The best staycation hotels in Shanghai

The Sukhothai Shanghai

The gist It’s the first international (and second-ever after its original Bangkok location) Sukhothai brand hotel from the Hong Kong-based HKRI Limited. But where the original location practically screams heritage and tradition, the new spot in Shanghai is modern to the max. Designed by locally based Neri&Hu, it’s all clean lines and natural materials accented by brass touches – a gorgeous minimalist look we love. Extra perks? The hotel’s pushing a sustainability agenda through design and its food and drink programme.

Worthwhile amenities First unwind in The Retreat, a brilliant spa space that looks like it was lifted right off the pages of a magazine. Once you’re done with that kind of self-pampering stop by The ZUK bar where Vincenzo Pagliara, formerly of The Connaught in London, is stirring up some next-level cocktails. It’s lifestyle on steroids from the custom-made bamboo bicycles from local designer Kate Wood that you can take for a spin, down to the details in-room like toiletries from hip Australian organic skincare brand Grown Alchemist. Cat Nelson

The Middle House

The gist The Middle House feels hidden away, tucked behind the new HKRI Taikoo Hui mall’s Tesla dealership and mega Starbucks. A staycation at the newest location of Swire Hotels’ swanky House Collective puts you in the thick of Shanghai’s most historical yet trendy retail district, while also keeping you above its bustle. Subdued and sleek but artistic and natural is the general, calming vibe.

Worthwhile amenities In the hotel’s basement, there’s a heated swimming pool with juice bar, a spa and a gym that runs lululemon yoga classes. Art can count as an amenity, too. In the lobby, there hangs a long Chinese robe with 12,000 small porcelain butterflies sewn onto its front. Each guest room also has its own selection of art works from an impressive lineup of local and international artists. Even in The Middle House’s restaurants, you’ll see artwork to ponder, unless of course you’re sitting out on Café Grey Deluxe’s sprawling terrace overlooking Nanjing Xi Lu. Kenny Ong

The Bellagio Shanghai

The gist The glitz! The glamour! The first international Bellagio hotel, after the original resort in Las Vegas, The Bellagio Shanghai channels all that glittering excess from The Strip. Here, aesthetics rule, and they’re over-the-top in the all best ways. Black and gold dominate the decor exuding a real lavish vibe – a feeling that’s immediately driven home by the chrome fixtures, polished marble tiles and huge crystal chandelier that greet you upon your entrance to the lobby. The views from the hotel are equally as glamourous as the interior, directly overlooking Suzhou Creek and The Bund beyond.

Worthwhile amenities For all the baller feels, take a trip to the intimate Jacuzzi room after nightfall for a soak in the tub (with different jet settings for different pressure points) while getting an unobstructed look at the hotel’s signature view through floor-to-ceiling windows. Beautiful things are also happening on the sixth floor, where Julian Serrano and Jair Gudino Chavez deliver some of that Las Vegas sparkle on exquisitely prepared plates at Italian restaurant LAGO. Amy Snelling

The Shanghai EDITION

The gist A strong addition to Shanghai's luxury hotel scene, the EDITION hotel (a collaboration between Marriott International and hotelier Ian Schrager) is set in two refurbed Art Deco buildings on Nanjing Dong Lu – one of which was once the Shanghai Power Company's headquarters and the other housed East China Electric Power. Its 145 rooms, a high-end Japanese restaurant and one of the rooftop bars occupy one building, while the other is filled with the rest of the restaurants and bars as well as the nightclub, named Electric Circus with a nod towards the buildings' heritage.