Price Key

$ Less than ¥100 per night

$$ ¥100-500 per night

$$$ ¥500-1,500 per night

$$$$ More than ¥1,500 per night

Best Value: The Captain Hostel ($) is a fantastic choice for travelers on a budget, thanks to its prime location on the Bund; get your money’s worth simply by visiting the hostel’s rooftop bar and taking in the stunning views of the city.

Best Taste of Old Shanghai: The grand old Fairmont Peace Hotel ($$$$) on the Bund was once the Cathay Hotel, host to celebrities like Charlie Chaplin. Check out the original lobby with its art deco dome and yellow marble floors, and get transported back in time.

Most Charmingly Quirky: The Norweigan-Gothic Hengshan Moller Villa Hotel ($$$), complete with turrets and a lush garden, was originally built by a British businessman as a fairytale castle for his daughter.

Best Location: The artsy JIA Shanghai ($$$) sits just off West Nanjing Road’s busy shopping district and is a short walk away from People’s Square and Jing’an Temple.

Most Surprisingly Peaceful: Le Tour Traveler’s Rest ($) hostel is close to Shanghai’s main sights, but still quiet, thanks to its location down a hidden lane in Jing’an.

Greenest Hotel: Sleep easy at the boutique URBN Hotel ($$$) in Jing’an, China’s first carbon-neutral hotel.

Best Urban Luxury: Near the Cool Docks, the Waterhouse ($$$) boutique hotel is a renovated factory with a handful of minimalist rooms that feature simple yet luxurious furnishings. The vibe here is decidedly hip and boho.

Best 5-Star Experience: The Kerry Hotel Pudong ($$$$) offers a respite from the bustle of downtown Shanghai with elegantly furnished rooms and on-site entertainment that includes a microbrewery.

Best Boutique: The super-hip and visually stunning M Suites ($$) on Suzhou Creek provides a good alternative to the busier downtown hotels.

Most Friendly: Situated just north of downtown, the Shanghai City Central Youth Hostel ($) has a super-helpful staff and the most welcoming common room and bar in town.