Where To Stay in Shanghai

Where To Stay in Shanghai: Best Areas and Hotels

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Last updated on June 8th, 2025

Looking for where to stay in Shanghai? Here are some of the best hotels in Shanghai to consider for your next visit.

Choosing where to stay in Shanghai can be a daunting task due to the city’s vast size and diverse range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels and stylish boutiques to mid-range and budget-friendly choices, there is something to suit every budget and preference.

With numerous areas and districts throughout the city, it’s important to select accommodation that is conveniently located near the top attractions if sightseeing is your main goal. Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own unique character, and choosing the right area to stay in can significantly enhance your travel experience.

In this Shanghai accommodation guide, we will provide valuable insights into the best neighborhoods and hotels for your stay in Shanghai. Continue reading for more information.

Accommodation Guide: Where To Stay in Shanghai

Generally, if you are visiting Shanghai for the first time and have a few days to explore, it’s best to stay in a convenient location close to the attractions you want to see. Consider popular areas such as The Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and the Old Town near Yu Garden. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Pudong to enjoy its bustling skyscrapers or in the Former French Concession for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Here are some recommendations for where to stay in Shanghai:

  • The Bund: Prime location for where to stay in Shanghai. This area offers a luxurious experience with stunning views of the river and city skyline.
  • Jing’An District (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street): Conveniently located near major attractions, dining options, and shopping areas. This area is ideal for first-time visitors.
  • Shanghai Old Town area: Offers a local vibe with more budget-friendly accommodation options.
  • Former French Concession Area: Perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere and charming streets.
  • Pudong area: Provides stunning skyline views and plenty of entertainment options.

Keep in mind that hotel rates in Shanghai are generally higher than in other cities across China, so it’s advisable to book early to secure the best rates.

Staying in The Bund Area

Popular Place to Stay in Shanghai - The Bund

The Bund is an excellent choice for visitors when finding for where to stay in Shanghai, offering stunning skyline views and convenient access to top attractions. This area is filled with European-style buildings, including the McBain Building, Shanghai Club, and Union Building. Staying here provides spectacular views and an exceptional experience. Your stay in The Bund will leave you with memorable moments. The only drawback is that you can expect to pay a premium for this prime location and its views.

Where to stay in The Bund Shanghai:

Fairmont Peace Hotel (Luxury) – This is one of Shanghai’s most iconic and legendary historical landmarks. Although the hotel was constructed many years ago, its facilities are modern while still reflecting the charm of the 1930s era. Staying here feels like stepping into a museum filled with historical events, making for a memorable visit to Shanghai. The location is fantastic for tourists, situated right on the Bund and close to subway stations. The room was clean, quiet, and equipped with modern amenities, all while maintaining a beautiful, traditional style. The check-in service was fantastic, friendly, and very accommodating. Check for room availability at Fairmont Peace Hotel.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai (Luxury) – Located in the heart of the Bund, this hotel offers panoramic views of the beautiful Huangpu River. With a history of over 100 years, it represents the old-money style of Shanghai. The luxurious design of the building embodies the spirit of Shanghai as a metropolitan economic center with a rich and glorious history. Overall, the service at the hotel is very good and professional.

W Shanghai – The Bund (High-Range) – This hotel is incredibly comfortable and offers a fantastic experience. It boasts an excellent location and exceptional service provided by all the staff. The views from the rooms, overlooking the Bund river and Lu Jia Zui skyline, are amazing. The amenities are top-notch, making the W Hotel Shanghai an absolutely fantastic choice for your stay. Check for room rate at W Shanghai – The Bund.

Staying at Jing’an District (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street)

Best Place to Stay in Shanghai - Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

If you want to be in the heart of the action, the Jing’an District, particularly around Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, is an excellent choice when looking for where to stay in Shanghai. This area is conveniently located near major attractions, dining options, and shopping areas. Compared to The Bund, accommodations in this district tend to be more affordable. It’s especially popular among first-time visitors due to its central location.

Where to Stay in Jing’an District (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street):

Shanghai Elong Hotel (High-Range): This hotel boasts a very strategic location, situated directly across from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and within walking distance to The Bund. It is easy to reach the subway station, allowing you to travel to other city attractions. The rooms are spacious, and the beds are very comfortable. The amenities provided are comprehensive, including options for children. The staff are extremely helpful and genuinely attentive. Check for room availability – Shanghai Elong Hotel.

Hotel Chalet Shanghai (High-Range): This beautiful hotel is also well-positioned in Shanghai. It is conveniently located right by the main pedestrian street, close to Nanjing Road and People’s Square. There are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, along with easy access to the metro. The rooms are large, clean, and comfortable, equipped with all the necessary services. The front desk staff is friendly and helpful.

Yitel Premium (Shanghai People’s Square Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street) (High-Mid Range): This is another popular option for travelers. The location is excellent, close to The Bund and very convenient for exploring the city. It is just a five-minute walk from the subway, making travel around the city easy. While the rooms are slightly smaller and a bit dated, considering the price, it still offers great value for the money.

Staying at Shanghai Old Town Area

Where to Stay in Shanghai - Old Town Yu Garden Area

The Shanghai Old Town Area is another great option for accommodation in the city. Staying in this area puts you close to the Temple of the City God, Shanghai Old Town, and the Yu Garden Bazaar, which all offer a traditional local vibe. Additionally, it’s conveniently located near the luxurious Bund area. While the location isn’t perfect, everything is within walking distance, and you can find a variety of high-end hotels at more affordable prices.

Where to stay in Shanghai Old Town Area:

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund (High-Range): The rooms are spacious, clean, and very comfortable. The hotel’s location is incredibly convenient—right next to Yu Garden, with several shopping malls and food stalls nearby, and the metro station just across the street. Getting around the city is easy from this central location. Check for room rate for Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund.

Crystal Orange Hotel Shanghai Yu Garden On the Bund (High-Mid Range): This designer hotel is situated in the Old Town area and boasts a convenient location just a 1-2 minute walk from the metro station. It is centrally located within a 5-minute walk to the riverwalk and the Bund. The rooms are new and modern, and the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly.

Campanile Hotel (Mid-Range): This hotel offers great value for the price paid. Its central location allows for a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Bund, Yu Yuan, and other major attractions. You can also easily walk to metro stations and the railway station, making it a perfect base for exploring Shanghai’s iconic sights. Secure your room at Campanile Hotel.

Staying at Pudong Area (Lujiazui)

Where to Stay in Shanghai - Pudong Lujiazui Area

If you’re looking to be close to iconic skyscrapers, consider staying in the Pudong area (Lujiazui). This neighborhood offers stunning skyline views and plenty of entertainment. While it is slightly further from the city center, it is conveniently connected with metro stations.

Where to stay in Shanghai Pudong Area (Lujiazui):

Grand Hyatt Shanghai (Luxury) The location is incredibly convenient and central. This hotel occupies the 56th to 87th floors of the 88-story Jin Mao Tower, nestled among Shanghai’s famous towers. Every room provides breathtaking views, allowing guests to admire the night scenery of Lujiazui and the Oriental Pearl Tower. The Grand Hyatt is near the metro station and offers fantastic river views. The club lounge features excellent service and delicious food. The staff is friendly, and the rooms are comfortable. Book your luxury stay at Grand Hyatt Shanghai.

The Eton Hotel Shanghai (High-Mid Range): This hotel is a great choice for travelers seeking comfort at a reasonable price. As a 4-star hotel, it offers spacious rooms and is located close to the Shanghai Tower. Guests can enjoy remarkable views from their accommodations that are hard to find elsewhere.

Staying at Former French Concession Area

Staying at Former French Concession Area

For a more local and stylish experience, consider staying in the Former French Concession. This area features tree-lined streets, trendy cafés, and boutique hotels. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed atmosphere and a unique stay, making it a great choice for families as well.

Where to stay in Former French Concession:

Shanghai Moller Villa Hotel (Luxury) is a charming property located in the Former French Concession. This hotel features a unique Northern European, Norway-style building with over 70 years of history. Its stunning architecture and rich history offer a wonderful experience for everyone who stays there.

Another luxury option is the Donghu Hotel, a hidden gem in the Xuhui district of Shanghai. With rooms that exude an old-world charm, the hotel is both clean and comfortable. Its prime location allows guests to wander and admire the architecture of the old French Concession, with plenty of coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants nearby, as well as easy access to downtown by taxi. Check for room availability at Donghu Hotel.

Overall: Best Hotel in Shanghai

All in all, that concludes my comprehensive guide on accommodation in Shanghai!. While Shanghai can be an expensive city in terms of accommodations, food, and transportation, it is undeniably worth the cost due to its vibrant culture and numerous attractions. We hope this guide has been helpful in making your decision about where to stay in Shanghai a bit easier. Enjoy your trip to Shanghai!

Lastly, this Shanghai accommodation guide is part of our Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou travel blog. Continue reading for more travel stories.

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