Against my better judgment, I decided to return to the Grand Hyatt Shanghai for a one-night stay this weekend. It was either the Grand Hyatt or the Thompson, but I could not apply an SUA at the Thompson, and I needed to burn this SUA prior to expiry.

The Grand Suite was fine. It was a nice room (not Bund view). I still think the shower tower is one of the best in any hotel that I have stayed at. Good water pressure, multiple nozzles to massage the body, and the water was hot.

However, the Grand Club continues to disappoint me. On my several times visiting the 83rd Floor, I would not be exaggerating if I said that the staff at the Reception Desk were statues. No acknowledgement of "Hello", "Good morning", "Good evening", etc. Just always looking at the computer screen or their phone, without any movement at all.

I went to the evening cocktail. The quality of food seems to have improved slightly since my last stay. But, what I did not like was the service of the hot dishes. The three choices were served in one BIG, BIG pan each (that's fine), but each was piled high to the top. Looked like canteen service. I was under the impression that the kitchen had cooked one round of hot dishes for the entire cocktail service, and would not be preparing and topping up again. There is clearly not enough staff in the Club. Most patrons had to walk around and find their own table. Dirty tables were not cleared until asked. It was like a fast-food restaurant. I left the evening cocktail after less than an hour, and went to IFC to grab dinner.

My friend arrived from PVG late that evening, and I was in his room to call Room Service. I could not find any QR Code to scan to make the order. I pressed the "Room Service" button on the desk phone, but there was no answer. Then, I called "Guest Services", and the attendant told me the food service menu was in the binder by the desk. I have that, I said; now, how do I place the order? She told me to dial zero. I asked her to transfer me instead, and she said I had to dial zero. So, I hung up, and dialled zero. The Operator that answered was the same girl that I had just spoken with!!! I asked her why she did not take my order during the last call. She replied "because you did not dial zero". Truly, I was shocked beyond words!!!!!

Breakfast the next morning was also disappointing. Most of the cold dishes, cold cuts, and pastries were the same selection as those offered during evening cocktail. There were made-to-order eggs and noodles, and maybe another hot dish (I did not stay long enough to remember). The Club was crowded at 8:45am in the morning, and again, most had to find their own table. I still maintain that it is a waste of time to take breakfast at the Grand Club now. I would be happier with a pastry and coffee at Starbucks across the street in Shanghai Tower; that's where I ended up.