We’ve stayed at all of the best boutique and luxury hotels in Shanghai, China

Always buzzing and blending a unique mix of heritage and innovation, we love a visit to Shanghai. The city is home to architectural and design marvels, some of the most impressive restaurants we’ve tried, and history galore. And if you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to stay, then you need to know about the very best boutique and luxury hotels in Shanghai, China. These are the places we regularly book when we’re in town, and each is the perfect jumping-off point for your next adventure in this dynamic city.

The best boutique and luxury hotels in Shanghai, China

1. The PuLi Shanghai | Jing’An District

This sleek hotel in Jing’An District is all smooth lines, modern art and contemporary furniture, like a modern hideaway in the sky. The skyscraper brings the city’s outside inside, particularly through the floor-to-ceiling windows in its 229 rooms. Space is used artfully even in the smallest Deluxe Room, with pretty silk partitions and lots of natural light. The larger Grand Studio is our choice, with muted colours and touches like Bang & Olufsen speakers and a bathtub backed by sweeping views.

There is no shortage of experiences within the hotel walls – workshops and creator talks, and walking tours of the ancient architecture, to name a few. There’s also a sparkling indoor infinity pool and its wellness centre, The Puli Spa. Phénix restaurant is the hotel’s one Michelin-starred acme, serving fine French cuisine, although there are also two new restaurants on the horizon, and two bars for a late-night tipple. 

Read more about The PuLi Shanghai or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

2. Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li | Xuhui District

Capella Shanghai takes the tales of its surroundings to heart in its all-villa concept designed by Jaya Ibrahim. Everything is elegantly furnished in whites, creams and pale blues, with traditional touches of silk and Chinese artwork in the 55 villas, which span one, two and three bedrooms.  

Auriga Spa is above and beyond, comprising flotation tanks, a salt-wall lounge, vitality pool, a sauna and a small plunge pool. It’s certainly enough to work up an appetite for a very special meal at Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, another Michelin-starred Shanghai spot which fuses Chinese and French cuisine. Also make time for a cosy drink at Le Bar, and snack on freshly baked pastries at the onsite La Boulangerie.

Read our full review of Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li

Learn more about Capella Shanghai or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

3. Amanyangyun | Minhang District

From the outside, Amanyangyun is almost brutalist – a quiet, stone sanctuary on the outskirts of Shanghai. But behind its walls lies an oasis of tranquillity made up of calming wood and golden light. The hotel’s villas are essentially like living in a palace, carved from wood and stone, with multiple bedrooms, free-standing tubs, private swimming pools and cosy fireplaces. 

And the experiences span everything from forest yoga, meditation and Tai Chi, to afternoon tea on the lake, and learning about the property’s organic garden. Not forgetting the 57-metre outdoor pool overlooking the forest, and spa with extensive treatments. To prop everything up are three restaurants, serving Italian, Chinese and hotpot, plus The Bar and BeiTeahouse, where you can experience the long-held Chinese tradition of tea drinking. 

Find out more about Amanyangyun or Book through Agoda

4. URBN Boutique Shanghai | Jing’An District

For something that doesn’t have a big name but comes with all the same luxuries, URBN sits on Jiaozhou Road in the heart of Shanghai. Its exterior is draped in hanging foliage, while inside is a rich mix of materials and cool furniture, with traditional details throughout. 

There are just 20 rooms and suites here, and we love their use of space, which combines floating beds and sunken bathtubs – the Sky Garden Suite offers the biggest area, with a sleek separate living room added in. Its size means there aren’t too many extras, but they have managed to squeeze in a gym and a seafood-themed, environmentally friendly restaurant called Aiben.

Discover more about Urbn Boutique Shanghai or Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

5. Upper House Shanghai | Jing’An District

Boasting high-end design and interiors to match its popular siblings in Hong Kong and Chengdu, Upper House Shanghai is once again designed by Piero Lissoni. The interiors blend traditional porcelain, ceramics and bamboo with the brand’s dramatic colour and flair. Rooms are high-end, from the slightly smaller Studio 50, to large Studio 70 with Terrace and positively huge apartments. All come with Bamford bath toiletries to use in the soaking tub, dumbbells and yoga mats, and fancy Bluetooth speakers. 

Wellness is key at Mi Xun Spa, where you’ll find yoga, fitness classes, treatments and a spacious heated pool surrounded by daybeds to lounge on. Elsewhere are three food and drink spots not to miss: Sui Tang Li, serving delicate Shanghai creations by Chef Tony Ye;  Sui Tang Shang, for crafted cocktails; and Cafe Gray Deluxe, where you can sample Asian dishes, afternoon tea or cocktails with a view. 

Discover more about Upper House Shanghai or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

6. The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai | Huangpu (The Bund)

We love The Yangtze’s striking facade, peppered with floral window boxes, and its location in the city centre is the icing on the cake. Its grandeur stretches to its interiors, which dazzle with stained glass ceilings and glittering tiles that set off the colourful, contemporary furniture. The rooms, also designed in art deco style, are slightly more refined – we’d recommend the Yangtze Suite, which comes with a plush living room, a bedroom with king size bed and a huge bathroom complete with a sunken bath and hot tub, all decked out with gold chandeliers and gilded mirrors. 

It’s just steps from the city’s best eateries, but breakfast is served at the hotel, and they have an impressive on-site restaurant cooking up traditional Chinese cuisine. 

Learn more about The Yangtze or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia  Book through Agoda

7. The Sukhothai Shanghai | Jing’An District

Just like its sister hotel in Bangkok, this Shanghai outpost is luxurious, with no expense spared. The hotel itself is like a piece of modern art, with floating staircases and unique art installations, but traditional materials root it firmly in China. Rooms and suites are bathed in muted green, and Executive Suites are a strong mid-tier choice, featuring living and dining rooms, toiletries by PAÑPURI and all your modcons controlled by iPad. 

The hotel’s wellness concept is three-tiered, comprising The Retreat’s five treatment rooms, along with a fitness studio, sound therapy area and 25-metre swimming pool to unwind in. The restaurants at The Sukhothai really shine, too: sun-dappled breakfast and Thai food at Urban Cafe, Italian at La Scala and four atmospheric bars, one of which has a collection of renowned whiskies from around the world. 

Read more about The Sukhothai Shanghai or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

8. Amara Shanghai | Jing’An District

You’ll be surrounded by glitz and glam at Amara Shanghai, and not just in the shops and restaurants in its Jing’An district neighbourhood. In contrast to many moody, dark designs, Amara opts for a light, bright feel, with marble, sleek curves and modern art. The rooms and suites have a definite business-chic vibe, decorated in chic grey and orange, with windows that frame the city skyline. Larger rooms like the Deluxe Rooms have extra living and dining areas, while you can also opt for Club Level rooms, which give access to meals and drinks at the hotel’s exclusive lounge. 

Of the two restaurants, one is an all-day international dining and the other is fine Thai cuisine, we’d opt for the latter, followed by a drink at Flo Lobby Bar. 

Learn more about Amara Shanghai or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

9. J Hotel Shanghai Tower | Pudong

There’s probably no beating J Hotel for views, thanks to Shanghai Tower being the world’s third-tallest building. The hotel spans floors 86-98 of this landmark, and its spiral shape means the city skyline is visible almost everywhere you look. Of the 165 rooms, there are staterooms in New Chinese style, featuring embossed wallpaper and traditional tea tables, while Contemporary rooms boast more glitz, gold and glass. Staterooms and Skyline rooms also have their own sleeping, living and dining areas, plus a walk-in closet, and 24-hour butler service. 

Peel your eyes away from the windows to visit their two-storey spa, with its gym, yoga studio and skyline swimming pool with an observation deck. There’s a long list of drinking and dining spots to round things off; the best are Centouno’s southern Italian cuisine and renowned Heavenly Jin, one of the world’s highest restaurants. 

Find out more about J Hotel Shanghai Tower or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

10. Shanghai Donghu Hotel – Shanghai Style Garden House | Xuhui District

Another traditional spot combining Chinese heritage with everything you need in a boutique bolthole is Shanghai Donghu Hotel – Shanghai Style Garden House. Although it has the infamy of being the former home to a local mob boss, he clearly had excellent taste in buildings, as this one has an elegant exterior and lavish design accented with marble, thick carpets and ceiling medallions. 

Rooms are equally refined, with wood flooring, antique furniture and balconies in the larger suites. And although you won’t find a restaurant here, its location close to Huaihai Middle Road and the metro means hopping to Shanghai’s best food and drink spots is a breeze.

Find out more about Shanghai Donghu Hotel or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia

11. The Shanghai EDITION | Huangpu (The Bund)

Spanning two towers with incredible views of the city, The Shanghai EDITION, much like its other Asian counterparts, is ultramodern, incorporating natural materials like wood, soft lighting and geometric shapes. With a pared-back design style, they offer prime views over the Bund and plenty of space. The Terrace Suite is one of the best, with an extra living area, marble bathroom and spacious outdoor patio where you can enjoy the views. 

Along with the extremely zen spa and indoor pool, you can soak up some of the best panoramas from the hotel’s rooftop lounge. There’s also modern Japanese fare served at Yone, or head to the Roof Garden to enjoy a nightcap under the stars. 

Read more about The Shanghai EDITION or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

12. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on The Bund | Huangpu (The Bund)

The Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai is just one block from the Bund, with epic views over the river and the city skyline. The interiors can only be described as palatial, featuring thick furnishings, antiques and panelling. This stretches to the rooms, which have gorgeous four-poster beds and marble bathrooms, with Heritage Suites being the most beautiful and located in the hotel’s 100-year-old historic wing. 

The ancient Chinese remedies offered in the spa mean there’s no excuse not to relax, whether it’s with a massage, at the hydrotherapy area or in the pool. And as for the dining? There are five restaurants and the elegant Long Bar, but if we had to pick one, it would be Wai King Kok, for refined Chinese food in traditional surroundings. 

Discover more about Waldorf Astoria Shanghai or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

13. Shanghai Moller Villa Hotel | Jing’An District

Shanghai Moller Villa wouldn’t look out of place in the French countryside, with its grand exterior that looks exactly like a fairytale castle, which is surprising given its downtown Shanghai location. 

The European-style building is more than 70 years old, and its heritage is just as prevalent inside, with each of the 43 rooms boasting carved wooden ceilings, plush headboards and thick rugs. Don’t worry, though, you’ll still have modern-day amenities, including a smart TV, WiFi and a stocked minibar. 

Although most of the property is taken up by these rooms, there’s also a small gym, a bar, a coffee shop and if you’ve been to all the best eateries nearby, a great onsite restaurant. 

Find out more about Shanghai Moller Villa Hotel or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

14. Kerry Hotel Pudong | Pudong

If clean, business chic is more your bag, Kerry Hotel in Pudong is just the place to lay your head. The hotel is part of the Shangri-La group, so you already know it’s going to be good, and it’s part of a lifestyle complex that has everything you need on the doorstep. 

Rooms and suites are clean and modern, with fun pops of colour and furnishings to keep things fresh. Club Premier Parkview is our choice, providing extra space, stretching views and a sleek wooden bathroom. 

Within the hotel is an impressive 6,000 sq ft wellness space that includes a health club, spa, pool, sauna and multiple racquet courts. And that’s on top of two restaurants, we always enjoy a meal at The Meat steakhouse, and two cosy bars. 

Read more about Kerry Hotel Pudong or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

15. Sangha Retreat by Octave | Suzhou

An hour drive from Shanghai, Sangha by Octave is a self-proclaimed retreat, healthcare and mindfulness community – basically your one-way ticket to relaxation. Its location on Yangcheng Lake is primed for feeling zen, and the property is a sweeping curve of solid wood fronted by gardens and a crescent swimming pool. The hotel centres around its eight concepts, which include breathing, eating and movement, so you’ll find amenities like a healthy supermarket and yoga pavilion. Your stay includes a private health screening, and the spacious rooms are minimalist and fully feng shui. 

So long as it’s health-conscious, there are almost endless things to occupy your time, too, from a dip in the indoor pool to breathwork sessions, acupuncture and sound healing, along with exploring the peaceful temples and gardens that dot the grounds. And as for what you’ll be eating, each guest gets a personalised menu that’s low sugar and dairy, but the ingredients and flavours ensure that just like everything else here, it’s anything but boring.

Learn more about Sangha by Octave or Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

But wait, there’s more:

• If you’re heading down to Macau, don’t miss our guide to the best boutique and luxury hotels in the casino capital of the world
• Here’s what happened when we visited the gorgeous Upper House in Panda City, Chengdu
• Craving quality Chinese food, but can’t make the long-haul flight over? Peruse our guide to the best Chinese restaurants in London