Shanghai is the economic and financial center of China, and as an international metropolis, it attracts tens of millions of business and tourists every year. While the city has the style of the Shanghai school represented by the International Architectural Exhibition Group on the Bund, it also has the modern vitality symbolized by the skyscrapers of Lujiazui.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning a return visit, choosing the ideal accommodation from a wide range of hotels is an important step in planning your itinerary.
How to choose a hotel accommodation area in Shanghai
Simply put, the Huangpu River divides Shanghai into Puxi and Pudong.
- Puxi: The so-called “old Shanghai”, the center of history and culture. Most of the well-known tourist attractions are located in the area, such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Xintiandi, and Jing’an Temple. If you are visiting Shanghai for the first time or want to take your time to enjoy the atmosphere of Shanghai, we recommend staying in Puxi.
- Pudong: This area is called “New Shanghai” and is home to the financial center of Lujiazui. Skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, as well as Disneyland and Pudong International Airport, are also located here. It is a more modern area and suitable for business trips and family vacations.
Once you understand this difference, choosing a hotel will be much easier.
Recommended hotels in Shanghai and Puxi
Shanghai’s Puxi area is the historical and cultural center of the city, with many famous attractions such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, and Xintiandi.
For first-time travelers visiting Shanghai, staying in Puxi not only offers convenient transportation, but also allows them to fully appreciate the unique Shanghai culture and urban charm. Here are some recommended hotels in Puxi to help you plan a comfortable trip.
Bund Ura Nobu Hotel (Shanghai)
If you are visiting Shanghai and want to enjoy the iconic night view of the Bund from the comfort of your room, this hotel is highly recommended. The biggest feature is the landscape room, which offers a direct view of landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower on the other side of the Huangpu River.
This allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery in your room without being crowded at the observation deck even after a day of sightseeing.
What to do in the surrounding area?
The location of this hotel is simply outstanding. Just go downstairs and walk a few steps to reach the Bund, and stroll along the river from south to north, where you can fully feel the fusion of history and modernity. If you want to enjoy shopping, the bustling Nanjing Road pedestrian street is also within walking distance. The quaint Yu Garden and the City God Temple are also nearby, making it easy to experience the life of old Shanghai.
There are plenty of options in terms of food. If you want to taste authentic Shanghai cuisine, “Shanghai Grandma” is recommended. If you want to buy souvenirs, the “First Food Store” on Nanjing Road is the best choice, and butterfly pies and various sweets are so popular that locals line up to buy them.
The transportation is also very convenient. The hotel is located near Yuyuan Station on Metro Lines 10 and 14, providing smooth access to various parts of Shanghai for both leisure and business.
Basic information about Uraobu Hotel on the Bund
| Basic Info | detail |
|---|---|
| Reference price | Approx. ¥900 – ¥1,800 / night (varies depending on season and room type) |
| address | No. 398 Renmin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai |
| telephone number | 021-63522888 (recommended to double-check before booking) |
Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street Jianbao Hotel
The hotel features AI smart room management, which allows you to control most of the equipment in the room, such as curtains, lighting, TV, and air conditioning, with your voice. It is also very convenient to order food delivery because the robot will deliver it to the door of your room.
Actual guest rating:
“The location is very good! There are several subway stations nearby, and it is about a 5-minute walk to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. You can enjoy delicious food in every corner of the city.
The staff in the lobby were very helpful and helpful. The rooms are spacious and can be operated by AI with curtains, lighting, TV and air conditioning. When you order a meal, the mini robot will deliver it to your room, so you don’t have to go pick it up yourself.”
Basic information about Jianbao Hotel
| Basic Info | detail |
|---|---|
| Reference price | Approx. ¥700 – ¥1,300 / night (varies depending on the season and room type) |
| address | No. 678 Hankou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai |
| telephone number | 021-63224555 (We recommend double-checking before making a reservation) |
Things to do around
Attractions: This is People’s Square, also known as the “center of the universe” in Shanghai. Go out and walk for 5 minutes to arrive at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. The Shanghai Museum is also in the immediate vicinity, and the Shanghai Grand Theatre is also within walking distance.
Culinary exploration: It’s like staying at the heart of a gastronomic map. If you want to taste xiaolongbao, “Jiajia Tangbao” on Yellow River Road is just around the corner. If you want to buy sweets, the butterfly pie at “Kokusai Hotel Fansheng Nishi Cake Shop” is popular with old-fashioned Shanghainese. If you’re looking for comprehensive shopping, you’ll find everything you need within Raffles City.
Convenient transportation: Just below the hotel is People’s Square Station, the most important subway hub in Shanghai. The station is served at the intersection of Lines 1, 2, and 8, providing excellent access to the airport, train station, and Disney Resort.
Shanghai Bund East Nanjing Road Atul Hotel
Artur is a well-respected chain hotel brand in China, and its biggest feature is its attentive care and courteous service. According to many guest reviews, the warmth and professionalism of the staff are cited as a major attraction.
In addition, the hotel provides free self-laundry and hot late-night porridge, and these attention to detail give travelers a great sense of security and warmth.
Basic information about Atul Hotel
| item | information |
|---|---|
| Reference price | Approx. ¥800 ~ 1500 per night (varies depending on the season and room type) |
| address | 105-1 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai |
| telephone number | 021-60799099 (Please check again before booking) |
Things to do around
Attraction exploration:
The hotel is located just halfway between the Bund and East Nanjing Road, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of both. In the early morning, you can watch the sunrise on the Bund, and at dusk, you can enjoy the neon glow on Nanjing Road. Also, if you take a walk around the Sotoshito Bridge, you will feel as if you have entered the world of an old movie.
Food Exploration:
In addition to the long-established restaurants on Nanjing Road, the nearby Yellow River Road Food Street is also recommended. As the setting for the drama “Blooming Flowers”, it has once again attracted attention, and you can enjoy many authentic street food delicacies.
Convenient transportation:
It is close to East Nanjing Road Station of Metro Line 2 and Line 10, which is very convenient to travel.
Cheap hotels in Shanghai
After seeing the most popular hotels in the city center, if your budget, style, and travel plan are slightly different, don’t panic, the following hotels may be more suitable for you.
Daiyin International Youth Hostel
If you are a backpacker on a budget and enjoy making friends, a youth hostel is a very good choice. This inn in Laoximen has a good reputation among backpackers, not only with clean beds, but also with atmospheric common spaces, where you can meet travelers from all over the world and exchange experiences with each other.
Basic information about Daiin International Youth Hostel
| Basic Info | substance |
|---|---|
| Reference price | Bed per night ¥100~200 |
| address | China Shanghai Huangpu District No. 98 Liuhe Road Ganglu Huangpu Center F2F |
| telephone number | +86 13311955028 (recommend double-checking before booking) |
Things to do around
Culinary Exploration: This is an affordable culinary haven. It is also very convenient to go out and walk a few steps to arrive at the gourmet street on Yellow River Road, and visit the main stores of “Jiajia Tangbao” .
Explore attractions: Close to People’s Square, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, City God Temple, etc., you can experience Shanghai’s modern charm and traditional charm at once.
Convenient transportation: Close to People’s Square Station of Metro Line 8, Line 1 and Line 2, convenient access to wherever you go.
Hengshan Garden Hotel
The hotel’s main building is a former “Shuaifu” built in the 1930s and is a typical Art Deco style historic preservation building. It has a vast garden, which is rare in the city center, and the environment is quiet, allowing you to feel the elegance and calm of old Shanghai while strolling under the shade of the plane trees.
If you are drawn to the tales of Shanghai’s old Western-style houses or the tranquil ambiance of the French Concession, staying at Hengshan Garden Hotel is a profound cultural experience that will never disappoint.
Basic information about Hengshan Garden Hotel
| Basic Info | substance |
|---|---|
| Reference price | Approx. ¥600~1000 per night (varies depending on the season and room type) |
| address | People’s Republic of China No. 534 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai |
| telephone number | 021-64155588 (Reconfirmation recommended before booking) |
Things to do around
City walk: This is the golden area of Shanghai’s “City Walk”. As soon as you step outside, you will find Hengshan Road, and you can take a leisurely stroll to Wukang Road to see Wukang Building, and then go to Anfu Road to visit a variety of interesting designer shops and popular cafes.
Gourmet exploration: Shanghai’s authentic exquisite cuisine “Lao Jishi (Tianping Road)” is also nearby, and it is a restaurant visited by many celebrities. The surrounding area is lined with international restaurants and bars, which are enough to spend a few days exploring.
Convenient transportation: It is close to Hengshan Road Station of Metro Line 1, making it convenient to travel.
Shanghai COSMO Century Space-Time Hotel Apartment
If you are looking for a little “home” during your journey or are staying for a slightly longer period of time, serviced apartments are a more flexible option than hotels.
This apartment is located in the bustling Jing’an Temple commercial area, and the rooms are equipped with small kitchens and washing machines, making life more convenient. Although it is located in an area where land is very expensive, it can be said to be a good cost-effective option.
Basic information of Shanghai COSMO Century Time and Space Hotel
| Basic Info | substance |
|---|---|
| Reference price | Approx. ¥800~1500 per night (varies depending on the season and room type) |
| address | People’s Republic of China 199th Century Time and Space Building, 16th floor, Urumqi North Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai |
| telephone number | 021-62480615 (Recommended to double-check before booking) |
Things to do around
Sightseeing and Shopping: The ornate Jing’an Temple is right in front of you, offering a magical blend of bustling city and tranquil faith. It is also close to top-notch shopping spots such as Hang Lung Square and Kerry Centre, allowing guests to enjoy shopping all day long.
Food exploration: The three-Michelin-starred “Xinrongji (Henderson 688 Store)” is located on Nanjing West Road, and every dish is like a work of art. There is also a Michelin-certified vegetarian restaurant “Fukuwakei” hidden in an old Western-style building. In addition, the casual food street of Wujiang Road also allows you to casually enjoy local snacks.
Convenient transportation: Close to Jing’an Temple Station on Metro Line 2 and 7, convenient access to wherever you go.
Shanghai Pudong Hotel Recommendations
Shanghai Pudong is an area with a concentration of business districts and tourist attractions, which is very convenient as a base for business trips and sightseeing. Here are some accommodations to suit different staying styles, from luxury hotels to cost-effective apartments and casual youth hostels. Enjoy a comfortable stay and convenient access to enhance your journey in Pudong.
Shanghai Lujiazui Expo Center CitiGO Hotel
This CitiGO hotel is located in the bustling commercial area of Lujiazui, with walking access to the “three-piece set”, which makes it better located than many luxury hotels. It is a hotel brand that is aimed at young people, with the concept of sociability and smartness, in addition to the modern and simple design, the transportation is also very convenient.
The hotel also offers a number of services that will appeal to travelers with a discrete itinerary, such as a long breakfast that can be used until 12 noon and free late-night snacks. The 24-hour café-bar and social space in the lobby is a great place for solo travelers to relax and socialize.
CitiGO Hotel Basics
| Basic Info | substance |
|---|---|
| Reference price | Approx. ¥350~700 per night (varies depending on the season and room type) |
| address | People’s Republic of China No. 357 Shangcheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai |
| telephone number | 021-68781108 (recommended to reconfirm before booking) |
Things to do around
Exploring attractions: Outside is located in the central area of Lujiazui, and you can visit the “three-piece set” of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Center and the World Financial Center on foot.
Gourmet shopping: Pudong’s oldest luxury shopping mall “Daiichi Yaohan” is nearby, and there are several large shopping centers such as China Resources Times Square and LCM Zhihui Xuhui Plaza, where you can enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment in one place.
Convenient transportation: It is close to Shangcheng Road Station on Line 9 and Dongchang Road Station on Line 2, and Lujiazui Station is about a 15-minute walk away. It is convenient to transfer trains, making it easy to travel to various parts of the city.
Shanghai Wanxin Hotel
If you plan to visit Disney and don’t want to pay a lot of money for an official hotel, this hotel can truly be said to be a “hidden treasure”. The ratings on major booking sites are also very high, and the biggest attraction is the free shuttle service to Disney and the shuttle service to and from Pudong Airport.
The number of services is large and the time is accurate, which can greatly save you the hassle of transportation. The service and facilities of the hotel itself are also highly praised, making it the perfect base for enjoying a Disney trip.
Basic information about Shanghai Wanxin Hotel
| Basic Info | substance |
|---|---|
| Reference price | Approx. ¥400~900 per night (varies depending on the season and holidays) |
| address | People’s Republic of China No. 7099 Sichuan 🥣 Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai |
| telephone number | 021-20519999 (Recommended to double-check before booking) |
Things to do around
Attraction Exploration: The main destination is Shanghai Disneyland. With the hotel’s shuttle service, you can easily start your day with fun.
Culinary Exploration: The hotel offers a hearty breakfast, allowing you to fill up before departure. In the evening, you can also enjoy dinner in the commercial district on the way back from Disneyland.
Convenient transportation: The hotel provides free shuttle service to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, which is also very convenient for transportation.
Summary
Shanghai’s charm lies in its multifaceted expression. We hope this list has helped you find the perfect place to stay for you.
- If you want to enjoy the night view of the Bund from your room, we recommend the Bund Uraobu Hotel.
- If you are interested in a smart home, you should try the Zhenbao Hotel.
- If you are looking for service and attention to detail, and the warmth of home, Attuo Hotel will not disappoint.
- If you want to make friends while saving money as a backpacker, Daigakuin International Youth Hostel is the perfect place to base you.
- If you want to enjoy the tranquil and artistic atmosphere of the French Concession, Hengshan Garden Hotel is the place to go.
- If you want to experience the feeling of living in an apartment type, you can try Shanghai COSMO Century Time Hotel Apartment.
- If you’re looking for a great value for money stay in Lujiazui, look no further than CitiGO Huanga Hotel.
- If you want to go to Disney but don’t want to stay in an expensive official hotel, the Manshin Hotel with a free shuttle is your first choice.
We hope this curated Shanghai accommodation guide will help you find the most satisfying place to stay for you. Enjoy your wonderful trip!
