The Grand Hyatt Shanghai

The only choice if money is no object. The highest hotel in the world (on the 53rd to 87th floors of the Jin Mao Tower) is located in Pudong, the financial district of Shanghai. Just 50 minutes drive from Pudong Airport and 30 minutes from Hongquai Airport this is perfect for the business traveler looking for a spot of lofty luxury. It offers numerous bars, cafes and restaurants along with some breathtaking views of Pudong and beyond.
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Pudong Shangri-La Hotel

The award-winning Pudong Shangri-La Hotel is located in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone of Shanghai. It enjoys easy access to both Hongqiao and Pudong international airports and is also close to the subway connecting Pudong (East Shanghai) to Puxi (West Shanghai). Prominently sited along the famous Huangpu River, the Hotel has breathtaking views of Shanghai's legendary riverfront - the Bund and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Its 981 rooms and suites are the most spacious in the city and are complemented with 12 restaurants, bars and lounges and a large array of other facilities including CHI, The Spa, one of Top Ten Hottest Hotel Spas in the World 2006 by Forbes.com).
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Le Royal Meridien

The newly opened 'Le Royal Meridien Shanghai' is located in the center of Shanghai and is one of the city's tallest landmarks at 66 stories high. The location is one of the best in Shanghai located on popular Nanjing Road East opposite the People's Square overlooking the Shanghai Museum and the Shanghai Grand Theatre. The iconic Bund is a short walk down the Nanjing Pedestrian Walkway, which is just beside the hotel.
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The Westin Shanghai

Between the Bund and People's Square the Westin is one of the best located Hotels in Shanghai. Compared to the old fashioned classical style of other Five Stars the Westin shows a very modern face not at last because of the cantilevered Glass Staircase which is lighted in different colours. The Westin hosts some of the best hotel restaurants in Shanghai and a very popular Sunday champaign brunch.
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The Portman Ritz-Carlton

Shanghai's oldest 5-star Hotel (opened '98) still one of the most luxurious places to stay, but with Shanghai’s fast paced hotel industry it is also beginning to look decidedly aged. The Portman is part of the Shanghai Centre, which is also host to many consulates and the American Chamber of Commerce. It is conveniently located in the centre of Shanghai, suited to both leisure and business orientated guests.
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Marriot Hongqiao

Shanghai Marriott Hotel Hongqiao is situated in a less inspirational setting, three kilometers to the west of the Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone. However it offers easy access to Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong Airport so is extremely convenient luxury for a quick stop over in Shanghai.
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88 Xintiandi

This is definitely the coolest 5 star hotel on offer. Located in the up and coming social centre that is Xintiandi which is packed full of dining, shopping and entertainment spots. “88 Xintiandi” has panoramic lake views and an unparalleled level comfort and service. Aimed at the more discerning traveler, looking to indulge in the famous Shanghai Social scene, it leans more towards a boutique hotel in style it only has a limited number of rooms on offer. But if you do manage to secure one you are perfectly situated for a classy Shanghai break.
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Anting Villa Hotel

The first of our Smart Shanghai secret spots. Anting Villa right in the heart of the French concession has the quality of a 5 star hotel at 3 star prices. With its own pretty garden on a quiet little street it gives you a taste of the colonial grandeur of Shanghai's past history. However as it is only 2 blocks from the Metro and right next to Hengshan you are also right in the middle of modern shanghai and its frenetic nightlife. A perfect mix of old and new.
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Holiday Inn Downtown

Handily located next to the shanghai railway station and with all 510 rooms elegantly appointed this hotel is well designed for a quick and comfortable stay. It is also close enough to all the tourist sites and near enough to the airport to be a perfect base for some serious sightseeing.
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Heng Shan Moller Villa

Built in 1936 as the private residence of Swedish Multi-millionaire Eric Moller, completely renovated in 2001 into a 45 room boutique hotel, this is the definitive destination for colonial decadence – cocktail parties are often held on its spacious lawn. This hotel looks like it has been transported from a fairytale and the reality is not so different. Moller’s daughter sketched her dream of a castle from Anderson’s fairytales and Her indulgent father built the house to her exact specifications. So staying here is literally a fairytale come true, just try not to go kissing all of Shanghai’s frogs. All infos and pictures here | No online booking yet, sorry

Astor House Pujiang

Our other SmartShanghai secret spot, conveniently located right on the bund. Reportedly one of the oldest hotels in the world it has fallen slightly out of favour in recent years. However in its glory times this hotel played host to Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin. Its recent shabbier appearance means you can stay in one of the most historic hotels in Shanghai for as little as (rmb450). Apart from its history, its Bund location means you are in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas in shanghai and very easy walking distance from Peoples Square.
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Motel 168 An Yuan

This hotel offers rooms from an astounding (rmb168) a night is a great budget option. The service and facilities do tend to reflect the price but think how many RMB you will have left over to sample Shanghai’s nightlife.
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