This international stalwart is nothing fancy, but is as reliable as they come and a popular choice for business travelers collecting this brand's loyalty points—judging by the many who arrive with loyalty card in hand at the busy but efficient front desk.
A metallic-looking 43-story skyscraper, the facade is grimy from pollution. The western location can feel inconvenient for tourists planning to spend time around the Bund or French Concession, or for travelers with business in Pudong, but all are easily accessible by the nearby metro. Shoppers will be happy with the quick walking times to Huaihai Road and Xintiandi.
A wide arching staircase dominates the design of the vast marble lobby. Instead of bouquets of flowers in the foyer, a single bonsai tree is the highlight. Fountains and rock gardens abound. The Chinese art in this hotel is beautiful. Highlights include delicate silk paintings and a granite sculpture rising several stories high.
To reach the cafe and Italian restaurant, guests must follow a path across the water. The Chinese restaurants have a decent reputation, and the basement shelters a 24-hour cafe. On the 39th floor awaits the cosmopolitan Sichuan Court restaurant and cozy nightclub, and one floor higher are a bar and karaoke lounge. Italian cuisine is served at Leonardo's.
The lavish breakfast buffet and Champagne Sunday brunch served in the Atrium Cafe are as tasty as they are eye-catching. However, skip the Sunday night themed buffets where food appears leftover and the sushi in particular did not taste fresh.
The cramped workout room has plenty of equipment, and one of the two squash courts does double duty as an aerobics and yoga studio. The tennis court could use resurfacing. The attractive octagonal pool has lap lanes and a play area which makes this a popular choice for businesspeople traveling with their families.
The large ozone-enriched bio-climate spa features an aroma essence whirlpool and a Finnish sauna. Expensive shops include a well-stocked bookstore and plenty of souvenirs for all budgets. The popular conference space here can accommodate up to 470 delegates. The business center closes only from 11 pm Sunday to 7 am Monday.
Spacious standard guest rooms provide a middle-grade Hilton experience, with commercial-quality fabrics, sturdy and comfortable furnishings, two phones, flat-screen TVs with English channels, high-speed Internet access, fully stocked minibars and safes. Bay windows lend both light and style.
Marble baths offer deep tubs and hefty towels, and both terry and flannel robes hang in the closets. Executive-floor rooms offer access to the newly renovated executive lounge filled with multiple plasma-screen TVs, cushy couches and understated Chinese interior details. Added amenities at this level include express check-in, breakfast, tea, free cocktails between 5-7 pm, conference rooms and use of office equipment.
Two floors are reserved for Japanese guests, who have their own help desk and select Japanese amenities. Room service is always running.
The affable staff also works especially well with Westerners. Particularly helpful are the uniformed bellstaff who take great care to direct taxis on behalf of their non-Chinese speaking guests. This one ranks ahead of The Westin in terms of location and quality.
