Downtown Shanghai’s frenetic pace and energy of progress and growth is a lot to take in. A good hotel at the right price is often the perfect antidote to this, not only as a place of refuge, but as a base from which to make the most of your stay in the city. This doesn’t have to come at a high price, either. There are some excellent rooms in Shanghai and many are reasonably cheap.
Here at TravelMag we have scoured the downtown region looking for the best offers and bring you our top five cheap hotels in downtown Shanghai here. Factors taken into consideration include price, amenities, comfort and location.
ASTOR HOUSE HOTEL
Privates from $85/ night
Located just across the Suzhou River, a tributary of the Huangpu, from the Bund sets Astor House Hotel away from much of the hubbub but within a couple of minutes from it on foot. There is a classic European motif to the rooms and wood-panelled common areas. But despite the building being old, furnishings feel fresh and clean. Rooms have plenty of amenities including air conditioning, minibar, a desk and a kettle. There is also a bar and restaurant at the hotel.
DONGHU GUEST HOUSE
Privates from $64/ night
En-suite rooms at Donghu Guest House are basic but comfortable, including a queen-sized bed, minibar and air conditioning. This hotel especially earns its stars through the excellent additional amenities on offer to guests such as the fitness centre, sauna and impressive indoor pool. Feeling peckish? There is a restaurant with Western and Chinese dishes available, or room service. A cigar bar tops off the list of intriguing features for guests at Donghu Guest House in Shanghai.
SHANGHAI FISH INN BUND
Privates from $66/ night
No more than ten minutes from the Bund, located by Suzhou River, is the endearing Shanghai Fish Inn. It is well located for both shopping and sightseeing, with a 24 hour front desk for night owls. Rooms are simple in this colourful hotel, offering facilities such as a kettle and hairdryer, as well as wheelchair access. There is also a work desk in the rooms. The hotel also offers luggage storage for anybody who arrives early or wishes to leave after checkout time.
CAMPANILE SHANGHAI
Privates from $91/ night
Campanile is a smart, modern hotel offering excellent value for money in the Hunagpu district of Shanghai. Close to Yuyuan Garden metro station, the hotel offers cosy, clean rooms that have plenty of facilities such as a hairdryer, refrigerator, iron, desk and en-suite bathroom complete with free toiletries. Cable TV and air conditioning come as standard and some rooms have a sitting area.
SSAW BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Privates from $132/ night
Although slightly pricier than other options on this list, Ssaw Boutique hotel more than justifies the added cost through an added level of luxury not often present in other 3-star hotels in downtown Shanghai. Free coffee and tea in the lobby, the sun terrace (with great night-time views) and gym access for guests is also provided. This hotel is immensely popular with guests, as rooms have plenty of little extras like iPod docks. Breakfast is also included at Ssaw Boutique.