Motion-sensitive travelers may want to avoid the Grand Hyatt during monsoon season, since the tower in which it occupies floors 54 to 88 was famously built to sway. Of course, views cannot be beat. The Pudong location draws mostly business travelers, though everyone comes for a drink in the 33-story atrium. -reviewed by Indagare Travel, Inc.

Jia means "home" in Mandarin, and even though your own abode may not feature black lacquer sculptures, washed oak floors or sumptuous fabric wall paneling, there's a decidedly serene vibe at this boutique property, which opened in 2007. It occupies a revamped 1920s neoclassical building right on fashionable West Nanjing Road. -reviewed by Indagare Travel, Inc.

The Peninsula opens this fall but has been the buzz of town since it was announced that the Hong Kong-based brand would venture into Shanghai. Expect excellent service, a fabulous location on the shopping-friendly Bund and 235 rooms with Pen's trademark innovative amenities, like the small mailbox compartments, where newspapers and messages appear without the guest ever having to open the front door of the room. -reviewed by Indagare Travel, Inc.