Chinatrvl

I would email them in advance to confirm.

Tim O'Brien

big changes there Chinatrvl, James the previous Area GM has moved on to Dubai, Uli, the Sales and Marketing Director has moved to Sheraton, big culture shift.

Chinatrvl

I know, I briefly met some of the new management. Let‘s see how it changes in the next months. The director of rooms is still the same, so I presume RA treatment will not change much.
...I‘’ll be back in Jan.

Tim O'Brien

yes Manish is still there, but i'm hearing the change in management hasn't been a good one, have you had any stays at the other PVG IC's recently?

MP (Miles+Points)

Ruijin is really nice, the main building where reception is, is really wonderful. The tall new building, is not bad, very spacious, but not feel as good as the main block.

It seems Ruijin always have room shortage, especially when I have to change schedule in short notice. They always been occupied by wedding parties, and other commercial events. Really popular with rich domestic visitors.

Haven't been to Pudong or Expo for a while now, split my stays in Marriott now.

Tim O'Brien

thanks, i've read some pretty positive reports about the Ruijin, what about the Puxi, have you heard anything since the change back to IC management? our last stay was prior to the changeover

Modo

I did and they confirmed Deluxe to Club for RA.

My alternative is The Hongta (Starwood) where the current MasterCard 3 nights for price of 2 still makes it cheaper by some margin on the UG Club room at The IC.

I don't often stay in Pudong - has anyone any view on the pros and cons of these 2 properties. The IC seems a bit isolated compared to The Hongta.

Chinatrvl

The IC is a very much better hotel than the Hongta; the location for your stay seems better, too. Taxis to Puxi are easier and quicker from the IC; furthermore there's the ferry in walking distance.

Modo

Thanks I appreciate your advice. The Ferry option is interesting and does not show up easily searching elsewhere. distance from the subway concerns though - I see they advertise a shuttle but I cant see the frequency or timings.

Tripadvisor may have its faults but on a large poll of responses which rules out.... it certainly shows this hotel to be superior to The Hongta - and anyway Starwood are an infuriating disorganised inconsistent mess in China currently. (personal opinion based on wasting too much time on SPG and their apps only to get bored and as a result booking elsewhere because I know I'm being scammed.)

Chinatrvl

The shuttle at the Expo runs only in the mornings to the financial district (Lujiazui area), which is less than 10 mins by taxi.
The ferry takes you to Puxi and is less than 100 meteres, however, on the Puxi side, you need to walk around 20 mins to get to the Yuyuan area.

The hotel's Chinese restaurant is one of my favorites in Shanghai.

johhenrik

I just had a stay for one night at IC Puxi. I booked cheapest and was upgraded to a club room. I've stayed there one night before, about 3 months ago in a "better view" room or whatever it was called. Although I've only seen 2 rooms, but those rooms have been fantastic. However, I did complain last time about two things:

1. Room service was awful. I couldn't eat the pizza because it tasted so weird and the lasagna was awful too.
2. They charged 25RMB per nespresso you took in the room.

So, they contacted me and were very sincere and open. I got a complimentary buffet in Ecco and when I checked the Nespresso hold, it now was a sign saying it was complimentary.

The club lounge is pretty nice i think. No champagne though.

Anyways, I really liked how they treated my complaints so I will most likely stay there again. It's a bit way off for me, but then again, I like changing the scenery once in a while.

MP (Miles+Points)

Finally made my return to IC Puxi last week, everything seem smooth and back to old days. All staff are new, more experienced staff are all came from other hotel chain. Friendly, helpful as usual, especially in the club block.

Upgrade is getting harder, only one category upgrade for Amb. So I booked one category below club, and called before arrival, and was in club suite straight away.

Getting a cab is still a big problem at the club block during peak hour, but that become common now in Shanghai.

Breakfast and happy hour in Club Lounge are good standard.

Back to my favourite list again...

woodford02A

How likely am I to get upgraded as an IHG Platinum at this property? Booked the club floor, hoping for a suite...

Discipline

Planning a trip to Shanghai. Want to stay at IC Puxi. Any experience of upgrade for Ambassador? How's the club lounge? Worth to get a club room? Or will Ambassador get an upgrade to club room?

Viks

Would like to ask the same question, does this (or any other ICs in Shanghai) go the extra mile and give Ambassadors club access even when booking the most basic room?