Shanghai, known locally as "Hu" is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River. It's famous for its bustling business and skyline, but there's much more to explore beyond the shiny skyscrapers.
Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai
People’s Square
Central Shanghai location with parks, shopping malls, metro access and varied hotels.
- JI Hotel (Shanghai People's Square): Price from £16. Just a short walk from People's Square Metro Station, travelling to most city destinations is a breeze. There are many attractions in the nearby area, including The Bund, Shanghai Postal Museum and Shanghai Natural History Museum.
- Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai: Price from £78. Centrally located on Nanjing Road near The Bund, Radisson Hyland Shanghai offers 383 modern rooms with metro access to airports, plus dining and fitness facilities.
- Hotel Chalet Shanghai: Price from £16. Perfectly located 400m from People's Square metro with easy access to top attractions, Hotel Chalet Shanghai offers excellent service, family-friendly stays and on-site parking.
Jing’an Temple/Nanjing West Road
Historic temples, luxury shopping, excellent metro links.
- Swissôtel Grand Shanghai: Price from £51. Adjacent to Nanjing West Road and Jing'an Temple, it is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the main business district of central Shanghai. It is only a few steps from metro lines 2 and 7.
- Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum: Price from £13, varied breakfast, free overnight baggage storage for early check-ins. Some rooms offer river views. 8-min walk to metro (Lines 1/12/13), 5-min drive to Jing’an Temple.
- Guisu Homestay (Nanjing West Road): Price from £64. Spacious, beautifully decorated apartments with stunning city views. The host speaks English and is warm and attentive to ensure you have a smooth stay. Major landmarks such as Yu Garden are within walking distance.
Pudong Area/Lujiazui
Iconic skyline views and quick access to the airport.
- Da Zhong Airport Hotel: Price from £51. Located between Pudong International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, just 5-minute walk away. Streamlined rooms with 24/7 baggage assistance and fast check-in for stopovers.
- Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport: Price from £43. The hotel is conveniently located just 3km from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Free shuttle (5 mins to terminals). With modern soundproofed rooms, multilingual concierge service and grab-and-go breakfast, your trip will be easier and more convenient.
- Dihang Boutique Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport): Price from £6, just 9km from Shanghai Pudong Airport, offering affordable and comfortable stays with free airport transfers.
Getting to and Around Shanghai
Shanghai has two major airports. Pudong Airport, located 25 miles (40km) east of the city centre and handles most international flights, while Hongqiao Airport is just 8 miles (13km) west and primarily serves domestic routes with some international connections.
>> Read Our Guide on Getting From Shanghai Airports to the City Centre
Consider staying at one of these hotels near the Pudong Airport (PVG) that offers shuttle service.
>> Click to find more hotels near the Pudong international airport.
Find More to Match Your Travel Style
Disney Magic at Your Doorstep
- Family hotels & shuttle to Shanghai Disneyland → Shanghai Disneyland Hotel (Price from £334)
- Kid-friendly & themed stay for Disney fans → Toy Story Hotel (Price from £196)
Classic Glamour with Skyline Views
- Iconic historical landmarks & superb views → Fairmont Peace Hotel (Price from £170)
- Ultra-modern luxury with Pudong panorama → The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong (Price from £216)
Instagram-Worthy Boutiques
- Art Deco gem in the French Concession → The Sukhothai Shanghai (Price from £134)
- Rooftop pool with stunning city views → The Shanghai EDITIO (Price from £216)
Shanghai Hotels Booking Tips
- Book early (3-6 months in advance) for busy periods like National Day (1-7 Oct) or May Day holidays (1-5 May), or major China holidays.
- Check trade fairs & events dates: Big trade shows (e.g. China Import Expo in November, Auto Shanghai in April), which can lead to higher prices and lower supply.
- Save with deals: New Trip.com users can enjoy 8% off.
- Stay smart: Try areas like Jing’an or Xujiahui - they're easily accessible via Metro Lines 1/2/10, but cheaper than the Bund, Nanjing Road, or Lujiazui.