Slightly tucked away from the Lujiazui five-star hotel melee in a sheltered riverside spot, the 362-room Mandarin Oriental is a visual feast, from the beautiful oval chandeliers and multicoloured glass murals (depicting forests) in the lobby to the excellent dining choices, such as Fifty 8° Grill. All five-star expectations are naturally met, but it's the meticulous service that ices this cake.
Sumptuous rooms aside, there's a 24-hour pool and gym, spa and fantastic views. The address may seem a bit stranded, but it's a short walk to the heart of Lujiazui and there's a complimentary shuttle bus within the area.