Asia - Shanghai Hotels

We (3 people) are thinking about visiting Shanghai for 10 days next april and don't know where to stay without having to pay a fortune (our hotel budget is about 250$/night for a twin room). Any ideas where to stay?

Thanks in advance!

You can't go wrong by staying at the Sheraton, Westin or Marriott. There rates are around your ballpark. OTOH, there are "local" 4 star/5 star hotels that might be cheaper.

Check if you have any friends with good corporate rates at global hotel chains. Company ID is rarely checked. I stayed at Grand Hyatt for significantly under your budget.

OT, but 10 days is a long visit for Shanghai IMHO. There isn't that much to see; three-four days will cover everything with shopping thrown in.

$250 per night should get you almost any 5 Star Hotels.
Here's a list. some of these I have booked for as low as $60-$80
depending on their promotional schedule.

Shanghai Five Star Hotels
5 Star



88 Xintiandi Hotel Shanghai
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
Grand Hyatt Hotel Shanghai- Jin Mao Tower
Guangdong Hotel Shanghai
Hilton Hotel Shanghai
Hongqiao State Guesthouse Shanghai
Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Shanghai
Hua Ting Hotel Shanghai
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
Inter-Continental Pudong Shanghai
JC Mandarin Shanghai
Jinjiang Hotel Shanghai
Jinjiang Tower Shanghai
Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai
Peace Hotel Shanghai
Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La Hotel Shanghai
Purple Mountain Hotel Shanghai
Radisson Plaza Xing Guo Hotel Shanghai
Renaissance Yangtze Hotel Shanghai
Sheraton Grand Tai Ping Yang Hotel Shanghai
Sofitel Jinjiang Oriental Pudong Shanghai
St. Regis Shanghai
Westin Hotel Shanghai


this is the link: http://www.chinatravelkey.com/shanghai/fivestar.htm

I have stayed at these hotels. If you want further information
on any of these choices...can advise.


Grand Hyatt Hotel Shanghai- Jin Mao Tower

Inter-Continental Pudong Shanghai

JC Mandarin Shanghai

Jinjiang Tower Shanghai

Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai

Renaissance Yangtze Hotel Shanghai

Westin Hotel Shanghai

Plus: Ruijin Guest Hotel

We (3 people) are thinking about visiting Shanghai for 10 days next april and don't know where to stay without having to pay a fortune (our hotel budget is about 250$/night for a twin room). Any ideas where to stay?

Thanks in advance!

i know the search feature has been a bit fickle of late, but try it out anyway. in other threads, i've plugged a number of options in the $40-80 range that i like.

We (3 people) are thinking about visiting Shanghai for 10 days next april and don't know where to stay without having to pay a fortune (our hotel budget is about 250$/night for a twin room). Any ideas where to stay?

Thanks in advance!

You should think about whether you want an OLD or NEW Shanghai experience. For example, an OLD, traditional Shanghai experience would suggest the Peace Hotel on the Bund directly on the river with stunning views of the new Shanghai over in Pudong. If you are into new, glitz, modern style accommodations then the Hyatt, Interconti, Sheraton in Pudong would meet you desires and budget.

10 days is quite a long time unless you intend to prowl through every sector, every museum, every street market, etc. You can take day trips out to visit several destinations in the surrounding area of Shanghai.

Have you already been to Beijing, Xian, etc.

bb

If you are into new, glitz, modern style accommodations then the Hyatt, Interconti, Sheraton in Pudong would meet you desires and budget.


imo the peace is a dump (it wouldn't be if it was well managed, but that's another topic) and the only pudong properties that warrant consideration are the hyatt and the shang (and only on the caveat that getting around town from over there is a pita).

as i've said before, location is key in sh and i generally prefer locations between nj road and fuxing road // wulumuqi rd and peoples square. the ja temple area (hilton, shanghai hotel, jingan hotel, yan an hotel) and huaihai/shan'xi rds (okura, jinjiang) are my favorites. hengshan rd isn't bad either and is on the cheap side.

i agree with you about 10 days being a long stretch for a sh vacation (bj is a different story), but if you have to attend to business, that's a different story of course.

huaihai/shan'xi rds (okura, jinjiang) are my favorites. .[/QUOTE]
^
Okura Garden and Jinjiang Tower are both very nice hotels in a great area.
Okura I prefer when I can get the local chinese promo rate of about $100
per night.

Thank you very much... I think, we will try the Pundong Sh-La. Will rethink the length of our stay, too.

Thanks again for all the useful hints.

Thank you very much... I think, we will try the Pundong Sh-La. Will rethink the length of our stay, too.

Thanks again for all the useful hints.

if you aren't bothered by the idea of bouncing around, you might consider splitting your stay between the shang and some place in puxi.

if you aren't bothered by the idea of bouncing around, you might consider splitting your stay between the shang and some place in puxi.Is B.A.T.S still good if you fancy a bit of bouncing around? ;)

I'd strongly suggest going to neighbouring towns to visit -- Shanghai, like others have said, is boring after 3-4 days. Suzhou is very close by, and Hangzhou not much further. They're both worth a visit and I'd definintely recommend it. Unless you're really into partying and stuff, there isn't a lot to do in Shanghai after so many days.

Is B.A.T.S still good if you fancy a bit of bouncing around? ;)

bats certainly isn't a destination nightspot any more, but i have to imagine that it's still doing okay because the hotel is 2x as large as it was in the days bats was popular and there isn't much else on offer in the area.

I'd strongly suggest going to neighbouring towns to visit -- Shanghai, like others have said, is boring after 3-4 days. .

agreed (of course), but i think i'd expand the range of possilbilities beyond 苏杭. aside from beijing (which should be obvious), i'd look at chengdu, sichuan, and even putuoshan as potential diversions.

Two weekend nights in Shanghai coming up. I've read on a bunch of threads that Pudong is really out of the way, and that cab rides can be long. Is this advice accurate? Is there a public transportation option?

Or should we fork over the extra money to stay at a place like the Westin near "the bund" (whatever that may be)?

Two weekend nights in Shanghai coming up. I've read on a bunch of threads that Pudong is really out of the way, and that cab rides can be long. Is this advice accurate? Is there a public transportation option?

Or should we fork over the extra money to stay at a place like the Westin near "the bund" (whatever that may be)?

-In general, I think that advice is accurate, but some people really like it over there (a simpler life, perhaps).
-Public transit is fine by developing country standards.
-I don't like the Westin's location; one doesn't gain a lot by staying "near the Bund," IMO

Two weekend nights in Shanghai coming up. I've read on a bunch of threads that Pudong is really out of the way, and that cab rides can be long. Is this advice accurate? Is there a public transportation option?

Or should we fork over the extra money to stay at a place like the Westin near "the bund" (whatever that may be)?

ime, fork over the extra cash. It's about a 40 min. cab ride to Pu-xi. However, you can take the subway now, but it doesn't run all night.

ime, fork over the extra cash. It's about a 40 min. cab ride to Pu-xi. However, you can take the subway now, but it doesn't run all night.

where one is traveling to/from makes a big difference. for example, if you're staying in lujiazui, you can get to the bund in under 5 minutes, if all goes well, but xujiahui would take at least 20 minutes. while the subway doesn't run at night, there isn't much traffic at night so cabs can be pretty quick.

another thought about the subway: i usually try to avoid transfering between the 2 lines because the walk is long and i've been pick pocketed several times in people's square station (and never anywhere else, ever).

The hotel we're considering in Pudong is the Renaissance:

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/SHARN

St. Regis might also be on the list. How far away are these places (taxi and train) from the sightseeing and nightlife we'd want to do in a two day trip?

-I don't like the Westin's location; one doesn't gain a lot by staying "near the Bund," IMO
Any other major western chain hotels you think are better located?

another thought about the subway: i usually try to avoid transfering between the 2 lines because the walk is long and i've been pick pocketed several times in people's square station (and never anywhere else, ever).

That sounds terrible. Once would be bad, but SEVERAL times?

Anything else I need to know about Shanghai? :)

I could also benefit from hotel recommendations. For a tourist, where am I likely to find the best deal on a nice (don't need "5 star") property?

Also, how is the train to Hangzhou? I've heard the train station in Hangzhou is "chaotic." What's the scene in Shanghai?

Thanks!

I could also benefit from hotel recommendations. For a tourist, where am I likely to find the best deal on a nice (don't need "5 star") property?


There is a drastic shortage of 5-star properties in the market so the incumbents command a stiff premium (though many FTers have scored $100 rates at the JW, which is definitely worth pursuing).

Consequently, I advise most people to set their sites a notch down from the top because the price diffrerence is substantial. I've posted my recs many times before so I won't repeat myself here, but my general feeling is to try to get a place near the Hilton that isn't the Hilton. You can move a little south and/or east of there (Okura Garden makes up the SE corner of my desirable square) and still do quite well. Feel free to PM me if you need more help, but please search first.



Also, how is the train to Hangzhou? I've heard the train station in Hangzhou is "chaotic." What's the scene in Shanghai?


The train to Hangzhou is fine. Sure, the train station sucks, but it is the nicest in the country and you'll do just fine.

In response to your question about SH in general, which I already deleted, it really is an ok city; my bad experiences are limited to a singal subway station, which can be easily avoided. That said, I firmly believe that BJ is a better place (even discounting for the fact that there is much more to do/see there), so I suggest you weight your China trip(s) in that direction.

BTW, I have nothing against SH. In fact, I spend most of my China time here and appreciate many aspects of this place. And, most SH expats regard BJ as a second rate city. But, they have different priorities than you guys and, for the most part, those that hold that opinion have never done BJ properly.

The hotel we're considering in Pudong is the Renaissance:

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/SHARN

St. Regis might also be on the list. How far away are these places (taxi and train) from the sightseeing and nightlife we'd want to do in a two day trip?


Any other major western chain hotels you think are better located?We stayed at the Renaissance last year during the Shanghai DO. They gave us a nice little fold out map with all the major tourist stops in chinese/english to show the cab drivers.

We generally did not find the taxis to be that much of a problem getting around. And during our four night stay only had a long slow taxi ride one time. Nights were never a problem

We are going back again in April but are planning to stay at the St Regis this time.

I firmly believe that BJ is a better place (even discounting for the fact that there is much more to do/see there), so I suggest you weight your China trip(s) in that direction.

I think your view is certainly the majority one. I personally don't plan to spend much time in Shanghai. Frankly, I might not have bothered to see it at all except that we want to go to nearby Hangzhou and Suzhou. So once we're in the area, it seems worthwhile to stop in Shanghai, even if for no other reason than to try to understand modern China.

Anyone have a link to an english city map possibly even with a list of hotels?

I'm looking for either an SPG or Hilton hotel near Huai Hai Zhong Road Postcode： 200021

edit: was able to find a not so detailed map and realize that this is a really long road... anyone know if the 200 block of this road is close to the River?

Anyone have a link to an english city map possibly even with a list of hotels?

I'm looking for either an SPG or Hilton hotel near Huai Hai Zhong Road Postcode： 200021

edit: was able to find a not so detailed map and realize that this is a really long road... anyone know if the 200 block of this road is close to the River?

zhong means middle so the 200 block is not close to the river, but is around hk plaza (huangpi nan lu subway stop), if i'm not mistaken. the jw is reasonably close, while the hilton and westin are each around 15 minutes away by taxi (but, in opposite directions). alternatively, you could try the okura garden (nice hotel for the money) or the jinjiang (not so nice imo), both of which are on huaihai road near shanxi rd (one subway stop west of huangpi nan lu).

Anyone have experience using Priceline for Shanghai? They do divide up the city -- I'm guessing most tourists would want "Huangpu," but perhaps some would also bid for Pudong. Seems risky to bid for less than 5-star -- which would cost you at least $55, since I've heard tthat's the (unwritten programmed) minimum priceline will take for 5-star hotels. The Westin Shanghai seems to participate in priceline (indeed, it MAY be the only 5-star in the Huangpu zone), but there aren't enough reported bids to know what they might take.

zhong means middle so the 200 block is not close to the river, but is around hk plaza (huangpi nan lu subway stop), if i'm not mistaken. the jw is reasonably close, while the hilton and westin are each around 15 minutes away by taxi (but, in opposite directions). alternatively, you could try the okura garden (nice hotel for the money) or the jinjiang (not so nice imo), both of which are on huaihai road near shanxi rd (one subway stop west of huangpi nan lu).

thanks for the info... you are right I think the cross street is huangpi nan lu. Was thinking of getting some hotel points on the stay but I think convenience is more important.

Anyone have experience using Priceline for Shanghai? They do divide up the city -- I'm guessing most tourists would want "Huangpu," but perhaps some would also bid for Pudong. Seems risky to bid for less than 5-star -- which would cost you at least $55, since I've heard tthat's the (unwritten programmed) minimum priceline will take for 5-star hotels. The Westin Shanghai seems to participate in priceline (indeed, it MAY be the only 5-star in the Huangpu zone), but there aren't enough reported bids to know what they might take.

Did you consult betterbidding AND biddingfortravel? Everytime I've checked out SH data on those sites, I've concluded that bidders were getting ripped off (and I can't recall ever seeing the Westin; the Westin sells out on a regular basis).

Anyone have a link to an english city map possibly even with a list of hotels?
I found a very good map (though not too many hotels are listed on it) yesterday:

http://www.smartshanghai.com/en/travel/sshamap.php

Did you consult betterbidding AND biddingfortravel? Everytime I've checked out SH data on those sites, I've concluded that bidders were getting ripped off (and I can't recall ever seeing the Westin; the Westin sells out on a regular basis).

Yeah, I searched both of them. A lot of folks seem to be getting the 5-star Renaissance in Pudong for the $50s and $60s. That doesn't strike me as a bad deal, but I don't think I want to stay there. The Westin in Huangpu seems to participate, but there's not much bidding history. Like one guy bid $100 and got it. :) I think if I could get the Westin for 60 or 65 bucks that would be good. Right?

Yeah, I searched both of them. A lot of folks seem to be getting the 5-star Renaissance in Pudong for the $50s and $60s. That doesn't strike me as a bad deal, but I don't think I want to stay there.


Neither would I.


The Westin in Huangpu seems to participate, but there's not much bidding history. Like one guy bid $100 and got it. :) I think if I could get the Westin for 60 or 65 bucks that would be good. Right?


Unless something on the order of SARS decimates the market within the next several months, I'd say the chances of that are pretty much zero.

I checked the Westin just for fun and the cheapest rate is over $200 USD. I never thought any place in Shanghai could be so desirable :(

I noticed that there's a new Regent opening up near Jin An, maybe some deal can be had there?

I checked the Westin just for fun and the cheapest rate is over $200 USD. I never thought any place in Shanghai could be so desirable :(

I noticed that there's a new Regent opening up near Jin An, maybe some deal can be had there?

Stayed at Westin one time. I thought it was overpriced and not really that great location. But I have heard that the top floor suites are nice. There are many hotels that are consistently priced over $200 and are worth it. I have stayed at the Hyatt and Garden Hotel.. they were worth the $200. The best deals on rooms are over holidays such as CNY, National week, Christmas...otherwise they don't seem to discount too much...but on occasion you can find a good deal if you can give them a China passport for reservation.

I noticed that there's a new Regent opening up near Jin An, maybe some deal can be had there?

The Regent has been open for a while. I've never been inside, but friends that have tell me it's nothing special. Also, the site is an odd choice for a 5-star hotel (I didn't know it was possible to build so close to Yan'an Rd).

Oriental Riverside on Pudong side is ~$125. Next to Pearl TV Tower and Tourist Tunnel over to Bund. A good Chinese 5-star.

If your'e looking for something clean and similar to a HGI property in the US, I recommend the Green Tree inn. I stayed there a couple of times in the past few months. I like it since it only cost about 300RMB or so/night, if I can remember correctly.

Hello; first time China visitor with a question about the Changning area. I'll be flying into the Pudong airport on AA's new ORD-PVG flight. I am going in late July / early August.

I'll be in PVG for only 3 days / 2 nights and want to just see the highlights. I'm going to Beijing after my first few days in PVG.

How far is Changning from the main tourist sights via public transit or taxi?

Thanks.

Hello; first time China visitor with a question about the Changning area. I'll be flying into the Pudong airport on AA's new ORD-PVG flight. I am going in late July / early August.

I'll be in PVG for only 3 days / 2 nights and want to just see the highlights. I'm going to Beijing after my first few days in PVG.

How far is Changning from the main tourist sights via public transit or taxi?

Thanks.

Changning is ok (better than Pudong or Gubei), but I'm not sure I'd go out of the way to stay there (can't think any special hotels off the top of my head).

I posted an updated report on this place in one of the other Shanghai hotel threads several days ago so you guys can search for details, but I want to mention here as well because I now realize that it is priced way below market (the suites, in particular) if you manage to book at my discounted rate, and is much nicer than any 168. Plus, the staff is really nice.

Stayed at Westin one time. I thought it was overpriced and not really that great location.

I agreed - location is not very good - I like staying out on Nanjing Xi Lu, near the Portman in the Jing An Temple area; lots of shopping and cafes, on the subway line to PuDong / People's Square; decent taxi ride to XinTianDi or XuJiaHui (if you care), sort of centrally located. Also good for meetings, as many foreign companies are in that area in Citic Square, Plaza 66, etc. And PLENTY of bars, expat and local, on or around TonGren Lu.

At the same time, down in the French Concession is nice, too, and quieter, but less convenient, I think.

Any thoughts on the Somerset Grand Shanghai? http://www.somersetgrandshanghai.com/home.htm

It has a 2-bedroom available on our dates for Y1350/night, which isn't too bad.

We currently have an award reservation booked at the Hilton, but have read some negative reviews of that hotel.

Thanks.

Any thoughts on the Somerset Grand Shanghai? http://www.somersetgrandshanghai.com/home.htm

It has a 2-bedroom available on our dates for Y1350/night, which isn't too bad.

We currently have an award reservation booked at the Hilton, but have read some negative reviews of that hotel.

Thanks.

I can't speak for this one but have stayed in Ascott and Somerset in HCMC, Manila and Bangkok. I would rate them as great value, 3 star level, rooms usually large and spacious, F&B so so (but you ain't eating there are u?), and service good.

FYI, I have a positive bias for service type units...

The Howard Johnson All Suites on Yanan Road is a super value for a mini-suite with kitchen