J Hotel, Shanghai Tower

The interiors are intricate and full of striking details, from the “red gate” feature to the crystal deer sculptures. The 101st-floor check-in area has a blue crystalline reception desk that sets a modern tone. There’s bold use of metal, glass, and dramatic lighting, giving the place a futuristic art gallery feel rather than the usual luxury hotel look. If you like quiet minimalism, the maximalist style may feel busy. The views put the Lujiazui skyline in a perspective you can’t get elsewhere, looking down on the Jin Mao Tower and SWFC. The high-speed elevator is part of the experience, and the hotel’s position inside Shanghai Tower makes it an architectural milestone. Service was polished and very attentive, in line with the five-star price. For architecture fans or anyone after the “highest hotel in the world” bragging rights, it’s hard to match. The unique vantage point alone made the premium feel worthwhile, and it’s a bucket-list stay in Lujiazui.

The staff and service made our three-night stay at J Hotel Shanghai Tower memorable. Checkout was quick, and early in the morning, with no concierge available, a front desk staff member personally carried our three large suitcases down to the taxi, which was truly helpful. The night before, another staff member helped us order food online and recommended sheng jian bao that was still open near midnight. They were delicious. When I felt unwell from a cold I’d had before arriving, staff helped us order medicine online early in the morning, since we were struggling with Chinese apps. Despite the language barrier, she was patient, kind, and incredibly helpful. I’m sorry I forgot her name, but her care meant a lot to us. There were a few snags. Check-in was slow, I think a deposit was required, and our luggage took a while to reach the room. The pool was being renovated or cleaned during our stay, and staff were cleaning while guests were still using it. That felt uncomfortable, and the lifeguard kept staring at us, which made the experience less enjoyable. The room itself was incredible, with complete amenities from well-known brands. I was glad they provided a dyson, so I didn’t have to bring my own heavy one. The spacious bathroom had air conditioning and a TV in the bathtub. The shower took a little while to get hot, but once it did, it was great. There was room for two large suitcases in the wardrobe area, plus a complete set of shoe covers and other thoughtful items. There wasn’t a dedicated makeup area, though, and the sink had no room for personal things, just the amenities rack in the middle. The TV wasn’t smart and had only a few local channels. We also had a large, comfortable desk and seating area for relaxing. Free-flow beer every day, including everything in the minibar, was a very generous touch. From the moment we arrived, the luxury, comfort, and service stood out. Despite a few small flaws, we found the stay outstanding and unforgettable. I’d absolutely return and recommend J Hotel Shanghai Tower to anyone looking for luxury and top-tier service in Shanghai.

The breakfast was far too crowded. I had to wait, then felt rushed when the buffet was about to close, and the coffee wasn't good. Still, I always have a good stay at J hotel. The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, and the team is lovely, especially the tea-time and room service attendants.

I chose J Hotel for the novelty: I swam on the 84th floor, slept on the 86th, and ate breakfast on the 101st. It’s very high, flashy, and luxurious, though what you can see depends on the Air Quality Index. That’s one side of Shanghai I’m glad I experienced. Before that one-night stay, we were at Upper House across the river in the Jing'an district. It was luxurious too, but more discreet and better located. Pudong, especially Lujiazui, is a financial and corporate area without much charm. If I did it again, I might pick Capella in the FFC, a small luxury hotel in repurposed historic shikumen buildings.