The 8 Best Hotels in Xintiandi, Shanghai

If you really want to get a taste of Shanghai life, opt for an apartment in one of the city’s many original shikumen areas. This cosy little spot has one bedroom and one loft-style bed above the lounge space. The host is helpful and friendly, providing simple clear directions to the apartment as well as giving any recommendations you need. Being close to the popular destination of Tianzifang allows you to venture out and explore the nearby nightlife and shopping areas without worrying about getting home afterwards. As it’s equipped with a small kitchen area and washing machine, this place is great for a longer stay.

For a high-end alternative to a hotel, try an apartment from Ascott. Still serviced and with all the staff you’d expect from an Ascott Hotel, these apartment-style rooms offer kitchenettes, lounges and large flat-screen TVs. You also have access to a health club, pool and steam room, and the venue is just steps away from the Shanghai Museum, West Nanjing Road and a multitude of great parks. As each apartment sleeps three to four people, the price works out an absolute steal for the quality and location, and that all important Ascott name tag.

This large luxury hotel is spread across 28 floors with over 350 rooms and is right in the heart of the action in Xintiandi. With three metro stations nearby, People’s Square and Shanghai Museum within ten minutes’ walk, and famous shopping street East Nanjing Road only four stops away, you’ll be spoilt for choice. All the rooms feature large floor-to-ceiling windows, letting so much light in that the rooms feel wonderfully bright and airy. As with many hotels of this standard in Shanghai, The Langham offers spa facilities and a large indoor pool – the perfect way to unwind after a busy day roaming the city.

Featuring bright, contemporary designs and monochrome colouring, Paper feat.H12 is more like an Airbnb experience, but with the facilities of a hotel, such as a front desk and housekeeping. This hotel is on the fifth floor of a building in an old residential part of Shanghai and is in a convenient location, with Middle Huaihai Road metro just steps away, and the Xintiandi shopping area within walking distance. Being in a residential area, the property could be a little tricky to find, so make sure you have the Chinese address to hand so someone can point you in the right direction.

Tucked away in a rustic neighbourhood but just a 10-minute walk from the hustle of Xintiandi, U Hotels offer reasonable prices for a centrally located boutique hotel, and staying in the old-style area gives you a taste of the Shanghainese living community. The hotel even offers a terrace to relax on. There’s also a shared lounge, washing machines and friendly, accommodating staff, and all the rooms feature good-quality bedding and towels. Housekeeping do a fantastic job, with both the rooms and shared areas looking spotless day and night. There are many great restaurants nearby serving up traditional Chinese cuisine, if you don’t fancy venturing too far from your room.

If you’re feeling fancy, splash out on a night at the Andaz, a concept hotel by Hyatt. With that Hyatt label, you already know what to expect – fantastic service, classy decor and amazing facilities. It’s hard to miss the building with its futuristic design, and once inside, you’ll hardly want to leave, as it offers spa treatments, a bar, a restaurant and an indoor pool. Just minutes away from two metro lines, and with car rentals offered through the hotel, the whole of Shanghai really is on your doorstep.

For simple, fuss-free accommodation, the Jinjiang Inn is everything you need. This hotel has clean, straightforward rooms with good-sized bathrooms and comfortable beds. The staff are friendly and can help you book tours or tickets for any Shanghai activities you are interested in. The location is the real selling point, as the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Xintiandi shopping district, as well as 10 minutes’ stroll to one of Shanghai’s best temples. It’s located right between four metro stations, meaning you can access the whole city in moments.