Hotels in China

This newcomer opened a year ago in the International Finance Centre. Rooms range from contemporary with silk-paneled walls to traditional Chinese with brocades and sculpted furnishings. "The concierge service is outstanding," and public areas offer "lots of open space." The infinity pool has underwater speakers and is "absolutely stunning." Caprice serves French food.

399 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

Just three blocks from the Shanghai Museum, this five-year-old tower has "suitably modern" rooms as well as deluxe suites with skyline views and a marble foyer with floor-to-ceiling murals. "Staff are so honest,they found some money I left under my pillow and placed it on the nightstand." Cantonese and Japanese restaurants and a steak house are some of the dining options.

439 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

Standing sentry over downtown, this hotel in the 60-story peaked tower Tomorrow Square has its lobby on the thirty-eighth floor. Rooms with wood paneled walls and silk wallpaper come with striking views of the skyline, "especially good from the glass-enclosed bathrooms." The breakfast buffet at the Marriott Cafe mixes traditional American and Asian dishes.

342 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

With plum, chocolate, and gold decor, the public spaces at this five-year-old granite block have Wi-Fi and "a spacious modern feel," although the Pudong location is "off the beaten path." Rooms in neutral tones have fresh flowers, Aeron chairs, and "showers that feel like a waterfall." Carrianna serves southern Chinese. Butlers will accompany guests to local artists' studios and other sights.

318 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa, Tennis

Following an extensive $140 million renovation that closed the hotel for most of 2006, reconfigured rooms, with balconies now enclosed in glass, maintain their Chinese-influenced design. Punctual staff ensure that "everything is ready on the dot." Enjoy French fare at the top-floor Pierre. Treatments at the Mandarin Spa blend Ayurvedic and Chinese techniques.

502 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

Anticipate "ultramodern architecture with lots of glass" at this twin-tower hotel with rooms in butterscotch tones. The waterside location in the Lujiazui business district means that "tourist sites, shopping, and nightlife are across the Huangpu river." Of the "high-class and expensive" restaurants, Yi Cafe has ten show kitchens that generate international dishes. "Staff look after you with courtesy and skill."

981 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa, Tennis

This high-rise "fills almost a full block" on bustling Nanjing Road. The lobby's Indonesian ebony columns, polished chrome, Chinese black marble, and Italian limestone contrast with the rooms' warm gold, brown, and yellow hues. The recently updated Summer Pavilion serves Cantonese and Shanghai specialties.

578 rooms

Amenities: Pool

"The orchestra is a sight" declares one guest, referring to 40 musicians who play beneath the lobby's cut-crystal chandeliers every weekend. Situated in the China World Trade Center complex, it has contemporary Asian rooms and is "the perfect business hotel." Tourists praise its proximity to the Silk Market. In the Summer Palace, Guangdong Province chefs prepare dim sum.

716 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Tennis

This "sleek, expansive, and grand" tower in the Diplomatic District provides 24-hour butler service. Rooms in soft neutral tones, with Chinese upholstery and marble bathrooms, are "understated and elegant." Steak, seafood, and a seasonal rooftop terrace are the Astor Grill's attractions. Loosen up at the eight-lane bowling alley.

273 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

The former Peninsula Palace, in the Wangfujing shopping district, has "contemporary architecture" that includes wood cove ceilings with skylights which fill the lobby with sunlight. Rooms have local accents as well as marble bathrooms with TVs and are "great to return to." The hotel's shopping arcade has "so many beautiful designer stores." At Huang Ting's, enjoy dishes like braised bird's nest with minced chicken.

525 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

Each room at this W-shaped tower in Thonburi,"one of the finest hotels in all of Asia",affords views of the Chao Phraya. The use of silk and teak gives the hotel's contemporary Thai decor "elegance and taste." Staff are "very kind and always smiling." Jesters couples Pacific Rim cuisine with live jazz. In December 2006, the hotel opened a three-story spa on the river.

370 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa, Tennis

This four-year-old property just off the Bund is in a three-tower complex designed to look like a throne: It's easy to spot because of the "crown on top." In "the futuristic lobby," a glass staircase is bathed in the light of changing colors. Rooms, mostly in the smaller towers, have "light, soothing colors and contemporary furniture." The Stage does "an excellent Sunday brunch."

570 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa