Best Shanghai Hotels for Every Kind of Trip

Soaring views, flawless design and extravagant wellness immersions are all beckoning from the best Shanghai hotels.

A magnet for high-flying professionals, foodie-obsessed families and culture vultures alike, Shanghai flows with beautiful overnight stays for everyone. As wellness-obsessed resorts and boutique hotels manage to slow the mind, sky-high suites shoot you as high as the clouds, making for an entirely fresh adventure with every new key card. Here, I round up the most unforgettable Shanghai hotels to help you recharge your way.

In short

If you only stay at one of the best Shanghai hotels, choose Capella Shanghai for the hotel chain’s signature elegance set across neighbourhood-style grounds. It’s a totally unique choice amid Shanghai’s signature sky-scraping suites.

1. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan exterior view — This cruise ship-inspired hotel overlooks the Huangpu River and the city skyline. (Credit: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan)

One of Shanghai’s newest and fanciest stays, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan brings the luxury chain to the heart of the city. Located on the Huangpu River, this Shanghai hotel, which opened in October 2025, is plush from every angle — think two Michelin-star restaurants, private balconies with panoramic river views and a plush day spa. More remarkably, however, is the fact rates aren’t the craziest in town. You can book an entry-level room for less than $500 AUD per night. If you decide to grab a Waldorf Suite, however, you’ll score serious bragging rights as an outdoor hot tub offers uninterrupted skyline gazing.

Location: No. 18 Linyao Road, Pudong District

Nearest metro station: Dongfang Sports Center Station

2. Capella Shanghai

Auriga Spa at Capella Shanghai — Capella Shanghai features a Shikumen-style pool with wood-framed arched windows. (Credit: Supplied)

Fans of Sydney’s Capella will know exactly what they’re getting themselves into with a Capella Shanghai booking — true five-star luxury — while indulging in one of the city’s most special stays. A maze of laneways, Capella Shanghai feels like a suburb of its own, which it basically is as Shanghai’s largest declared cultural preservation zone. Wander traditional brick alleyways to find amenities including a library, multiple restaurants and a day spa, while 55 villas are utterly flawless with their own private courtyard or rooftop terrace. Unsurprisingly, this place will cost you, with rates averaging more than $1,000 AUD per night.

Location: 480 West Jianguo Road, Xuhui District

Nearest metro station: Zhaojiabang Road Station

3. The Upper House

Design-obsessed travellers will have likely slung The Upper House, one of the award-winning House Collective’s sophisticated properties, atop their China hotel bucket list. Dripping in Pinterest-perfect minimalist architecture and calm monochromatic furnishings, the Shanghai hotel epitomises quiet luxury. Guest wellness is of the highest priority with a cold-pressed juice bar and steam room found beside an indoor pool, while a day spa sits elsewhere. There are also multiple restaurants, including Sui Tang Li which nails seasonal menus of elevated Shanghainese plates. And yes, that includes the most delicious of soup dumplings. You can book an entry-level room from under $400 AUD per night.

Location: No. 366 Shi Men Yi Road, Jing’an District

Nearest metro station: West Nanjing Road

4. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

Home to the highest rooftop bar in the city, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is so much more than its instantly recognisable branding. Easy access to its Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar on the 58th floor, overlooking the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, is a serious perk as guest bartenders from around the world regularly drop in to flex their mixology chops. Also, the Art Deco-inspired rooms are all located above level 18 so ridiculous views are guaranteed. I also love the day spa, located on level 55 — gazing at a fast-paced urban jungle while wrapped in a soft post-treatment robe extends pure R&R. Prices start from around $400 AUD per night.

Location: Shanghai IFC, 8 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong

Nearest metro station: Lujiazui

5. Kimpton Nine Trees Shanghai

Kimpton Nine Trees Shanghai courtyard and pool — Step into a soothing oasis away from the centre of town. (Credit: Kimpton Nine Trees Shanghai)

One of the city’s newest hotel openings, Kimpton Nine Trees Shanghai opened its doors in June 2026. Located away from the centre of town, the Shanghai hotel is enveloped in fresh air and thick woodlands, making for a restorative overnight recharge. Even more unique are the pet-friendly rooms (there’s also a pet-friendly park) and kids club — two major ticks in my book. Other amenities include a day spa, huge indoor pool, outdoor plunge pool, two restaurants and a separate bar. Expect room rates from about $450 AUD per night.

Location: No. 97 Shu Huan Road, Fengxian District

Nearest metro station: Fengxian Xincheng Station

6. Andaz Shanghai ITC

Andaz Shanghai ITC rooftop garden terrace — Soak up views across Shanghai. (Credit: Andaz Shanghai ITC)

Another Shanghai newbie, Andaz Shanghai ITC cut its red ribbon in February 2026, extending the high-end brand with a second Shanghai location. While the interiors are shiny and sleek, the vibe is homely thanks to splashes of colour that pay homage to the city’s rich history and natural landscape. The lobby is on level 14, while all 267 rooms are treated to floor-to-ceiling views across Shanghai, and one incredible rooftop bar provides the most dazzling vantage point of all. A 25-metre indoor lap pool is also alluring on level 15, while The West Wing deli and wine bar can’t be missed and The East Wing nails a buffet breakfast. Room rates start from about $400 AUD per night.

Location: No. 283 Hongqiao Road, Xuhai District

Nearest metro station: Xujiahui

7. Shanghai Muh Shoou Zhujing Hotel

Couldn’t shake the kids? Shanghai Muh Shoou Zhujing Hotel is located right next to Legoland Shanghai Resort, so they’ll love every minute. What I love about this Shanghai hotel, however, is how it manages relax you despite its high-octane neighbour. All 65 villas are standalone structures complete with private courtyards, while the rooms are straight out of an interior design magazine: all monochromatic-moody, soft-textured and highly stylised. It only opened in April 2026 so you can imagine the barely touched beauty of it all, too. Amenities span a tea lounge, restaurant, gym and outdoor pool, and room rates start from about $540 AUD per night.

Location: No. 95 Huadie Road, Zhujing Town, Jinshan District

Nearest metro station: Jinshanbei Railway Station

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8. Ôpartment

Ôpartment Shanghai exterior view — This apartment-style accommodation offers a great base in the centre of town. (Credit: Ôpartment Shanghai)

If you’re budget-conscious, Ôpartment is located right in the centre of town and offers contemporary serviced apartments with great city views. Rates start from about $270 AUD per night for a standard double room, making for a significant dip from the ritzier options without sacrificing on comfort. Each space features Miele kitchen and laundry appliances and flat screen TVs, while evolving artist exhibits are displayed through common areas to dial up the personality.

Location: No. 90 Xizang Middle Road, Huangpu District

Nearest metro station: People’s Square

9. The PuLi Shanghai

The PuLi Shanghai dining area — Dine by the window with panoramic views of the city skyline. (Credit: The PuLi Shanghai)

A character-filled Shanghai hotel that balances five-star elegance, The PuLi Shanghai offers contemporary rooms filled with homely furnishings — think clusters of books, sculptures and signature art works. When it’s meal o’clock, there’s also a Michelin-starred French restaurant where breakfast is served of a morning. The PuLi Spa on level 3 is also non-negotiable, as is a dip in its neighbouring indoor infinity pool with extremely cushy daybeds. Room rates start from just under $500 AUD per night.

Location: 1 ChangDe Road, JingAn District

Nearest metro station: Jing’an Temple

10. Amanyangyun

Amanyangyun Shanghai wellness gallery — Sit in quiet contemplation in the tea lounge. (Credit: Amanyangyun Shanghai)

One of the most spacious Shanghai hotels you’ll encounter, Amanyangyun is an architectural dream. Spread across 140 hectares just outside the city centre, the space feels lightyears away from the hum of The Bund, and that’s before its art gallery, wellness centre and day spa, private forest, 57-metre outdoor pool and tea lounge drift you into a pure Zen state. It’s also home to the Antique Villas, constructed with salvaged Ming and Qing dynasty materials and revived in ultra-luxurious style. Three restaurants ensure you really never need to leave. Rates hover around the $1,000 AUD mark per night.

Location: 6161 Yuanjiang Road, Minhang District

Nearest metro station: Minhang Development Zone

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

The best Shanghai hotels for every kind of trip