Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai

The Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai is situated in a 25-story glass high-rise, and its generic facade might be its most unexceptional feature. Inside, it's luxury through and through, with contemporary decor that makes use of clean lines, lots of marble, and natural light from big windows. A high-ceiling reception area features a beautiful mosaic-tiled mural made of glass, lit by ring-shaped halo lights. The lobby-level Riviera Lounge features a massive central chandelier and homier nooks, like chic clusters of low chairs and velvety couches. But it may be the exceptional staff and attention to detail that make this property a standout. The location is, perhaps, best for business travelers, but plenty of tourists -- including families with kids -- stay here too, drawn in by the high ratings and exclusive feel.

The hotel is in Pudong, situated on the Huangpu River, with both the river and famous Pudong skyline landmarks visible from the hotel's windows. The immediate neighborhood can feel isolated, devoid as it is of restaurants and shops, but it's attractive, with a green park and promenade that runs along the river. Business travelers will find it convenient to financial centers, and it's manageable, but perhaps not ideal, for tourists. Guests can walk to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (12 minutes), the IFC Mall (15 minutes), and Shanghai Tower (20 minutes). The Bund, Yu Gardens, Nanjing Road, and People's Square on the other side of the river will take about 15 minutes by taxi. The Lujiazui subway stop is a bit of a hike, about 15 minutes.  It's about a 45-minute drive to Shanghai Pudong International Airport and airport transfers can be arranged.

Guest rooms at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai are spacious, with luxe, contemporary decor. They're done in an earthy color palette of tan, brown, and sage green, with bright blue accents on silky bed runners. The wall-to-wall carpeting is elegantly textured, like knots on a tree, and floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of natural light -- plus great views that can include iconic sights, like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Huge marble bathrooms have double vanities with a generous stock of Atelier Cologne toiletries, deep soaking tubs with wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and separate walk-in rainfall showers. The hotel's 44 suites, which can be downright massive, add seating areas, butler service, Club Lounge access, and silk kimonos. All units have large desks outfitted with office supplies, down pillows, and linens and bathrobes by Frette. They also have 46-inch LED TVs, minibars, free water, electric kettles, and Illy coffeemakers. Wardrobes are stocked with safes, umbrellas, irons, and ironing boards. Twice daily housekeeping and turndown service are provided. Wi-Fi is not always included in the room rate, and the hotel doesn't offer VPN service.

This hotel has top-notch features that cater to its well-heeled clientele. There are three on-site restaurants, including Yong Yi Ting, a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant; the chic Fifty 8° Grill, serving French food indoors and alfresco; and Zest, which offers Asian and international fare, including a buffet breakfast for an extra charge. For lighter fare or drinks, there's the lobby-level Riviera Lounge, which specializes in afternoon tea; the swanky Qi Bar, which has outdoor and indoor lounge space and live DJs; and a cake shop, which makes desserts on-site.Spa and wellness facilities are extensive (occupying nearly 26,000 square feet of space), with the feel of a private luxury health club. The heated 25-meter swimming pool is a highlight, with mosaic tiling, underwater music, and chic lounge areas nearby. There's also a spacious, modern gym, with a Kinesis wall and modern cardio machines with individual screens. The gym and the pool are opened 24 hours for hotel guests. Fitness classes, body composition analysis, personal training sessions, and swimming lessons are all offered for a fee. The spa has 13 treatment rooms, including couples rooms, as well as steam room, a sauna, heated "tepidarium" chairs, ice fountains, manicure and pedicure areas, and more. The hotel has more than 20,000 square feet of meeting an event space, including boardrooms and a Grand Ballroom that can host up to 500 guests. Wi-Fi is not always included in the room rate, and foreign travelers in particular note that there's no VPN service, meaning sites blocked in China, like Google and Facebook, are inaccessible. With Club status, guests get access to a private lounge, business amenities, and perks like free food and drinks. Guests are awed by the attentive, personalized service, a hallmark of the hotel. Concierge service, butler service, and 24-hour room service all offered. Babysitting, valet laundry, car service, and airport transfer can all be arranged for a fee. For guests traveling with children, there are kid-friendly menus and amenities. A house car can take guests to nearby destinations, albeit on a first-come first-serve basis, and only one way.