Most of the new hotels in Shanghai are aimed (and priced) at the increasing number of business visitors to the city, therefore the distinction between a ‘business’ hotel and a ‘luxury’ one is somewhat difficult to make. Tourism is still developing and, although lower priced hotels exist, room rates at the international brand hotels remain high throughout most of the year, with the one exception being during the Christmas holidays. At all other times, occupancy rates are very high and discounted rooms hard to find.

The hotels below have been classed into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over US$250 per night)
$$$ (US$175 to US$249 per night)
$$ (US$100 to US$174 per night)
$ (up to US$99 per night)
The prices above are per double room per night, and include all taxes. Breakfast is usually included in the price.

Portman Ritz-Carlton
Popular with repeat corporate guests, this classy hotel forms part of the 'expat magnet' that is the Shanghai Centre, which incorporates shops, bars and restaurants. Situated on busy Nanjing Road, its service levels and attention to detail have gleaned several awards. Its 578 spacious rooms are divided into seven categories, and regularly host visiting celebrities and politicians. The second-floor jazz lounge is a pleasant place to offload some expense account dollars.

Shanghai Centre (Puxi) 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu
Tel: (21) 6279 8888.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Price: $$$

Pudong Shangri-La
Riverfront location, impeccable service and views of the Bund make this popular with both leisure and business travellers. It has two towers, the River Wing and the exclusive Grand Tower as well as three of the city's best restaurants: Jade on 36, Yi Café and Gui Hua Lou. The CHI spa is incredibly luxurious, and business facilities are extremely well-equipped. Upper-floor Bund-view rooms offer complimentary binoculars and views from the gym are awesome.

33 Fucheng Lu (Pudong)
Tel: (21) 6882 8888.
Website: www.shangri-la.com
Price: $$$-$$$$

Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
Within walking distance from People's Square and with sensational views of the city's famed skyline, this high-end hotel is angled at business and leisure travellers who expect nothing less than complete luxury. Features include express check-in - where guests are escorted direct to their room on arrival, a sumptuous executive club lounge, a jazz bar that fires up on the weekends, decadent spa and pool terrace where beverages and light snacks are served. The friendly staff are a good source of local knowledge and information.

500 Wei hai Lu, (Puxi)
Tel: (21) 6256 8888.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/shanghai
Price: $$$$

JW Marriott
This futuristic 60-floor landmark is in a handy location adjacent to People's Park. It combines 342 elegant hotel rooms and suites with 255 serviced executive apartments. The 360-degree city views from the 38th floor lobby are sublime. The 40th floor JW Lounge Bar includes tables built into the windows and superb views across the city. On the same floor is the new California Grill specialising in steak and lobster. Other services include a 24-hour business centre and Mandara Spa.

399 Nanjing Xi Lu (Puxi)
Tel: (21) 5359 4969.
Website: www.marriott.com
Price: $$$

Hua Ting Hotel & Towers
A well-regarded hotel near the stadium in the Xu Jia Hui business district, the Hua Ting has been refurbished so that guests enter a dynamic foyer with souring ceilings, fountains and fresh flowers. The rooms aren't quite as decadent as the grand entrance but they are clean and comfortable with digital television and broadband Internet. A sumptuous buffet breakfast is served downstairs in the lobby next to a bar that features live music at the weekend.

1200 Caoxi North Lu, Puxi
Tel: (21) 6439 1000 or 6000.
Website: www.huating-hotel.com  
Price: $$

Motel 168
An excellent budget chain now proliferating across the city. Basic rooms are exactly that, but excellent value "business rooms" are large with all modern facilities including satellite television, free Internet access and rainforest showers. Very popular with university and group trips and businessmen on a tight expenses budget.

1119 Yanan Xi Lu, near Fanyu Lu, Puxi
Tel: (21) 5117 7777.
Website: www.motel168.com
Price: $  

Sofitel Hyland
Soaring glass tower overlooking the pedestrianized Nanjing Lu shopping street, and a short walk from the Bund. The renovated interior is happily free from major design statements to inhibit its gentle ambience. There are two restaurants, a coffee shop, bar, gymnasium, sauna and massage centre, as well as a comprehensive range of conference services, special Shanghainese and Cantonese wedding packages are offered.

505 Nanjing Dong Lu (Puxi)
Tel: (21) 6351 5888.
Website: www.accorhotels.com
Price: $$

Hilton Shanghai
Shanghai's grand dame of the hospitality trade helped open up the city to all the foreign brands now rushing in. It still retains perhaps the most convivial hotel atmosphere in the city and is extremely popular with visiting VIPs and sportsmen (Roger Federer has stayed here). It is in a great location between Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu in the former French Concession. For those who really want to indulge, The Spa also has a health bar.

250 Huashan Lu
Tel: (21) 6248 0000.
Website: www.hilton.com
Price: $$$

St Regis
Opened in 2001, the St Regis oozes real class - replete with personal butler service and opera-style balconied lobby. All 328 elegant and contemporary rooms (including 48 suites) offer complimentary broadband Internet access, BOSE CD wave radio, and rainforest showers. Two floors have dedicated ladies guest rooms. Wi-Fi access is available in all rooms and public spaces and a 24-hour business centre, currency exchange, concierge and in-room dining services are provided.

889 Dong Fang Lu (Pudong)
Tel: (21) 5050 4567.
Website: www.stregis.com/shanghai
Price: $$$$