Book Shanghai Apartment Hotels & Serviced Apartments

What Are Shanghai Apartment Hotels and Serviced Apartments?

A Shanghai apartment hotel combines the space and facilities of an apartment with some of the convenience of hotel accommodation. Depending on the property, a unit may include a separate living area, kitchen or kitchenette, refrigerator, washing machine, dining space, and work area. Hotel-style facilities can include reception, housekeeping, luggage storage, maintenance, and Wi-Fi.

The main difference from a conventional hotel room is the layout. Apartment-style accommodation is designed for a more residential stay, giving you space to prepare food, work, relax, or do laundry in ways that aren’t usually possible in a standard room.

Facilities vary by property and room category. One listing may offer a full kitchen and a private washing machine, while another may have only a kitchenette or a shared laundry room. 

Note: Check the facilities for the specific unit you’re booking rather than relying on the property name.

Serviced Apartments vs. Apartment Hotels in Shanghai

As a first-time traveler, it’s important to understand that the terms apartment hotel and serviced apartment aren’t always the same. Accommodation facilities often vary by property. In addition, foreign travelers need to confirm that their accommodation accepts international guests. Once confirmed, travelers can complete the required registration. This guide explains the differences, where to stay, and what to check before booking. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they can describe slightly different types of accommodation.

Serviced Apartment

A serviced apartment is generally a professionally managed, furnished residence that combines apartment-style living with hotel services. It may offer reception, housekeeping, maintenance, fitness facilities, and other amenities, and is often designed for longer stays. Some accept short stays, too.

Serviced apartments are particularly suited to:

• Business travelers, especially those working on projects lasting several weeks or months.
• Relocating employees, who need furnished accommodation while arranging permanent housing.
• Families on extended stays, who want more space and the convenience of an apartment.
• Frequent business travelers, who prefer a residential setting with hotel-style support.
• Long-stay visitors, who want more independence without taking on a conventional apartment lease.

Apartment Hotel

An apartment hotel is a broader term that can refer to professionally managed apartment-style accommodation or an individual apartment offered for short stays. The level of service can therefore vary more widely.

Apartment hotels are often suited to:

• Families, who want separate living and sleeping areas.
• Groups, who can share a larger unit instead of booking multiple hotel rooms.
• Budget-conscious travelers, particularly when a larger apartment provides better value.
• Short- to medium-stay visitors, who want apartment facilities without signing a long-term lease.
• Independent travelers, who prefer having their own cooking and laundry facilities.

For either option, look beyond the label. Check the actual services, minimum stay, check-in arrangements, and facilities included with your room.

Foreign travelers should also confirm that the property accepts international guests. This is especially important with independently managed apartments, where check-in and accommodation registration may differ from a conventional hotel.

Best Apartment Hotels in Shanghai

Shanghai apartments include luxury serviced residences, centrally located apartment hotels, and lower-priced options. These five provide a mix of locations and accommodation styles across the city.

These indicative rates are based on prices listed in September 2026 and may vary by travel dates, room type, and availability. Check your travel dates for the current total. 

1. IFC Residence: Best for Luxury and Business Travelers

Area: Lujiazui, Pudong
Best for: Business travelers, families, and premium extended stays
From: About US$182 per night

IFC Residence is a high-end serviced residence in Lujiazui, Shanghai’s main financial district. It offers spacious, apartment-style accommodation which many business travelers and families find appealing, especially if they want a more upscale base in Pudong. Amenities include a gym, EV charging station, and public parking facilities. The property also highlights convenient station pick-up service. Its location near Lujiazui provides convenient access to the area’s offices, shopping, and transport connections.

What it’s not ideal for: Budget travelers or those seeking a traditional residential neighborhood. Lujiazui has a distinctly modern, commercial atmosphere.

2. Citadines Apart Hotel Shanghai Yan'an West Road: Best for a Central Longer Stay

Area: Jing'an District
Best for: Business travelers, couples, and longer stays
From: About US$53 per night

Citadines Apart Hotel Shanghai Yan'an West Road offers apartment-style accommodation in central Shanghai, with access to shopping, restaurants, offices, and public transportation. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a gym, luggage storage, and concierge services to name a few. It’s also an ideal choice for travelers looking for a centrally located serviced residence.

What it’s not ideal for: Travelers who want to be within immediate walking distance of the Bund or Shanghai’s main sightseeing areas.

3. Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai: Best for Families and Central Living

Area: Xintiandi / Huaihai Road
Best for: Families, longer stays, and travelers who need laundry facilities.
From: About US$115 per night

Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai puts you close to Xintiandi’s restaurants, cafés, shopping, nightlife, and restored shikumen architecture. Amenities include Wi-Fi in communal areas, service robots,  EV charging stations, multifunction rooms, cleaning, and secretarial services.

What it’s not ideal for: Travelers looking for a quiet suburban setting. Xintiandi is a lively central district, particularly around its dining and entertainment areas.

4. Novotel Living Shanghai Jing'an: Best for a Modern Serviced Apartment

Area: North Sichuan Road Commercial Area
Best for: Families, business travelers, and longer stays
From: About US$87 per night

Novotel Living Shanghai Jing'an combines apartment-style accommodation with the familiarity of an established international hospitality brand. It’s a useful option for travelers who want residential facilities while remaining within Shanghai’s urban core. There’s a kitchen, conference room, public parking, EV charging station, gym, business coworking spaces, and laundry cleaning services.

What it’s not ideal for: Visitors whose priority is staying near Xintiandi, the Bund, or Lujiazui.

5. Shanghai Hengsheng Peninsula Hotel Apartment: Best for Value Near the North Bund

Area: North Bund
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and longer stays
From: About US$46 per night

Shanghai Hengsheng Peninsula Hotel Apartment is a lower-priced option in the North Bund area. It can suit travelers who want a relatively central location without paying the rates associated with Shanghai’s luxury serviced residences. Some amenities include parking, front desk services, valet parking, EV charging, a laundry room, and a convenience store. The displayed rate starts around US$46 for selected dates.

What it’s not ideal for: Travelers expecting extensive hotel facilities or a luxury serviced-residence experience.

Apartment Hotel vs. Hotel vs. Renting an Apartment

Your choice largely comes down to space, service, flexibility, and length of stay.

For a short sightseeing trip, a traditional hotel is often the simplest choice. An apartment hotel provides a middle ground, with more living space and independence without necessarily requiring a conventional lease. A privately rented apartment offers more independence but can involve a longer commitment, separate utility costs, and additional arrangements for accommodation registration.

Choosing a Shanghai Apartment Hotel for a Long Stay

For a stay of several weeks or more, start with your daily routine, not the apartment itself.

Start With Your Commute

Identify the office, university, exhibition center, or other place you’ll visit regularly. Then check the nearest metro station, number of stops, transfers, and walking time.

Shanghai’s extensive metro network makes many districts accessible, but a property that looks close on a map can still involve a lengthy journey. For business travelers, a convenient metro connection may be more useful than staying in the most famous tourist district.

Choosing the Most Suitable Area

Lujiazui and the Bund: This area suits business travelers, with waterfront views, major attractions, and upscale accommodation. Lujiazui is modern and commercial, while the Bund is known for its historic waterfront architecture.

• Jing'an and West Nanjing Road: Good for shopping, restaurants, offices, malls, and access to central city areas.
• Xintiandi and Huaihai Road: Well suited to travelers interested in restaurants, cafés, nightlife, and central sightseeing.
• Changshou Road and Putuo: Worth considering when value and metro access are more important than being in the center of the tourist scene.
• Zhoupu and outer Pudong: Better suited to longer stays or travelers with a reason to be outside central Shanghai. The trade-off is longer travel time to major attractions.

Check the Total Cost (Including Additional Fees)

Apartments usually list nightly rates, which is normal, but that doesn't mean it's the final amount to pay. Before booking, confirm whether utilities and amenities are extra at a Shanghai Apartment Hotel.

What to Know Before Booking a Shanghai Apartment Hotel

• What’s the minimum stay?
• How much is the security deposit, and when is it refunded?
• Are electricity, water, and Wi-Fi included?
• How often is housekeeping provided?
• Does the kitchen include cookware and dishes?
• Is the washing machine private or shared?
• Is there a proper work desk and reliable Wi-Fi?
• Does the property accept foreign guests?
• Who handles accommodation registration?
• Is check-in at a front desk or arranged with a host?

How to Book Shanghai Apartment Hotels on Trip.com

Trip.com’s Shanghai apartments page allows you to compare apartment-style properties by location, guest rating, star rating, and price.

Step 1: Enter Your Dates and Guests

Open the Shanghai apartments page and enter your check-in and check-out dates, along with the number of adults and children. Occupancy limits vary by property and room type.

Step 2: Filter by Location and Rating

Narrow down your results by district, guest rating, and star rating. Doing this simple step makes it easier to compare areas such as Jing'an, Xintiandi, Lujiazui, and the North Bund.

Step 3: Sort the Results

Available sorting options include Top Picks, Lowest Price, Closest to Downtown, and Top Reviewed. Use these to organize your search according to what matters most for your trip.

Step 4: Review the Property and Room Terms and Conditions

Before making any payments, read the room details and descriptions. This is important because the main property listing may differ from the room you’re interested in booking. After that, confirm the apartment size, bed arrangement, kitchen, and laundry facilities. Also check the occupancy, minimum stay, check-in instructions, and cancellation terms, which are all important details easily overlooked.

“Starting/from prices” often apply to the smallest unit, specific dates, or lower-demand periods; as a result, they may not include applicable taxes and fees. Booking through Trip.com keeps your reservation, payment, and cancellation terms together, though the exact conditions depend on the property and rate you select.