Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

Staying at Shangri-La Shanghai was exactly what a city escape should feel like: luxurious without being fussy, courteous without feeling formal. We were on the 25th floor, and the view of the river was the best part of the day — morning light on the Huangpu, the skyline stretching out, and at night the Pearl Tower glowing just down the road. It’s quiet up there, real tranquility despite being so close to all the tourist attractions. The comfort carried through everywhere: the indoor pool and jacuzzi were perfect for unwinding, the gym had everything we needed, and the grand lobby is lined with high-end stores if you feel like browsing. But the thing we’ll remember most is the afternoons — tea time in the lobby with a live folk music performance drifting through the space. It turns the whole lobby into something calm and beautiful. Courteous staff, comfortable rooms, and a location that puts you right in the heart of Shanghai. We’ll be back.