Hengshan Moller Villa Hotel $$$

30 Shaanxi Nanlu, near Yan’an Lu
21/6247-8881
www.mollervilla.com [1]

COST: ¥500-1,500 per night

METRO: Jing’an Temple (Line 2, Line 7)

This eye-catching building provides one of those frequent “double take” moments that characterize Shanghai’s architecture.

Constructed in 1936 in Norwegian-Gothic style, the Moller Villa was a gift from a wealthy British tycoon to his young daughter, whose dream was to live in a fairytale castle. These days, the pretty turrets and gingerbread-colored walls are home to the Hengshan Moller Villa Hotel, opened in 2001.

One of Shanghai’s first boutique hotels, it blazed a trail for what is now a flourishing scene. Its 3-star ranking belies its 5-star standards and services; each of its 43 rooms is tastefully decorated and furnished with all of the modern conveniences you’d expect. Two restaurants and a garden with a lush lawn complete the experience.