Shanghai is where old-world charm meets sky-high sparkle. Perched on China’s east coast on the Yangtze, this city dishes up a sensory feast. Think silk-cheeked cheongsams in lilong lanes, neon-lit towers in Pudong, and dumplings so good they’ll ruin dumplings back home for life. 

Aussie travellers come for the mix: museums and tea houses by day, rooftop bars with Bund views by night. You can float through a Ming dynasty garden, then hop a driverless train through the financial district. Whether you’re here for street eats, Suzhou Creek strolls, or just a hit of big-city buzz, Shanghai hotels have you covered.

Where to stay in Shanghai hotels

• Downtown and People’s Square (Huangpu): Museum-hop by day, then stroll Nanjing Road’s blaze of lights by night. This is classic, central Shanghai. It’s well-connected, always busy, and a favourite for first-timers.
• Jing’an and Xuhui: Where temples sit beside rooftop gin bars and French windows open onto gingko-lined streets. Stay here for a blend of calm and cool, with boutiques and brunch spots in easy reach.
• French Concession and Tianzifang: Once home to revolutionaries, now home to latte drinkers and linen shops. It’s all leafy laneways, shophouse stays and hidden wine bars. Think of it as a low-rise break from Shanghai’s vertical rush.
• The Bund and Lujiazui (Pudong): Sleep beside history or skyline. The Bund brings river views and Art Deco glam. Lujiazui answers back with mirrored towers, Michelin stars and some of the world’s best rooftops.
• Old City and Yu Garden (Huangpu): Here, red lanterns swing over snack stalls and curved rooftops catch the morning light. It’s Shanghai’s slower, older side, complete with teahouses and temples.

How much are Shanghai hotels?

Shanghai’s hotel scene stretches from budget basics to penthouse-level luxury … and Traveloka’s here to help you sort the lot. On average, expect to pay around AU$255 a night for a standard double. 

That said, Traveloka deals often sit closer to AU$125 if you’re savvy with your filters. Prices dip in February (outside of the Lunar New Year) and the humid - but quiet - months of July and August - can offer the best bang for buck.

• Hostels and guesthouses: From AU$30 per night. Think dorms or small private rooms in friendly, central spots.
• Mid-range stays: From AU$70 per night. Lands you a solid 3-star sleep with all the essentials.
• Boutique & design hotels: From AU$150 per night. Gets you character-rich stays. Maybe a lane-side shophouse, maybe minimalist cool with a killer café downstairs.
• Luxury hotels: AU$280 per night. For high-rise glamour, rooftop bars and riverfront Bund views, expect to pay bank.

Top-rated hotels in Shanghai

• Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai: Modern opulence on the river’s edge. Rooms are sleek, service is next-level, and the spa? Basically, it's a holiday within your holiday.
• The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong: Think plush Art Deco meets 58 floors of skyline glamour. Stay here for rooftop drinks, Michelin-starred dining and Bund views from your bed.
• Shanghai Fish Inn East Nanjing Road: A hidden favourite near the Bund, this Shikumen-style stay blends classic Shanghai charm with a modern twist. Great value and an even better location.
• Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel: A favourite with budget travellers. Rooftop chats, Suzhou Creek views and a location five minutes from East Nanjing Road. This place punches above its price no matter your style.

Tips for finding the perfect hotel in Shanghai

• Filter for fun: Whether it’s riverside views, rooftop bars or dumpling joints downstairs, our filters help you sort by vibe, budget and must-haves in seconds.
• Pick your postcode: Want skyline sparkle? Go Pudong. After old-school charm? The French Concession’s your jam. Shanghai’s neighbourhoods are wildly different, so lean into that.
• Avoid the crush: Skip Lunar New Year if crowds aren’t your thing. Shoulder seasons (March-May or Sept–Nov) are cooler, calmer and full of deal potential.
• Think weekdays: Hotel prices dip Monday to Thursday. If your dates are flexible, you can snag a luxe stay for much less.
• Look beyond the stars: Some of Shanghai’s most memorable stays are boutique, design-led and a little under the radar. Read reviews and trust your gut.

Travelling to more than just Shanghai while in China? Check out our hotels in Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.