Where to Stay in Shanghai

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Explore Shanghai hotels with local insights. Budget to luxury stays with real reviews, locations, prices, and special family & pet-friendly picks.
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Table of Contents

Shanghai is a city where modern skyscrapers meet historical charm. With so many hotel options, it can be overwhelming for travelers to choose.

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We’ve curated this guide based on real reviews and data from top Chinese platforms like Meituan, Ctrip, and Dianping — helping you find the best fit for your trip, whether it’s budget, family-friendly, or luxury experiences.

Budget Hotels (CNY 200-500)

Hanting Hotel (Hongqiao Hongmei Road)

Hanting Hotel Hongqiao Hongmei Road - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Minhang District, 8-minute walk to Caohejing Development Zone Station (Line 9), near Xujiahui business area.

  • Price: CNY 220-350 per night

  • Highlights: Stable chain quality, free laundry, smart controls, air purifiers.

  • User Rating: 4.8 stars (Ctrip); praised for “convenient location, great value.”

  • Awards: Ctrip “Selected Hotel”, Meituan “High Score Budget Hotel” 2025.

Jinjiang Inn (Pudong Airport Town)

 
Jinjiang Inn Pudong Airport Town - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Pudong New District, near Pudong Airport Station (Line 2), free airport shuttle provided.

  • Price: CNY 200-300 per night

  • Highlights: 24/7 hot water, blackout curtains, ideal for early flights.

  • User Rating: 4.6 stars (Meituan); known for “attentive service and cleanliness.”

  • Awards: 3 consecutive years on Ctrip’s “Top Airport Hotels.”

Qingzhu Changyu Preferred Hotel (Children’s Medical Center Branch)

 
Qingzhu Changyu Preferred Hotel Children’s Medical Center Branch - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Pudong New District, 5-minute walk to Linyi Xincun Station (Line 6), near Shanghai Children’s Medical Center.

  • Price: CNY 250-380 per night

  • Highlights: Family and parent-child themed rooms with city views.

  • User Rating: 4.7 stars (Dianping); recommended for “family stays with kids.”

  • Awards: 2025 Dianping “Family-Friendly Hotel” nominee.

Mid-Range Hotels (CNY 500-1000)

San Want Hotel Shanghai

 
San Want Hotel Shanghai - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Xuhui District, direct metro access (Lines 9 & 15), 10-minute walk to Xujiahui.

  • Price: CNY 550-800 per night

  • Highlights: Owned by Want Want Group, free minibar with snacks, family-themed rooms.

  • User Rating: 4.8 stars (Dianping); praised for “friendly service, great snacks.”

  • Awards: 2025 Dianping “Must-Stay List.”

Donghu Hotel Shanghai

 
Donghu Hotel Shanghai - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Xuhui District, close to Hengfu Historical District, 15-minute walk to Huaihai Middle Road.

  • Price: CNY 600-900 per night

  • Highlights: Garden villa style, century-old plane trees, customized butler service.

  • User Rating: 4.9 stars (Meituan); praised for “quiet, historical ambiance.”

  • Awards: 2025 Dianping “Must-Stay” newcomer.

Huhua Mingdu Hotel

 
Huhua Mingdu Hotel - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Putuo District, beside Qilianshan Road Station (Line 11), near Global Harbor Mall.

  • Price: CNY 580-850 per night

  • Highlights: 2000㎡ sky garden, fitness center, smart toilets in some rooms.

  • User Rating: 4.8 stars (Ctrip); “new facilities, excellent value.”

  • Awards: 2025 Ctrip “Top 10 Mid-Range Hotels.”

High-End Hotels (CNY 1000-2000)

Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai

 
Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Huangpu District, 5-minute walk to The Bund.

  • Price: CNY 1800-3000 per night

  • Highlights: Iconic landmark, international theme suites, river views.

  • User Rating: 4.9 stars (Dianping); praised for “impeccable service, old Shanghai charm.”

  • Awards: 6 years Dianping “Must-Stay List,” 2025 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice.

The Shanghai EDITION

The Shanghai EDITION - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Huangpu District, 8-minute walk to The Bund, near Nanjing Road.

  • Price: CNY 1600-2200 per night

  • Highlights: Trendy design, rooftop Sky Bar with panoramic Bund views.

  • User Rating: 4.9 stars (Meituan); “strong design vibe, great service.”

  • Awards: 2025 Dianping “Must-Stay” repeat winner, Travel + Leisure global nominee.

Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai

 
Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Huangpu District, near Fuxing Park, 10-minute walk to IAPM Mall.

  • Price: CNY 1200-1800 per night

  • Highlights: Japanese garden + French architecture, Michelin dining & afternoon tea.

  • User Rating: 4.8 stars (Ctrip); praised for “elegant environment, fine dining.”

  • Awards: 2025 Dianping “Must-Stay” newcomer, Ctrip “Gourmet Hotel.”

Luxury Hotels (CNY 2000+)

InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin

 
InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Huangpu District, 15-minute walk to Tianzifang.

  • Price: CNY 2500-4000 per night

  • Highlights: Garden villa design with 47,000㎡ green space, private spa services.

  • User Rating: 4.9 stars (Dianping); “like an urban oasis.”

  • Awards: 3 years Dianping “Must-Stay List,” 2025 Ctrip Luxury Top 20.

Mandarin Oriental Pudong

 
Mandarin Oriental Pudong - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Pudong District, Lujiazui area, 10-minute walk to Oriental Pearl Tower.

  • Price: CNY 3000-6000 per night

  • Highlights: River view balconies, Michelin dining, sky pool.

  • User Rating: 4.9 stars (Meituan); praised for “world-class service, perfect for luxury getaways.”

  • Awards: 2025 Forbes 5-Star, Black Truffle Best China Luxury Hotel.

InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland (Sheshan Quarry Hotel)

InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland Sheshan Quarry Hotel - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey - Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026 - The China Journey
  • Location: Songjiang District, near Sheshan National Forest Park.

  • Price: CNY 2200-4500 per night

  • Highlights: World’s first quarry hotel with underwater restaurant and waterfall views.

  • User Rating: 4.8 stars (Ctrip); “breathtaking design, one-of-a-kind experience.”

  • Awards: 2025 Ctrip Top 5 Family Hotels, National Geographic Top 10 Global Architectural Wonders.

Special Picks Based on Traveler Needs

Family-Friendly Hotels

  • Novotel Shanghai Clover: Near Disney Resort, free shuttles, parent-child rooms. CNY 600-1000. 2025 Ctrip Top 10 Family Hotels.

  • Best Hotel Shanghai: Near Disney, kids’ rooms with Piggy Hero theme, kids’ playground & breakfast. CNY 400-800. Meituan “High-Value Family Hotel.”

Pet-Friendly Hotels

  • Hilton Shanghai Songjiang Guangfulin: Inside Guangfulin Cultural Site, pet-themed rooms with gifts. CNY 1200-2000. 3 years Dianping “Must-Stay” & “Pet-Friendly” certified.

  • The Middle House Shanghai: Jing’an District, allows pets with provided beds & bowls. CNY 2500-4000. Ctrip “Trendy Design Hotel.”

Transit-Convenient Hotels

  • Atour Hotel People’s Square Metro Station: Huangpu District, Nanjing East Road, near Metro Lines 1/2/8, 10-minute walk to The Bund. CNY 700-1000. Meituan “Must-Stay List.”

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