Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai

This 598-room hotel has superb service, a 24-hour gym and six restaurants, all located in a convenient location on Nanjing West Road

• The convenient location
• The excellent service
• The choice of six restaurants within the hotel

I stayed here, and despite its slightly off-putting entrance—the lobby is set back from a commercial complex containing a Tony Roma’s rib restaurant and a Starbucks—it is very comfortable, with superb service. Guest rooms were clearly designed to cosset business travelers, with rosewood furniture and neutral fabrics. They feature all of the expected modern conveniences, like well-stocked mini-bars, high-speed Internet, safes and marble bathrooms, but I would have liked more Chinese touches. The 598-room hotel has a 24-hour gym, excellent concierge service and six restaurants (including Chinese, Italian and Japanese). The club floor has a lounge where food is served all day. The gift shop is small but artfully stocked with finds from some of the more interesting local artisans—not just Ritz logo-emblazoned items.

Business and leisure travelers who need to a convenient base in the center of the city.