Shanghai’s hospitality scene perfectly balances traditional Chinese elegance with contemporary design innovation. Let’s explore ten exceptional design hotels that showcase the city’s architectural prowess and commitment to luxury hospitality.
1. The Shanghai EDITION
The Shanghai EDITION represents Ian Schrager’s artistic vision merged with Chinese architectural elements. Located in the heart of the Puxi district, this hotel occupies two distinct buildings: a restored Art Deco structure from the 1920s and a sleek modern tower. The property features 145 guest rooms adorned with custom-designed furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular city views. The EDITION’s most striking design element is its cantilevered rooftop bar, providing an unparalleled urban observatory experience. Notable amenities include a striking black slate swimming pool and the electric ROOF restaurant, where modern design meets traditional Shanghai aesthetics.
2. The Middle House
Designed by renowned architect Piero Lissoni, The Middle House stands as a testament to contemporary luxury with strong Chinese influences. The hotel’s façade features a series of rounded aluminum louvers, creating a distinctive architectural rhythm that changes throughout the day. Inside, 111 rooms showcase an elegant fusion of Italian minimalism and traditional Chinese elements, with handcrafted bamboo walls and luxurious stone bathrooms. The centerpiece of the hotel is its striking cylindrical atrium, featuring a dramatic chandelier installation. Art plays a crucial role throughout the space, with over 650 contemporary Chinese artworks carefully curated across the property.
3. The Drama
True to its name, The Drama offers a theatrical approach to hotel design. This boutique property features bold architectural choices, including a striking black and gold color scheme throughout its public spaces. Each of the 47 rooms is uniquely themed, drawing inspiration from different theatrical genres and performances. The hotel’s standout feature is its immersive lobby installation, which changes seasonally to create different atmospheric experiences. The rooftop lounge, with its geometric glass panels and LED lighting system, transforms from a serene daylight space into a vibrant nighttime venue.
4. The PuLi Hotel And Spa
The PuLi Hotel represents urban resort aesthetics at its finest, seamlessly blending contemporary design with traditional Chinese elements. The 229-room property features soaring ceilings and expansive windows that frame views of Jing’An Park. Interior spaces showcase handcrafted furniture and sophisticated material choices, including reclaimed hardwoods and polished stone. The Long Bar, stretching 32 meters, serves as an architectural centerpiece, while the wellness facilities feature a stunning infinity pool overlooking the city. Traditional Chinese architectural principles influence the spatial flow throughout the hotel.
5. Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund
This waterfront property exemplifies contemporary Asian design with its dramatic curved facade facing the Huangpu River. All 130 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and sophisticated interior design incorporating natural materials and textures. The crowning glory is the rooftop bar with its crystalline glass structure, offering panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline. The spa facilities showcase traditional Chinese design elements merged with modern wellness concepts. Unique water features and carefully curated gardens create tranquil spaces throughout the property.
6. Hyatt Regency Shanghai Wujiaochang
Standing as a modern architectural icon in Shanghai’s university district, this hotel occupies the upper levels of a striking 49-story tower. The interior design draws inspiration from Shanghai’s academic heritage, featuring custom art installations and sophisticated meeting spaces. Each of the 330 rooms showcases contemporary Chinese design with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular city views. The hotel’s signature restaurant features a dramatic floating staircase and innovative lighting design. The wellness center, located on the 48th floor, integrates traditional Chinese medicinal concepts into its modern design.
7. YaTi by Artyzen Hongqiao Shanghai
This design-forward property celebrates Korean and Chinese cultural fusion through its innovative architecture and interior design. The hotel features distinctive geometric patterns in its façade, creating interesting light plays throughout the day. Inside, 210 rooms showcase contemporary Asian design with custom furniture and artisanal details. The property’s Korean-inspired spa facilities feature unique thermal experiences and meditation spaces. The rooftop garden, designed as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Korean gardens, provides a peaceful urban retreat.
8. Hotel Indigo Shanghai On The Bund
Hotel Indigo captures Shanghai’s historic trading heritage through its innovative design narrative. The building’s distinctive architecture features a curved glass facade that mirrors the Huangpu River’s flow. Each of the 184 rooms tells a unique story through custom artwork and design elements inspired by the neighborhood’s history. The hotel’s famous CHAR Bar features dramatic double-height windows and contemporary industrial design elements. The swimming pool, suspended high above the city, showcases innovative engineering and design with its glass bottom.
9. Park Hyatt Shanghai
Occupying the upper floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, Park Hyatt showcases sophisticated minimalist design at extreme heights. The interior, designed by Tony Chi, features subtle Chinese elements merged with contemporary luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows in all 174 rooms offer unparalleled views of the city and oriental Pearl Tower. The hotel’s spa complex features striking design elements including black granite pools and floor-to-ceiling windows. The dining venues showcase innovative spatial design with dramatic lighting installations.
10. Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
The Mandarin Oriental exemplifies contemporary luxury with its sophisticated architectural design along the Huangpu River. The property features 362 rooms with interior design reflecting Shanghai’s Art Deco heritage combined with modern Asian elements. The hotel houses an impressive collection of over 4,000 original artworks integrated throughout its spaces. The spa facilities feature innovative design elements including a crystalline indoor pool and meditation gardens. The property’s restaurants showcase dramatic design with double-height ceilings and custom lighting installations.
These ten design hotels represent the pinnacle of Shanghai’s architectural innovation and luxury hospitality. Each property offers a unique interpretation of contemporary Chinese design while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and service, making them perfect choices for design enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.