J Hotel, Shanghai Tower — Hotel in Shanghai

Sky-high luxury with service to match – a near-perfect stay in the clouds

From the moment I stepped into J Hotel Shanghai Tower, I knew I was entering a property that aims for the very top – quite literally, as it sits in the highest hotel space in China, with views that stretch endlessly over the city and Huangpu River. My arrival, however, was not flawless. Outside the building, there was no greeting, luggage assistance, or even an opened car boot – something I would expect from a hotel of this calibre. I found myself unloading my own bags and walking in alone. That said, the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted completely. I was warmly welcomed in the 101st-floor lobby, my luggage taken, and offered coffee and water while my room was prepared. A manager personally greeted me, and I was delighted to learn that I had been upgraded to a higher category Stateroom with a river view – a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the stay.

The Stateroom was a showpiece of refined modern luxury. A glossy dark floor contrasted beautifully with cream and gold accents, while a vast bed with an exceptionally thick, comfortable mattress promised restorative sleep. A walk-in glass wardrobe, elegant marble surfaces, and discreet lighting added to the sense of understated opulence. The bathroom was a highlight: a rain shower with a marble bench, deep sculptural bathtub, and panoramic views (even if slightly distanced by the building’s double façade). This façade, while architecturally striking, creates a small gap between the room and the outer glass wall, meaning the view is not as ‘immediate’ as the marketing images might suggest. In daylight this hardly matters, but at night the tinted outer glass makes the outlook noticeably darker.

Every in-room detail felt considered – a Nespresso machine, well-stocked minibar with premium selections, high-quality amenities, and whisper-quiet climate control with perfectly diffused air. Curtains and lighting were fully electronic, and the space managed to feel both high-tech and serene.

Breakfast in the sky was a memorable experience, served in a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the river’s curves and Shanghai’s skyscrapers far below. The spread combined a refined buffet with à la carte options, featuring fresh berries, multiple nut varieties, unsweetened yoghurt, and other health-conscious items rarely found in such abundance in the region. Service was impeccable – attentive without intrusion, with staff anticipating needs before they were voiced.

The bar mirrored this sense of elevated indulgence, offering breathtaking views and an extensive drinks list. Cocktails were superbly mixed, but the snack menu was disappointingly narrow for vegetarians – an oversight that should be addressed in a property of this standard. Also, the background music before the live performance was oddly mismatched, featuring traditional Chinese spa-like melodies that drained the atmosphere. Once the live band began, however, the ambience matched the grandeur of the setting perfectly.

On my final morning, with an early departure preventing me from enjoying breakfast, the team prepared a beautifully presented takeaway box, complete with fresh pastries, fruit, warm eggs, juice, and a freshly made cappuccino – a small gesture that spoke volumes about the hotel’s service culture.

While I was unable to try the spa (closed for maintenance during my stay), my overall impression was of a property that combines spectacular design, outstanding service, and once-in-a-lifetime views. A touch more consistency at arrival and greater attention to menu inclusivity would make this...

From the moment I stepped into J Hotel Shanghai Tower, I knew I was entering a property that aims for the very top – quite literally, as it sits in the highest hotel space in China, with views that stretch endlessly over the city and Huangpu River. My arrival, however, was not flawless. Outside the building, there was no greeting, luggage assistance, or even an opened car boot – something I would expect from a hotel of this calibre. I found myself unloading my own bags and walking in alone. That said, the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted completely. I was warmly welcomed in the 101st-floor lobby, my luggage taken, and offered coffee and water while my room was prepared. A manager personally greeted me, and I was delighted to learn that I had been upgraded to a higher category Stateroom with a river view – a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the stay.||The Stateroom was a showpiece of refined modern luxury. A glossy dark floor contrasted beautifully with cream and gold accents, while a vast bed with an exceptionally thick, comfortable mattress promised restorative sleep. A walk-in glass wardrobe, elegant marble surfaces, and discreet lighting added to the sense of understated opulence. The bathroom was a highlight: a rain shower with a marble bench, deep sculptural bathtub, and panoramic views (even if slightly distanced by the building’s double façade). This façade, while architecturally striking, creates a small gap between the room and the outer glass wall, meaning the view is not as ‘immediate’ as the marketing images might suggest. In daylight this hardly matters, but at night the tinted outer glass makes the outlook noticeably darker.||Every in-room detail felt considered – a Nespresso machine, well-stocked minibar with premium selections, high-quality amenities, and whisper-quiet climate control with perfectly diffused air. Curtains and lighting were fully electronic, and the space managed to feel both high-tech and serene.||Breakfast in the sky was a memorable experience, served in a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the river’s curves and Shanghai’s skyscrapers far below. The spread combined a refined buffet with à la carte options, featuring fresh berries, multiple nut varieties, unsweetened yoghurt, and other health-conscious items rarely found in such abundance in the region. Service was impeccable – attentive without intrusion, with staff anticipating needs before they were voiced.||The bar mirrored this sense of elevated indulgence, offering breathtaking views and an extensive drinks list. Cocktails were superbly mixed, but the snack menu was disappointingly narrow for vegetarians – an oversight that should be addressed in a property of this standard. Also, the background music before the live performance was oddly mismatched, featuring traditional Chinese spa-like melodies that drained the atmosphere. Once the live band began, however, the ambience matched the grandeur of the setting perfectly.||On my final morning, with an early departure preventing me from enjoying breakfast, the team prepared a beautifully presented takeaway box, complete with fresh pastries, fruit, warm eggs, juice, and a freshly made cappuccino – a small gesture that spoke volumes about the hotel’s service culture.||While I was unable to try the spa (closed for maintenance during my stay), my overall impression was of a property that combines spectacular design, outstanding service, and once-in-a-lifetime views. A touch more consistency at arrival and greater attention to menu inclusivity would make this...

Absolutely at the top of things! You will be staying in one of Shanghai's most visible landmarks with a one of a kind view of the city. The Shanghai Tower's architecture is both stunning and energetic, from the outside as well as the inside. It is matched by a level of personal dedication from the staff that is absolutely extraordinary even for a hotel of the highest category.I was staying (for a business trip) in a Premium Stateroom that offered a perfect view of several more of Shanghai's world-famous landmarks: The Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Jin Mao Tower and the Bund (Waitan). When it comes to the style of the architecture you will find both very authentic and traditional Chinese elements as well as those one would expect from a skyscraper, like glass and steel. They must have taken the utmost care in combining them in a gorgeous way. It must be very hard to find that elsewhere. Very beautiful and impressive indeed. Also something someone from the West can draw a lot of inspiration from.I would very much like to thank concierge manager Ryan Wang personally for his outstanding service from the moment my room was booked until after I had already left and we still exchanged some WeChat messages. He assisted me with practically everything I did in Shanghai and played an absolutely crucial role in making sure my business trip was a great success. Especially if you are not a fluent Mandarin speaker having a dedicated concierge can make a huge difference. From finding a certain place to organizing a visit, translating or booking a train ticket.If you are looking for the best place to stay in Shanghai this should definitely be your choice! You will surely make some unforgettable experiences.I am already looking forward to...