Gay Hotel Shanghai

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16 Top Gay Hotels in Shanghai

From true 5 star luxury to backpacker hostels Shanghai has it all. There are accommodation options for all budgets. Because hotels tend to be relatively cheap for world city standards, many travelers opt to stay in nicer hotels that would be outside their budget in another country: a standard room in a high-end hotel will run you about ¥1000 (approximately $160) a night. Look for luxury hotels around The Bund, boutique stays in the French Concession, or incredible skyline views in Pudong.

However, if you are wanting to socialize and party on a budget, a backpacker hostel is probably the best choice. They also tend to have more English-speaking staff, and will be able to point you towards a good time. A dorm bed will usually cost about ¥70-¥90 ($10-£15), and there are a few great hostels not too far from the gay Shanghai hubs: Rock & Wood International Youth Hostel is a quiet and laid-back option a mere 15-20 minute walk from the grouping of gay bars and clubs in Changning.

Alternatively, there are quite a few budget options near The Bund, which is ideal if you want to stay close to the tourist spots. Bear in mind that while there is a friendly and varied backpacker crowd, hostels in China tend to be a more chill affair than some of the party hostels seen in Europe and Southeast Asia. Still, they are a great place to meet travelers with whom you can go out and enjoy the nightlife.

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As a general rule, you should not struggle to find gay-friendly accommodation in Shanghai. Most places welcome same-sex couples when booking double rooms, but opt for international chains if you want to be sure.

Many gay visitors choose to stay in the French Concession area as it offers a good compromise between tourist activities and gay Shanghai nightlife.

 

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Why we love it

♥ The garden is perfect for relaxing in
♥ Food and drink is cheap and tasty

This hostel offers great value for money, with simple, clean, and nicely decorated amenities at very affordable rates. Rock&Wood stands out thanks to its pleasant garden and terrace area, which gives an impression of calm and serenity in the middle of the city.

There are both private and dormitory rooms, all basic but comfortable. The common room has a pool table and is usually lively. The food and drinks at the cafe are good and cheap, which is handy since you are not allowed to bring in food from outside. When the hostel is busy, there is a great atmosphere in the common areas and it is really easy to start chatting to people.

Location-wise, the hostel is quite central but the gay bars are only a 15-minute walk away. There is a metro station nearby and the lovely Tianshan Park is close by.

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Why we love it

♥ The rooftop terrace is a great place for hanging out on a nice day
♥ Private quadruple rooms are ideal for small groups of friends
♥ A great common area for meeting people

Shanghai Le Tour Traveler’s Rest Youth Hostel is a perfect hostel for backpackers and budget travelers. It is housed in an old factory and retains a lot of classic Shanghai charm, with exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and graffiti by travelers from all over the globe as far as the eye can see. There is a lovely terrace space where you can eat, drink, and meet new people, and large common areas with games and ample seating.

The rooms are spacious enough, with several size options for private rooms, including some good quadruple options that are perfect if you are traveling with friends. The dorm rooms are on the smaller size (6 people) and separated by gender.

The location in Jingan district is great for food, bars, and shopping, with easy transport links to the rest of the city. The hostel is tucked away in a hidden alleyway, meaning you are away from the noises of the main street (but it can be difficult to find).

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Why we love it

♥ Right next to a Metro station
♥ Clean comfortable decently sized rooms

An excellent hostel in the city center of Shanghai, close to the river and a 10-minute drive to the Bund. There is a metro station just across the street, connecting to the circular Line 4, with stations on Lines 12, 13, also conveniently nearby. The gay bars can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes by taxi.

The hotel is very nicely decorated in a modern yet rustic style, and has both private and dorm rooms available. Dorms come in 4, 6, and 8 beds, and can either be mixed or gender-separate. The staff is knowledgeable, English-speaking, and happy to help you make the most of your stay. The bar and common area are welcoming and laid-back, and there is a laundry service available.

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3/5
Why we love it

♥ Great location for nightlife shopping and entertainment
♥ Good breakfast

This is a very basic, no-frills hotel for a budget price. The location is perfect for gay nightlife, with all gay bars a 10 to 15-minute walk away. The surrounding neighborhood has plenty of great bars, restaurants, shops, and a few lovely parks. The rooms are clean and comfortable enough, if not slightly worn down. The staff are friendly and helpful and the Chinese-style breakfast is quite tasty.

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4/5
Why we love it

♥ The friendly and personal vibe
♥ Good location: quiet and isolated but close to gay nightlife

This small boutique hotel is perfect for those looking for a budget option but who like a bit more character than the usual chain hotel. There are only 31 rooms, all of them comfortable and decorated with a personal touch. Overall, the hotel almost feels like a villa or homestay, with a cozy and welcoming vibe.

The staff do not always speak English, but are always very friendly and go out of their way to make you feel at home. Small details like fresh fruit and milk brought to your room in the morning really make the place stand out from other budget option.

The location is quiet but extremely close to the gay nightlife spots, meaning you can party at night and relax during the day.

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2/5
Why we love it

♥ Simple cheap and convenient
♥ Perfect location for nightlife
♥ High standard of English-speaking service

This ibis hotel is very well located in the Jiatong Univesity area, approximately a 10-minute walk from the main Shanghai gay bars, Jiaotong University metro station, and Hongqiao Road metro station. This means you can walk to and from the hotel when you go out at night, and are perfectly connected for visiting the rest of the city.

The hotel is of the usual ibis standard, basic but convenient and functional. The rooms are not particularly large, but they are clean and have all the necessities, and the breakfast is equally simple. Furthermore, you are guaranteed English-speaking staff at the reception, which can sometimes be a problem in China.

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4.5/5
Why we love it

♥ Colorful cool and contemporary design
♥ Great value for money
♥ Rooms with first-rate views

This Hotel Indigo is one of the chain’s flagship locations and is always popular with gay visitors. The location on The Bund by the Huangpu river is beautiful and perfect for sightseeing – there are even two scenic parks on the hotel’s doorstep for a relaxing stroll.

The hotel itself presents excellent value for money, with modern, creative decor throughout inspired by the centuries of history in the surrounding area. The rooms are spacious and impressive, with many of them offering great views of the river and Pudong through huge, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows.

The restaurants offer tasty and varied food, including a very good breakfast, and the rooftop terrace bar is a great place for a drink with a panoramic view. There is a state-of-the-art fitness suite and a pool with – you guessed it – pretty incredible views.

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5/5
Why we love it

♥ Close proximity to gay nightlife
♥ Large indoor pool and Fitness centre
♥ Large comfortable rooms with good amenities

The Longemont Shanghai is located a 10-minute walk away from the city’s gay bars, making it very convenient for nightlife. The hotel has modern decor and very spacious and comfortable rooms, including good beds and showers.

The indoor swimming pool is quite impressive, a narrow 30m-long strip of water in an airy, skylit space with a panoramic view of the city. There are five dining options covering several styles of Asian and Western cuisine, a lounge bar, and a spa.

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Why we love it

♥ Well-located near plenty of shops bars restaurants and transport links
♥ Very good buffet breakfast to start your day right
♥ Helpful and friendly staff

This Marriott hotel is located in Xujiahui, a popular shopping and entertainment district of Shanghai. Most of the city’s gay bars are a 25-minute walk away or a 10-minute drive, and there are also excellent public transport links to the rest of the city.

It is a very good mid-range option for visitors looking to enjoy the food and bar scene of Shanghai. The decor is at times slightly outdated, but the rooms are extremely comfortable with large windows and excellent beds.

The breakfast is particularly well-rated, with a generous and high-quality selection of Western and Asian dishes. Their cafe even has a to-go section, in case you can’t wait to get started with your day in Shanghai. It’s worth spending a little bit of extra cash to gain access to the executive lounge, which has great service and a good selection of drinks and snacks.

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4/5
Why we love it

♥ Party Central Location
♥ Spacious and comfortable rooms
♥ Good value for money

The Crowne Plaza is one of the closest hotels to the cluster of gay bars in Changing, making it perfect for guys who want to stay close to the nightlife. Most of Shanghai’s gay bars are less than ten minutes away, with Lucca 390 being a mere 3-minute walk. Nearby, Jiaotong University metro station connects to the city’s main landmarks.

The hotel itself is on the dated side, with a more business-focused feel to it. However, the rooms are large, comfortable, and clean. The staff are helpful and well-trained to deal with international customers, which is always a convenience of an established global chain like Crowne Plaza. There is a good fitness center and a spa, as well as an indoor swimming pool.

Overall, this is a good option if you want reliable service and comfort while staying next to the Shanghai gay scene and you’ll be thankful for that 5-minute walk back from the bar while everyone else tries to find taxis.

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5/5
Why we love it

♥ Eco-friendly sustainable ethical and luxurious? Sign us up.
♥ Small and intimate
♥ The sunken in-room bathtubs are a treat

When it comes to boutique hotels, URBN really does stand out. This 2018 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award winner is located in a redeveloped factory warehouse, impeccably blending eco-consciousness and luxury. It prides itself in being China’s first carbon-neutral hotel and is dedicated to sustainability in everything it does, from the seafood served in its restaurant to the recycled and locally sourced materials in its design.

The “boutique” feeling is really highlighted by the hotel’s size, with only 26 rooms in total. The smaller scale means everything is perfectly tended to and the staff is always on hand to help out. It is also tucked away in a discreet area behind Nanjing Road, meaning you are close to all the action but also isolated from all the noise and chaos.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with the in-room bathtub being a particularly fun touch. It is missing some of the usual facilities of a luxury hotel, such as a bar, spa, swimming pool, or gym, but it’s a top choice for visitors who don’t tend to use those facilities much anyways.

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Why we love it

♥ Lovely decor with delicate florals and luxury materials
♥ Courtyard rooms offer a rare sensation of peace and quiet in the middle of the city
♥ Seriously comfortable tasteful and soothing decor

This hotel is one of the best places to stay in the French Concession, sitting along leafy and pleasant Hengshan Road. This location makes it both an extremely convenient place to stay – the city’s liveliest and coolest nightlife spots are all close by, not to mention the gay bars just under a 10-minute drive away – and an incredibly relaxing one.

The exterior of the building is already quite striking, but the interior decor is the main highlight. The theme is an updated take on the blend of Chinese and Art Deco influences that define the French Concession. The courtyard rooms are particularly desirable, as they face the large central courtyard of the building and, as a result, are extremely peaceful and quiet.

There is an excellent spa and three restaurants, including one serving authentic Cantonese cuisine and a rooftop terrace option with incredible views. The pool is indoors but large and heated, making for a lovely dip at any time of the year.

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5/5