Must-see hotels in Shanghai

If anywhere in town fully conveys swish 1930s Shanghai, it’s the old Cathay, rising imperiously from the Bund. One of the city’s most iconic hotels, the…

Grandly marking the southern end of the Bund is the former Shanghai Club (1910), once the Bund’s most exclusive gentlemen’s hangout. The 20 original rooms…

Dating from the 1930s, this art deco beauty was a famous hangout for the glitterati in the swinging 1930s. Splendidly refurbished, it features a sumptuous…

Within a former post office, China’s first carbon-neutral hotel not only incorporates recyclable materials and low-energy products where possible, but…

Spanning the 79th to 93rd floors of the towering Shanghai World Financial Center, this soaring hotel sees Pudong’s huge buildings dwarfing into Lego…

The world's first underground hotel, this architectural feat transformed an abandoned quarry lake into a luxury resort. Everything overlooks the water…

Slightly tucked away from the Lujiazui five-star hotel melee in a sheltered riverside spot, the 362-room Mandarin Oriental is a visual feast, from the…

One of Shanghai's best youth hostels, E-Tour has fine feng shui, a historic alleyway setting and pleasant rooms. But it’s the tranquil courtyard with fish…

Not your typical generic backpackers, this friendly and atmospheric hostel is set within a century-old house full of character. Its common area in the…

Housed in a tower with retro ’70s-style windows, this fab hotel’s metal-latticework lobby suggests an art space, a sensation that persists when you hunt…

Xintiandi has become a magnet for luxury hotels, and they don’t come much nicer than this one. Its 357 smart, stylish rooms all feature huge floor-to…

This chic B&B has five homey double rooms in a 1930s town house full of character. Some of the rooms are small, but each is decorated with style,…

From the stingray-skin-effect wallpaper in the lift to its stunning alfresco Flair bar and exceptional service, the exquisitely styled 285-room Ritz…

Housed in a secluded 1927 four-storey French Concession villa, this quiet place is run by a friendly, English-speaking owner. Six spacious suites are…

There are few more stylish places to base yourself in Shanghai than this breathtaking 19-room, four-storey South Bund converted 1930s warehouse right by…

You'll never need to leave this beautiful art deco property – the plush and elegant rooms have amazing views of the Bund, there are tropical roof gardens…

This youthful hotel is built on a snappy design ethos: the reception doubles as a cool cafe and bar, bright rooms are comfortable without being lavish,…

The Meego is decorated with stencils of Shanghai's skyline and rooms are modern and clean but compact. Choose between private rooms with city views or…

With a serene bamboo-edged pond in its courtyard, and a bright and inviting lounge and bar area, this is a popular tranquil choice for travellers. Rooms…

Housed in a former towel factory, this fabulous youth hostel leaves most others hanging out to dry. You’ll pass a row of splendid shíkùmén (stone-gate…