Thanks to the 2010 World Expo, Shanghai’s hotel options have mushroomed over the last couple of years. As well as the regular metropolitan array of Hyatts, Hiltons, and Ritzes, there are plenty of boutique hotels and interesting one-offs like the historic Park Hotel on People’s Square and the newly opened luxury Waldorf Astoria on the Bund.

For folks on a budget, there’s a wide array of great hostels that are often just as good as mid-range hotels when it comes to services and cleanliness.

Choosing a Hotel

The diversity and number of Shanghai’s hotels is huge. Thanks to the very size of the city, the area you choose to stay in will have an impact on how you experience the city. Staying in or around People’s Square will place you at an advantage for visiting the downtown area. You’ll be close to Nanjing Road, the Bund, and the Old City, and the Old French Concession is just a short metro or taxi ride away.

This part of town is relentlessly busy though, so if you’re looking for a more tranquil trip, think about staying in the Old French Concession instead. Hotels farther out of town are a good option, too; the fast, efficient metro network makes it easy to get around.

A standard room in a Shanghai hotel will have either a single king- or two queen-sized beds, a private bathroom, television, safe, and refreshments. The bigger hotels provide parking facilities, and breakfast is usually included in your room rate. These things are worth double-checking when you book, however, if any are particularly important to you.

Shanghai’s hostels should not be overlooked if you want to cut down on expenses. All hostels listed in this travel guide are on par with 3-star hotels or above, and provide a friendly atmosphere that is sometimes missing from bigger establishments. If you opt for a dormitory, be prepared for simplicity; you will almost certainly be provided with a towel, but room facilities will be minimal. In a private hostel room you’ll most likely get simple refreshments and toiletries.

Shanghai’s Best Hotels

• Best Value: Captain Hostel
• Best Taste of Old Shanghai: Fairmont Peace Hotel
• Most Charmingly Quirky: Hengshan Moller Villa Hotel
• Best Location: JIA Shanghai
• Most Surprisingly Peaceful: Le Tour Traveler’s Rest
• Greenest Hotel: URBN Hotel
• Best Urban Luxury: Waterhouse
• Best 5-Star Experience: Kerry Hotel Pudong
• Best Boutique: M Suites
• Most Friendly: Shanghai City Central Youth Hostel