The Peninsula Shanghai

The Peninsula Shanghai opened in 2009 at the quieter northern end of the Bund, on part of the gardens of the former British Consulate. It was the second hotel in mainland China for the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group, owner of the Peninsula brand. Its Art Deco-inspired facade deliberately recalls the 1920s and 1930s, when Shanghai was known as the Paris of the East.

Inside, the triple-height lobby was designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon and opens onto a terrace above the Huangpu River. Golden period-style lifts, lacquer, rich woods, hand-painted wallpaper and polished chrome give the interiors a chinoiserie look, and a classical pianist plays during afternoon tea in The Lobby. There are 235 rooms and suites, many with views over the river towards Pudong or across the hotel's gardens.

Yi Long Court serves contemporary Cantonese cooking and holds a star in the 2026 Michelin Guide Shanghai. Sir Elly's Restaurant offers more formal European-style dining, and the Compass Bar is the place for a drink. Facilities include a spa of more than 1,200 square metres, an indoor heated swimming pool and a fitness centre, and the hotel can arrange guided city tours.

It suits couples, special occasions and business travellers who want the Bund on the doorstep. Rates are at the very top of the market, and April to May and September to November are the peak seasons, so book early for those months. The hotel's official site lists it as a five-star property.

Travel + Leisure ranked it the eighth-best hotel in the world in 2015. Sir Elly's serves Italian-influenced dishes in a grand setting, while the hotel's own site highlights its Michelin-starred dining and suites looking over the Huangpu, Pudong and the hotel gardens. Afternoon tea in The Lobby, with a pianist playing, is the easiest way to see the interiors if you are not staying.

The location is excellent for sightseeing. The Bund promenade is directly in front of the hotel, and the Rockbund area behind it has galleries and restored buildings. East Nanjing Road and its metro station on Lines 2 and 10 are a short walk to the south.