Shanghai offers a huge, and growing, choice of hotel accommodation. Most places, however, are aimed squarely at business travellers, spawning a glut of four and five star outfit but a surprising dearth of international standard three star options.

The vast majority of Shanghai’s hotels are identical midrange establishments, with little to choose between them except location. Short stay travellers may prefer to be based on East Nanjing Rd or near the Bund, while business visitors will need to be based wherever their work takes them, often Hongqiao or Pudong. Location near a metro station is a definite advantage for getting around the city.

A growing contingent of budget options is finally making a long overdue appearance in this city of 13 million people. Note, however, that many cheap guesthouses still refuse to accept foreign traveller, but if you speak Chinese you may be let in.

Top-end hotel generally fall into two categories, the historic villa hotels of old Shanghai and slick modern towers of new Shanghai, bursting with modern amenities. Business travellers generally aim for modern, internationally managed hotels with up to date facilities such as the St Regis, Grand Hyatt or the Portman Ritz-Carlton. Those with a sense of history might want to stay at one of the urbane options, such as the Ruijin Guest House or Peace Hotel, where they can wrap themselves in nostalgia. Note that most of Shanghai’s historic hotels are Chinese managed and levels of service often reach international levels.

Most top hotels have executive or club floors aimed at business traveller, where an extra US$20 to US$40 gets you a separate check in, a dedicated lounge with complimentary drinks and the use of meeting room for an hour or so.

Top-end hotels usually list their rates in US dollars, but you will always have to pay Renminbi (RMB) which is China’s own currency. Almost all hotels change money for guests and most midrange and top-end places accept credit cards and many have its own ATMs. I have list standard room rates here, though deluxe and suite rooms are often available. All hotel rooms are subject to a 10% or 15% service charge, but many cheaper hotels don’t bother to charge this, People’s Republic of China PRC residents often get special rates.

When you check into a hotel you will have to fill in a registration form, a copy of which will be sent to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) office.

Always check if the hotel provides accessories such as tooth bush and slippers, most top-ends hotel will provide the daily accessories, but guest house often charge an extra fee for providing those accessories.