The Best Luxury Hotels in Shanghai

Shanghai, perched on China’s eastern seaboard, is a city where innovation and heritage collide in dazzling fashion.  As one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises and China’s economic epicenter, Shanghai has evolved from its origins as a modest fishing port to become a global capital of commerce, design, and gastronomy. Dubbed the ‘Paris of the East’ during its glamorous 1930s heyday, the city is famed for its fusion of European and Chinese influences, reflected in everything from its eclectic cuisine to its vibrant street life and distinctive Shanghainese dialect. At the city’s core, the Bund offers a living showcase of architectural grandeur, with a mile-long riverside promenade flanked by Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical masterpieces. Strolling here is a must for any visitor. Across the Huangpu River, futuristic Pudong rises with record-breaking skyscrapers, including the soaring Shanghai Tower and the unmistakable Oriental Pearl TV Tower—both icons of the city’s relentless growth.  Here is our expertly curated guide to Shanghai’s most exceptional luxury hotels, each offering an unparalleled perspective on this extraordinary city:

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong - 9/10  Commanding a prime location in Lujiazui’s financial heart, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong offers guests panoramic vistas over the Bund and the Huangpu River. This hotel merges its Art Deco roots with contemporary flair, set within a striking 58-storey tower. The intimate hexagonal lobby—adorned with deep red walls, plush seating, and opulent chandeliers—immediately sets a tone of refined indulgence. The 194 guest rooms and 59 suites feature Asian-inspired metalwork, rich wood panelling, and tactile wall coverings. Marble bathrooms, complete with oversized bathtubs and signature Asprey amenities, provide a sanctuary above the city. Window-side sofas invite you to linger over the glittering skyline at night.

Dining is a highlight: Michelin-starred Jin Xuan elevates Cantonese classics on the 53rd floor, while Scena serves authentic Italian fare in a sunlit, rustic-chic setting. The Aura Lounge is ideal for afternoon tea or live jazz evenings, but the true showpiece is Flair, China’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant, where the Oriental Pearl Tower feels within arm’s reach from its split-level terrace. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, perched on the 55th floor, features a 24-hour fitness center, restorative massage therapies, and a tranquil dry sauna—all with breathtaking city views.

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Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai - 9/10  Nestled among the gleaming towers of Pudong’s financial hub, the Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai is synonymous with understated elegance and world-class hospitality. Its 318 rooms and 44 suites balance modern comfort with Asian artistry, offering sweeping skyline and river views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Presidential Suite, occupying much of the 25th floor, is a lavish retreat with a private wine cellar, full kitchen, formal dining space, rooftop garden, and two master bedrooms.

The award-winning spa, a serene haven with 13 private suites, promotes holistic wellness through therapies such as the signature Chinese Meridian massage. Guests enjoy access to a crystal steam room, aroma showers, tepidarium loungers, sauna, and a spacious indoor pool. For dining, Fifty 8° Grill—helmed by a Michelin-starred chef—delivers modern French cuisine, while Fu He Hui, a Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant led by Chef Tong Lu, offers an inspired tasting-menu experience. Unwind with afternoon tea at Riviera Lounge or indulge in sweet creations from The Mandarin Cake Shop.

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The Peninsula Shanghai - 9/10  A flagship in the Peninsula Hotels portfolio, The Peninsula Shanghai stands as an icon of sophistication on the historic Bund, offering uninterrupted views of the river and Pudong skyline. The estate encompasses luxury residences, manicured gardens, a curated shopping arcade, and the landmark No.1 Waitanyuan, the former British Consulate. The 235 rooms—including 44 suites—are spacious and exquisitely appointed, with the Palace and Peninsula Suites featuring wraparound terraces and private fitness studios.

Dining at The Peninsula is a gastronomic journey: the hotel is the only property in mainland China boasting two Michelin-starred restaurants. Yi Long Court presents refined Cantonese fare in a lavish setting reminiscent of a 1930s nobleman’s residence, complete with private dining salons and a Chef’s Table. Sir Elly’s Restaurant and rooftop bar serve contemporary European cuisine with panoramic views. Salon de Ning’s glamorous interiors and themed cocktails evoke Shanghai’s golden era, while the Compass Bar offers premium spirits and creative tapas in a maritime-inspired lounge. The Peninsula Spa delivers bespoke treatments in seven tranquil suites, complemented by a 25-meter indoor pool and a state-of-the-art gym facility.

Amanyangyun, Shanghai - 9/10  Set within a centuries-old camphor forest in Minhang, Amanyangyun is a tranquil hideaway that redefines luxury through cultural preservation. The resort’s extraordinary story began when 50 Ming and Qing dynasty villas and thousands of camphor trees were meticulously relocated from Fuzhou to Shanghai, a monumental feat that has garnered global acclaim. Today, 13 restored antique villas form the heart of the property, complemented by 24 contemporary Courtyard Suites. Each Ming Courtyard Suite features dual courtyards, minimalist interiors with pale timber screens, and spa-like bathrooms with oversized rain showers and deep soaking tubs.

The Aman Spa positions Amanyangyun as a premier wellness destination, with indoor and outdoor pools, private bathhouses, a Hammam, Russian banya, Pilates and yoga studios, and expert-led holistic treatments including traditional Chinese medicine consultations and acupuncture. Nanshufang, the cultural center, offers immersive programs in calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and incense art. Culinary highlights include Lazhu, which celebrates Jiangxi, Shanghainese, and Cantonese flavors, and Arva, a lakeside Italian restaurant inspired by farm-to-table traditions. The Bar provides a refined setting for signature cocktails or afternoon tea between cultural pursuits.

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Dining options are diverse: Camelia offers refined Italian cuisine, Mi Teppanyaki presents expertly prepared sushi, and Shang-Xi excels at authentic Cantonese dishes. The 41st-floor FLARE Spa, in partnership with NATURA BISSÉ, features signature beauty rituals and personalized wellness therapies. Lavish VIP spa suites include private steam, sauna, rain showers, and whirlpool tubs. After a session in the fitness center, unwind in the sauna or steam room, or take a dip in the sparkling indoor infinity pool. Note: The Regent Shanghai Pudong was formerly known as Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai Pudong.

The Middle House - 9/10  Situated in the vibrant Dazhongli district, The Middle House is an architectural marvel by The House Collective, spanning two sleek towers inspired by Shanghai’s historic Shikumen style. Italian designer Piero Lissoni infused the property with a blend of Chinese elements—porcelain, ceramics, and bamboo—resulting in a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The lobby’s emerald bamboo tiles, a dazzling 3,760-crystal Venetian chandelier, and an impressive collection of contemporary Chinese art set the scene for a stylish arrival.

The 111 guest rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed in a palette of charcoal, nutmeg, and navy, featuring bespoke ceramic headboards, calligraphy accents, leather-wrapped speakers, and innovative lighting controls. Bathrooms are separated by glass partitions and come stocked with plush amenities. Complimentary minibars (with soft drinks and local beers), Lululemon yoga mats, and hand weights add personal touches. Culinary options include Frasca for authentic Italian fare and Sui Tang Li for modern Chinese cuisine, while Café Gray Deluxe serves breakfast indoors or al fresco. The subterranean wellness area houses a serene pool, sauna, steam room, gym, yoga studio, juice bar, and a HYPOXI fitness space.

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Bulgari Hotel, Shanghai - 9/10  Positioned just steps from the Bund, the Bulgari Hotel Shanghai is a dazzling showcase of Italian luxury and Shanghai’s cosmopolitan spirit. Part of the visionary SUHE CREEK development, the hotel occupies the uppermost eight floors of a 48-storey tower, offering 82 rooms—including 19 suites—with spectacular views of Pudong’s skyline. The 2,000-square-metre Bulgari Spa and wellness center is a destination in itself, boasting comprehensive fitness facilities and bespoke spa treatments. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito celebrates the best of Italian cuisine from its rooftop perch, while Bao Li Xuan delivers refined Cantonese specialties in the atmospheric Chamber of Commerce building next door.

On the ground floor, the Bulgari boutique tempts guests with the latest jewelry, watches, and accessories, while Il Cioccolato offers artisanal chocolates crafted to Bulgari’s exacting standards. For exploring the city, guests can choose between complimentary MOMODESIGN carbon fiber bicycles or a chauffeured Maserati limousine. Every detail, from the curated artwork to the attentive service, reflects Bulgari’s commitment to elevated hospitality.

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The PuLi Hotel and Spa, Shanghai - 9/10

Perfectly positioned between Nanjing West Road and YanAn Road in the bustling Jing’An district, The PuLi Hotel and Spa redefines the concept of the urban resort. From the moment you enter, polished stone floors, serene lines, silk wall panels, and curated ancient artefacts create a tranquil, sophisticated ambiance. The 229 guest rooms are minimalist yet sumptuous, with dark timber accents, luxurious white linens, and deep soapstone soaking tubs offering panoramic city views. The renowned Anantara Spa delivers holistic wellness, with signature treatments complemented by hydrotherapy pools, sauna, steam room, and a spectacular 25-meter indoor pool overlooking the skyline.

The showstopping 105-foot Long Bar is a social hub for Shanghai’s style leaders, where guests mingle over champagne or creative cocktails. Michelin-starred Phenix restaurant, led by Chef Michael Wilson, presents classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. Directly opposite, Jing’An Park provides a leafy sanctuary in the city, where locals gather for evening ballroom dancing and tai chi.

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Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li - 9/10  Hidden in Xuhui’s leafy French Concession, Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li is an exclusive all-villa retreat preserving one of the city's last Shikumen townhouse enclaves. Visionary designer Jaya Ibrahim has reimagined 1930s French-Chinoiserie, blending soaring ceilings, traditional redwood windows, and tranquil courtyards for a sense of refined privacy. Originally conceived to house traders and expatriates, these Shikumen have been transformed into 55 elegant residences and 40 lavish villas, each with a private lounge, entertainment room, calming green and dark wood bedrooms, marble bathrooms, and rooftop terraces.

The Auriga Spa specializes in bespoke wellness, offering seven treatment suites, vitality pool, sauna, steam room, fitness center, and a holistic studio. The Living Room, a serene library, invites quiet contemplation with its curated selection of Chinese and European literature. Capella’s Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, the acclaimed chef’s first restaurant in China, serves unfussy French cuisine paired with an exceptional wine list. Le Bar is a chic destination for crafted cocktails, while the French bakery La Boulangerie tempts with pastries, prosecco, and local dim sum.

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