Park Hyatt Shanghai

The distinctive silhouette of the 101-story Shanghai World Financial Center is immediately recognizable among the supertall skyscrapers of Pudong; from these dizzying heights the whole of central Shanghai is visible from above. And occupying its 79th through 93rd floors is the Park Hyatt Shanghai, a hotel that scales metaphorical heights as well as literal ones. This is not only one of the highest hotels in the world by altitude, but one of the most luxurious as well — and, in typical Park Hyatt style, its extravagant luxury is rendered in a tasteful, even understated style.

Its interiors, by Tony Chi & Associates, mix a certain modernist-inspired swankiness with ornamentation inspired by Chinese traditions as well as a substantial helping of contemporary Chinese art. And the accommodations are widely regarded as some of the finest in town, and by extension, the world — not only for their extraordinary views but for their immaculate design sense and their beautifully organized functionality.

In a hotel of this caliber a first-rate spa and fitness center are present as a matter of course; among the attractions is a spectacular 85th-floor infinity pool. And its restaurants are a diverse bunch, offering everything from afternoon tea to Western steakhouse classics, Cantonese favorites, and high-end Shanghainese, Zhejiang and Jiangsu fare.