The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Shanghai

The Waterhouse Shanghai oozes industrial rustic chic. Housed in a three-story building that was once the Japanese Army HQ in the 1930s, this boutique hotel is a shockingly beautiful contrast of old and new. Architects Neri and Hu explain: “This is a hotel that puts the emphasis on the traveller in search of some meaning, and not just the luxury component of living.” Each of the 19 bespoke rooms offers a coffee machine, a minibar, a refrigerator, a seating area with a sofa and more.

It’s not just humans who love the Pudi – this 4.5-star property is a favourite among animal guests, too. Here, you and your four-legged friend will discover an atmospheric space to escape the overwhelming energy of Shanghai, with 52 dark and moody suites available. And if you need someone to look after your pup while you’re out seeing the sights, there are even 24-hour butlers to lend a hand.

URBN is China’s first carbon-neutral hotel, converting an old post office building with recycled and locally sourced materials like reclaimed hardwood and up-cycled bricks, as well as eco-friendly features like solar shades and water-based air-con. Guest rooms are furbished in black and white decor, ranging in style from simple studios and atrium rooms to elegant garden view rooms and a penthouse.

Only five minutes from the Shanghai New International Expo Center, the Century Park Crowne Plaza is a boutique-style luxury hotel in central Shanghai. The suites enjoy five-star decor and furnishings like marble bathrooms and spacious sitting areas, as well as access to a 24-hour fitness centre, the relaxing Spring Spa, the authentic Heji Chinese restaurant and childcare services. Also, the panoramic views of Shanghai are to die for.

When China’s richest man creates a boutique hotel, he doesn’t mess around. Wang Jianlin’s pet project bills itself as Shanghai’s first ‘seven-star’ hotel, with over-the-top opulence around every corner. The 190 guest rooms are designed in two distinct styles – the modern Art Deco ‘trendy’ suites and the wood-lined ‘noble’ rooms – and Wanda Reign also boasts a range of impressive restaurants and lounges.

These converted 1920s colonial mansions are the height of luxury and carry the price tag to boot. The 60 upscale villas come with private gardens, butlers and garages. If it’s a little out of your price range, then settle for a taste of luxury at Hotel Massenet’s gorgeous in-house restaurant, Aux Jardins Massenet, housed in its own villa.

This hotel might be housed in an old bank, but it’s anything but boring. The stylish boutique has overseen Nanjing Road’s transformation into one of the world’s elite shopping precincts over recent years and these days, guests of the 165 four-star suites are provided a front row seat to the world-class retail action with state-of-the-art amenities and a super central location.

Live the spirit of old Shanghai at the Mansion Hotel, located in a French Concession villa designed by European architect Lafayette in 1932. The former headquarters of Shanghai mob boss Du Yuesheng, the property was once the centre of Shanghai’s infamous opium trade. Today, the Mansion Hotel preserves much of the original furniture and antiques, transporting guests to that bygone era.

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s premier shopping district and this five-star property is the premier boutique hotel in the area. Inhabiting a lavish Art Deco building that dates back to the 1930s, the Yangtze’s 96 rooms exude old-world charm and all boast balconies overlooking the skyline, while the 24-hour fitness centre and spa services are waiting to pamper guests around the clock. The location is enviable as well, just steps from People’s Square and Shanghai’s hottest shops.

The name of this five-star property harks back to the halcyon days of the French Concession, as do the 168 decadent suites. Situated in downtown Shanghai perched high above the 16th-century Yu Gardens, Les Suites Orient features an array of huge guest rooms with glitzy marble bathrooms, a cutting-edge fitness centre, plus a high-end cigar bar and Cafe DongXi, serving both Asian and Western cuisine.