Top 10: best luxury hotels in Shanghai

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (May 4, 2015): Top 10 most luxurious hotel in Shanghai (China).

Once dubbed the “Paris of the East” for its unrivalled glamour and elegance, Shanghai is now the largest metropolis in world with over 24 million inhabitants. The fascinating city was traditionally a walled enclave but after opening up to foreign trade in the 19th century, the port spread and it became the eccentric blend of old and new as we know it today, a fascinating fusion of East and West. Shanghai is on track to become the world’s largest financial centre, and the globe’s tallest skyscrapers are popping up like mushrooms all over the city. Shanghai also houses a string of ultraluxurious hotels, with more to open in the future, and I hereby present you my top 10 of the city’s best luxury hotels.

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10. THE PULI HOTEL & SPA

Created as China’s first urban resort, this stylish hotel is centrally located in Shanghai’s Jing’An district, making it a perfect enclave for travelers who want to be in midst of the action but based in a serene setting. The striking interiors—all polished tile floors, sumptuous silk wall coverings and contemporary furniture—are accented by reproductions of ancient Chinese household items. The Anantara Spa, which offers a series of tea-based treatments using green, white, rose and chrysanthemum teas that were developed especially for the hotel. The ambience of Zen prevails in the 193 guest rooms and 36 suites as well; many overlook leafy Jing’An Park, a green oasis in midst of Shanghai. The hotel is part of The Leading Hotels of the World‘s portfolio.

Hotel website: The Puli Hotel & Spa
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, and afternoon tea set with a glass of champagne for up to 2 persons per room once per stay).

9. JUMEIRAH HIMALAYAS HOTEL

Designed by Arata Isozaki, this landmark hotel quickly established itself as a central feature of Shanghai’s Pudong District. Taking inspiration from a piece of jade, the artwork across the hotel’s 16-metre-high lobby tells a 5,000-year-old story. Each character in the ‘Thousand Character’ essay has a unique meaning, teaching the essence of moral virtues, cultural evolution, nobility and the pastoral life of common people. The hotel has direct underground access to Shanghai’s new International Expo Centre (about 30 minutes from Downtown by metro). All 393 rooms and suites, including 16 residences, 45 suites and a Presidential Suite, come with fun extras like fast-fill deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers, a fully integrated connectivity desk panel, and a Chinese scholar’s work desk.

Hotel website: Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel

8. GRAND HYATT SHANGHAI

Crowning the prestigious 88-storey Jin Mao Tower, this hotel begins on the 53rd floor and rises to the 87th floor, and as such is privileged with stunning views of the entire city. The 548-room hotel is located in the center of Lujiazui, Pudong’s business and financial area. As Hyatt International’s flagship property in China (but somewhat inferior to its Park Hyatt sibling, cf infra), the Grand Hyatt Shanghai caters to the international business traveler by offering a style of service and range of facilities that are second to none. The landmark hotel showcases one of the largest food and beverage operations within the Hyatt group with no less than 10 innovative restaurants and bars, bringing a refreshing style of dining to Shanghai.

Hotel website: Grand Hyatt Shanghai

7. BANYAN TREE SHANGHAI ON THE BUND

Set on a prime location along Huangpu River in Shanghai’s Northern Bund area, this resort-within-a-city has sublime Bund views and an unhindered panorama of the famed Pudong skyline. Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund opened late 2012 and is part of the Above The Bund Urban Complex Resort. The resort features 130 handsomely appointed rooms that come in no less than 16 room categories, all of them featuring comfortable living areas, complimentary WiFi, and complimentary mini bar services. Some accommodations include a spacious in-room dipping pool to allow you the pleasure of watching the cityscape while resting in a pool of peace. The award-winning luxury Banyan Tree Spa, a peaceful sanctuary within this hectic city, spans three entire floors.

Hotel website: Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund

6. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SHANGHAI AT PUDONG

In a city gleaming with confidence, power and high-octane excitement, the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel group responds with glamour, bespoke experiences and a pulsating energy found only in today’s China. Serene, sexy and exclusive, the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong offers an ambience inspired by Shanghai moderne, dialled up for hip, 21st-century tastes. The 187-room luxury property in the bustling business district surprises with a surplus of leisurely pursuits, including a 41st-floor infinity-edge pool and a French restaurant with a secluded dining terrace. Exotic woods, luxe leathers and exclusive marble lend contemporary luxury to the hotel’s decor that is inspired by Shanghai’s Art Deco.

Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong
Other top 10 accolades: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong features in my top 10 list of the world’s most stunning indoor hotel pools.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

5. THE RITZ-CARLTON SHANGHAI, PUDONG

Overlooking The Bund from the top of the IFC complex, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong offers a unique opportunity to experience the glamour of 1930s Shanghai amid the modern-day buzz of the Lujiazui finance and trade zone. Coveted views of Shanghai are captured from points throughout the luxury hotel, including each of the 285 guest rooms and suites (featuring Art Deco-inspired interiors), and Flair, the highest rooftop bar in China. Moments from well-known Pudong destinations, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar and Shanghai Museum, the hotel offers a retro-inspired retreat surrounded by the energy of the city’s business, entertainment, dining and commercial centre.

Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

FLAIR, THE RITZ-CARLTON SHANGHAI, PUDONG

4. WALDORF ASTORIA SHANGHAI ON THE BUND

Combining the history and culture of the celebrated Shanghai Bund with a taste for 21st century sophistication, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers a heritage ambiance, legendary service and timeless amenities to make your stay truly memorable and distinct. The two-building complex comprises a 100-year-old wing adjacent to a sparkly new tower, and houses 260 well-appointed rooms and suites, stylish environments for dining and lounging, extensive banquet facilities with stunning views, luxury spa, a fully-fitted gym and more, all crafted onto a picture perfect setting that speaks volume of the grandeur and finesse that fits a Waldorf Astoria property.

Hotel website: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

3. PARK HYATT, SHANGHAI

Occupying floors 79 to 93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center, otherwise known as “The Vertical Complex City”, makes the Park Hyatt hotel one of the highest hotels in the world. Soaring above this metropolis, guests can take in sweeping views of the city skyline and Huangpu River from any of the 174 luxury rooms & suites, or enjoy a choice of some of the most known Shanghai restaurants such as 100 Century Avenue Restaurant featuring Western, Japanese and Chinese cuisines, and Dining Room, popular for its European specialties. The hotel in Shanghai is also home to a renowned Spa, which features a beautiful indoor pool.

Hotel website: Park Hyatt Shanghai
Other top 10 accolades: The Park Hyatt Shanghai features in my top 10 lists of the world’s highest hotels and the best luxury hotels in China.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
Review: to read my review of the Park Hyatt Shanghai, click here.

2. THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI

The Peninsula Shanghai opened in 2009 and offers an utopian level of luxury. Occupying a prime location with direct frontage on Shanghai’s historic Bund, The Peninsula’s flagship hotel is the first new building on the Bund in the last few decades. The intricately styled 235 guest rooms and suites have been designed to reminisce style from the glorious Art Deco era, incorporating an eclectic of traditional materials used in 1920’s Shanghai. Some of them have spectacular views of the Pudong skyline. With five restaurants, banquet facilities, a full Peninsula Spa, a stunning indoor swimming pool, a retail arcade with super-de-luxe shops, and boundless hospitality, there is no need at all to leave the hotel.

Hotel website: The Peninsula Shanghai
Other top 10 accolades: The Peninsula Shanghai features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in China.
Tip: enjoy exclusive VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, one complimentary lunch, a Virtuoso smart phone, and an exquisite lacquer soapbox per stay).
Review: to read my review of The Peninsula Shanghai, click here.

1. MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUDONG

Surrounded by the gleaming skyscrapers of Lujiazui, this hotel offers a unique blend of style and comfort with a stunning, contemporary design, world-class restaurants, serene spa and Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service. If business has brought you here, you’ll be happy to learn that the hotel places guests minutes away from Shanghai IFC and the Shanghai World Financial Centre. As sophisticated as they are spacious, the 318 rooms and 44 suites offer a sublime blend of comfort and contemporary design, all of them with sweeping views over the Huangpu River. Lean back on plush pillows and relax, then prepare for the day with the convenience and comfort of high-tech surroundings.

Hotel website: he Mandarin Oriental Pudong
Other top 10 accolades: The Mandarin Oriental features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in China.
Review: to read my review of The Mandarin Oriental Pudong, click here.