Shanghai China – 10 Hostels and Hotels in All Price Ranges

Because Shanghai is a renowned international tourist destination, there are of course a wide range of places to stay. There are numerous backpacker hostels for the adventurous ones on a budget, mid-range establishments, through to luxurious “seven-star” hotels overlooking the Bund. Whether you are a cash-conscious backpacker, or a pleasure-seeking family, there’s something for everyone. Bear in mind that hotels in China need a special license to permit foreigners, so make sure you ask.

Budget accommodation – from 50 RMB

While there are many options, you should be careful when choosing where you’ll stay (read the reviews!). Generally budget accommodations are widespread throughout the city and are clean and safe. Expect shared rooms and bathrooms with standard amenities. Most have WIFI, but we can’t promise how good the connection will be!
Here are four spots to check out:

1. Mingtown E-tour International Youth Hostel

From 68 RMB shared-268 RMB for a private double room.
This funky youth hostel gets a mention because of it’s location- right near People’s Square! Expect clean, simple rooms in the heart of the city.

You get: free WIFI, bar, restaurant, aircon, and helpful English-speaking staff. There’s also a big central courtyard where guests can relax.
Where?
55 Jiangyin Road, People’s Square.

2. Captain Youth Hostel

From 61RMB shared-285 RMB for a private queen room.
Very near the Bund (3 min walk), this hostel is decked out in a sailors theme! It’s only a ten minute walk from the metro’s Nanjing Road East Station. The area is ideal for shopping and sight-seeing. Rooms have shared bathrooms, and everything is neat and clean.

You get: a rooftop bar with a view of the Bund (highly recommended!), free WIFI, laundry service.
Where?
37 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu

3. Hanting Express

Cost: From 150 RMB, depending on location
A well-known hotel chain across China, there are several Hantings in Shanghai that are in excellent locations, so you can choose which one suits you best. You always know what you’re going to get: clean, private, comfortable rooms at an affordable price. Hantings almost always accept foreigners, which is why we choose them above others. They are perfect if you are travelling alone.

You get: free WIFI, privacy, TV, AC, English speaking staff, the standards of a nationwide hotel chain.
Where?
East Nanjing Road (great location for exploring), Zhongshan Park ( less than 1km from Jiangsu Road station on the Metro).

4. Green Tree Inn, Huaxia East Road

Cost: From 100 RMB for a single room
This hotel is in the popular Pudong suburb, walking distance from Huaxia East Road Station on the subway. Shanghai Disneyland is only 8 miles away, and there are a number of parks nearby so it’s a good one for the kids. Clean, affordable, and convenient, it’s a good cheap hotel for the family.

You get: WIFI, free parking, satellite TV, AC
Where?
No. 43-51 Miaojing Road, Chuansha New Town, Pudong District.

Mid-Range Accommodation in Shanghai – 400RMB-1300 RMB

Most of Shanghai’s hotels are mid-range. 3-4 star hotels will give you comfort in the form of space and convenience. Satellite TV, gyms, swimming pools and in-house restaurants are par for the course. They are scattered across the city, and if you know where to look, you’ll snap up a good deal. Try finding ones that are near the Metro or other attractions. Here are a few of the best:

5. Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre

Cost: from 1166 RMB
Ideally located in the Huangpu district, this hotel is very highly rated at an affordable price. It’s a good place to stay if you like shopping, sightseeing or architecture. It has numerous amenities, so bring the family! It’s also popular with solo travellers.

You get: WIFI, swimming pool, gym, family rooms, bar& restaurant, ATM, airport service
Where?
555 Xi Zang Road | Huangpu District

6. Cachet Boutique Shanghai

Cost: from 890 RMB
Another firm favourite amongst guests, it’s a superb boutique hotel in the heart of the city. The area is an excellent place to enjoy Shanghai’s food and nightlife. It’s a short walk from the metro’s West Nanjing Road station, and the location is great for a one- night stay.

You get: gym, family rooms, room service, satellite TV, cash exchange services
Where?
No.931 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an

37. Le Royal Meridien Shanghai

Cost: 1300 RMB
It’s so big it’s actually considered a landmark! 66 stories high, guests can enjoy breath-taking views of Shanghai’s skyline. It’s directly across from People’s Square, and is on East Nanjing Road Pedestrian street. There are heaps of attractions in this area (Shanghai Museum, Bund, Yuyuan Garden) so the location is ideal.

You get: landmark views, gym, airport shuttle, swimming pool, family rooms, bar, a great breakfast.
Where?
789 East NanJing Road, Huangpu.

8. SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund

Cost: From 805 RMB
Also in Huangpu (right next to Yuyuan Garden), this is a guest favourite. It’s romantic setting is perfectly suited for couples, and they offer on-site currency exchange. They also offer room service, and their food comes highly recommended.

You get: Airport shuttle service, delicious room service and a bar- all at a great price for a 4-star hotel.
Where?
No.839 Renmin Road, Huangpu District

High-end Accommodation in Shanghai

Unsurprisingly for a city of it’s opulence, Shanghai is home to a number of luxury hotels that are contenders on a global stage. These offer the best views, and guests can indulge in glorious extravagance. Look for them in the trendy suburbs of Huangpu or Pudong. The Bund is home various elegant skyscraper hotels.

9. The Peninsula

From 2600 RMB
Only opened in 2009, it’s right on top of the Bund, offering guests magnificent views. It’s was named the Best Hotel in Shanghai by Travel&Leisure for 2017. The facilities are impeccable, and you can fine dine at two different Michelin star-rated restaurants. Each room has been meticulously designed in the style of the Art-Deco era, and the spa is highly rated. It’s also in the perfect location for sightseeing-if you ever decide to leave the glamorous comfort of the hotel.

You get: well, everything. That includes a spa bath in your room, a world class spa, and excellent cuisine in either Michelin star-rated Chinese, or European style restaurants. There is also a rooftop bar overlooking the Bund.
Where?
No. 32 The Bund, Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu

10. Mandarin Oriental Pudong

Cost: From 1890 RMB
Situated in the trendy suburb of Lujiazui, this stylish hotel gives visitors a uniquely elegant experience. Styled in a contemporary design, the hotel is part of a chain that is renowned for it’s unparalleled service. Guests are treated to world-class restaurants, and a lavish spa. It’s great for the family and is popular amongst businesspeople because it’s very near the Shanghai IFC and the World Financial Centre.

You get: spa& wellness centre, pool, gym, excellent food, ATM& currency exchange
Where?
No.111, South Pudong Road

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Clearly there are a number of choices in Shanghai. If you decide you’d like a peaceful setting, choose an area away from the city centre. If you’re there to explore- stay in a central location like Huangpu or People’s Square. Shanghai is a very populated city, so we found the best way to get around is the Metro. Taxi’s are everywhere, but remember they will usually be slower. Also bear in mind that the city gets very busy over holiday periods, so make sure you book your hotels early.