The Peak Singapore’s guide to the best affordable luxury hotels in China: Shanghai

Shanghai is a city of contrasts that rewards smart hotel choices. From leafy, European-style boulevards to glittering riverfront skylines, deciding where to stay in Shanghai can shape your entire experience — whether you’re in town for a quick stopover, a family holiday, or a stylish weekend of dining and nightlife.

As one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, Shanghai offers no shortage of accommodation, but the best hotels in Shanghai tend to cluster in neighbourhoods that reflect very different sides of the city.

For first-time visitors and repeat travellers alike, choosing the right district matters as much as the hotel itself. Some areas are best suited to heritage walks and cafe-hopping, others to late nights and river views, while a few strike a balance between convenience, shopping, and family-friendly amenities.

Below, we break down the key neighbourhoods worth considering — before narrowing in on the standout hotels in each.

French Concession

Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li

480 Jianguo West Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Average nightly rate: $550 to $800/night

Set within a restored cluster of shikumen townhouses, Capella Shanghai offers one of the most atmospheric stays in the city. Each villa-style accommodation feels more like a private residence than a hotel room, with separate living areas, courtyards, and refined interiors that blend East-meets-West heritage.

The tranquil location places guests deep in the French Concession’s leafy streets, close to boutique shopping, galleries, and cafe-lined avenues, while still within easy reach of central Shanghai.

On-site dining and spa facilities prioritise discretion and privacy over spectacle, making this a standout choice for travellers seeking understated luxury and cultural immersion.

Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund

585 Zhongshan Dong Er Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Average nightly rate: $250 to $400/night

Hotel Indigo brings a contemporary, design-led edge to the southern end of the Bund, with interiors inspired by Shanghai’s dockland history. Many rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Huangpu River, offering impressive skyline views at a more accessible price point.

Guests are well placed for scenic river walks, historic neighbourhoods and easy access to both the French Concession and central Bund attractions.

The hotel’s rooftop bar and river-facing lounge add to its appeal for short stays and evenings in.

The Bund

The Westin Bund Center Shanghai

88 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Average nightly rate: $230 to $380/night

A dependable luxury address near the heart of the Bund, The Westin offers spacious rooms, thoughtful amenities and a calm retreat from the surrounding crowds.

Rooms are generously sized by Shanghai standards, many with city or partial river views, while the indoor pool and wellness facilities provide a welcome break after a day of sightseeing.

Located within walking distance of Nanjing Road and the Bund promenade, it works well for travellers looking to cover Shanghai’s prominent landmarks efficiently.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Yangtze Shanghai

209 Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Average nightly rate: $200 to $350/night

Just steps from Nanjing East Road’s shopping strip, this Radisson Collection property combines classic hotel grandeur with a prime location. The rooms are comfortable and functional, ideal for travellers who want to stay close to retail, transport links, and Bund attractions.

Its central position makes it especially convenient for short stays or business trips, while in-house dining and lounge spaces offer a comfortable place to unwind without venturing far.

Xintiandi

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

99 Madang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Average nightly rate: $320 to $500

Refined and polished, The Langham sits right at the edge of Xintiandi’s vibrant dining and nightlife enclave. Rooms are elegantly appointed with plush furnishings and marble bathrooms, offering a sense of calm just minutes from some of Shanghai’s most popular bars and restaurants.

The hotel’s spa, indoor pool, and refined afternoon tea service make it easy to balance late nights with restorative downtime.

Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai

88 Songshan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Average nightly rate: $300 to $480/night

Andaz Xintiandi takes a more modern, lifestyle-driven approach, with open-plan rooms, contemporary design and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to younger travellers.

Located directly within the Xintiandi precinct, guests can step out into one of Shanghai’s most walkable neighbourhoods, filled with restaurants, boutiques, and late-night spots.

The hotel’s rooftop bar and communal spaces add to its social energy, making it a strong choice for weekend escapes.

Jing’an

The Sukhothai Shanghai

380 Weihai Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Average nightly rate: $350 to $550/night

An oasis-like retreat in the heart of Jing’an, The Sukhothai blends minimalist Thai-inspired design with a sense of resort-style calm. Rooms are spacious and serene, with warm tones, large bathrooms, and views over landscaped courtyards or the city skyline.

The hotel’s spa, lap pool and wellness facilities are standout features, while its location offers easy access to shopping malls, dining, and transport hubs.

Swissôtel Grand Shanghai

1 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Average nightly rate: $220 to $360/night

Well-suited for families and practical travellers, Swissôtel Grand offers comfortable rooms, reliable service, and excellent connectivity. Larger room categories accommodate families with ease, while the indoor pool and fitness facilities add appeal for more extended stays. 

Located near Jing’an Temple and major shopping areas, it provides easy access to retail, dining, and public transport without the premium pricing of newer luxury hotels.

This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.