Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin Shanghai or St Regis Shanghai [Master Thread]

I will have a 4-night stay in Shanghai in mid-February. Any recommendations as to which hotel--St. Regis ot Westin--is the better one? I am a Platinum SPG. What upgrade, if any, can I expect?

Location/convenience is not a concern for me, as either hotel will work.

I note that *Wood also has the Sheraton in Shanghai, but have stayed at this property previously, and I would not want to return again.

Since location is not a concern, then no question it's St. Regis. Service, particularly the butler*, is impeccable and the rooms are the largest in Shanghai. It's also a newer building. But... there's no there there. However, a street nearby (~5-10 minute walk) has excellent albeit rambunctious local restaurants.

*The butler service serves the best coffee in Shanghai if you like European-style coffee rather than over-roasted Starbucks.

I haven't been to the St. Regis, but you probably can't go wrong with the Westin. Pretty much brand new, decent size and very chic rooms, lots of restaurants, funky stairs that light up in different colors, great fitness center, etc. I thought the service was generally excellent and friendly as well. Plus, you're a short walk from The Bund.

I liked it all around. The only thing that has since made me wonder a little bit since my stay was how they handled my request for an upgrade. I was gold at the the time, and on check-in I asked if there was any upgrade availability for a gold member. Their response was that I could upgrade to an executive room for about $25 a night more. I took it since it was on a work stay, but I'm not sure if they *should* have given it gratis to a gold, or if I had pushed back a little maybe they would have given it as a free upgrade as well. Not a huge deal, but something that's popped into my mind since then. Same thing happened at the Westin Chosun in Seoul, so maybe the Asian properties have a different set of "rules"?

I stayed at both. The St. Regis is so far superior to the Westin that there is no comparison, provided that location is not an issue.

The St. Regis is basically out in the middle of no where, relatively speaking. It worked great for me as my meetings were near there.

I have stayed at the St.REgis in shanghai in 2002, I am also SPG Platinum and they upgraded me to a very nice suite, what I in particular are they bathrooms they gorgious and they these Rainforest showers where you don't want to go out anymore... there breakfast buffet is also fantastic, not very big, but the quality is unbelievable.

I've stayed at both last year. The Westin is nice and the location is good. The St Regis is substantially nicer but the location is substantially worse. If you'll be going out a lot, stay at the Westin; if you'll be staying in your room a lot, stay at the St Regis.

------------------
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin

I just looked at the SPG site and see the following:

Exec Club Deluxe, Lounge Access, Heavenly Bed, Non-Smoking Room, American Brkfst

Does anyone have any information on their lounge? Does it include breakfast?

Thanks

Christian

Excellent lounge at Westin. Good breakfast, soft drinks through day and very good food and cocktails at night. Lounge in St Regis is nice but only used during very good cocktail session in the evening.

This was as at Feb 2003.

I agree with the other posts that with the exception of the location, the St. Regis is superior in all other aspects. I've always gotten upgraded to a suite.

Just got back from a week-long trip to Shanghai. Stayed at the Grand Hyatt on the first and last nights to get a FFN award using Mastercard. In between, stayed at both the The Westin Shanghai and St. Regis Shanghai.

Westin Shanghai (Room rate USD 190)
***************
Hotel was at 100% occupancy (starwood.com showed no availability during my checkin days, but I had booked ahead). As a Platinum, I was upgraded to a huge suite in the Residences Tower. Suite came with kitchen, 1.5 baths, a living/dining area, private office/study, bedroom, etc. The entire suite was very nicely furnished in beige, brown, and wood tones. Heavenly bed was great. On previous stays at this hotel, I have always been put in the "usual" Hotel Tower, and I have found the furniture to be too crowded for such a small room, and much too colorful. So, the Residences was quite a good change.

I found the heating unit in the suite to be malfunctioning, as the fan made a huge noise when turned on. Complained to the concierge personally at 1:00pm. Went out for lunch and got back to the room at 2:30pm. Still not fixed. Called Concierge who promised to send up an engineer. 3:30pm--still no engineer. Went down to Concierge to complain again. 4:00pm--sent two engineers and housekeeper to fix the fan. [how many people does it take...]. Simple matter of fixing a loose screw. That was the only negative point about this stay.

Tried two restaurants at the hotel--Prego (Italian) and Stages (Lobby coffee shop). Both restaurants' food were quite good, but the menu a bit pricey for Shanghai standards. Service was nothing special. At Stages, I saw a waiter drop a whole slice of toast on the floor right in the middle of the foyer, and it took a full 5 minutes before any staff noticed.

Banyan Tree Spa...what can I say? You've got to try it to believe it. Again, pricey...but well worth it.

Upon checkout, automatically charged a USD 1.00 Unicef donation. This is fine, but I would appreciate being asked first.


St. Regis Shanghai (Room rate USD 145)
******************
From The Westin, went to the St. Regis. Location is definitely a minus for this hotel. Nearby is a Holiday Inn and Nikko, plus a shopping mall and office buildings. Otherwise, nothing else to see, although it is convenient to take a subway to other parts of the city.

You know the guy who is supposed to greet guests at the door when the taxi arrives? Nope, no one there. In fact, he was inside the glass doors of the lobby looking out (guess it was too cold for him to stand outside). St. Regis also makes a big deal of the butler who is supposed to handle in-room check-in, unpacking, etc. Nope, no one even offered. Of course, I would have declined anyway, but it was troubling to see the lack of service that has always been advertised.

Upon checkin, asked if I would have any upgrade to a suite (I booked on starwood.com, so entitled to such benefits). The clerk said no suite this time. I asked if the hotel was very full, and he said yes. I thought nothing more of it.

Went to the room, which was a good size, but not as big as I thought it would be (St. Regis advertised as having the biggest rooms in the city), so my impression was it would be bigger. Tones of dark-brown, maroon, and beige; gold curtains, dark/red wood furniture. Bed was a bit to stiff. Got a letter on the desk from the GM welcoming me to the hotel, and advertised the benefits of Platinum members. I noticed that high-speed internet was free [Westin was RMB 120/day], so went online. Just out of curiosity, went to starwood.com to check any availability at the hotel, and to my surprise, both Executive and Deluxe Executive suites were available! I used an outside line to call the hotel to check whether they indeed did have suite availability...and YES. So, I called the front desk and inquired why I did not get an upgrade. She pulled out the records and said that I had been downgraded to a "B" member. Sounds strange; never heard of this. I told her about my Platinum membership, but she said that I was a Gold member (is this what "B" member means?). I told her this was impossible, and she said that it was most likely because I had not stayed the required number of nights last year. This was irrelevant, as I said the current membership year was valid thru Feb 2004; it clearly stated that on my card. She had the nerve to say that sometimes the cards are printed incorrectly. I refused to accept this explanation, and asked her to check with the duty manager, and give me a better response.

Guest services manager called back, and the explanation was even more unbelievable. He said that, when I made my online reservation, I must have entered the wrong membership number, so that reflected me as a gold member. All of us know perfectly well that this would not be possible. I have a printed record of my reservation and Starwood's subsequent email confirmation, and everything was in order. I offered to show him the documentation. He said not necessary. So, I asked what membership number was in his records. He said that the first and last names were exactly the same, but only the FIRST DIGIT of the membership number was different. Instead of a "5", the computer was showing a "4" as first digit. Sounds unbelievable to me that supposedly two different people could have such in common. Anyway, St. Regis stood by its reasoning that the membership number was entered wrong (by me).

Anyway, they got everything worked out, and upgraded me to the Mandarin Suite. Very nice room with living room and office area, 1.5 baths, nice bedroom, and walk-in closet.

Tried Danieli's (Italian) restaurant, and food was great. From the crowd, it seemed like this was a popular restaurant. Menu prices were very reasonable. Had lunch in Saint's (the lobby coffee shop), which was O.K.

Upon checkout, asked whether I would give the USD 1.00 Unicef donation, which of course was O.K.

Overall, I definitely think Westin is the better hotel. This is not because of my upgrade to the Residences. I think the overall service, rooms, comfort, location are all better at the Westin. On the Pudong side, where the St. Regis is, I would choose the Hyatt any day over this hotel.


Extra for Asia Miles members
***************************
As you know, the Asia Miles dining program offers 5 miles for every HKD 8.00 spent in their participating restaurant. Most of the restaurants at Westin and St. Regis in Shanghai were participating. So, when paying for your bill (it has to be over RMB 350, I think), just give your Asia Miles card to get a voucher for the points. Then, if you are staying in the hotel, charge the meal to your room instead of paying cash. Then, you will also earn StarPoints. I thought this was a nice bonus for me!


[This message has been edited by Fly Me To The Moon (edited Feb 14, 2004).]

what to expect?

as i got my status through centurion and i want to thank spg for giving me this highest tier status, i made about 5 bookings in different countries like russia , japan , china etc.

So what i have to expect?
i read many strange things, like suite upgrades only to standard suites, but as i checked on spg.com the suites offered there are excutive , pres. suites etc. only found one suite which was label standard.

i had very good xp. with kempinski and hilton before, but as hilton only offered me a fast track to diamond and didnt match my status on different hotel groups, i decided :
no more money for hilton 2005 .

now i am a bit scary if this was the right decision, has anyone information for me about the shanghai westin?
will they easily upgrade me, or will the normal asia , we have not better room available blabla standard answer make me sad ?

i just checked the avail of suites there

Westin Grand Suite, 1 Bedroom Suite, Separate Lounge/Dining/Kitchen, Westin Executive Club Benefits, 2 Bathrooms

only got this , which is only 200usd more than the price i pay for the cheapest room .

but as this is GRAND Suite is this a suite which is not standard upgrade suite for PLATs?

may be some people with more xp. will share some information with me.

dp

I look forward to a report. I just stayed at the St. Regis, which was lovely but too far from the center of town. The Westin is right near the Bund.

I completed a stay at the Westin Shanghai in December for two nights. I checked in as a Platinum and was given a regular room on a high-floor. No upgrade to suite, but I know that inventory was tight that weekend. I did get free breakfast in the executive lounge. The room was nice, great views and really good service. I would've liked a suite upgrade, but hey, sometimes you get lucky, other times it doesn't happen.

Here's some pictures of the room if you are interested:
Bed (http://vivrant.com/gallery/albums/2004-12-01-22-China/IMG_9287.JPG)
Bathroom (http://vivrant.com/gallery/albums/2004-12-01-22-China/IMG_9283.JPG)
TV, etc. (http://vivrant.com/gallery/albums/2004-12-01-22-China/IMG_9288.JPG)

hey this rooms looks nice, but it is a smaller one?

i alrady have one good thing to report.

i needet a flight ticket and the hotel arranged it for me in 5mins.

nice service!

i will write a report later .

I will be staying at the Westin Shanghai at the end of the month so I am looking foward to your report.

Please let me know how the fitness center is at the hotel. I hope to use it when I visit.

Please let me know how the fitness center is at the hotel. I hope to use it when I visit.[/QUOTE]

There is a small, but nice fitness center next to the spa and near the pool. Was never crowded in the 6-7AM timeframe when I used it. Had 6-7 running machines all with TVs plus free weights and other good exercise equipment. Much better than most of the other hotels I have stayed at recently.

wow, i am really impressed. first time i didnt go for the hilton. when i gave them my passport and my plat. card, everything was done in 5 sec. one lady escorted me to my room explaining me that the escalator will only work if i put my room card in.

the junior suite is really nice, having 2 TVs , a nice working table, and a huge bathroom.

i made 10 pictures and would upload them but i dont know how to do that. so if someone pm me something i can upload the pics easily i will do for you.

the exec. plounge has food from 17.30 a huge selection, and if you eat there you do not need to go for dinner.

good selection of alcohol, wich if you drink it there can save you a lot of money if you are a hard drinker. ( actually i am not )

my rating 9/10 !





dp

Are there any special offers for 25.2 - 27.2 in Shanghai?

the normal rate for a deluxe room starts @ 171 USD.

i asked for the 50% off with 1000 points, they are only offering 150usd / night .

are there any asia promos runnin? i can not find any thing on the webpage.

Sheraton is a dump in Shanghai. Even if its a "GRAND"

Shanghai is so relatively cheap for nice hotels: go for 5*, like St Regis or Four Seasons, etc...

I do have to say that the Grand Hyatt is one of the coolest hotels I have ever seen.

Sorry, William.

Stayed at the Shanghai Westin last weekend. It was very nice, especially since we were upgraded to a suite. The Grand Hyatt is spectacular however. We had cocktails there, and I didn't see any of the rooms, but the setting is something else. It is in the Pudong area (east of the river) which to my thinking is not as convienient as the Westin, but cabs are cheap, so it probably doesn't really matter. If you've not been to Shanghai before, you will have a great time. If you've already been there, you know you'll have a great time.

I've stayed at all three, St. Regis, Sheraton and Westin and in general St. Regis is the nicest of the three, but it is in Pudong, which is ofter an hour cab ride from downtown.

The Westin is very well located about a 6 block walk from Nanking Road, which is the main shopping street. The Sheraton, is not as well located as the Westin, but everytime I've stayed there they've upgraded me to a very nice suite (I PLT).

Sheraton does not have a club but they do give out breakfast vouchers to PLT. Typically the St. Regis is the cheapest, but that's because it is on the wrong side of the river.

When I was at the Sheraton a couple of weeks ago they were renovating part of the lobby, so there was literally no place to sit and meet someone, however at the same time there was no lack of procurers for "ladies of the evening" right outside the hotel.

Agree with all comments so far. Sheraton = dump. St. Regis = nicest but not so nice location. Westin = good balance. So it's a toss-up for me between the Westin and St. Regis. Go for whichever is cheaper. No big deal to stay in the Pudong area as taxis are plentiful and cheap. Why not split your stay?

i was able to pull out a internet only rate at 160 usd.

so i took that. and will stay again at the westin.

shanghai is incredible i love that city .

I also like Westin Residence very much. It is supposed to be a 5-star apt-like arrangement. It is connected with Westin Shanghai and you have access to all the facilities offered by Westin Shanghai. I stayed there in late Oct 03. Paid $300/night for a 3 bedrooms (w heavenly beds), two baths, w/living room & dining area. I don't recall if it has a full kitchen or not but you got your microwave & fridge (washers and dryers too). I believe the stays and $ spent go towards SPG and I had to call Westin Shanghai directly for the reservation.

The grand hyatt is better than all the starwoods in shanghai. Hands down. Its like apples and oranges. But location is not that great. Good for at least a night. If you get hyatt to match your spg plat they will include a suite upgrade coupon. This is the PERFECT place to use that coupon.

Westin is excellent. Right balance of location/service/style of rooms. Be nice to the taxi despatch lady :)

Westin is excellent. Right balance of location/service/style of rooms. Be nice to the taxi despatch lady :)
I agree. Out of the Sheraton vs Westin, the Westin seems to be miles ahead.

But what about the (relatively) new JW Marriott though? From what I've read on FT, it appears to beat the Westin both in terms of location and rooms etc.

aj give me please your shanghai travel date. i think i will go in march one weekend to shanghai.

may be we can meet for drink

dp

dp, ygpm

Just finished a stay at the Westin Shanghai this past weekend. Was upgraded to a 2 room suite that was extremely nice. I'll post pictures once I return from my extended trip to Beijing. Here's a brief rundown of the Platinum benefits....

Lounge Access...Breakfast in the morning 6:30 AM - 10:30 M-F / Weekend 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM.

Evening Appetizers...I think it started about 5 PM and ran til around 7:30 PM.

Fruit basket in room upon arrival.

Overall a wonderful stay and would highly recommend. Didn't get a chance to try the gym, but it was quite nice and open from 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM. From what I've been told the Banyan Tree Spa is nice.

i loved it too.was upgradet to a junior suite too.

they seems to have many junior suites there.

i was promised that i will get an confirmed upgrade to junior or higher suite again this time.

they are treating platinum member very very well.

i will stay there mostly.

but i want to try the hyatt too soon.

The Westin is nice and new. If you look at the picture of the hotel, the hotel is not the one with the "flower" on top - it is actually one of the smaller buildings on the side. Don't expect much view and be sure to get a room far away from the smoking floor if you don't like smoke.

The Westin is nice and new. If you look at the picture of the hotel, the hotel is not the one with the "flower" on top - it is actually one of the smaller buildings on the side. Don't expect much view and be sure to get a room far away from the smoking floor if you don't like smoke.

yes i had a room with not a very nice view last time too.

but the hotel it self is really nice.

With the low cost of rooms, cheap cabs (it costs nothing to go anywhere), and quality dofference, I still say: stay at the Grand Hyatt or the St. Regis/Four Seasons.

With the low cost of rooms, cheap cabs (it costs nothing to go anywhere), and quality dofference, I still say: stay at the Grand Hyatt or the St. Regis/Four Seasons.


so i got a 3/3 upgrade history @westin.

thats really nice and i am very happy about that.
i will now move my business from hilton to westin, as they are treating me better. of course it is a bit more expensive but the suite this time is great!

Just got back from a stay at the Shanghai Westin. The hotel was fantastic. Upon arrival I was met at my taxi my the assistant manager who greeted me and had a staff member go up to my room with me for an in-room check-in. Was upgraded to a very nice, large suite with two bathrooms and a large living area. The room was loaded with lots of goodies upon arrival, basket of fruit, bottle of wine, nuts and cheese in the living room and dried fruit and candy in the bedroom. The service was extremely impressive--the assistant manager personally made restaurant recommendations for me and then booked the restaurant.

The club lounge was very nice with a helpful staff and a very nice breakfast. (You are actually given the choice of the breakfast in the Club Level or full buffet breakfast in the main restaurant.) I choose to eat in the Club Level the first day because they had a nice sunny area overlooking the city. The staff in the Club Level informed me that the buffet in the main restaurant was much larger, but the Club Level certainly had a quite impressive spread. I had Sunday Brunch in the main restaurant, which was quite amazing. I believe the hotel said they had 40 feet of food to pick from.

The health club and spa also were wonderful. All of the equipment in the health club has been shipped in from the US. I would say the club and spa were far nicer than any Westin resort in the US. I was stayed at both the Diplomat and Kierland in January and neither of those hotels would be able to compete with the Westin Shanghai.

I have been to the Sheraton Shanghai, which I would recommend against. The hotel is old, run down and far from anything of interest. I feel that unless you need to be in Pudong, you should stay at the Westin. I have stayed at both the Grand Hyatt and St. Regis and found that while both have nice facilities, the location is not convenient--even with cheap cabs. I personally found the service at the Westin to be better than the Grand Hyatt. The Hyatt attracts more tourist (many of whom are just looking at the hotel) and the main restaurant with the American buffet for breakfast and lunch is a zoo. While the food there is good, it is a local feeding frenzy that should be avoided.

I will certainly stay at the Westin next time I go back. I have heard good things about the new JW Marriott so will also check that out.

How far is a subway station from this hotel ? I wanted to stay at the Westin which I like but it was fully booked.

I believe that the Dong Fang Lu Station is less than a 10 minute walk up the road. Taxis are pretty inexpensive (usually well less than 10 dollars) getting into the city and around Pudong as well. Look for the light blue (Da Zhong) taxis since they are the cleanest, most comfortable, and I believe offer translation service.

When I stayed there about 18 months ago, I could see the subway entrance from my room. Vertical distance can be tough, but I think the station was about a 5-minute walk away.

I always used taxis, which were way cheaper than $10.00, as I recall.

Subway maximum charge based on distance is 3 Yuan (less than 50 cents). We never spent more than $2-3 on a taxi, although in a taxi with the language barrier you are never really sure where you would end up :).

We took the subway most of the time and had no problems.

Taxis are VERY cheap in Shanghai. You will have a hard time spending more than $2-4 one way. Hotel rooms are also comparatively cheap, so I would recommend splurging on the St. Regis (is it even $50 more?), although you should also check out the Grand Hyatt, which just might be one of the coolest hotels in the world.

Which of the two Shanghai airports is more convenient for those staying at this hotel? I'll be flying from Beijing so I can choose.

fly to Pudong airport. Arriving at Hongqiao means you have to cross the river, which is never quick.

Even better, take the Maglev train from Pudong Airport as it stops near the St.Regis, and is faster and cheaper than a taxi. But only take the Maglev if you dont have alot of luggage as their is some up and down and walking from the airport arrivals hall to Maglev departure.

From Maglev stop (there is only one) get a 5 min taxi to St.Regis.

Even better, take the Maglev train from Pudong Airport .............faster and cheaper than a taxi.

and it's FUN (431 km/h max.speed ) ! ^

If you are tourist, stay at The Westin, which is on the Puxi (West) side. St. Regis is on the PuDong (East) side. Most tourists locations are in Puxi, and crossing the river can be a pain, especially during rush hours.

This has been discussed several times but I would choose the St. Regis. The metro is quick and easy to get across the river and the station is only a block and a half away . . . Depends on whether you want to be in the action or not. St. Regis is definitely not in the action but is a lovely place with great (huge) indoor pool, lovely views from top floor lounge etc.

It's worth pointing out again that the St. Regis isn't convenient to much of anything, with the possible exception of the science park. It is only marginally closer to PVG (maybe 5 minutes) than the downtown hotels, because even though it is closest to the airport, the highway system doesn't really help that area. Max subway fare is 4 or 5 btw, not that that really matters. Get a jiaotong card if you don't want to spend time buying tickets every trip (also works in taxis and at some convenience stores).

When I stayed there about 18 months ago, I could see the subway entrance from my room. Vertical distance can be tough, but I think the station was about a 5-minute walk away.

I always used taxis, which were way cheaper than $10.00, as I recall.

Beware of taxi drivers in Beijing and Xian. At every opportunity, we have found, they will attempt to scam you out of a higher fare.

Not only in Beijing and Xian, they will scam you for a higher fare in Shanghai and most China cities. Just be careful and smart.. and don't worry about kicking up a big fuss

Not only in Beijing and Xian, they will scam you for a higher fare in Shanghai and most China cities. Just be careful and smart.. and don't worry about kicking up a big fuss
Beijing..for sure..Xian..once in a while. But Shanghai? I have never even attempted to be scammed in a taxi in Shanghai- they flip the meter on as soon as you tell them the destination- they have rules posted in English and Chinese- and they are generally polite.

Even better, take the Maglev train from Pudong Airport as it stops near the St.Regis, and is faster and cheaper than a taxi.

ooooh...I have to remember to take the Maglev train next time I'm in Shanghai. Sounds too cool to miss...

Beijing..for sure..Xian..once in a while. But Shanghai? I have never even attempted to be scammed in a taxi in Shanghai- they flip the meter on as soon as you tell them the destination- they have rules posted in English and Chinese- and they are generally polite.

i guess we live in different chinas. having spent a lot of time in both cities, my opinion is that beijing cabbies are far more honest. no one has even attempted to take me for a ride in 5 years +, whereas in sh, it happens on a monthly basis. the one thing i will concede that beijing cabbies do that irks me, is to suggest an alternate route which is longer, but purportedly has less traffic (usually a larger ring road). in most cases, their advice sucks, but i can't really fault them for such because traffic is a wild-card.

Need your help. Found these rates: St. Regis $185 (inc. Breakfast, Transportation,...) Westin $150.

I read that the St Regis has an executive lounge - does Platinum manbers have access to it?

How could is the Westin club? - will I have access to it?

Where should I stay if I have these two choices?

Thanks in advance

UA 100K

As Platinum, you will have access to executive lounge in both hotels. St Regis lounge in on 39th floor, which a nice view of the city. The Westin lounge is on 5th floor.

Both hotels offer excellent. I find the bed in St Regis is harder than Westin's Heavenly Bed.

You may want to check which location in better for you. St Regis is on PuDong side (East), and The Westin is in Puxi (West).

As Platinum, you will have access to executive lounge in both hotels. St Regis lounge in on 39th floor, which a nice view of the city. The Westin lounge is on 5th floor.

Both hotels offer excellent. I find the bed in St Regis is harder than Westin's Heavenly Bed.

You may want to check which location in better for you. St Regis is on PuDong side (East), and The Westin is in Puxi (West).


i love the westin. :) go for it., its a wonderful hotel

dp

Boy, I don't want to be a search-function matron, but this is one of the most searcheable topics in the SPG forum.

The Westin rocks. But if you're in PVG on business, stay at the St. Regis, 'cause it's probably closer to your meetings/whatever.

One should also stay at least once in their life at the Hyatt.

People actually think the Westin is nicer than the St. Regis? Did they mix-up the brands?

BTW, taxis in Shanghai are really cheap, like $2-4 to go anywhere in the city, so I wouldn;t be too worried about the St. regis being out of the way.

I echo the Hyatt comment: must be the coolest hotel I've ever seen.

I stayed at the Four Seasons, which was nice, but not amazing. But they do have a great Club Lounge with great breakfasts and snacks and free computer use/access -- runs something like $25 per day, but if you are paying for computer access and breakfast, it pays for itself.

The Westin is in Walking distance to several places to see and experience. The Bund is just three blocks away and Ninjing Road 5 blocks. The St. Regis is near nothing so a cab is required to go anywhere. The Westin Lounge on the 5th floor has a marvelous breakfast and enough evening snacks from 5 to 7pm that you can skip dinner. Enjoy it.

People actually think the Westin is nicer than the St. Regis? Did they mix-up the brands?

BTW, taxis in Shanghai are really cheap, like $2-4 to go anywhere in the city, so I wouldn;t be too worried about the St. regis being out of the way.


I, for one, also think the Westin beats St. Regis. I like more "modern-feel" hotels, rather than the more "traditional" St. Regis. IMO.

In regards to the taxis (even though they are indeed cheap), if staying on the Pudong side and you have business in Puxi (or vice versa), you also need to consider the TIME and TRAFFIC. During times of the day, getting across the river via the tunnel is just crazy; otherwise, you have to take a detour to take the bridges. In fact, taxis are not even allowed in the tunnels during certain times.

As Platinum, you will have access to executive lounge in both hotels. St Regis lounge in on 39th floor, which a nice view of the city. The Westin lounge is on 5th floor.

Both hotels offer excellent. I find the bed in St Regis is harder than Westin's Heavenly Bed.

You may want to check which location in better for you. St Regis is on PuDong side (East), and The Westin is in Puxi (West).

Does the St. regis loungs provides the same things as the Westin loungs (breakfast, cocktails, etc.) - I never saw a St. Regis lounge (they did not have it in the LA property)?

Thanks

Trying to book a room at the Westin the second week(13-17) of October, came back with a rate of $400-530 USD!!! Both the Sheraton and St. Regis are sold out during that period. What is going on in Shanghai that week? After the 17th the rate is down to $235 at the Westin. Anyone?

People actually think the Westin is nicer than the St. Regis? Did they mix-up the brands?
Don't forget, there's a $35 difference in favor of the Westin! ;) Seriously, though, have you ever stayed at the Westin Shanghai? It is quite luxe.

BTW, taxis in Shanghai are really cheap, like $2-4 to go anywhere in the city, so I wouldn;t be too worried about the St. regis being out of the way.

But as others have mentioned, surface traffic can be snarled at times. The (even cheaper) subway to/from Pudong can be a good alternative to taxis. (And the maglev between Pudong and the airport rocks!)

We should create a sticky on this subject!! :D

Actually I am writing this from the Plat lounge at the St Regis Beijing having arrived from the Westin Shanghai, having previously cancelled my stay at the St Regis Shanghai due to the advice on this board and stayed at the Westin instead. I am on vacation here and am focussed more on chilling out than business convenience.

FWIW the Westin was a very smart hotel. Gym and pool were great, room rather fancy, service typically Starwood excellent where they spoke English to a reasonable level, restaurants good, breakfast great, lounge pretty good also.

However the St Regis in Beijing is so much smarter that I have changed my forthcoming trip to Shanghai back from the Westin to the St Regis due to the following reasons :-

1. Staff speak better English (a significant problem at the Westin!)
2. Room upgrade for Plats MUCH MUCH MUCH better at St Regis!! Westin Shanghai insulted me by offering additional 2 levels of upgrade for more money - as Plat we should have best available room!! ( I was jetlagged so didn't fight this one!)
3. Butler service available at St Regis not at Westin - its really rather cool!.

Anyway, in 2 weeks I return to Shanghai and I'll see if St Regis Shanghai matches up to St Regis Beijing!!

Actually I am writing this from the Plat lounge at the St Regis Beijing having arrived from the Westin Shanghai, having previously cancelled my stay at the St Regis Shanghai due to the advice on this board and stayed at the Westin instead. I am on vacation here and am focussed more on chilling out than business convenience.

FWIW the Westin was a very smart hotel. Gym and pool were great, room rather fancy, service typically Starwood excellent where they spoke English to a reasonable level, restaurants good, breakfast great, lounge pretty good also.

However the St Regis in Beijing is so much smarter that I have changed my forthcoming trip to Shanghai back from the Westin to the St Regis due to the following reasons :-

1. Staff speak better English (a significant problem at the Westin!)
2. Room upgrade for Plats MUCH MUCH MUCH better at St Regis!! Westin Shanghai insulted me by offering additional 2 levels of upgrade for more money - as Plat we should have best available room!! ( I was jetlagged so didn't fight this one!)
3. Butler service available at St Regis not at Westin - its really rather cool!.

Anyway, in 2 weeks I return to Shanghai and I'll see if St Regis Shanghai matches up to St Regis Beijing!!
I would say that the Westin Shanghai lounge is more than "pretty good" -- it is fabulous. Very spacious, and a great food spread both morning and evening.

You don't describe the lounge at the St. Regis Beijing, but when I stayed there three years ago, it was TINY and the food offerings were minimal; a big disappointment. I don't know how the lounge is at the St. Regis Shanghai; better than the one in Beijing, I hope.

I stayed at both hotels last October and I found the St. Regis to be the better hotel, but the Westin is in a better location if you're there for any reason other than business in Pudong.

I preferred the rooms at the St. Regis. The club lounge was great (better than the Westin) -- I think everyone has access to it, but Platinums definitely do. The butler brought fresh newspapers, fruit, cookies, and beverages each day and throughout the day (although I must say that we did have to put the "Do Not Disturb" on at one point so that the butler didn't keep ringing the bell with more amenities). After a day, the hotel staff greeted us by name as we entered. Also a great bathroom with a huge tub. We had no difficulty in communicating with the hotel staff as their English was quite good. There is some sightseeing within walking distance (Jin Mao Tower, the Pearl of the Orient Tower), but most things are on the other side of the river.

The Westin, however, was in the better location for most sightseeing and nightlife. Many more things are within walking distance. The Westin is a nice hotel, but it is much busier. The lounge is definitely not as nice (platinums have access). There is, however, a nice cafe on the ground floor where you can pick up coffee and pastries. Language issues were present -- we found more than one person who worked there who did not understand what we were saying. There is no butler and there are no goodies that I recall being delivered. The bathroom was nice, but it didn't have the deep tub as I recall.

I'm not sure what I would do next time. If I wanted to relax or had work in Pudong, I'd go to the St. Regis. If I wanted to enjoy nightlife on the Bund, I'd say the Westin. One caveat -- if you're not a walker and planning on taking a taxi everywhere anyway, I'd go with the St. Regis. Or, if you have enough time, maybe split your stay between the two.

Make no mistake, the Westin Shanghai is a wonderful hotel and the lounge there is outstanding, one of the best. If the St. Regis Shanghai has an even better lounge, it must be truly out of this world. ;)

And my room at the Westin had a huge deep tub. (Don't know if they all do; I had an upgrade to a small, plush suite.)

The St. Regis hotel does not look anything better than the Westin. Actually, boring in the night. However, it is easy to identify in the night due to the ugly red outline neon light. Local cab driver call it "Red Tower" hotel.

However, the rooms are great. And the lounge is open to everyone who knows where it is. No one check anything or need a speical key to get in.

IMHO, one should try both and find out what you like! One thing for sure, St. Regis is much better than the HI next door ;-)

I'm writing this from St. Regis Shanghai now, where I am for only 1 night. Whenever I have meetings on the Pudong side (yes, it's a sunday, but business is business), I try to stay at either St. Regis or Hyatt. Otherwise, I would be exclusively Westin on the Puxi side, which IMO, is the better of the two hotels. Rate this time at the St. Regis was USD 140/night, whereas at Hyatt, they were quoting USD 250/night.

I always run into problems at the St. Regis (although minor, but still bothersome). Twice in the past, I have had to "fight" for room upgrades although I am SPG Platinum. Today, they upgrade me to an Exec. Suite without my asking. Good for them! A nice improvement. This time, however, problems with dining at the Saints Restaurant, where I was using the Starwood Privilege Card to get 20% off dining. None of the servers knew what this card was, and kept telling me that it was good for discounts off room rates, and not dining. No, I told them...the benefits were 50% off dining for 2, 33% off dining for 3, 25% off dining for 4, or 20% off dining alone. They went to the front office (next to the restaurant) to check, and even the FO did not know what this card was. That wasn't a problem for me to explain again to another server, but what really ticked me off was when a waiter finally came back with the bill and with the 20% discount deducted. I was signing on the bill when this guy said in a very condescending tone that "your card does not give discount, but since you asked so many times for it, we would give it to you as a goodwill". I was quite unhappy about this because he really made it sound like I was begging for a discount. So, I took out my notebook at the restaurant, accessed their WIFI, and called up the Starwood Privilege website. It was all there, plain to see, that I was right and they were wrong. It's little things like these...where it is clearly the staff who are not up to speed on benefits like these, but have to argue continuously with the customer that the customer is wrong. Anyway, rant over.

By the way, I got free high-speed internet in the suite this time. I'm not sure whether it was a Platinum benefit or not, but i seem to recall that the last time i was here (about 1 year ago), I did get charged for internet access.

Tomorrow, and for the next 3 days, I will move to the Westin. Rate will be USD 160/night. I checked spg.com, and noted that Westin has already upgraded me to a Crown Deluxe Room (it's like a mini-suite). Also noted in my reservation was free buffet breakfast (which is usually not the case...Platinums take breakfast in the Exec Lounge), free pressing of 1 suit, evening cocktail, etc. Wonder if these are new benefits for Platinums? I didn't get these before. I will have to ask tomorrow. Well, at the Westin, I have been 100% on upgrades as a Platinum, and I've probably stayed here about 15 times in the past 2 years. On a few occasions, even got upgraded to the residences side of the building, where the rooms are HUGE.

If anything particular to write about, will post another report here tomorrow.

So, I took out my notebook at the restaurant, accessed their WIFI, and called up the Starwood Privilege website.

Cool ^

Continuation of my above post...

Yes, Platinum members can take breakfast either in the Executive Lounge on the 5th floor, or at the Stages Restaurant on the 1st floor. Stages has a much, much better buffet spread than at the Lounge. If you do not mind the restaurant being busy during peak breakfast hours, I would encourage you to have breakfast there.

I got in too late to enjoy the pressing, but I was told that this was a benefit for my stay, and not particularly for Platinums.

Overall, as usual, another enjoyable stay!

I am arriving around 6pm - what is the best way to get to the hotel - taxi (do they speak enough english) or car service (where can i book it and price)?

Thanks for u help

I am arriving around 6pm - what is the best way to get to the hotel - taxi (do they speak enough english) or car service (where can i book it and price)?

Thanks for u help

I assume you are arriving into PVG and not SHA. I've always taken the taxi from the airport to the Westin; should cost approx. RMB 135-140 for the 40 minute ride. I doubt whether most drivers would be able to understand English, but just give the hotel a call while you are in the taxi, and pass your phone to the driver to communicate with the operator directly.

I've never tried booking a car, but I suppose there is a Westin hotel desk at the airport who can make such arrangements? I'm only guessing here.

The other option is to take the Maglev train. It involves a long walk from the arrivals hall to the station. From the airport into the "city", its about 8 minutes. Then, you have transfer either to a taxi, or to subway Longyang Station. From Longyang Station, go to Henan Central Station, and it's a short walk to the hotel. BUT, I THINK THE MAGLEV TRAIN DOESN'T OPERATE PAST 5PM, SO YOU NEED TO DOUBLECHECK BEFORE YOU MAKE THE WALK TO THE STATION.

I am arriving around 6pm - what is the best way to get to the hotel - taxi (do they speak enough english) or car service (where can i book it and price)?

Thanks for u help
Car services from PVG to the Westin are INSANELY expensive. Somewhere around $80 USD, which is about FIVE TIMES what a taxi will cost. :eek: Not worth it. Upon landing at PVG, after first inquiring about car services, I took a taxi. @:-)

The maglev is great, though not as convenient (unless you happen to be staying near it), and has limited operating hours (as noted by previous poster). I took a taxi from the Westin to the maglev station, but if you have time and want to save a few dollars while getting a bit of exercise, you can walk a few blocks to the subway/metro/undergound and take it to the maglev station.

THere IS a desk at the airport.Upon exiciting customs, turn LEFT and you will walk along a row of desks/kiosks. The Westin Kiosk is on the LEFT, a good walk down. Identify yourself and they will walk you outside and put you in a taxi and tell the driver where to take you.

THere IS a desk at the airport.Upon exiciting customs, turn LEFT and you will walk along a row of desks/kiosks. The Westin Kiosk is on the LEFT, a good walk down. Identify yourself and they will walk you outside and put you in a taxi and tell the driver where to take you.

I just returned from China, where I stayed at the Westin and benefited from Vulcan's excellent advice. I would add two bits of information:

1. For whatever reason, the folks at the Sheraton counter (which you pass before getting to the Westin counter) tried to help out. As I was passing them, they asked what hotel I was staying at. When I said Westin, they said they were part of the same hotel group (true) and that they could help. Perhaps they were just being helpful, but in any event I'd still suggest walking just a bit more to the Westin kiosk.
2. The Westin folks didn't walk me outside, but they did give me a Westin card with the hotel name and address in both Chinese and English, and directed me to the efficient airport taxi stand outside, where the attendant asked where I was going and informed the drive. Even without his help, though, the card itself would have done the trick. Generally in China, by the way, you should make sure you have wherever you are going written in Chinese, for you to tell the driver.

Beyond that, I agree with prior posts that the Westin is a fine hotel that is walking distance from a number of places you'd want to see or stroll if so inclined. I stopped by the St. Regis for brunch and to check it out. The rooms are even nicer and bigger than the Westin's, but the surrounding area is a lot less interesting. It's not worth going out of your way to stay there unless your appointments are nearby. By the way, I found the brunch OK but nothing special.

Have a great trip!

The last time I had someone from the Westin in Shanghai help me to a Taxi, he helped me into his friends van :eek: . I overpaid for that trip. Learned my lesson.

Two ways to do it, 1) Arrange a car from the Hotel. or 2) Get the card written in Chinese with the Hotel Name and Address.

:-: *SUGGESTION* :-: It would be nice if Starwood would put the information online, in the Local Language, for Hotels in places like Japan, Thialand, China , etc. This way we can print it out before we go on a trip. Sometimes when I take a cab in Japan, and I forget the nice little card, they take me to the 'Washington' Hotel. I have tried to have the Hotel fax me the information but the fax didnt look that great.

The last time I had someone from the Westin in Shanghai help me to a Taxi, he helped me into his friends van :eek: . I overpaid for that trip. Learned my lesson.


Just always check that the taxi is a metered taxi and then make sure that the driver starts the meter when you start your trip. You don't need to know Chinese to do this; just keep pointing at the meter and tell him to start it! Or, if you don't see a meter, just get out of the taxi and ask the bellboy at the Westin to put you in a metered car.

Great coverage of what one needs to know about SR-SH and Westin-SH. Few points to add:
1. St. Regis is within 2 long blocks from the subway which takes you to Puxi -downtown Shanghai.
2. St. Regis Exec Club does not open for breakfast.
3. Westin's rooms are a lot smaller than St. Regis, even suite-wise.
4. Westin is more convenient in getting to Hongqiao Airport (for domestic routes)

St. Regis Exec Club does not open for breakfast.

Well, that's interesting, because post #13 claims that the club lounge at the St. Regis is better than the one at the Westin.

I wonder what criteria he/she was using? :rolleyes:

Well, that's interesting, because post #13 claims that the club lounge at the St. Regis is better than the one at the Westin.

I wonder what criteria he/she was using? :rolleyes:

The Exec Club Lounge at either the St. Regis Beijing or Shanghai opens from 10 am to 10 pm. Happy Hour (with good food) from 5-7pm.

The Westin Club opens basically all day with good breakfast selection and outdoor patio seating.

2. St. Regis Exec Club does not open for breakfast.


I'm not sure which day you stayed (was it a weekend), but I was there just one week ago from sun-mon, and had a very early breakfast at 7:30am in the St. Regis Exec. Lounge prior to checking out.

I'm writing this from St. Regis Shanghai now, where I am for only 1 night. Whenever I have meetings on the Pudong side (yes, it's a sunday, but business is business), .

I'm not sure where your meetings are, but the board should be aware that 90% of the business in Pudong takes place in Lujiazui, which is much closer to the Westin (one subway stop) than the St. Regis. The simple fact of the matter is that the St. Regis isn't convenient to much of anything.

The Exec Club Lounge at either the St. Regis Beijing or Shanghai opens from 10 am to 10 pm. Happy Hour (with good food) from 5-7pm.

The Westin Club opens basically all day with good breakfast selection and outdoor patio seating.
Again, you're contradicting what others have said, as well as my own experience.

Another poster said he/she had breakfast at the St. Regis at 7:30 AM.

As for the Westin, it has BOTH breakfast and evening food, not just breakfast. And the seating is indoors and outdoors.

I stayed at the Westin Hotel for 9 nights. Got upgraded to a Junior Suite - very nice room. The hotel is in overall a very nice hotel but I would not stay there again. I had breakfast at the club lounge every morning and I worked in the lounge for 2-3 hours in the afternoon every day. EVERYDAY the person at the front desk at the lounge asked me for my room number - How many people stay so long at this hotel that they can not even remember my name or room number - I expect more from a 5 star hotel. Also the hotel manager never thought it would be neccessary to introduce himself. The hotel bar is horrible - after 10pm there are only prostitutes at the bar - i walked in a few times and there were 10 "girls" sitting at the bar and maybe 2 customers. Everytime I walked out and went to the Grand Hyatt - excellent bar, would highly recommend, live music.
I spend probably $2-3K at the Westin Hotel and when I checked out they did not even thank me for my business. I am very dissapointed in this hotel. I have a few more trips th Shanghai this year (each 8-10 days) and I will definetly stay in a different hotel.

I stayed at the Westin Hotel for 9 nights. Got upgraded to a Junior Suite - very nice room. The hotel is in overall a very nice hotel but I would not stay there again. I had breakfast at the club lounge every morning and I worked in the lounge for 2-3 hours in the afternoon every day. EVERYDAY the person at the front desk at the lounge asked me for my room number - How many people stay so long at this hotel that they can not even remember my name or room number - I expect more from a 5 star hotel. Also the hotel manager never thought it would be neccessary to introduce himself. The hotel bar is horrible - after 10pm there are only prostitutes at the bar - i walked in a few times and there were 10 "girls" sitting at the bar and maybe 2 customers. Everytime I walked out and went to the Grand Hyatt - excellent bar, would highly recommend, live music.
I spend probably $2-3K at the Westin Hotel and when I checked out they did not even thank me for my business. I am very dissapointed in this hotel. I have a few more trips th Shanghai this year (each 8-10 days) and I will definetly stay in a different hotel.

I have yet to stay at the Westin Shanghai, but at the St. Regis Beijing even the doorman knew me by name after several consecutive nights there. Upon my return a week later, he called by my last name as I exited the cab! ^

How did you know those girls are prostitutes at the bar, and not hotel or local guests? It wouldn't surprise me to find prostitutes at low-end hotels, but at Westin! :td: I'll be spending a few nights at the Westin next month, I guess I'll be able to see for myself.

How did you know those girls are prostitutes at the bar, and not hotel or local guests? It wouldn't surprise me to find prostitutes at low-end hotels, but at Westin! :td: I'll be spending a few nights at the Westin next month, I guess I'll be able to see for myself.

I would not be too surprised. The Hyatt, Hilton, and Westin have a rep for that sort of thing. There used to be some at the Ritz Carlton Starbucks but apparently they made the mistake of propositioning the GM...

I was very satisfied with the Westin Shanghai. I was recognized by name on several occasions by hotel staff members (and never ran into a prostitute in the hotel). As an SPG Platinum member, I was upgraded to a two bedroom suite, with full kitchen and laundry facilities, in the residency tower. The suites in the hotel tower are rather cramped, but have the same basic sort of furnishings.

For Westerners, Chinese social behavior sometimes seems a little bit rough, but the hotel staff always appeared friendly and helpful to me, even if not always as attentative as they might have been. These are cultural issues that foreigners simply have to learn to deal with when they are in somebody else's country. Some of their uniforms, however, were stained and dishelved looking. Perhaps management could make more of an effort in this regard. Overall, I would give this hotel 9 out 10.

This March intend to spend a week of leisure in Shanghai. My May trip to Tokyo was beyond expectations due to advice received here. Stayed at the Westin Tokyo Executive Club room.... With that in mind what are the opinions
of SPG Properties.Thanking one and all in advance.

I will be interested to hear some CURRENT opinions on the Shanghai properties, also. I will be there six days late April to early May.

I wonder who will be the first to hurry and advice you to search. Seems that there are some that only post the search advice. Must wait so that they can be first to pounce. :D :D

I have stayed at the Westin Shanghai 5 times in the past 6 months for business. It is a great location. About 3 blocks from the Bund. Within walking distance of Nanjing road and in general very centrally located.

The hotel is quite nice. The "Crown Deluxe" rooms are jr suites with separate living room area. The heavenly beds and heavenly bathrooms are great.

I went to the St Regis once for dinner (at the fantastic Italian restaurant). I am sure the rooms are great but the hotel is in Pudong. Not exactly in ideal place for a tourist. Yes taxis are cheap but I like being able to walk when I have some free time.

The Sheraton is nice too but also not in a great location for sightseeing.

I highly reccomend the Westin. I have spent abuot 40 nights there this yr with 70 - 80 planned for 2006. At least until the new Le Meridian opens sometime next Spring. I might have to try that out.

I will be interested to hear some CURRENT opinions on the Shanghai properties, also. I will be there six days late April to early May.

I wonder who will be the first to hurry and advice you to search. Seems that there are some that only post the search advice. Must wait so that they can be first to pounce. :D :D
Grayland thank you for keeping the Search Police off my back.
TMOTEE thank you for your useful insight.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :D

I stay at the Westin everytime I go to Shanghai. This is one of the best Starwood Hotels in the world.

Regards.

I'll be at the Westin Shanghai for three nights starting this Saturday (Dec.17). I'm looking forward to it as it looks spectacular! Hopefully I'll get upgraded to an Executive Room (I'm SPG:gold). What about the spa? Is the jacuzzi in the spa area, or in the pool area? Or is it all together? :confused: I'm really looking forward to it all! Oh, if I'm in an Exec. room, do I still have to pay for internet?
Thanks! :p

I'll be at the Westin Shanghai for three nights starting this Saturday (Dec.17). I'm looking forward to it as it looks spectacular! Hopefully I'll get upgraded to an Executive Room (I'm SPG:gold). What about the spa? Is the jacuzzi in the spa area, or in the pool area? Or is it all together? :confused: I'm really looking forward to it all! Oh, if I'm in an Exec. room, do I still have to pay for internet?
Thanks! :p

The Spa is SPECTACULAR !! It is a Banyan Tree Spa which is a Thai company. The spa is huge and quite beautiful. Definitely get some treatments.

There is a jacuzzi in the locker room along with a sauna and steam room. I can't remember if there is one at the pool. The gym is also very nice.

The hotel has free wireless internet access in the entire hotel. If you need to use regular hi-speed there is a charge.

Have a great stay. Go to the Italian restaurant. The manger Giuseppe is great !

I stayed at the Westin as a first time tourist to Shanhai in April. Was a great experience and provided a great central spot for sightseeing. I enjoyed the breakfast in the lounge as well as the suite upgrade as a Platinum. Also has the best shower ever. Like it so much when I renovated my master bath I used the design.

I definitely agree with the above postings: the Westin Shanghai is great. However, just as a precaution, it would be a good idea to be prepared for very small rooms. Even the suites, while stylish and comfortable, are miniscule. As far as I know, the only larger rooms are in the residence building, to the left of the main tower from the entrance.

I definitely agree with the above postings: the Westin Shanghai is great. However, just as a precaution, it would be a good idea to be prepared for very small rooms. Even the suites, while stylish and comfortable, are miniscule. As far as I know, the only larger rooms are in the residence building, to the left of the main tower from the entrance.

Small rooms are ok with me ^ , but how about the best view? Which way should my room face? What should I request? Is there a Starbucks nearby? :confused:

I definitely agree with the above postings: the Westin Shanghai is great. However, just as a precaution, it would be a good idea to be prepared for very small rooms. Even the suites, while stylish and comfortable, are miniscule. As far as I know, the only larger rooms are in the residence building, to the left of the main tower from the entrance.


The Crown Deluxe rooms are fairly good size. I think about 45 sqm or so. I have been upgraded 3 times to the residences side. Had a 2 bedroom suite all times. That was great with the dining room and kitchen.

Starting the first of the year the residences side will be closed for renovations. I had breakfast with the head of sales during my last stay and she told me due to the high occupancy rate at the hotel they were closing the residences side. They kicked everyone out to the JW Marriott. Renovations begin in Jan to turn all the rooms into suites for hotel use. No more residents. She said they will have plasma TV's, be a little smaller than they are now. Some may keep the kitchens. Sounds great to me. More rooms for upgrades. She said they will sell alot of these rooms. Business is really booming in Shanghai.

The Crown Deluxe rooms are fairly good size. I think about 45 sqm or so. I have been upgraded 3 times to the residences side. Had a 2 bedroom suite all times. That was great with the dining room and kitchen.


Any sign of a Starbucks in the area? :D ^

Any sign of a Starbucks in the area? :D ^

I do remember seeing some Starbucks around town but I do not think there is one near the hotel. There is 1 at Xin Tian Di and a couple on Huihao Road.

I understand from another thread that the residence wing will be closed in January for rennovations. Anyone know when it's going to reopen?

I'm going in September, and I'm thinking with that wing closed, upgrades will be rare.

[QUOTE=beachfanI'm going in September, and I'm thinking with that wing closed, upgrades will be rare.[/QUOTE]

Actually, if you are a Platinum, the Westin will upgrade you, but maybe not to a suite in the Residences Wing (I have only had that happen 2 times of out 10 this year). Other times: just book the lowest-rate room (I think it's a one-window-bay room), and as a Platinum, you will be upgraded to a two-bay Crown Deluxe room. Remember, you are entitled to breakfast at the Executive Lounge on the 5th floor, but you can also take breakfast in the Lobby Restaurant...the breakfast spread is MUCH better.

I am attending a conference at the Everbright Center and wonder if the Westin or St Regis is closer. I understand both are about a half hour away, but is one easier to travel from/to for this convention center?

I am attending a conference at the Everbright Center and wonder if the Westin or St Regis is closer. I understand both are about a half hour away, but is one easier to travel from/to for this convention center?

Sheraton, for sure (one of the few cases where it makes sense).

St Regis Shanghai was outstanding. ^ ^ ^ Superb service, great facilites and very efficient and elegant hotel. Had some delicious food in the lobby level restaurant too.

As for the Westin, it has BOTH breakfast and evening food, not just breakfast. And the seating is indoors and outdoors.
The St Regis has BOTH breakfast and evening drinks in the top-floor lounge too.

We went to check out the spread for breakie in the top floor lounge and it was quite a decent selection. However since our room rate included breakie, the staff told us to try the selection in the lobby restaurnat, as it was much wider. And it certainly was!! There were about 50 different options, including a full Chinese buffet, Japanese buffet, omelette station, steak, lamb chops etc. And a huge selection of cakes, pastries, cheeses, breads etc. And about 4 types of freshly pressed juice. I had Eggs Benedict made to order and they were absolutely delicious. Better than the Ritz in Paris!

The spread in the lounge in the evening was quite acceptable. About 3-4 sweet options, a couple of cold savouries and 2 hot options. They served a decent Cabernet Sauvignon too.

I have stayed at both this year and like them - they are among the best in the world. Butler service is super cool at the St Regis - call for a cup of coffee or tea at anytime and they will deliver it. Room upgrade for plats is really nice.

However....location is not as convenient as Westin. The breakfast at the Westin is outstanding (in the 1st floor restaurant NOT the exec lounge).

I am Diamond but a colleague is not. Do non-elite guests have access to the lounge at St. Regis and Westin Shanghai for breakfast and happy hour?

Regarding the Everbright Convention Center. When I look at maps of the hotels I see the Shanghai Convention Center named, but not the Everbright. I wonder are these the same places?

I am Diamond but a colleague is not. Do non-elite guests have access to the lounge at St. Regis and Westin Shanghai for breakfast and happy hour?

Not on his own, unless he is paying to stay on this floor. I assume he is traveling with you, so I would suggest that he may be allowed as your guest, but I would expect to be charged for his items.

Not on his own, unless he is paying to stay on this floor. I assume he is traveling with you, so I would suggest that he may be allowed as your guest, but I would expect to be charged for his items.

Thanks for the reply. I beg your pardon but it turns out I was wrong about my collegue's status. He is in fact SPG Gold. He's staying on points and he says he paid an additional 1500 points per night to be upgraded at both St. Regis and Westin. I'm not sure what the points-paid upgrade does in terms of lounge access. So the same question arises: Does he have breakfast and happy hour lounge access?

BTW, I'm not traveling with him, so he's on his own.

Stayed at the Westin for 3 nights last week. I think it is a very nice hotel. I like the modern and airy design of it very much, although the glass staircase and palm trees in the lobby say 'las vegas' maybe a bit too much... Staff were very friendly and helpful. The consierge desk people took care of several business and personal things for me. I don't have any SPG elite status, but was upgraded to the highest (26th) floor corner room, which had a very nice bathroom and all the other features and amenities I could think of. I especially liked the French press pot for brewing my morning coffee. I didn't use room service. The exercise facilities (gym, pool) were great -- a proper Finnish sauna as a big plus! :)

For a leisure traveller there are better located great hotels in Shanghai, e.g. the Okura Garden comes to my mind. But Westin's location is not bad: close to the Bund and maybe five blocks from the Henan zhonglu subway station. Renmin square, Xintiandi etc. are also walkable (maybe 20-30 min).

Westin offered airport transfers: to Pudong for 750 RMB -- too much compared to a taxi (137 RMB this time).

Added: One night I was going to go to have a drink with my companion at the hotel's bar, but the scene there didn't seem appealing (didn't notice any professional girls though -- just very empty and bad music playing). So we had the drinks in the lobby, which was calm and nice.

Just returned from a stay at the St. Regis and think it worth noting several points, perhaps some of which are just mine own idiosyncracies, but which I don't think should exist in a 5-star hotel anywhere in the world.

(1): Hotel is a bit in the sticks. It should be noted that the nearby Dongfang Road subway station is closed and will be for at least 6 more months. The closest stations are about 1 km in either direction.

(2): Concierge service in the hotel stinks - I would use harsher words for it, but they would get edited. The only two times I asked them to help me get to a specific place (once for a dinner meeting) in Shanghai by cab, they ended up getting me (a) lost - which resulted in a 12-minute cell phone (international - mine) conversation between the Guest Services Manager and the taxi driver and (b) dropped off about 2 km away from where I wanted to be since the concierge had a "better idea about how to get where I was going", which was a spot on the pedestrian-only Nanjing Road.

(3): Despite the fact that the hotel has three "Ladies only" floors, the bellmen continually deferred to me rather than my female traveling companion who had more luggage. Now I know this is culturally correct amongst Asians and I don't bridle when my company driver does it (although we've tried to correct him), but in a Western hotel, there's no excuse.

(4): The Executive Lounge is a poor excuse for a club. Compared - for example, to the Hilton Beijing, it's like having brunch at a 4 Points. There was hardly anything on offer at breakfast and no edible food at Happy Hour. Only three lonely bottles of liquor - Chivas, Jack Daniels, and Remy Martin - graced the Happy hour bar.

(5): The bell staff were overly aggressive in getting rid of cab drivers after they dropped us off. One time the guy (who was in a grey suit, not the liveried bellmen) started yelling and waving about two feet from my head while I still had my hand in the cab waiting to get the receipt.

I will say that the rooms were beautiful and well appointed. I had no complaints about the accomodation.

I'm going there middle of this week, and I've heard that when you go there you really don't realize you're in China, but that you could be at any Westin property in the world.

I guess it's nice for some people, but I like the sense of being at a destination.

What do you like about it? What do you feel is missing? And - most importantly - what is the service like?

I dont know what you expect China to be like, but the Westin is a very nice hotel, one of the best I have stayed out. For more information, you can search.

thanks!

I tried the search, but couldn't find anything specific to the property. Sorry...

I tried the search, but couldn't find anything specific to the property. Sorry...
:confused:

I guess it's nice for some people, but I like the sense of being at a destination.


if that's important to you, then why not consider staying some place with a more local flavor, perhaps the ruijin guesthouse or 88 xintiandi?

I'm going there middle of this week, and I've heard that when you go there you really don't realize you're in China, but that you could be at any Westin property in the world.

I guess it's nice for some people, but I like the sense of being at a destination.

What do you like about it? What do you feel is missing? And - most importantly - what is the service like?


great hotel, great service, great lounge- loved my stay there.

This is an amazing hotel and one of my favorite in the system. Staff is great and the Executive Lounge is quite well stocked. Great location too!

Stayed at Westin Shanghai, Sheraton Grand, St. Regis and the Le Meriden She Shan. All are wonderful. Somewhat different from each other. Westin's major benefit is it's location to downtown. It's very near to the Bund and Nanking Rd shopping area.

Always upgraded to suite (I'm PLT). Lounge is great, bkfst great. Staff very helpful. If location didn't matter (Le Meriden is closer to my business), I would choose the Westin.

Stayed there several times and I really like their location as well the service standard! One of my favorite hotel in China!

First, most of Shanghai doesn't feel like "China" but rather like any big city in asia or in the world for that matter. So it's not like you're going to be missing our on your destination. To really miss out, try the Hyatt.

The Westin has the absolute best location in Shanghai and breakfast and the rooms and service are wonderful.

The Westin has the absolute best location in Shanghai and breakfast and the rooms and service are wonderful.

sorry to nitpick, but the portman's location is significantly better imo.

Any specific suite recommendations for the Westin?

It seems Le Royal Méridien Shanghai could be a better hotel, better inside and outside, but not open yet till Sep.

Any specific suite recommendations for the Westin?


Anyone that has a heavenly shower. Got a suite upgrade last year and it was the best shower ever. I do not think they have flow control restrictions.

sorry to nitpick, but the portman's location is significantly better imo.

In what way? What attractions are close to Portman's hotel? Beside JingAn Temple and the nearby garden, there's no much there. Westin is in the Bund. You can walk to People's Square (15 min) and Yu Garden (10 min). If you go to Puxi, Westin is close to the bridges and tunnels. You can be in Puxi in less than 10 min.

Portman's hotel is good if you like to do shopping on Nanjing West Road, where the luxory brands are located. There are upscale malls as well.

In what way? What attractions are close to Portman's hotel? Beside JingAn Temple and the nearby garden, there's no much there.


Admittedly there aren't many tourist attractions in the area, but the location is more central (the cool parts of Huaihai Rd and Xuhui are withing striking distance) and less prone to traffic problems.


Westin is in the Bund.


Just because the name of the building is "Bund Centre" doesn't make it "Bund," but I'm willing to let this point slide.


You can walk to People's Square (15 min) and Yu Garden (10 min).


Never been much of a fan of either; French Concession has more charm and better shopping.


If you go to Puxi, Westin is close to the bridges and tunnels. You can be in Puxi in less than 10 min.


The Westin is in Puxi. Being close, as the crow flies, to the tunnel (no bridge nearby) does not necessarily make it more convenient. In fact, it often takes less time to get into the Yan'an Tunnel from the Hilton, which is 5 km away (because the Hilton is near an entrance to the elevated road.


Portman's hotel is good if you like to do shopping on Nanjing West Road, where the luxory brands are located. There are upscale malls as well.


Aside from the luxury brands (not of much interest to foreign visitors that can buy the same stuff for less money in their own countries), there is lots of good shopping along Changle Rd, Xingle Rd, Maoming Rd, Shan Xi Rd, etc.

But, the best part about staying in Jing'an is that doing so provides convenient access to more restaurants and nightspots.

-----

In what way? What attractions are close to Portman's hotel? Beside JingAn Temple and the nearby garden, there's no much there. Westin is in the Bund. You can walk to People's Square (15 min) and Yu Garden (10 min). If you go to Puxi, Westin is close to the bridges and tunnels. You can be in Puxi in less than 10 min.

Portman's hotel is good if you like to do shopping on Nanjing West Road, where the luxory brands are located. There are upscale malls as well.

I think you mean Pudong.
Westin is in Puxi.

the meridien is the way to go in shanghai.
you get brand new suites , a brand new hotel.
the best lounge in the meridien. better than the westin lounge.

dp

the meridien is the way to go in shanghai.
you get brand new suites , a brand new hotel.
the best lounge in the meridien. better than the westin lounge.

dp

I second that!

By the way, derpelikan, are your stays at Meridien posting to your account? SPG usually posts within 24-28 hours, but my stay from last weekend still has yet to show up on my account.

had 3stays so far. nothing.
but sent them an email and i got the points now.

just sent an email to the hotel, they will respond quickly.

i am this week again in the hotel.

are you?

dp

Hi,

I also stayed there in November and yet to see my points posted. I e-mailed the hotel twice but no reply so far. Is the e-mail address you used reservations.shanghai@lemeridien.com? If you have other one please let me know!

Thanks,
H

Hi,

I also stayed there in November and yet to see my points posted. I e-mailed the hotel twice but no reply so far. Is the e-mail address you used reservations.shanghai@lemeridien.com? If you have other one please let me know!

Thanks,
H


Hi Comasca, welcome to Flyertalk. Have you tried using the Missing Credits feature at SPG.com? I have had 100% luck getting the points I had due when using them. Let them do the leg work of contacting the hotel.

Hi ghia74,

Thanks for your post and your welcome!

I did use the Missing Credits feature but got a reply saying that because the amount spend was too high I need to provide them with a copy of the bill. The bill is already being processed at accounting dept in my company and it's just such a pain to truck it... Well I'll call the property directly, I guess.

H

Hi ghia74,

Thanks for your post and your welcome!

I did use the Missing Credits feature but got a reply saying that because the amount spend was too high I need to provide them with a copy of the bill. The bill is already being processed at accounting dept in my company and it's just such a pain to truck it... Well I'll call the property directly, I guess.

H

You can call Corporate Customer Service and ask them to get the hotel to send a copy of your hotel bill to you. 800-328-6242.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks William!

H

You can call Corporate Customer Service and ask them to get the hotel to send a copy of your hotel to you. 800-328-6242.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com
Can I ask for a copy of any hotel ? :cool: ;) :p

Can I ask for a copy of any hotel ? :cool: ;) :p

Oops. Should have said "copy of hotel bill". I'll fix that. ;)

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Hi,

I also stayed there in November and yet to see my points posted. I e-mailed the hotel twice but no reply so far. Is the e-mail address you used reservations.shanghai@lemeridien.com? If you have other one please let me know!

Thanks,
H

i am using the same email. after telling the hotel, and some headups, the stay posted 5 x in my account....

well i called them again and they removed 2 , but for one stay i still got 3 times the same stay credited. now i have to fix it tommow i am there.
but its a shame that the points do not post automatically.

dp

Hi dp,

After calling them directly, they did credit points to my account but about 1/3 of what I earned there. Now I am trying to fix this problem via SPG research team (?). I emailed them, even pulled my bill out of corporate maze, scanned and attached it to the mail. But so far nothing.

I'm new to *woods hotels (switched over from Hilton Diamond status) and wonder if this happens a lot. I hope not...

Hi dp,

After calling them directly, they did credit points to my account but about 1/3 of what I earned there. Now I am trying to fix this problem via SPG research team (?). I emailed them, even pulled my bill out of corporate maze, scanned and attached it to the mail. But so far nothing.

I'm new to *woods hotels (switched over from Hilton Diamond status) and wonder if this happens a lot. I hope not...

it happens sometimes, in my account the plat. 500 5/10 do not credit automaticaclly. but the spg service center is shrowing 1000-3000points each time if you complain.

dp