Housed in the iconic SWFC and current holder of the world's second highest hotel title, the Park Hyatt exudes luxe boutique style rather than flashy chain homogeny. Award-winning designer Tony Chi's sequence of 'gates, halls and chambers' - featuring restaurants and bars with names like 'The Pantry' and 'The Music Room' - together with the dark-lacquered wood and earth tone decor, evokes the feel of a traditional Chinese stately home. There's even an indoor courtyard for morning tai chi sessions.
Every room has fittingly lofty views over the river and Pudong, and the 3.1m high ceilings ensure the standard rooms are the most spacious in Shanghai. If the altitude induces vertigo, seek solace in the spectacular 20m infinity pool - which also acts as a damper in case of earthquakes.
Standard rooms start from 5,500RMB/night, plus 15 per cent service charge.
