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For first-timers in Shanghai, I recommend staying somewhere central, like Nanjing Road. While it can get very busy, it is conveniently connected and offers plenty of quick bite options nearby.
We stayed at Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai and the hotel turned out to be exactly what we needed — good amenities and a lot of space for a reasonable price, with great views and access to main tourist locations.
Looking for the right hotel in Shanghai was for us particularly difficult. The truth is, in such a big, expensive and wide-spread metropolis it is hard to find a perfect location and hotel that meets all your criteria while not breaking your budget.
In this guide I will walk you through the top areas you might consider and their highlights so that it is easier for you to make the best choice for that suits your needs.
In the end we went for Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai
Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai
1. Nanjing Road & People's Square - Best for First-Time Visitors
- Perfect for: Shopping enthusiasts, first-time visitors, families wanting easy transport
- Nearby attractions: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, People's Square
- Transport: Multiple metro lines (1, 2, 8, 10) converge here
- Average hotel price: $120 per night
Our Top Hotel Pick in Nanjing Road Area:
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre - From $180/night
- Why we love it: Located in the heart of the tourist area with easy access to The Bund
- Best for: Business travelers and families wanting luxury amenities
- Notable amenities: Indoor pool, sauna, spa, executive lounge, 2,000 m² event space
2. Pudong's Lujiazui - Best for Skyline Views
- Perfect for: Luxury and dramatic skyline views
- Nearby attractions: Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower
- Transport: Metro Line 2, ferry connections to the Bund
- Average hotel price: $220 per night
Our Top Hotel Pick in Pudong Lujiazui:
- Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai - From $280/night
- Why we love it: Five-star hotel overlooking the Huangpu River with 210 stylish rooms
- Best for: Luxury travelers wanting iconic river and skyline views
- Notable amenities: Spa, sauna, indoor pool, meeting rooms
3. Jing'an Temple Area - Best for Culture & Style
- Perfect for: Culture enthusiasts, travelers seeking trendy yet spiritual atmosphere
- Nearby attractions: Jing'an Temple, Nanjing West Road shopping, trendy cafés
- Transport: Jing'an Temple Station (Lines 2, 7)
- Average hotel price: $140 per night
Our Top Hotel Pick in Jing'an Area:
- URBN Boutique Shanghai - From $90/night
- Why we love it: Eco-friendly boutique hotel hidden in a courtyard
- Best for: Eco-conscious travelers wanting boutique charm
- Notable amenities: Peaceful courtyard, walking distance to temple and cafés
4. French Concession - Best for Heritage Charm
- Perfect for: Travelers wanting old Shanghai atmosphere, boutique hotel lovers
- Nearby attractions: Wukang Road, heritage architecture, art galleries, boutique shopping
- Transport: Various metro stations nearby
- Average hotel price: $160 per night
Our Top Hotel Pick in French Concession:
- Metropolitan Seclusive Life – Wukang Road - From $150/night
- Why we love it: Historic mansion hotel in early 20th-century English-style villas
- Best for: Travelers seeking authentic old Shanghai atmosphere
- Notable amenities: Butler service, retro décor, boutique shopping nearby
5. Harbour City/Dishui Lake - Best for Resort Experience
- Perfect for: Families with kids, travelers seeking resort escape, nature lovers
- Nearby attractions: Shanghai Astronomy Museum, Haichang Ocean Park, Dishui Lake
- Transport: Metro Line 16 to Dishui Lake
- Average hotel price: $200 per night
Our Top Hotel Pick in Harbour City:
- InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City - From $220/night
- Why we love it: Iconic luxury resort on Nanhu Island designed by ATKINS
- Best for: Families seeking resort amenities and educational attractions
- Notable amenities: 100,000 m² green space, yacht marina, children's playground
Essential China Hotel Booking Tips
Before booking your Chengdu hotel:
- Passport required: All hotels require your passport for registration with local authorities
- Deposits standard: Many hotels require deposit, can be taken off the credit card
- Booking timeline: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead for peak seasons during summer holiday and major Chinese festivals
- Language considerations: International hotels have English speaking staff ready to help with any question you might have. It is very common to communicate with hotel staff over WeChat using their autotranslate functionality
- Local apps: You can use WeChat/AliPay for smaller amounts, but international cards are widely accepted in hotels
FAQs
Q: What's the best area to stay in Shanghai for first-time visitors?
A: Nanjing Road & People's Square offers the perfect combination of central location, shopping, dining, and excellent metro connections to all major attractions.
Q: How far in advance should I book hotels in Shanghai? A: For peak seasons (spring and fall), book 2-3 months ahead. During summer and winter, 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient for good availability and rates.
Q: Which hotels are best for families with children? A: InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City offers the most family-friendly amenities with its resort setting, playground, and proximity to educational attractions like the Astronomy Museum.
Q: Are Pudong hotels worth the premium price? A: If skyline views and modern luxury are priorities, yes. However, consider that you'll need to cross the river (via metro or ferry) to reach traditional Shanghai attractions.
Q: What's the average cost of a good hotel in Shanghai? A: Mid-range international hotels typically cost $80-200 per night, while luxury options like the Mandarin Oriental start around $280. Budget options under $80 are available but may lack international standards.
