Shanghai hotels make Michelin's inaugural list

​The restaurant at the Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai offers diners breathtaking views. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shanghai, with ten hotels making the list, ranks second in the Chinese mainland after Beijing in the Michelin Guide's first-ever hotel selection, marking a significant expansion of the renowned guide into the accommodation sector.

Released on Oct 9, the selection covers 2,457 hotels worldwide.

The evaluation focuses on five key criteria: whether the hotel is a destination in itself, the quality of its architecture and interior design, consistent comfort and maintenance, distinctive style and personality, and value for money.

Among the Shanghai honorees, Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li, Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai, and The Peninsula Shanghai each earned two Michelin Keys. Seven hotels received one Michelin Key, including Amanyangyun Shanghai, The Middle House, and InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, also known as Sheshan Shimao Quarry Hotel.

​Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li showcases traditional Shikumen architecture. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

The three two-key hotels each offer distinctive experiences. Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li is celebrated for its Shikumen architecture and local cultural experiences, Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai boasts views of the city's major waterways, and The Peninsula Shanghai remains an iconic presence on the Bund.

Room rates in these hotels generally start above 2,000 yuan ($280.65) per night, with some suites priced between 5,500 and 6,000 yuan.

However, the list has sparked debate among industry insiders and consumers. Some have noted the absence of prominent hotels such as the J Hotel Shanghai Tower and the historic Peace Hotel, while others have highlighted potential shortcomings in some listed hotels, including poor soundproofing.

Despite the criticisms, the Michelin Guide's expansion into hotels adds a new layer of prestige to the luxury hospitality market. It also complements domestic rating systems from Chinese travel platforms that offer hotel recommendations and star ratings based on user reviews, catering more to local consumer preferences.