8 best coastal hotels in Shanghai
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Why coastal hotels, why here
Coastal hotels in Shanghai suit travellers who want to stay close to the city’s riverfront and waterfront districts rather than deep inland. In this context, “coastal” is less about a beach resort and more about hotels positioned for easy access to Shanghai’s water-facing neighbourhoods, with views, promenades and a sense of being near the city’s maritime edge. That makes them a strong choice for first-time visitors, business travellers, and anyone who prefers a more open, polished setting with quick links to central Shanghai.
The best options in this category tend to combine a strong location with reliable comfort and good guest feedback. Among the bookable hotels here, the five-star choices such as Pudong Shangri La Shanghai, Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai, Harbour Plaza Metropolitan Shanghai, Oriental Riverside Hotel Shanghai and Sofitel Shanghai North Bund offer a higher-end stay, while Crystal Orange Hotel Shanghai North Sichuan Road on the Bund provides a well-rated four-star alternative. For travellers looking for simpler, more affordable stays, Starhome North Bund Branch and Ji Hotel (Shanghai Tiantong Road) are practical three-star options.
Overall, these hotels are best for guests who want Shanghai’s waterfront atmosphere without sacrificing access to the rest of the city. They work well for short breaks, business trips and city stays where location and comfort matter more than a traditional seaside holiday.
The list
A selection of hotels to compare for your stay.
- 01★★★★★
Harbour Plaza Metropolitan Shanghai
Polished Putuo high-rise with underground metro access and a full indoor pool setup.
- 02★★★★★
Pudong Shangri La Shanghai
Polished Pudong stay in Lujiazui, anchored by a rooftop pool with skyline views.
- 03
- 04★★★
Starhome North Bund Branch
Independent Bund-area stay with an in-room kitchen and washing machine.
- 05★★★★★
Oriental Riverside Hotel Shanghai
Riverside Lujiazui stay with bright river-view rooms and a popular buffet hall.
- 06★★★★★
Sofitel Shanghai North Bund
A polished North Bund address, best known for rooms with floor-to-ceiling river views.
- 07★★★
Ji Hotel (Shanghai Tiantong Road)
Easy-going Bund-area stay with a metro entrance in the same building.
- 08★★★★
Crystal Orange Hotel Shanghai North Sichuan Road on the Bund
Modern smart-room hotel in Hongkou with quick Line 10 metro access.
Where the picks sit
What to know about coastal hotels in Shanghai
What makes a hotel count as a coastal hotel in Shanghai?
It usually means the hotel is set near the riverfront or waterfront areas, with a location that feels connected to Shanghai’s water-facing side. These are not beach hotels, but city hotels with a coastal or riverside setting.
Which area is best for staying in coastal hotels in Shanghai?
Pudong and the North Bund are strong choices for this style of stay, as they place you close to the waterfront and major city sights. They are well suited to visitors who want a central base with a more open setting.
What level of price or hotel standard should I expect?
The selection ranges from practical three-star hotels to high-end five-star properties. In general, the waterfront locations tend to command a premium, especially for the best-rated luxury hotels.