside the hotel
Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund
Full address: 20 Nanjing East Rd, Huangpu District
Opened / last renovation: first built in 1929, Art Deco era, periodically renovated
Number of rooms: ~270
Room size: ~40–50 sqm / ~430–540 sqft
Price range: RMB 2,000–3,500 / USD 280–485
Guest feedback:
“Stayed for the history, great jazz band experience in the evening”
”Decent services, love the breakfast, high standard concierge, timeless and classic”
Who this hotel is not for:
Guests seeking modern and futuristic luxury
The Shanghai EDITION
Full address: 199 Nanjing East Rd, Huangpu District
Opened / last renovation: Opened 2018
Number of rooms: ~145
Room size: ~45–60 sqm / ~485–645 sqft
Price range: RMB 3,500–5,500 / USD 485–765
Guest feedback:
“Modern, Comfortable with great views.”
Who this hotel is not for:
Travelers who dislike busy tourist zones
accessibility, the hotel parking spot is disconnected from the main entrance.
Blossom House Shanghai On the Bund
This hotel is lesser known, and it’s within walking distance to the “older part of Shanghai and Yu Garden, also walking distance to the less crowded area of the Bund. Very unique stay with a local touch, the hotel also organises activities like a Chinese tea ceremony for guests, which I find very thoughtful. Spoke to their staff and they were so kind.
Full address: 386 Renmin Road, Huangpu District
Opened / last renovation: 2020
Number of rooms: ~222
Room size: ~23–58 sqm / ~254–624 sqft
Price range: RMB 940–2,250 / USD 131–313
Guest feedback:
“Great location, very modern and great views”
“Amazing experience for its value, with a great river view too!”
”A comfortable stay with a more local but modern touch, helpful staff”
Who this hotel is not for:
Big families
Seek big brands
Notes When Booking in China
Passport registration is required at check-in for all non-Chinese citizens. The hotel will handle this, but you must have your passport and visa/entry information.
Some small guesthouses / unlicensed B&Bs are not foreign-guest friendly — but none of these hotels fall into that category.
“Popularity does not always equal guest satisfaction.”
Shanghai is a city where where you stay shapes how you experience it.
This guide isn’t about ranking hotels — it’s about choosing the right fit for how you actually travel.
I’ll continue updating this guide as I host more guests and see how hotels perform in real life — always grounded in honest experience, not marketing claims.
If you’re unsure where to stay or whether your currently booked hotel is a good fit, I’m always happy to help. You can share the details or questions by filling out the form below. I will do my best to provide you with answers and recommendations via email if you’d like.