DISCOVER SHANGHAI
THROUGH ITS MOST
ICONIC LUXURY HOTELS
WELCOME TO SHANGHAI, ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC AND VISUALLY STRIKING CITIES IN THE WORLD.
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We stayed in Shanghai for a week, and it quickly became one of our favourite global cities. It was Andres’ first time back in nearly 20 years, and Claire’s first visit. We stayed in Pudong for four nights, then the Bund for four nights, covering all the hotels and major sights so you can plan your stay with confidence.
We loved it. Shanghai is fast-paced, design-led and effortlessly global. It is without doubt one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Inspired by our signature curated format, here are our top luxury hotel picks across Pudong and the Bund.
PUDONG VS. THE BUND: WHERE TO STAY IN SHANGHAI
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Shanghai is defined by contrast.
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Pudong delivers futuristic luxury, soaring towers and panoramic skyline views. It feels ambitious, modern and visually striking. It’s the city of the future with everything super modern, super clean and packed full of highrises and orderly luxury.
The Bund and North Bund offer heritage charm, the roaring 20’s historic architecture, when Shaghai was at tts peak and a more romantic, walkable atmosphere along the Huangpu River with the Bund lit up at night. It looks across the Hungpau river towards the high rises of Pudong.
For the best experience, we recommend splitting your stay between both areas, to soak up both sides, just as we did.
Our Top Luxury Hotel Picks in Shanghai
​The Pudong Hotels
1. Grand Hyatt Pudong
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Iconic Shanghai Living Above the Clouds
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We stayed at Grand Hyatt Pudong, and it remains one of the most memorable hotel experiences of our Shanghai trip. Set within the Jin Mao Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognisable skyscrapers, this hotel delivers a true sense of arrival. The architecture alone is iconic, blending traditional Chinese influences with a distinctly modern vertical design that defines the Pudong skyline.
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Our room was located on the 78th floor, and the views were exceptional. If you stay here, choosing a river view room is essential. From our windows, we could see across the Huangpu River to the Bund, with all of Shanghai’s major landmarks laid out in front of us. On the corner it had tow windows with views in both directions. Both day and night, the view feels cinematic, especially once the skyline lights up.
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The hotel itself leans slightly older in style, but that is part of its charm. There is a sense of classic but modern luxury here that feels grounded and substantial rather than trend-driven. It was one of the landmark icons of Shanghai being built in the turn of the century when Pudong was the pride of the nation.
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The soaring atrium, which rises dramatically through the centre of the building, adds to the feeling of scale and makes the property feel truly unique. AS one of Shanghais first skyscraper hotels it has dated very well and is a building Icon in the same mould as the Empire State Building, Petronas Towers in KL, or Burj Khalifa.
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Facilities are another standout. The pool, gym and spa are all positioned high within the tower, meaning you are working out or unwinding with panoramic city views and Bund views surrounding you. It is rare to find wellness facilities in such a visually striking setting.
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Overall, Grand Hyatt Pudong is not about ultra-modern minimalism. It is about location, height, and presence. For travellers wanting to experience Shanghai from within one of its most iconic buildings, this is a stay that delivers both atmosphere and perspective.
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Rooms sit high above the city with dramatic skyline views, while the soaring atrium remains one of the most impressive hotel interiors in Asia. The lobby is on level 54 and hotel rooms go up 30 floors above. The style leans modern classic, but the sense of scale and location is hard to match.
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A strong choice for first-time visitors wanting that iconic Shanghai highrise skyline experience looking down on the city.
2. J Hotel Pudong
The Highest Luxury Stay in Shanghai
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J Hotel redefines luxury in Shanghai.Along with the Jin Mao tower, which has the grand hyatt in it, and the corkscrew tower, it forms one of the 3 Iconic skyscrapers which are the tallest and the pride of Shanghai in Pudong.
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Occupying the upper floors of Shanghai Tower,( the second tallest building in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai ) this is one of the highest hotels in the world.
Interiors are ultra-refined with subtle Chinese design elements, while the rooms feel like private sky villas.
This is one of the skicest , newest and highest hotels in Shanghai in Shanghai tower with the lobby on the 101st floor and the whole hotel being theatrical in a futuristic way.
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Service is discreet and highly personalised. This is a stay designed for travellers seeking exclusivity, privacy and a true statement experience.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Polished Luxury with a Social Edge
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The Ritz-Carlton Pudong offers a refined yet lively luxury experience.
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Positioned within the IFC shopping complex packed full of luxury stores, it combines premium shopping, dining and riverfront access. Rooms are elegant with front-facing views towards the Bund.
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The rooftop bar Flair is one of the city’s standout venues, with all the dining areas highly sought after making this hotel particularly appealing for travellers who want both luxury and atmosphere.
​The Bund Hotels
4. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
on the Bund
Heritage Grandeur on the Waterfront
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Waldorf Astoria delivers classic Shanghai glamour.
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Set across a historic building and a newer tower, the hotel blends old-world architecture with modern comfort.
Expect marble interiors, high ceilings and a sense of timeless elegance.​Its Bund central location makes it ideal for evening strolls and easy access to Shanghai’s most iconic views.
I you want old world 1920’s charm in Shaghai this is a great choice.
5. Sofitel North Bund
Contemporary Luxury in an Emerging District​
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Sofitel North Bund sits in one of Shanghai’s fastest-evolving areas.
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The hotel offers spacious rooms, clean modern design and impressive river views. The atmosphere is quieter than central Bund properties, making it ideal for travellers wanting a more relaxed stay.
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It represents excellent value for luxury in a rising part of the city.
6. Hyatt on the Bund
Panoramic Views Across Both Sides of Shanghai
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Hyatt on the Bund is all about location and perspective.
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Positioned at the northern end of the Bund, it offers rare dual views across both Pudong’s skyline and the historic waterfront. Rooms are large, with floor-to-ceiling windows maximising the outlook.
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The rooftop bar is a highlight, particularly at sunset.
7. Bulgari Hotel Shanghai
Design-Led Luxury with Boutique Appeal
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Bulgari Hotel Shanghai is one of the most stylish properties in the city.
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Located near Suzhou Creek, a bot further back from the Bund it offers a slightly more private and exclusive setting while remaining close to the Bund. Interiors are sleek, minimalist and distinctly Italian.
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The rooftop bar, spa and dining venues attract a fashionable, international crowd.
​8. The Peninsula Shanghai
The Pinnacle of Luxury on the Bund
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The Peninsula Shanghai is, quite simply, one of the most luxurious hotel experiences in Asia.
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Positioned on the most prestigious stretch of the Bund, it offers uninterrupted, front-row views across the Huangpu River to Pudong’s skyline. This is Shanghai at its most iconic, and no hotel captures that perspective quite like The Peninsula.
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From the moment you arrive, the experience feels impeccably orchestrated. The design draws on Art Deco heritage, reflecting Shanghai’s golden era, yet everything feels polished, modern and effortlessly refined. There is a quiet confidence to the hotel that sets it apart. Nothing feels overstated, yet every detail is executed at the highest level.
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The rooms are among the largest and most luxurious in the city. Expect rich materials, elegant finishes and an exceptional level of in-room technology. Many suites offer panoramic river views, transforming your room into a private viewing platform of Shanghai’s skyline, particularly striking at night when the city illuminates.
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Service is where The Peninsula truly excels. It is intuitive, discreet and consistently precise. Every interaction feels seamless, creating a stay that is both comfortable and elevated without ever feeling formal or rigid.
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Dining and facilities further reinforce its position at the top tier of Shanghai luxury. From refined restaurants to the spa and wellness spaces, everything is designed to match the calibre of the hotel itself.
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What sets The Peninsula apart is its ability to deliver true, uncompromising luxury. This is not just a place to stay, it is a benchmark for what a five-star hotel experience should feel like.
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For travellers seeking the very best hotel on the Bund, The Peninsula Shanghai stands firmly in a class of its own.
9. Fairmont Peace Hotel (The Bund)
Shanghai’s Most Iconic Heritage Stay
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The Fairmont Peace Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Asia and an essential part of Shanghai’s identity.
Located directly on the Bund, this Art Deco landmark has been at the centre of the city’s social scene since the 1920s. Staying here feels like stepping into Shanghai’s golden era, where jazz, glamour and old-world sophistication defined the city.
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The interiors have been beautifully restored, with rich wood, marble detailing and period design elements that retain the building’s historic character while offering modern comfort.
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One of the standout experiences is the legendary Jazz Bar, where live music continues a tradition that dates back decades. It adds a sense of atmosphere that few hotels in the world can replicate. If you want to step back in time to the Roaring 20’s Shanghai then this is it.
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Rooms are old world and spacious, with many offering direct views over the Bund and Pudong skyline. The contrast of historic surroundings with the futuristic skyline views to Pudong across the river is what makes this stay so uniquely Shanghai.
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For travellers wanting heritage, culture and a true sense of place, the Peace Hotel is not just a hotel. It is part of Shanghai’s story.
10. The St. Regis on the Bund
Classic Luxury with Signature Service
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The St. Regis on the Bund offers refined, understated luxury.
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Known for its signature butler service, the hotel focuses on comfort, service and spacious accommodation. Interiors are elegant and timeless rather than trend-driven.
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Its Bund location makes it ideal for travellers who want classic luxury within walking distance of Shanghai’s key attractions.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR LUXURY TRAVELLERS
VISITING SHANGHAI
Split Your Stay
Pudong and the Bund offer completely different experiences. If you have time Staying in both gives you a full perspective of the city. A highrise in Pudong over lookiing the whole city from the clouds and then something with history luxury on the Bund Side.
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Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn provide the best balance of weather and atmosphere.
Getting Around
Private drivers and ride-sharing apps are the easiest way to navigate the city comfortably at reasonable prices.
Dining
Shanghai’s restaurant scene is exceptional. Book ahead for top venues and explore beyond hotel dining.