Best Hotels in Shanghai for Every Budget

Believe me, Shanghai has some of the best hotels in the world. It also has some overpriced ones that trade on location alone. Here’s the breakdown based on what you’re actually looking for. Absolutely worth it. Absolutely worth it.

Luxury ($$$$)

The Peninsula Shanghai is the gold standard. It’s on the Bund, the rooms are enormous by Shanghai standards, and the service is genuinely attentive — not the stiff, formal kind you get at some five-star places. The rooftop bar has a view of Pudong that’ll make your Instagram friends jealous. From $400/night.

W Shanghai is the opposite vibe — younger, louder, with a nightclub energy. The rooms are obsessed with views (floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Pearl Tower), and the pool area feels like a Miami beach club. Not for sleep, but great for a weekend. From $250/night.

From what I’ve seen, this is the real deal.

Mid-Range ($$$)

The Middle House is my pick in this category. It’s in the Jing’an district, walking distance to great food and shopping, and the design is understated — lots of wood, natural light, and quiet corners. The rooms have kitchenettes and washer-dryers, which is rare in China. From $180/night.

Sounds interesting, right?

Hotel Indigo on the Bund gives you a Bund view room for half the price of the Peninsula. The rooms are smaller but the location is perfect for exploring the waterfront and the old French Concession. From $150/night.

Budget-Friendly ($$)

Campanile Shanghai is clean, reliable, and well-located near the Bund. Rooms are basic but comfortable. The breakfast is a solid Chinese-Western mix. From $70/night.

Mingtown Etour Youth Hostel isn’t a hostel in the dormitory sense — they’ve private rooms too. The Nanjing Road location is unbeatable, and the staff are incredibly helpful. From $30/night for a private room.

Pro Tips

Book directly with the hotel if you can — you’ll often get better rates than Booking.com or Agoda, and many offer free upgrades for direct bookings. Avoid Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October, Chinese New Year) when prices triple. The best time for deals is November-March (excluding New Year), when business travel drops and hotels slash rates.

One more thing: check whether the hotel accepts foreign guests. Some budget hotels in China aren’t licensed for foreign passport holders. The ones listed above all do, but always confirm before booking.

I absolutely love this one.

In my opinion, it’s the best option.