Fathom Favorites : Shanghai Hotels

1. The Peninsula Shanghai

Besides its central location (right on the Bund), the grand hotel (considered the nicest in Shanghai) harks back to the roaring ‘20s with deco and modern luxuries (sprawling rooms, deep bathtubs with sweeping views of the city's skyline, a stunning indoor pool). Even if you don't end up staying here, come by for a drink at the eccentric speakeasy-esque bar, Salon de Ning.

32 Zhongshan E. 1st Rd.
Shanghai, China 200002
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2. The Ritz Carlton Shanghai - Pudong

An ultra-modern, glam escape with a 1930s twist right in the heart of Lujiazui finance and trade zone. Located on the top eighteen floors of a 58-story skyscraper, the luxurious hotel has jaw-dropping views of the futuristic city.

Read more on Fathom: On Top of the World in Shanghai

Shanghai IFC, 8 Century Ave., Lujiazui
Shanghai, China 200120
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3. Waterhouse Hotel

Style backed by substance. As a break from the bustle of the South Bund, design buffs kick back with VIPs (very important pieces) from Wegner, Jacobsen, and Juhl in lobby and rooftop bars, Table No. 1 restaurant, and 18 boutique rooms.

1 S. Zhongshan Rd.
Shanghai, China,
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4. Urbn Hotel

It’s not often that you hear the words "carbon neutral" in China, but this green-minded hotel housed in the shell of an old post office, has been re-envisioned with reclaimed wood and antiques from the area. Luckily, words like "sleek," "spacious," and "hey, nice courtyard" get thrown around, too. 

183 Jiaozhou Rd.
Shanghai, China,
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5. Quintet

A six-room bed and breakfast in the French Concession makes for a down-to-earth (and budget-friendly) place to post up comfortably without feeling touristy. Yoga, acupuncture, cooking classes, and other cultural excursions can be set up according to your schedule.

808 ChangLe Rd.
Shanghai, China,
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6. The PuLi Hotel and Spa

A 26-story, thoroughly modern hotel still very much in touch with its roots. Shou incense burners, stoneware headrests, and other only-in-China details play up the past, while high-tech gadgetry sets service standards for the future. 

1 ChangDe Rd.
Shanghai, China,
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7. Le Sun Chine

Did you pack your fancy pants? The butler will happily press them for you while you are busy with champagne in the library, swimming laps in the pool, or taking a stroll through the garden of this British colonial-style beauty. 

Bldg. 6, 1220 Huashan Rd.
Shanghai, China,
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8. Cachet Boutique

Even the hotels are not immune to the city of perpetual (re)construction. The former Jia Shanghai, now called Cachet Boutique, is still hidden behind the preserved 1920's facade. Inside, however, is an explosion of bold patterns and colors in the lobby and rooms by designer Jay Godfrey — also look for the marble and Italian Bisazza mosaic tiles in the bathroom. On your way out to dinner, stop by the lobby lounge for complimentary cakes and wines while perusing local art.

931 W. Nanjing Rd.
Shanghai, China,
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