• The Peninsula Shanghai: The Peninsula Shanghai marks the return of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited to Shanghai after 60 years (the company was originally founded in Shanghai in 1866) — and what a welcome and glorious return it has been. From its enviable location at the top of the Bund, to its gorgeous Art Deco interiors, from its Rolls-Royce limousines to its standard-setting afternoon tea, from its unmatched in-room amenities to its award-winning fine dining, the Peninsula shows how it's done. Don't miss it!
  • Park Hyatt Shanghai: This exclusive, top-of-the-Hyatt-line hotel is one of the world's tallest hotels, if height matters to you. It's not the most conveniently located hotel, but the huge rooms (the largest in the city) with high ceilings, elegant decor, comfortable beds, unparalleled views (on a clear day, that is), and thoroughly modern bathrooms with state-of-the-art showers and automated bidets have all garnered high praise.
  • Fairmont Peace Hotel: Shanghai's most famous historical hotel underwent a renovation with ¥500-million price tag, with the restorations faithful and perhaps even surpassing our expectations. The joint management by the Fairmont Hotels group and the local Jinjiang chain has once again made the Peace Shanghai's top destination hotel.
  • Mansion Hotel: If you want to be transported back in time to Shanghai in the 1930s, then the exclusive boutique Mansion Hotel, right in the heart of the French Concession, is where you want to lodge. At this refurbished old mansion, you'll get to experience all of today's luxurious amenities in a nostalgic colonial setting.
  • Amanfayun: This exclusive luxury resort (disguised as a traditional tea village) is alone worth making a trip to Hangzhou, especially if you're looking for a quiet and private retreat. Guests stay in traditional (but restored and unmarked) village houses nestled in the hills west of Hangzhou's famous Xi Hu (West Lake). Rooms have daybeds, sofas, under-floor heating, and free broadband Internet, but no bathtubs or televisions. Yes, the whole of Hangzhou awaits your exploration, but if you'd just prefer to hike in the surrounding hills, or wake up early and join the monks in prayer at the neighboring Yongfu Temple, or simply pamper yourself silly at the Aman spa, it's just as good.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.