FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Alila Shanghai REVIEW

Oct 28, 2024 | 1:56 am

#19

RegencyClubGoer

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: Singapore & New York

Programs: CX DM, Shang Jade, Hyatt Globalist

Posts: 139

Review of 4 night stay from the week of October 21st.

Transportation and Arrival
We used DiDi and booked our car after arriving in PVG. If you haven’t done this before the cars are generally quick and you can book right after you exit from customs with your luggage. You will need to go down to the basement parking level 2 either via elevator or escalator.

The ride at 5:30pm on a Wednesday took about 50 minutes. The entrance is off of WeiHai road and not directly on the street. That is you need to enter via one of the driveways which I felt throughout the stay was not particularly welcome to pedestrians. Given that the hotel is a block or so away from the intersection of 3 subway lines at West Nanjing Road station, you have to walk through these driveways and across parking garage entrances every time you leave and come in. (We used the subway for 90% of our transportation or just walked - weather was cool)

Arrival was pretty seamless and you take an initial elevator up from the arrival lobby to reception. We arrived after sunset and the hotel is pretty dark - not a criticism it certainly has a vibe. Still, after 4 nights I felt this dark tunnel feeling and often wondering “am I going the right way.”

As an earlier review said there is nothing remarkable about check-in. Quick, efficient, a bit of registration as usual in China. We originally booked the Pavilion Suite King, and were upgraded on check-in to the Deluxe Suite King. No mention or explanation of any Globalist perks beyond this (no mention of breakfast specifically either) There was a nice lemon tart in the room on the first day. Don’t have anything to compare this room to other than the pics on the website but the room was great. Pics below.

Room
The suite was well laid out and as described. Some things I think of in my travels that may be helpful to others:
The outlets are all done as expected with a brand new remodel. The plugs can only handle China type plugs, however both USB A and C are in each outlet, which essentially obviated the need for a separate charger. (didn’t bring my laptop on this trip)
The bathmat’s are very plush - not just a small version of a towel. In fact, the carpet throughout the hallways is very nice a plush
There is no ironing board or iron - you need to call and request this as another reviewer said - I never did.
There is no shoe horn, which was surprising.
Extensive and nice quality toiletries
Minibar was never charged despite having some drinks each night

Housekeeping was generally good, we requested turndown service with extra water every night when leaving for dinner and they fully replenished the room and prepared evening tea with a full chrysanthemum blossom.

In-house dining
Throughout the stay we had each of the sets for breakfast - Shanghainese, Japanese and Western. Any changes were accommodated and the food was great. As with other reviews if you’re really hungry you will need to order more, which was never a problem. The buffet spread was really just pastries, meats and fruits. This really isn’t a buffet experience.
Coffee and drinks take a while at breakfast. We always got the correct order but 5-10 minutes for a coffee is just too long. I know I go against the grain here but I blame this on the over reliance of espresso machines and having to prepare each individually. My favorite coffee is at the Kowloon Shangri La - literally a carafe of brewed coffee placed on the table when you sit down. Fruit juices are available yourself or if you order them - water you have to order from the wait staff for each glass.

The Secret Room is a real point of pride at the Alila. At least half the time we emerged from the lobby elevator we were asked if we were going to the Secret Room. It’s a cocktail bar with terrace and a striking view of old and new architecture - especially at sunset. Never had a drink here, too much else to go do and see but stopped by to see the view. Certainly nice enough.

Gym
Unfortunately didn't take a picture of the gym, but it was pretty well equipped.

General Service and Observations.
Overall service was quite good. The guy who checked us in scanned our WeChat and we corresponded with him daily to help with restaurant reservations (since we have foreign phone numbers we cannot use dianping to reserve), which he was kind enough to indulge. The Assistant Butler Manager offer to do the same and helped us make bookings on the last night we were there.

In my experience whether at PH, GH or Shangri-La’s in China, you can’t escape the smoke. Luckily with the renovation and opening being so recent - we didn’t smell one bit. I have to say that was very refreshing.

Half the time we came into the lobby, a more senior staff greeted us and asked if they could help with anything, which was nice but never really necessary. Like anywhere there were clear senior staff members who were incredibly professional and on it - and others who seemed a bit green but again this hotel just opened a month ago. I was very happy and inclined to give them all the benefit of the doubt.
I will definitely stay again based on the hard product and location - I'm sure just slight minor service issues will be ironed out given how new the hotel is.