Shanghai Best Hotels 2025 - Top 9 Hotels by Location, Price & Features

Looking for conveniently located, reasonably priced, and distinctive hotels in Shanghai? Whether you’re visiting the Bund for the first time, wanting to experience the urban charm of Jing’an Temple and Changshou Road, or planning an overnight stay in Pudong before your flight, this curated hotel guide helps you find the perfect accommodation. From historic Nanjing Road East to the Japanese-influenced Gubei district, and the convenient Pudong New Area, each area offers unique charm and nearby attractions, making it easy to find the ideal place to stay.

Why Choose These Shanghai Hotels?

These carefully selected hotels offer:

• Prime Locations: Hotels near the Bund, Nanjing Road, Jing’an Temple, and Pudong airport
• Value for Money: From budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations
• Unique Features: Bund views, indoor pools, airport shuttles, and local charm
• Convenience: Easy access to major attractions, shopping, and transportation
• Diverse Options: Suitable for business travelers, families, couples, and solo travelers

Hotel Selection by Area

This guide organizes hotels by district to help you choose based on your travel priorities:

• Nanjing Road East Area: Best for first-time visitors wanting to experience the Bund
• Changshou Road & Jing’an Temple Area: Perfect for experiencing local Shanghai life
• Gubei Area: Ideal for a quiet, comfortable stay with Japanese atmosphere
• Pudong New Area / Century Avenue: Great for airport transfers and layovers

Nanjing Road East Area: Ultra-Central Location, Walk to the Bund

Nanjing Road East is Shanghai’s most representative bustling commercial district, with department stores lining both sides of the pedestrian street and the Bund night views just steps away. Nearby attractions include the Bund, People’s Square, Yuyuan Garden, and City God Temple, making it the top choice for first-time visitors to Shanghai.

Recommended Hotels:

#1 Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road

Highlights:

• Elegant classical European garden-style decoration, absolutely beautiful
• Enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai’s “Four Landmarks” (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower) right from your window!
• Excellent location with convenient transportation, located near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and People’s Square, perfect for shopping and dining
• Just a 10-minute walk to the Bund
• Well-equipped hotel with elegant and comfortable rooms
• Perfect for travelers wanting to enjoy Bund night views from their room and create unique memories
• Low Season Price: NTD 4,799
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Best For: Travelers seeking luxury Bund views and elegant ambiance

Nearby Attractions: Bund (10 min walk), Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (5 min walk), People’s Square (10 min walk), Yuyuan Garden (15 min by metro)

#2 Jinjiang Inn The Bund Jiujiang Road

• Only 8-10 minutes walk to both Nanjing Road East Metro Station and the Bund
• Clean, bright rooms with excellent value for money
• Perfect for travelers wanting to stay near the Bund without overspending on accommodation
• Low Season Price: NTD 3,112
  👉 Book on Trip.com

Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who want Bund proximity

Nearby Shopping: New World Daimaru Department Store, Hengji Celebrities Shopping Center, Hongyi International Plaza, Yuehui Plaza

Nearby Attractions: Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Yuyuan Garden, People’s Park, Shanghai Museum

Transportation: Close to Nanjing Road East Metro Station (Lines 2/10)

Changshou Road & Jing’an Temple Area: Convenient Living, Excellent Transportation

This area is near multiple metro line interchanges, convenient for accessing Nanjing Road West, Xujiahui, and the Bund. The Jing’an Temple area features boutique cafés and fashionable restaurants, while Changshou Road offers excellent living amenities with authentic local atmosphere, perfect for travelers wanting to experience Shanghai’s daily rhythm.

Recommended Hotels:

#3 Changshou Road Holiday Inn Express Gubei

• Located in the core area of Jing’an District, about 8 minutes walk from Changshou Road Metro Station, with convenient transportation
• Hotel features a fitness center and indoor swimming pool, plus sauna and steam room - excellent value for the price
• Rooms offer panoramic city views from the windows
• Well-equipped rooms with modern amenities
• Good value for business and leisure travelers
• Low Season Price: NTD 2,500
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Best For: Travelers seeking comfortable accommodation with good facilities at reasonable prices

Nearby Attractions: Jing’an Temple (15 min walk), Nanjing Road West (10 min by metro), Changshou Road Shopping Area (8 min walk)

Gubei Area: Japanese Atmosphere, Quiet and Comfortable

The Gubei area is known for its strong Japanese community and serene atmosphere. This district offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center while maintaining excellent connectivity to major areas.

Recommended Hotels:

#4 Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel (Tulip)

• Located in the Gubei area, known for its Japanese community
• Quiet and comfortable atmosphere
• Good value for money
• Convenient access to Hongqiao Airport (about 20 minutes)
• Low Season Price: NTD 2,200
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Best For: Travelers seeking quiet, comfortable accommodation near Hongqiao Airport

#5 Accor Hotels Shanghai Hongqiao Grand Mercure

• Modern hotel in the Gubei/Hongqiao area
• Well-appointed rooms with contemporary design
• Excellent service and amenities
• Good location for business travelers
• Low Season Price: NTD 3,500
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Best For: Business travelers and those seeking modern comfort in a quiet area

Pudong New Area / Century Avenue: Perfect for Layovers and Final Night Stays

The Pudong New Area and Century Avenue area are ideal for travelers with early flights or those needing convenient airport access. This area offers excellent connectivity to Pudong International Airport and is perfect for your last night in Shanghai.

Recommended Hotels:

#6 Bao’an Hotel

• Convenient location in Pudong New Area
• Good value for money
• Easy access to Century Avenue Metro Station
• Suitable for business and leisure travelers
• Low Season Price: NTD 2,800
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#7 InterContinental Shanghai Pudong

• Luxury hotel in Pudong with excellent service
• Modern facilities and elegant rooms
• Great location near Century Avenue and Lujiazui
• Perfect for business travelers and luxury seekers
• Low Season Price: NTD 5,500
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Best For: Luxury travelers and business executives

#8 Grand Metropark Hotel Shanghai Pudong Zhangjiang

• Located in Zhangjiang area of Pudong
• Modern business hotel with good facilities
• Convenient for business travelers working in Zhangjiang
• Good value for money
• Low Season Price: NTD 3,200
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#9 Jinjiang Inn Pudong Airport East Station

• Closest budget hotel to Pudong Airport
• Perfect for early morning flights or airport layovers
• Free airport shuttle service available
• Also offers shuttle service to Shanghai Disneyland
• Extremely practical choice for travelers
• Perfect for families transferring through Shanghai - stayed here for one night with family on a trip to Dalian, twin room under NTD 2,000, excellent value
• Registration Required: Register with front desk in advance to take the morning shuttle to the airport!
• Low Season Price: NTD 1,807
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Best For: Travelers with early flights, airport layovers, and Disneyland visitors

Special Features:

• Free airport shuttle service
• Free Disneyland shuttle service
• 24-hour reception
• Budget-friendly pricing

Hotel Comparison Table

Booking Tips

Best Booking Practices

Advance Booking:

• Book 1-2 weeks in advance for better rates
• Peak season (spring, autumn, holidays) requires earlier booking
• Last-minute bookings may have limited availability

Price Comparison:

• Compare prices across multiple platforms (Trip.com, Booking.com, Agoda, etc.)
• Check hotel official websites for direct booking deals
• Look for package deals including breakfast or attractions

Cancellation Policies:

• Check cancellation policies before booking
• Flexible cancellation options may cost slightly more
• Non-refundable rates are usually cheaper

Location Considerations:

• Consider proximity to metro stations for convenience
• Check walking distance to major attractions
• Verify airport shuttle availability if needed

Payment Methods

• International Credit Cards: Widely accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)
• Alipay/WeChat Pay: Available on most Chinese booking platforms
• Cash: Some hotels may require cash deposits
• Prepayment: Some discounted rates require full prepayment

What to Check Before Booking

• Room Type: Confirm bed type (twin, double, king)
• Smoking Policy: Specify smoking or non-smoking preference
• Breakfast: Check if breakfast is included or available
• Wi-Fi: Confirm free Wi-Fi availability
• Airport Shuttle: Verify shuttle schedule and booking requirements
• Check-in/Check-out Times: Plan your arrival accordingly

Area Guide for Choosing Hotels

Nanjing Road East Area

Pros:

• Ultra-central location, walk to Bund
• Excellent shopping and dining
• Convenient transportation (metro Lines 2, 10)
• Perfect for first-time visitors

Cons:

• Can be more expensive
• Busy and touristy area
• Higher prices during peak season

Best For: First-time visitors, shopping enthusiasts, those wanting Bund views

Changshou Road & Jing’an Temple Area

Pros:

• Excellent transportation (multiple metro lines)
• Local atmosphere and authentic Shanghai life
• Good value for money
• Great dining and nightlife options

Cons:

• Further from Bund (15-20 min by metro)
• Can be busy during rush hours

Best For: Travelers wanting local experience, good value accommodation

Gubei Area

Pros:

• Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
• Japanese community with good Japanese restaurants
• Good value for money
• Close to Hongqiao Airport

Cons:

• Further from city center (30-40 min to Bund)
• Less tourist-oriented

Best For: Business travelers, those seeking quiet stay, travelers using Hongqiao Airport

Pudong New Area

Pros:

• Close to Pudong Airport
• Modern area with good facilities
• Good for business travelers
• Airport hotels offer shuttles

Cons:

• Further from historic attractions
• Less local atmosphere
• More business-oriented

Best For: Airport transfers, business travelers, Pudong area visitors, Disneyland visitors

Transportation from Hotels

Metro Access

Nanjing Road East Area:

• Nanjing Road East Metro Station (Lines 2, 10)
• People’s Square Metro Station (Lines 1, 2, 8)

Jing’an Area:

• Changshou Road Metro Station (Lines 7, 13)
• Jing’an Temple Metro Station (Lines 2, 7)

Gubei Area:

• Hongqiao Road Metro Station (Lines 10)
• Loushanguan Road Metro Station (Line 2)

Pudong Area:

• Century Avenue Metro Station (Lines 2, 4, 6, 9)
• Zhangjiang High Tech Park Metro Station (Line 2)

Airport Transportation

Hongqiao Airport:

• Hotels in Gubei area: 20-30 minutes by taxi
• Metro Line 2 connects directly to airport

Pudong International Airport:

• Pudong hotels: 30-60 minutes by taxi
• Airport Express Line from Longyang Road
• Jinjiang Inn Airport East: Free shuttle service

Practical Tips

What to Pack

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring Shanghai
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check seasonal weather
• Power Adapter: China uses Type A/C plugs (220V)
• Cash: Keep some cash for small vendors
• Mobile Payment: Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay for convenience

Hotel Etiquette

• Tipping: Not required in China, but appreciated for exceptional service
• Check-in: Usually 2:00-3:00 PM
• Check-out: Usually 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
• Smoking: Most hotels have non-smoking floors
• Quiet Hours: Respect other guests, especially at night

Safety Tips

• Valuables: Use hotel safe for passports, cash, jewelry
• Room Key: Keep room key secure
• Emergency: Dial 110 for police, 120 for ambulance
• Hotel Information: Carry hotel business card with address in Chinese

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which area is best for first-time visitors to Shanghai?
A: Nanjing Road East area is ideal - walkable to Bund, excellent transportation, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

Q: Are these hotels suitable for families?
A: Yes, most hotels offer family rooms. The Jinjiang Inn Airport East is particularly family-friendly with shuttle services.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Yes, especially during peak season (spring, autumn, holidays). Book 1-2 weeks in advance for best rates.

Q: Which hotel is best for airport transfers?
A: Jinjiang Inn Pudong Airport East offers free airport shuttle. Hotels in Pudong area are also convenient for Pudong Airport.

Q: Are the hotels near Disneyland?
A: Jinjiang Inn Airport East offers Disneyland shuttle service. Pudong area hotels are closer to Disneyland than city center hotels.

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Most hotels accept international credit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and cash deposits.

Q: Do hotels provide airport shuttles?
A: Some hotels offer shuttle services (especially airport hotels). Check with hotel or booking platform for availability.

Q: Which hotel offers the best Bund views?
A: Crowne Plaza Nanjing Road offers excellent Bund views from rooms with city views.

Q: Are there budget-friendly options?
A: Yes, Jinjiang Inn hotels offer excellent value. Jinjiang Inn The Bund and Airport East are budget-friendly options.

Q: Which area is best for business travelers?
A: Pudong area (especially Zhangjiang) and Gubei area offer modern business hotels with good facilities.

Q: Can I walk to the Bund from these hotels?
A: Hotels in Nanjing Road East area are within 10 minutes walk to the Bund.

Q: Do hotels include breakfast?
A: Check with individual hotels. Some rates include breakfast, others require separate payment.

Q: Are the hotels near metro stations?
A: All recommended hotels are within walking distance to metro stations, making city exploration convenient.

Summary

Shanghai offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. Whether you’re seeking luxury Bund views, budget-friendly convenience, or airport accessibility, these carefully selected hotels provide excellent options across Shanghai’s most popular areas.

From the historic charm of Nanjing Road East to the modern convenience of Pudong, each area offers unique advantages. Consider your travel priorities - proximity to attractions, airport access, budget, or local experience - when choosing your accommodation.

Remember to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, compare prices across platforms, and check cancellation policies. With proper planning, you’ll find the perfect Shanghai hotel for an unforgettable stay in this vibrant city.

For more Shanghai travel information, check out our comprehensive Shanghai One-Day Tour Guide and other Shanghai travel resources.

Wishing you a wonderful stay in Shanghai! If you have questions about specific hotels, booking, or need recommendations based on your travel dates and preferences, feel free to reach out for personalized assistance.