Accommodation

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Shanghai’s high-end hotels are mainly concentrated around 外滩 (The Bund), 北外滩 (North Bund), 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui), and the 南京西路/静安寺 (Nanjing West Road/Jing’an Temple) area, ideal for travelers seeking river views, excellent service, and an overall premium experience.

• Representative Hotels and Features:

  • 上海半岛酒店 (The Peninsula Shanghai): Located right on 外滩 (The Bund), known for its exquisite public areas and standard rooms, spacious swimming pool, and top-notch service. Perfect for guests wanting a classic Bund experience.
  • 外滩华尔道夫酒店 (Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund): Also situated on 外滩 (The Bund), offers large, well-zoned suites and excellent breakfast. Ideal for vacations and special anniversary stays.
  • 上海艾迪逊酒店 (The Shanghai EDITION): Near 南京东路/外滩 (East Nanjing Road/The Bund), jokingly called the closest “all-season” hotel to the Bund, but actually a high-end boutique hotel with fantastic views. Rooms and bathtubs face the iconic 陆家嘴三件套 (Lujiazui trio of skyscrapers). Features a dedicated social space replacing the executive lounge, and its dining has been Michelin Guide-listed for years.
  • 上海外滩W酒店 (W Shanghai – The Bund): Located in 北外滩 (North Bund), right opposite the riverside green space and 白玉兰广场 (Magnolia Plaza). The indoor pool offers views of the Bund, breakfast has a wide selection, and the overall vibe is trendy and party-oriented.
  • 上海外滩悦榕庄 (Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund): Also in 北外滩 (North Bund), standard rooms are about 60㎡ with full river views. Guests can enjoy a bath while watching the river. The rooftop bar tales offers excellent views, perfect for travelers wanting a quiet river view away from crowds.
  • 浦东丽思卡尔顿酒店 (The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong): Located in a high-rise in 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui), with a large mall downstairs. Rooms and restaurants boast stunning views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund. Attentive service makes it suitable for anniversaries and business travelers.
  • 上海外滩东方美仑美奂酒店: A five-star hotel near 外滩 (The Bund), offering breakfast with views of the 东方明珠 (Oriental Pearl Tower). Great for first-time visitors to Shanghai who want a balance of scenery and value.
  • 璞丽酒店 (The Puli Hotel and Spa): Close to 南京西路/静安寺 (Nanjing West Road/Jing’an Temple), with dim lighting and a strong atmospheric vibe. Features good restaurants and a spa, ideal for friends vacationing together.
  • 镛舍 (The Middle House): Located in the 南京西路 (Nanjing West Road) shopping district, with a shopping center downstairs. Rooms have stylish walk-in closets, perfect for travelers who love shopping.
  • 上海阿丽拉酒店 (Alila Shanghai, Urban Resort): Spacious public areas, suites suitable for families, a small but comfortably high-ceilinged pool. Overall experience is better than online reviews suggest.
  • 上海嘉佩乐酒店 (Capella Shanghai): Villa-style layout with multi-story buildings, each featuring a small living room and walk-in closet. Child-friendly with attentive service, suitable for families or guests seeking quiet privacy.
  • 古北禧玥酒店 / 陆家嘴禧玥酒店 (Xiyue Hotels): Mid-to-high-end boutique style. The Gubei location offers a tea room, gym, and customized Chinese breakfast. The Lujiazui location partners with 新荣记 (Xin Rong Ji) for breakfast. High floors provide views of the Bund and Pudong nightscape, with a strong Chinese cultural atmosphere.
  • 上海淳大万丽酒店 (Renaissance Shanghai Caohejing / Century Park): Located near 世纪大道 (Century Avenue), quiet environment, mostly suites with an executive lounge. Suitable for guests planning to drive to 迪士尼乐园 (Disneyland).

• Price Range:

  • International luxury brands along 外滩 (The Bund), 北外滩 (North Bund), and 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui): approximately RMB 1,500–3,500+ per night (~$210–490+ USD), higher during holidays and exhibitions.
  • High-end boutique hotels like 上海艾迪逊酒店 (The Shanghai EDITION), 璞丽酒店 (The Puli Hotel and Spa), 镛舍 (The Middle House), 嘉佩乐 (Capella), and 禧玥 (Xiyue Hotels): usually RMB 1,200–2,500 per night (~$170–350 USD), varying by season and promotions.

• Best Areas and Expected Experience:

  • 外滩/北外滩 (The Bund/North Bund): Ideal for first-time visitors to Shanghai who value the Huangpu River night view; within walking distance to landmarks like 南京东路步行街 (Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street) and 外白渡桥 (Waibaidu Bridge), with river views from the rooms.
  • 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui): A skyline of skyscrapers, perfect for guests who want to wake up to views of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Walking distance to 东方明珠塔 (Oriental Pearl Tower), 金茂大厦 (Jin Mao Tower), 上海环球金融中心 (Shanghai World Financial Center), large malls, and riverside promenades.
  • 南京西路/静安寺 (Nanjing West Road/Jing’an Temple): Combines upscale shopping, dining, and a relatively quiet urban atmosphere. Suitable for lifestyle-focused travelers who enjoy shopping and exploring local stores.

• Service and Facilities Expectations:

  • Generally equipped with indoor pools, gyms, spas, high-quality breakfasts, and multiple restaurants. Some hotels feature rooftop bars or executive lounges.
  • English service is generally good, with front desk and concierge staff able to assist with restaurant reservations, transportation, and itinerary planning.

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Mid-range hotels in Shanghai are mainly domestic chain brands and some design hotels, located around major metro stations in the city center. They offer great value for money and are suitable for most travelers.

• Main Chains and Independent Brands:

  • 桔子水晶酒店 (Orange Crystal Hotel):
    • Orange Crystal Hotel Shanghai Zhongshan Park Branch: Close to Zhongshan Park (中山公园), quiet environment with relatively new decor, ideal for travelers who want convenient transportation but prefer not to stay in the busiest downtown area.
    • The Bund Sichuan North Road Orange Crystal Hotel: Located around Sichuan North Road / Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥) area, not far by taxi to major attractions, equipped with a free laundry room, suitable for longer stays.
    • There is also an Orange Crystal Hotel near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街) / The Bund (外滩), with some rooms offering distant views of the Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠). Plenty of dining options downstairs, within walking distance to The Bund and Nanjing Road.
  • 全季酒店 (Ji Hotel):
    • Ji Hotel (Shanghai Wuning Road Metro Station Branch): Close to Shanghai Railway Station (上海站), rooms are spacious and clean, perfect for travelers taking high-speed trains to Suzhou, Hangzhou, and other destinations the next day.
  • 如家精选酒店, 如家商旅酒店, 如家快捷酒店 (Home Inn series):
    • Home Inn Select (Shanghai Xintiandi Lujiabang Road Metro Station Branch): Near Lujiabang Road Metro Station (陆家浜路地铁站), walking distance to the metro, high cost-performance, suitable for travelers relying mainly on metro transportation.
    • Home Inn (Shanghai The Bund Waibaidu Bridge Sichuan North Road Branch): Close to Waibaidu Bridge and The Bund, many convenience stores nearby, good for budget travelers who want to stay near the river view.
    • Home Inn Express (Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Huanghe Road Branch): Near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, with many snack shops behind, about a 10-minute bike ride to The Bund, suitable for travelers who prioritize location.
  • 锦江之星酒店 (Jinjiang Inn): Has a branch on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, within walking distance to The Bund, ideal for first-time visitors to Shanghai who focus on shopping.
  • 汉庭酒店 (Hanting Hotel):
    • Hanting Hotel (Shanghai Yuyuan Xiaonanjimen Metro Station Branch): Close to Yuyuan Garden (豫园) and Xiaonanjimen Metro Station (小南门地铁站), about 200 meters walk to the metro, suitable for classic sightseeing routes.
    • Hanting Hotel (Shanghai The Bund Jiangxi Middle Road Branch): Located in a small alley on Jiangxi Middle Road (江西中路), walking distance to The Bund and Nanjing Road, renovated around 2024, with newer facilities and self-service laundry.
  • Other Mid-range Design/Business Hotels:
    • 艺龙酒店 (Yilong Hotel, near People’s Square): Close to People’s Square (人民广场) and large shopping malls, rooms are spacious and clean, offers free late-night snacks, great for shoppers.
    • ZHOTEL: Vintage-style design hotel, perfect for photo ops and social media check-ins, with a strong atmosphere in public areas. Breakfast is simple, better suited for weekend stays and urban photo shoots.

• Price Range:

  • Mid-range chains in city center: Generally RMB 350–700 per night, slightly higher during holidays or exhibitions.
  • Design or especially well-located mid-range hotels: Around RMB 500–900 per night.

• Recommended Areas and Value Points:

  • Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street / People’s Square / East Nanjing Road (南京东路): Most convenient transportation, walking distance to The Bund, ideal for first-time visitors with tight schedules.
  • Jing’an Temple / West Nanjing Road / Yuyuan Road: More residential vibe, many boutique cafes and restaurants, perfect for travelers who enjoy city walks and exploring local shops.
  • Zhongshan Park (中山公园): Centrally located, moderate taxi distances to attractions, hotel prices slightly lower than downtown, suitable for budget-conscious travelers who still want to stay in the city.
  • Lujiabang Road / Xintiandi Area: Convenient metro transfers, not far from Nanjing Road, The Bund, and Yuyuan Garden, ideal for independent travelers relying on public transport.

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Budget accommodations in Shanghai include affordable chains, hostels, and some suburban homestays, suitable for backpackers, students, and long-term visitors.

• Representative options:

  • GEME Hotel (Nanjing Pedestrian Street Branch): Located on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街), about a 5-minute walk to East Nanjing Road Metro Station (南京东路地铁站). The total price for 5 days and 4 nights for two people is around RMB 1,000 ($140 USD), approximately RMB 125 ($18 USD) per person per night, offering excellent value for money.
  • Various Home Inn (如家酒店), Hanting Hotel (汉庭酒店), and Jinjiang Inn (锦江之星) branches are spread throughout the city center, near locations such as Shanghai Railway Station (上海站), Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街), The Bund (外滩), and Zhongshan Park (中山公园), with room prices ranging from RMB 250–450 (~$35–63 USD) per night.
  • City center hostels: There are multiple hostels near Nanjing Road (南京路) and The Bund (外滩), with dorm bed prices usually between RMB 80–150 (~$11–21 USD) per night, ideal for solo travelers (specific hostel names not provided).
  • Budget hotels and homestays near Disneyland: Such as Yunhe Yebo Hotel (Shanghai Wildlife Park Branch) (云和夜泊酒店(上海野生动物园店)), Yunhe Yebo Hotel (Disneyland Branch) (云和夜泊酒店(迪士尼向)), and some family-friendly homestays. These offer shuttle services to Shanghai Disneyland (迪士尼乐园) and nearby metro stations, with prices mostly between RMB 300–600 (~$42–85 USD) per night.
  • Around the airport: Shanghai JOYFUL YARD Hotel Shanghai Pudong Airport Store (上海溢喜小院) provides shuttle service to Pudong Airport (浦东机场) and Disneyland, suitable for late arrivals, early departures, or visitors focused on Disneyland. Prices generally range from RMB 300–500 (~$42–70 USD) per night.

• Price ranges:

  • City center budget chains: Approximately RMB 250–450 (~$35–63 USD) per night.
  • Hostel dorm beds: Approximately RMB 80–150 (~$11–21 USD) per night.
  • Budget hotels and homestays near Disneyland/airport: Approximately RMB 250–600 (~$35–85 USD) per night, depending on shuttle and breakfast inclusion.

• Tips for finding clean, safe, and affordable accommodations:

  • Prioritize well-known chain brands (such as Home Inn (如家), Hanting (汉庭), Jinjiang Inn (锦江之星), All Seasons (全季), Orange Crystal (桔子水晶)) for better hygiene and safety assurance.
  • Check platform ratings (recommended 4.5/5 or 8.5/10 and above) and recent guest reviews from the last three months, focusing on keywords like “cleanliness,” “soundproofing,” and “safety.”
  • Choose hotels close to metro stations and main roads for safer nighttime returns and easier access to taxis and the metro.
  • Solo travelers may consider well-reviewed hostels but should verify if there are female-only rooms, lockers, and 24-hour front desk service.

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外滩 (The Bund) / 北外滩 (North Bund) / 南京东路 (Nanjing East Road)

• Why stay here:
  • 外滩 (The Bund) is Shanghai’s most iconic riverside landmark, within walking distance to 南京路步行街 (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street), 外白渡桥 (Waibaidu Bridge), 人民广场 (People’s Square), and other attractions. Ideal for first-time visitors to Shanghai or those with tight itineraries.
  • 北外滩 (North Bund) is relatively quieter but also offers prime river views, perfect for travelers wanting to avoid crowds.
• Representative hotels:
  • High-end: Shanghai Peninsula Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, W Shanghai - The Bund, Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund, The Shanghai EDITION, The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai on the Bund.
  • Mid-range: Orange Crystal Hotel Sichuan North Road (外滩四川北路桔子水晶酒店), Home Inn (Shanghai The Bund Waibaidu Bridge Sichuan North Road Branch), Hanting Hotel (Shanghai The Bund Jiangxi Middle Road Branch), Home Inn Express (Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Huanghe Road Branch), Jinjiang Inn (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Branch), eLong Hotel (near People’s Square).
  • Budget: GEM Hotel (Nanjing Pedestrian Street) and nearby hostels.
• Price range: Expensive to moderately high; budget options are limited but some good value hotels can still be found.
• Area atmosphere:
  • The Bund: Historic architecture + river views, dazzling night scenes, very crowded.
  • North Bund: More open river views, fewer people, quieter, suitable for a relaxing stay.
  • 南京东路 (Nanjing East Road) / 人民广场 (People’s Square): Strong commercial vibe with abundant shopping and dining options.

陆家嘴 (Lujiazui) / 世纪大道 (Century Avenue) / 浦东江景区 (Pudong Riverside Area)

• Why stay here:
  • This is Shanghai’s modern financial hub, home to the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Lujiazui Trio (陆家嘴三件套), large shopping malls, and riverside promenades. Great for visitors who enjoy modern city skylines.
  • Convenient for reaching Pudong Airport and Disneyland.
• Representative hotels:
  • High-end: The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, Lujiazui Xiyue Hotel, and various unnamed riverside skyscraper hotels.
  • Mid-range: Some business hotels and chain brands (such as the Lujiazui hotel mentioned as “opening your eyes to the Oriental Pearl,” with rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of the Oriental Pearl and the Lujiazui Trio).
• Price range: Generally expensive, especially for river view rooms.
• Area atmosphere: Modern, full of skyscrapers, spectacular night views; suitable for combining business and leisure.

静安寺 (Jing’an Temple) / 南京西路 (Nanjing West Road) / 愚园路 (Yuyuan Road)

• Why stay here:
  • Combines upscale shopping districts and trendy neighborhoods (like 愚园路 (Yuyuan Road)), with multiple metro lines intersecting, making it convenient to reach major attractions.
  • The environment is more elegant than 人民广场 (People’s Square), ideal for travelers who enjoy shopping, cafes, and city walks.
• Representative hotels:
  • High-end: The PuLi Hotel and Spa, The Opposite House, some high-end international brands.
  • Mid-range/Budget: Various chains like Ji Hotel (全季酒店), budget hotels around RMB 140/night near Jing’an Temple.
• Price range: Moderate to expensive; hotels on side streets offer better value.
• Area atmosphere: A mix of modern commercial areas and artistic neighborhoods, lively but not noisy nightlife.

淮海中路 (Huaihai Middle Road) / 陕西南路 (Shaanxi South Road) / 新天地 (Xintiandi) / 思南公馆 (Sinan Mansions) Area

• Why stay here:
  • 淮海中路 (Huaihai Middle Road) is a classic shopping street; the areas around 陕西南路 (Shaanxi South Road), 新天地 (Xintiandi), and 思南公馆 (Sinan Mansions) are full of old-style Western houses, cafes, and boutique shops, perfect for artistic and urban explorers.
  • Metro Lines 1, 10, and 12 intersect here, making travel convenient.
• Representative hotels:
  • Mid-range: Home Inn Selected (Shanghai Xintiandi Lujia Bang Road Metro Station Branch) and other chain hotels offering good value.
• Price range: Moderately high; some boutique hotels are pricier.
• Area atmosphere: Historic charm mixed with trendy shops, ideal for city walks and evening drinks.

中山公园 (Zhongshan Park) / 江苏路 (Jiangsu Road) Area

• Why stay here:
  • Centrally located, convenient for reaching The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Hongqiao Transportation Hub with moderate taxi fares.
  • Well-equipped with living amenities, many dining and shopping options.
• Representative hotels:
  • Mid-range: Orange Crystal Hotel Shanghai Zhongshan Park Branch and other chain hotels.
• Price range: Moderate, with good value.
• Area atmosphere: Typical urban residential area, suitable for travelers who want to “live like a local.”

迪士尼度假区 (Disney Resort) / 浦东机场 (Pudong Airport) Surroundings

• Why stay here:
  • Ideal for visitors planning to visit Shanghai Disneyland or those with early morning/late night flights at Pudong Airport, saving commuting time.
• Representative hotels:
  • Mid-to-high-end: Yunhe Yebo Hotel (Shanghai Wildlife Park Branch), Yunhe Yebo Hotel (Disneyland Direction), offering shuttle buses to Disneyland and metro stations, with thoughtful breakfast and late-night snack services.
  • Budget: Shanghai JOYFUL YARD Hotel Shanghai Pudong Airport Store, providing airport transfers and Disneyland shuttles, supporting food delivery and robot room service.
  • Family-friendly guesthouses: Several near Disneyland with pools, projectors, and children’s facilities (referred to as “hidden gem family-friendly guesthouses”).
• Price range: Moderate, with noticeable price increases during peak seasons and holidays.
• Area atmosphere: A mix of resort and suburban, relatively relaxed environment, suitable for families and weekend getaways.

Suburban Resorts: 崇明岛 (Chongming Island) / 松江 (Songjiang) / 奉贤 (Fengxian)

• Why stay here:
  • Perfect for local weekend getaways or travelers wanting to escape city noise and enjoy nature and countryside vibes.
• Representative accommodations:
  • Chongming Island guesthouses (e.g., “Mountain Courtyard”): Wooden rooms, small yards, cats, and farm stays, ideal for slow living and rainy day relaxation.
  • Big Tree and Rice Field Rural Art Center (松江 Songjiang): Private hot springs, outdoor pools, camping and BBQ, near attractions like Thames Town, Guangfulin Cultural Site, and Sheshan National Forest Park.
  • Fengxian and nearby family-friendly guesthouses: Featuring pools, treehouse slides, DIY workshops, suitable for families and team-building.
• Price range: Moderate, mostly RMB 600–1,200/night depending on room type and meal inclusion.
• Area atmosphere: Natural, quiet, perfect for unwinding and family activities.

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• Booking Platforms:

  • It is recommended to use platforms like Trip.com, Booking.com, and Agoda that support international credit cards and have English interfaces for booking hotels in Shanghai.
  • Local Chinese platforms such as 携程旅行 (Ctrip), 去哪儿旅行 (Qunar), and 飞猪旅行 (Fliggy) often offer better prices but primarily have Chinese interfaces; using browser translation tools is advisable.

• Check-in Requirements:

  • Foreign tourists must present a valid passport when checking into any hotel. The hotel will take a photo and register your information for reporting to the public security bureau.
  • Some small guesthouses or rural inns may not be qualified to accommodate foreign guests. Be sure to confirm “foreign guests accepted” on the booking platform or check English reviews before booking.

• Language Support:

  • Front desk and concierge staff at high-end hotels and international brands (such as The Peninsula, Waldorf Astoria, The Ritz-Carlton, W Shanghai, Banyan Tree) usually have good English communication skills.
  • Mid-range chain hotels (such as 全季 (Ji Hotel), 桔子水晶 (Orange Crystal), 如家 (Home Inn), 汉庭 (Hanting)) may have some staff who can communicate basic English, but fluency is not guaranteed; it’s recommended to prepare translation apps.
  • Budget hotels and suburban guesthouses may have little to no English spoken; using translation apps or preparing addresses in Chinese beforehand will make the process smoother.

• Payment Methods:

  • Most mid-to-high-end hotels accept international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and UnionPay cards.
  • Budget hotels and guesthouses more commonly use 支付宝 (Alipay), 微信支付 (WeChat Pay), and Chinese bank cards; some may not accept foreign cards for on-site payment.
  • Foreign tourists can link overseas credit cards by activating Alipay Tour Pass or WeChat Pay International Version, making payments at hotels and nearby shops more convenient.

• Useful Apps:

  • Booking and itinerary: Trip.com, Booking.com, 携程旅行 (Ctrip).
  • Maps and navigation: 高德地图 (Amap), 百度地图 (Baidu Maps); both offer English interfaces, but searching in Chinese yields more accurate results.
  • Transportation: 滴滴出行 (DiDi) for ride-hailing; for metro, use the Metro Dadiwei app or simply scan the ride codes on Alipay or WeChat.
  • Translation: Google Translate, DeepL, Youdao Translator for communicating special requests with hotels.

• Safety & Scam Awareness:

  • Shanghai is generally safe, and walking at night in the city center is usually secure. However, be vigilant with your phone and wallet in crowded tourist spots like 南京路步行街 (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street), 外滩 (The Bund), and 豫园商城 (Yuyuan Bazaar).
  • It is advisable to book hotels through official platforms to avoid being lured by street touts to unknown accommodations or bars.
  • Be cautious of hotels with unusually low prices, few reviews, or suspicious comments, especially if they require cash payments or offline transfers.
  • When taking taxis or ride-hailing services, confirm the license plate matches your booking and try to board at hotel entrances or official pickup points.

• Other Tips:

  • Shanghai’s metro network is extensive; choosing hotels near metro stations can save significant time and transportation costs, especially around stations like 人民广场 (People’s Square), 南京东路 (East Nanjing Road), 静安寺 (Jing’an Temple), 中山公园 (Zhongshan Park), 陆家浜路 (Lujiabang Road), and 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui).
  • If planning to visit Shanghai Disneyland, it’s recommended to stay the night before at hotels near Disneyland or Pudong Airport/Chuansha/Wild Animal Park shuttle hotels such as 云和夜泊酒店 (Yunhe Night Stay Hotel) and 上海溢喜小院 (Shanghai Yixi Courtyard) to catch early shuttle buses for early park entry.
  • During peak seasons (National Day, Chinese New Year, summer holidays), hotel prices rise significantly. It’s advisable to book at least 3–4 weeks in advance, and flexible dates can save you a lot.

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