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Best historic hotels in Shanghai, China: luxury, exclusive accommodation

When you think of Shanghai, China you don't necessarily think of historic hotels. Surprising to some though, Shanghai has many historic hotels some of which are superb. If you're planning a trip to Shanghai and don't like chain hotels, don't worry. These best Shanghai historic hotels feature unique accommodation, friendly service and a lovely environment - and offer a great way to learn about the history of Shanghai.

Hengshan Picardie Hotel - This stunning 5-star luxury hotel is located next to Xujiahui green belt and close to Shanghai's best shopping and dining areas. Opened in 1934, the Hengshan Picardie Hotel is one of the most famous independent old hotels in Shanghai, and one of its most historic.

At the Hengshan Picardie Hotel, each spacious guest room features TV with satellite, free Wi-Fi internet, mini bar and refrigerator, coffee and tea making facilities, a large work space, complimentary designer toiletries and a separate shower and bath. Views over Shanghai are lovely.

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The hotel also has a business center, several restaurants including a Cantonese restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, a cafe and a lovely bakery. If you're looking for the best independent hotel in Shanghai, you can't go wrong with a stay at the Hengshan Picardie.

Astor House Hotel - Another lovely old Shanghai historic hotel, the Astor House Hotel is just gorgeous. With a stay here, you'll feel like you're back in old China, receiving the first phone call in Shanghai (that occurred at the Astor House Hotel) or at China's first prom (that was held here too).

Guest rooms at the Astor House Hotel are absolutely massive and offer traditional Shanghai decor with all mod cons. Rooms feature en suite bath (or "big sanitary place" as their website advertises), TV with satellite, Wi-Fi internet, tea and coffee making facilities, and air conditioning. Room rates also include a superb breakfast.

The hotel has several restaurants serving Chinese and International cuisine, a bar, foreign currency exchange, and a beauty salon.

With former guests like Charlie Chaplin, Einstein and Bertrand Russell, you'll be in fine company at the Astor House Hotel.

Broadway Mansions Hotel - Located on the Bund, one of Shanghai's best areas, Broadway Mansions Hotel is another of the most famous historic hotels in Shanghai. Across the street from Astor House Hotel (and owned by the same people), Broadway Mansions Hotel offers a stunning view out over the Bund, unique architecture as well as superb accommodation.

At the Broadway Mansions Hotel, rooms are very large and feature en suite bath, television with satellite channels, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities and air conditioning. Room rates include breakfast, featuring a large selection of Chinese and Western dishes.

The hotel also has a business center, coffee shop, restaurant serving Shanghai and International dishes, a karaoke room, ping pong tables, a fitness room and a sauna. Wi-Fi internet is also available.

If you love hotels steeped in history and offering something unique, Broadway Mansions Hotel definitely does that.

, Asia Travel Examiner

Cassandra James went to live in Thailand for a year, six years ago, and never left. She writes about Thai travel, culture, and, of course, the food (yum!). She also travels around south east Asia to find the cool, bizarre and unique. She can be reached at bangkokbint@yahoo.com.

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