The Best Hotels in Shanghai: Luxury and Affordable Stays

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• Hi Cian. I just stumbled on your post. I’ve been reading about Pudong vs Puxi. I know they offer different things but what’s your take on the best side of the river to stay on for a few days as a tourist? Thanks.

  • Thanks for reading, Ella! My personal take is Puxi, especially if it's your first time. You'll be right in the heart of the action – close to the Bund, great restaurants, and historic neighborhoods. Pudong is amazing to visit, but Puxi gives you that classic Shanghai energy. You can't go wrong either way, though!

• It's crazy how western society still depicts China as a 'developing nation'. They are so far ahead in terms of infrastructure and construction that its no longer a contest.

  • That's such a great point Remi, and I think it's something that genuinely strikes every visitor. The scale and modernity of the infrastructure in cities like Shanghai is truly breathtaking and definitely challenges outdated perceptions. It's a fascinating blend of being a global technological powerhouse while also navigating its own unique development path. Thanks for sharing that insight!

• The Affordable Stays section really stood out to me, especially the spotlight on Mia Hotel on Shaanxi South Road. I love how it strikes a balance between modern comfort and central access to major attractions like Jing’an Temple and Yu Garden without the premium price tag. The mention of soundproofed rooms and EV charging adds such thoughtful value, especially for travelers wanting both rest and sustainability. This feels like the kind of hidden gem that's perfect for curious, budget-conscious explorers who don’t want to sacrifice quality.

  I'm curious—how far in advance would you recommend booking hotels like Mia to get the best rate?

  • Hi Ravin, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! I'm glad Mia Hotel's balance of value and amenities stood out to you—it really is a gem.

    Great question on timing! For the best rates at places like Mia, I'd recommend booking 1-2 months in advance, especially during peak seasons like spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). Setting a price alert can also help snag a great deal, that way if the price drops after you book, you can sometimes rebook at the lower rate. 

    Hope you get to experience it for yourself soon and have a wonderful trip to Shanghai!

• I don’t travel myself, so guides like this aren’t something I usually seek out; but my sister travels often, and I know she’ll appreciate this. I’ll be forwarding her the link. It’s nice to see a guide that balances both luxury and budget options in a city as big as Shanghai. Even as someone who stays put, it’s interesting to read through and see how thoughtfully it’s laid out.

  • Hi there, thank you so much for forwarding this to your sister, that's so thoughtful of you! I'm really glad to hear that the guide was still interesting to read, even as a non-traveler. Striking that balance between luxury and affordable options was a key goal, so it means a lot that you noticed and appreciated that. I hope your sister finds some perfect options for her next trip!

• What an incredible roundup of Shanghai’s best stays — this guide beautifully captures how the city blends modern energy with timeless culture. I really appreciate how you balanced both luxury and affordable options, giving travelers something for every budget without compromising on experience. The descriptions are vivid and practical — I could practically picture myself enjoying skyline views at J Hotel one night and strolling to Yu Garden from Mia Hotel the next!
  I especially like how each listing highlights what truly makes it stand out — from HUALUXE’s boutique charm to The Shanghai EDITION’s heritage-meets-modern design. The inclusion of real guest impressions and nearby attractions adds so much credibility and context.
  Shanghai can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing accommodation, but this post makes it easy to match personality, price, and purpose. Definitely bookmarking this for my next visit — fantastic work, Cian!

  • Thank you for your comment! I'm so happy that the guide resonated with you so strongly and that you appreciated the balance between luxury and affordable stays! It's really nice to hear that the descriptions felt vivid and practical, and that the unique character of each hotel came through. Helping travelers find the perfect match for their style and budget makes the research worthwhile!

    Knowing you've bookmarked it for a future trip is the best compliment. Wishing you an amazing visit to Shanghai whenever you go!

• What a fantastic roundup… this post perfectly captures Shanghai’s mix of luxury, culture, and innovation! I love how you highlighted both the ultra-luxury stays like The Shanghai EDITION and J Hotel, as well as more affordable gems like Mia Hotel and EVEN Hotel Jinqiao. It’s great to see options for every type of traveler, whether someone’s chasing skyline views or looking for comfort on a budget.

  I’m curious, if it’s someone’s first time visiting Shanghai, would you recommend staying closer to the Bund for the views and nightlife, or in Jing’an for a more local, cultural experience?

  • Thank you so much for your kind words! That's a fantastic question for a first-time visitor. For a truly iconic introduction to Shanghai, I'd lean towards staying near the Bund. I think the ability to walk out your door and experience the breathtaking Shanghai skyline, historic architecture, and vibrant riverfront energy is unbeatable for a first impression. It places you right at the heart of the city's postcard view and offers easy access to nightlife. Jing'an is wonderful and has a great mix of its own, but the Bund area delivers that immediate "wow" factor that defines a first trip to Shanghai! 

• Excellent roundup, with a nice spread across neighbourhoods and budgets. For a first timer, which hotel offers the best balance of metro access and walkable food streets at night? If views are a priority, would you choose a Bund skyline room or a quieter Suzhou Creek outlook for a better overall stay?

  Marios

  • Hi Marios, For the best balance of metro access and walkable food streets, The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan or The Puli Hotel and Spa are your top choices. Both place you in the heart of Jing'an with superb subway links and a vibrant, food-filled neighborhood right outside your door.

    For the ultimate view, J Hotel, Shanghai Tower provides an unparalleled, dizzying perspective from the world's highest hotel. However, for a more classic and breathtaking view of the Bund skyline itself, The Shanghai EDITION is an exceptional choice, directly on the river for that iconic postcard scene. Hope you enjoy!

• Really enjoyed this guide — Shanghai has been on my travel list for years, and seeing the mix of affordable stays and high-end luxury options laid out this clearly is super helpful. I love that you included both airport-friendly hotels and the city-center boutique spots; it gives a good feel for what different types of trips might look like.

  The Shanghai EDITION and The Puli both caught my eye — totally different vibes, but each looks like an experience in itself. And the way you described Mia Hotel makes it sound like a great mid-range, no-stress pick for exploring the city without blowing the budget.

  Quick question: if it’s someone’s first time in Shanghai, do you think it’s better to stay near the Bund/People’s Square area, or somewhere quieter like Hengshan Road?

  • Hi Jason! For a first-time visitor, I'd probablyy recommend staying near the Bund/People's Square. It puts you right in the heart of the action, with the iconic sights, views of the Huangpu River, and really easy access to the metro. This area gives you the classic, energetic Shanghai experience and makes sightseeing incredibly convenient.

    Hengshan Road is wonderful for a quieter, more local vibe on a return trip, but for maximizing your time and an unforgettable first impression, the central location is best! Enjoy!

• I am always interested when I read luxury and affordable in the same sentence. And I have always wanted to take a trip to Shanghai.

  Reading through all the choices of hotel accommodation, I think I would go for the Ascott Huai Hai Road Hotel. The price is great and I like that it is sound proof as there is nothing worse than trying to sleep when guests elsewhere are making a noise. The indoor heated pool is also a bonus and having the use of a washing machine while you are on holiday is invaluable.

  • Great choice! The Ascott Huai Hai Road would be a brilliant choice for value and convenience. I think the features like soundproofing and washing machines make a real difference! Wishing you an amazing trip to Shanghai!

• This was a really helpful breakdown, especially separating affordable stays from true luxury rather than lumping everything together. Shanghai can feel overwhelming when choosing where to stay, so the district context you added made it much easier to compare options. For someone visiting for the first time, would you lean more toward Huangpu or Pudong in terms of walkability and overall experience?

  • Hi Mattie! For a first-time visitor, I'd lean toward Huangpu. I think it's the more walkable district for experiencing classic Shanghai, and really close to The Bund, Nanjing Road, and vibrant street life. Pudong's skyline is stunning, but it's a more modern, spread-out financial district, so Huangpu might be the ideal base for a well-rounded first impression.

    Hope that helps!