New skyscrapers seem to join Shanghai’s vertigo-inducing skyline every day, and among them are dozens of glamorous hotels. But for travellers who don’t have the cash for a reservation at the Langham or the Ritz-Carlton, here are the eight best cheap hotels in Shanghai.
This 3.5-star Mercure property offers the kind of amenities you’d expect from a much more expensive hotel, without carrying the hefty price tag. Located in the Changning neighbourhood, the family-friendly Hongqiao SOHO features a fitness centre, a shared lounge, high-speed WiFi and a restaurant serving a breakfast buffet, while all 305 French-themed guest rooms contain a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
This three-star hotel is situated close to the Disney Store’s Chuansha franchise and only a short drive to Disneyland itself, meaning it’s the perfect place to stay for fans of Mickey Mouse and the gang. The Forson International Boutique Hotel’s 87 guest rooms are stylishly appointed and feature air conditioning and cable TV. There’s also an on-site restaurant.
This 3.5-star Atour Hotel boasts a long list of amenities for a very tidy price. There’s a seating area and desk included in every one of the 207 rooms, a 24-hour help desk and a friendly round-the-clock reception, business centre and library, a free children’s club, plus a shuttle bus to explore the local area. Don’t miss the huge spread served up at the buffet breakfast.
Mammoth marble pillars and glittering chandeliers welcome guests to this traditional 3.5-star property, which delivers classic Chinese elegance on a budget. The Venus International features 268 comfortable rooms with access to a friendly concierge to help guests get to know the Pudong area as well as the rest of the city.
Jinjiang Inn Shanghai Xintiandi Xizang South Road is found in the super-central Huangpu district of Shanghai, making it a popular option for families and business travellers on a budget. This 2.5-star hotel is a simple, modern property with a range of room types all offering air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities and plush toiletries.
The Hao Du Hotel is all about location, location, location, sitting smack-bang in the middle of Shanghai. Yu Garden, the Old City, People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum and Dashijie metro station are all sitting on the doorstep of these 193 great-value suites. A ‘mini’ double room is also available if you’re keen to stretch your travel budget even further.
This three-star guesthouse might be tiny, but that’s part of the appeal. YANGYUN Pretty Inn only contains eight rooms and all of them have been gorgeously designed – think exposed brick, raw timber and bold jungle prints. The reception is always happy to help guests book tours and tickets, too.
The Vienna Hotel is within walking distance of Sanjiagang Beach Park and a quick drive to Shanghai Sanjia Port Coastal tourist areas, plus the hotel provides a free shuttle to the airport. The 3.5-star hotel includes 128 stylish guest rooms with air conditioning, desks, TVs and chic bathrooms, and there are extra beds available for a small charge if you’re travelling in a larger group.
