Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

On Shanghai's Huangpu River in Lujiazui, this luxury riverside hotel sits opposite the historic Bund and a short walk from Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and the Oriental Pearl. Hongqiao Airport is about 35 minutes away and Pudong Airport roughly 45 minutes by car.

Two distinctive wings—an upscale contemporary tower and a classic river wing with Oriental touches—combine for nearly 1,000 rooms, many with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping Bund or skyline views. Rooms feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, flat-screen TVs, minibars and bathrooms with separate soaking tubs and rainfall showers.

Dive into two indoor pools, sweat it out in twin fitness centers, or rally on the outdoor tennis court, then melt into a full-service luxury spa with sauna and steam rooms. Concierge services, babysitting (surcharge), parking and shuttle options round out the offering—expect wake-up calls with river-breeze mornings and skyline-lit nights.

A conference center with about a dozen meeting rooms and a business center supports events and meetings, with complimentary wired and wireless internet (high-speed) and limo/town-car services available.

A dramatic high-floor restaurant dishes up French fine dining framed by Bund views, while a large international buffet with multiple open-view kitchens showcases global and regional flavors. Additional on-site options cover Cantonese, Japanese and other Chinese cuisine, plus a café, bars and 24-hour room service; buffet breakfasts are available for a fee.