Shanghai is an exciting Chinese city to visit, and one that is very accommodating to tourists from all over the world. It is easy to get around the city even if your Chinese language skills are lacking, and you don't even need to rent a car because the public transport system is top-notch. There are also many excellent hotels in the city that offer spectacular waterfront views and make a priority of customer service and top-notch amenities. These are the best luxury hotels to stay in when visiting Shanghai for family fun, an adventurous retreat or business.
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi 
Credit: The Langham, Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi (Prices and photos)
This is a wonderful hotel in Old Shanghai that is contemporary, elegant and very popular. There are 357 rooms and suites that have a contemporary style and also blend in traditional Chinese elements. The rooms here have beautiful views through floor-to-ceiling windows. You'll be in the heart of the city's entertainment hub when you're here and close to the shops on Huai Hai Road. Here you can also enjoy afternoon tea with small bites in the lobby lounge and dine at Cachet, Cachet Al Fresco and T'ang Court. There is also a martini bar and an outdoor terrace for cocktails and more. The Langham offers a 24-hour fitness room, a heated indoor pool for swimming laps and the Chuan Spa for relaxation and pampering.
Fairmont Peace Hotel 
Credit: www.facebook.com Perfect location of the Fairmont Peace Hotel
Fairmont Peace Hotel (Prices & Photos)
If you want to be close to the luxurious shops of Nanjing Road and near the Bund waterfront, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is a great choice. This is an Art Deco style hotel that combines old world charm with modern conveniences. Extravagant galas and fashion shows have been held here in the past, and this is still a popular event venue. Dragon Phoenix is the on-site Chinese restaurant and there is a fun jazz bar to listen to music. Meanwhile, the terrace offers spectacular views of Pudong. The on-site Willow Stream Spa offers beauty treatments inspired by the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Overall, the Fairmont has 270 rooms, including 39 suites, for guests. There are Nine Nation Suites decorated in the spirit of England, China, America, Italy, Japan, France, Spain, India and Germany.
Wanda Reign on the Bund Credit: www.facebook.com Perfect outdoor terrace at the Wanda Reign on Bund
Wanda Reign on the Bund (Prices and photos)
Wanda Reign is another great luxury option for staying close to Shanghai's waterfront. Guests staying here enjoy breathtaking views of the Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River, as well as the convenience of walking distance to Yu Gardens and top cultural and culinary attractions. The on-site restaurants serve fresh, local food, numerous seafood dishes, afternoon tea and special cocktails. Wanda Reign on the Bund has 193 hotel rooms with luxury amenities and has even been classified as a 'seven-star hotel', making it a truly unique place to stay in Shanghai. It is also known as a meeting place for China's elite and hip millennials with money to spend.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund 
Credit: www.facebook.com Pure luxury at the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund (Prices and photos)
Also on the Bund waterfront, you'll find the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Shanghai, offering luxury accommodation with elegant rooms and fine dining. In this 1911 neoclassical building, you'll find 260 sophisticated rooms and suites, a full fitness centre, a library lounge, complementary Wi-Di and a high-tech business centre. Pelhams offers French cuisine and Wei Jing Ge offers gourmet Chinese dishes. There is also the Long Bar for drinks, the Salon De Ville for afternoon tea and the Grand Brasserie for food from around the world. The on-site spa has eight treatment rooms, each with a rain shower and private steam room.
Mandarin Oriental Pudong 
Credit: www.facebook.com Beautiful entrance to Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Mandarin Oriental Pudong (Prices and photos)
The Mandarin Oriental Pudong is a stylish hotel along the Huangpu River and in the middle of the local financial district. There are 362 rooms and suites here, many rooms have river views, and bed and breakfast packages are available from CNY 1600. Fifty 8th Grill serves classic and contemporary French cuisine, Yong Yi Ting specialises in fresh and regional flavours, Zest serves Asian and international dishes, and Qi Bar is perfect for cocktails. There is also a beautiful spa offering beauty treatments and educational workshops in Chinese astrology and palm reading. It has 13 spa suites, including two suites for couples. There is also a tea room, a 25-metre indoor pool, a fitness centre, a boutique spa and healthy cuisine offered in the wellness centre.
Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai 
Credit: www.facebook.com Pool at Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai
Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai (Prices & Photos)
The Kerry is a multi-storey hotel near Century Park in Shanghai and has 574 guest rooms and suites. The 33 suites range between 84 and 168 square metres and all include a separate lounge. There is also a spacious banquet and conference room here, three restaurants and a microbrewery serving craft beers. It is easy to get to from Pudong International Airport via the underground line and Maglev train.You can visit the 24-hour fitness centre here or take advantage of the on-site hot tub, outdoor basketball court, outdoor tennis court, exercise studios and training rooms, steam room, swimming pool, sauna and spa.
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai 
Credit: www.facebook.com Work with Kempinski Hotels Shanghai
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai (Prices & Photos)
This is another highly recommended stay if you are looking for luxury in Shanghai. The Grand Kempinski has a European feel in the city's financial district and has four restaurants, three bars, a swimming pool, gym and spa. You can choose to book a room with a breakfast package to enjoy a buffet breakfast from 06:00 to 10:30 at the on-site Elements restaurant. The hotel also offers an exclusive airport limousine service if you wish to be picked up from nearby international or domestic airports.
Pudong Shangri-La East Shanghai 
Credit: www.facebook.com Traveller enjoying the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La East Shanghai (Prices and photos)
The last luxury hotel option we will mention in this list is the Pudong Shangri-La East, which is the financial district of Pudong and along the river. Therese is an on-site spa for massages, afternoon tea in the lobby lounge and great cocktails at the Jade on 36 Bar. There are actually 10 eateries here, making this a favourite spot among foodies. The in-house wellness centre, CHI, offers facial therapies and body treatments based on Qi philosophy and traditional Chinese healing rituals.