The Bund Riverside Hotel Shanghai

The Bund Riverside occupies a prime location near the confluence of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, providing easy access to the Bund and Nanjing Dong Lu to the south, the lively streets of Hongkou to the north and the newly landscaped banks of a cleaned-up Suzhou Creek to the west.

The immediate surroundings will charm many-a taste of an older Shanghai, with small workshops and stores and the bustle of Shanghainese going about there business-though the noise and grittiness may not appeal to some.

Regardless, it's about five minutes by foot to Nanjing Lu and a few more to the heart of the Bund. People's Square is also within easy walking distance, and the nearby metro (Nanjing Dong Lu) and taxis provide easy access to the rest of the city.

Of recent construction, the 18-story four-star rated hotel offers some excellent views. Note that you pay a premium for better views on higher floors and may simply want to take advantage of the penthouse restaurant. The rooms combine contemporary Chinese and Western design to good effect, though some may find the cheaper rooms a bit small.