The PuLi Shanghai

Character and identity

A 229-room glass tower in Jing'an District, The PuLi reads less like a city hotel and more like an urban retreat, with a Zen-leaning design language of neutral tones, dark wood, black stone floors and subtle Chinese details. The 105-foot Long Bar runs the length of the lobby, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and naive portraits by Li Jing Bin, opening onto a bamboo-fringed Garden Terrace. PHÉNIX, on the second floor under Chef Pierrick Maire, turns out contemporary French menus overlooking Jing'an Park. An indoor infinity pool faces the park, and UR SPA runs a Valmont treatment list. Service is warm and unhurried.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for here is sanctuary: a genuinely quiet, design-driven cocoon in a frenetic part of Shanghai, anchored by serious French cooking and a standout spa and pool. Book a Club Floor room for the wine-stocked minibar and lounge access, and target shoulder-season rates when Jing'an Park is in leaf and PHÉNIX's seasonal menus are at their best.