The historic Astor House Hotel (Pujiang Fandian) is often full, especially in the summer months, and booking in advance is recommended.

The Astor House's location, just across the Waibadu Bridge over Suzhou Creek from the Bund,combines with its storied past and elegant colonial-era architecture to make it a popular mid-range option. The addition of "dormitory-style" rooms adds to its budget allure.

Just a short walk (or bus trip) from the Bund, the Astor House isn't up to the emerging four- and five-star standards dominating Shanghai's tourist and business-class hotel landscape; this, for its guests, is at the root of its charm. It's not too difficult to imagine the Shanghai of yesteryear from within one of the Astor House's charmingly dogeared corridors or double rooms.