Once dubbed the “Paris of the East” for its unrivalled glamour and elegance, Shanghai is on track to become the world’s largest financial centre, and the globe’s tallest skyscrapers are popping up like mushrooms all over the city. Shanghai also houses a string of ultraluxurious hotels. On you next trip to the city, make sure you stay at one of the following, Shanghai’s ten best.

1. Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt
Considered one of the most luxurious hotel brands worldwide, Park Hyatt is located in the Lujiazui business district, occupying the upper echelons of the Shanghai World Financial Center. Designed in a sleek, contemporary style, the 174 rooms offer guests stunning views of Shanghai or Huangpu River. Bathrooms are outfitted with an Oriental bathing area, heated floors, and a separate powder room for freshening up. Guests can enjoy a meal at one of the 5-star dining establishments located on the 91st floor. 100 Century Avenue offers Chinese, Japanese, and Western dishes, while Chef’s Table serves up a Lobster Sunday Brunch. Hotel activities include a fitness center, pool, and the popular Water’s Edge spa where guests can indulge in luscious body treatments like the Shanghai Ginger Polish or Citrus Detox Cleanse.

Add: 100 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai, China
Tel: 00886 021 6888 1234

2. Naked Stables

Naked Stables
Naked Stables Private Reserve is a resort in a protected nature reserve. Luxury accommodation is in spacious Tree Top Villas or single bedroom Earth Huts, spread across a broad, secluded valley in the foothills of Moganshan. Access is by foot or electric buggy. No motor vehicles are permitted. They also offer a range of activities – mountain biking, horse riding and hiking, three swimming pools, things for kids and some yoga / meditation stuff. Really nice place to escape to.

Add: No.37 Shangxiazhuang Village, Paitou Town, Deqing County, China
Tel: 00886 021 6431 8901

3. The PuLi Hotel and Spa

The PuLi Hotel and Spa1
As Shanghai’s first luxury urban resort, The PuLi Hotel and Spa is centrally located between Nanjing West Road and YanAn Road, adjacent to the multi-use development Park Place. With 193 rooms and 36 suites, The PuLi offers 24-hour butler service, in-room dining, concierge, laundry and valet services, and a world class restaurant.

The Health Club has a superbly equipped state of the art gymnasium, sauna, steam room, experiential showers, jacuzzi pool, 25-metre lap infinity pool as well as the first Anantara Spa in Shanghai.

With different venues to choose from for your private event or meeting, guests can experience handcrafted service from tailor-made menus to programming assistance. The Level 1 Garden Terrace, Level 2 all-day dining restaurant and Private Dining Room, Level 3 Meeting Room, and Level 26 as a multifunctional space where one can host exclusive and intimate events and gatherings up to 150 guests.

Add: 1 Changde Road, Jing’an, Shanghai, China
Tel: 00886 021 3203 9999

4. Fairmont Peace Hotel

Fairmont Peace Hotel
Located along Shanghai’s prominent waterfront, the Bund, Fairmont Peace Hotel is outfitted in an elegant art deco style. Guestrooms offer city or courtyard views, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. The hotel’s exclusive Nine Nations Suites are individually designed and furnished to reflect different countries, such as Italy, Japan, or Spain.

Guests have a variety of dining options, from enjoying an afternoon tea at Jasmine Lounge or dining on Cantonese cuisine at Dragon Phoenix restaurant. If you’re in need of an afternoon hiatus from a morning packed with sightseeing, enjoy one of the signature massages at the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa.

Add: 20 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, China
Tel: 00886 21 6138 6888

5. Mansion Hotel

Mansion Hotel
Utterly unique. Enchantingly opulent. Completely captivating. Step into the private reception room … and be swept back in time to the golden age of the ‘Paris of the East’. As the phonograph crackles into life with the songs of opera diva and former guest Mei Lanfang, a world of art deco wonders, swinging jazz bands and glamorous gangsters beckons.

Designed by the French architect Lafayette in 1932 and located in the vibrant heart of the historic French Concession, this luxuriously restored heritage boutique hotel offers the city’s most authentic experience of ‘Old Shanghai’.

Formerly headquarters of Shanghai vice boss Du Yuesheng, the Mansion Hotel was once the nerve centre of an opium empire and scene of some of roaring Shanghai’s most decadent parties. Hundreds of artifacts and photographs attest to its colourful past, as you relax into its lavish modern-day incarnation.

Add: 82 Xinle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
Tel: 00886 021 5403 9888

6. Yangtze Boutique Hotel

Yangtze Boutique Hotel
Originally built in 1934, Yangtze Boutique Hotel was considered one of Shanghai’s famous hotels, and was once designated as ‘the third largest hotel in the Far East.’ The hotel is located within walking distance of many tourist sights, such as People’s Park, Nanjing Road, and Shanghai Grand Theatre. Ninety-six rooms and suites are designed in vibrant, eye-catching shades, sprinkled with Asian adornments. Hotel facilities include a gym (complete with a steam room) and SPA center where weary travelers can relax while undergoing acupuncture or stone therapies.

Add: 740 Hankou Road, People’s Square, Shanghai, China
Tel: 00886 021 6080 0800

7. Anting Villa Hotel

Anting Villa Hotel
Tucked away on a secluded, leafy street in the French Concession (but not far from the nearest metro station), this 144-room boutique villa conversion is one of Shanghai’s most peacefully situated hotels, with baroque style balconies and beautifully manicured gardens.

The slightly twee style may not be to all Western tastes, but the small rooms are spotless and reasonably priced. There’s only one restaurant, which serves Cantonese food, but the French Concession location means you’re never far from a decent eatery.

Add: 46 Anting Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
Tel: 00886 021 6433 1188

8. Langham Shanghai Xintiandi

Langham Shanghai Xintiandi
In Shanghai’s Xuhui district, the Langham hotel sits near the edge of the French Concession area. Guestrooms are furnished in an ancient Chinese-contemporary style, with marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to marvel in the beauty of Shanghai. After spending an afternoon exploring nearby St. Ignatius Cathedral or exploring the shops along Huaihai Road, settle in with a pre-dinner cocktail at the Cachet Martini Bar, located on the hotel’s mezzanine level.

If you’re seeking a little morning relaxation Chuan Spa offers traditional Chinese treatment. Chuan Spa follows the Wu Xing philosophy using earth, fire, metal, water, and wood in their treatments. A cold marine facial, muddy elements wrap, or an herbal salt scrub are just a few of the services offered at the spa.

Add: 99 Madang Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Tel: 00886 021 2330 2288

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