Grand Hyatt Shanghai REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Dec 29, 2018, 11:25 pm
#211
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 590
I think you'll pleased by the Courtyard Zhabei because it is a nice hotel and the nearby subway station is very useful, but if you are drowning in Hyatt points, the https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyat...sls-hotel.html should definitely warrant consideration. I haven't been there yet, but I dare say the location is the best of all Hyatts in Shanghai:
-as noted earlier, I eliminate the PH and GH because they are on the wrong side of the river
-the Hyatt on the Bund is not on the Bund, and is kind of isolated
-the Andaz is fine, but Xintiandi honestly isn't especially interesting (I used to live there, and still work there)
-as noted earlier, I eliminate the PH and GH because they are on the wrong side of the river
-the Hyatt on the Bund is not on the Bund, and is kind of isolated
-the Andaz is fine, but Xintiandi honestly isn't especially interesting (I used to live there, and still work there)
I was definitely looking at the Sukhothai, looks like a very nice luxury experience. But cash rates are only $250 per night during my stay so if I were to stay there, I wouldn't use Hyatt points, I'd pay cash. I was drowning in Hyatt points though I am using a bunch for the HR Kyoto after my China portion.
Feb 21, 2019, 9:59 am
#213
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,770
As Globalist, breakfast was only in the GC, not restaurant.
Feb 21, 2019, 10:29 am
#214
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Yes, this is confirmed. I'll just use the club certificate since I'll get to Globe soon....
Mar 10, 2023, 6:49 am
#215
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,954
Staying at the hotel now for two nights. This hotel is no longer my favourite one in Shanghai.
Arrived hotel at 12:40pm, and went to 54/F to check in. I was curious why there were so many people milling around the lobby. I thought it was a tour group gathering together to go somewhere.
I went to Reception, and two gentlemen were there counting keycards. Neither paid any attention to me. Waited almost 30 sec, and I then had to speak up before one of them even acknowledged I was in front of him.I told him I would like to check in. He rudely said "You cannot check in now". I asked why not, and he said "Check in time is at 1:00pm. You cannot check in until 1:00pm because none of the rooms are ready". Ok, so now I know that is why there were so many other people in the lobby.
I sat down, and did online check in via the app. It showed that my suite was ready. I went back to the Reception to the same gentleman, and showed him the app confirming the room is available. He looked at the app and rudely said "You booked a suite? Why didn't you say so?" He took my name and confirmed on his computer that I was also a Globalist. He then said t me "You are Globalist? Why didn't you say so?" By that time, I was getting quite pissed off. I told him that it is not my responsibility to flaunt my status. Shouldn't it be your responsibility to engage with guests appropriately, instead of just brushing them off with a 1:00pm check in time excuse???
I am not really sure what the hotel policy has become regarding check in. It seems strange that they now enforce a blanket 1:00pm check in time because none of the rooms are ready prior to that. I assume the hotel is not busy (my rate was quite low...CNY 960/night), so I could not imagine that not even one room is available to check in guests early.
The 54/F Grand Cafe is gone. It has been changed into function rooms. I did not try any of the restaurants on 55 or 56th floors yet. The breakfast is now at ON56, but I will not be trying this since I have access to the Grand Club.
I did go to the Grand Club for evening cocktails tonight. What a difference pre- and post-COVID. Food selection much less than before, and of noticeably cheap/cheaper quality. I doubt whether I will be going to the evening cocktails tomorrow night.
While at the Grand Club, I did complain about the unacceptable and slightly-insulting check-in experience, and then promptly asked the staff to cancel my next stay in April. I am voting with my wallet, and will move elsewhere.
Will try breakfast tomorrow morning, and report back. I am not hopeful of anything good.
Arrived hotel at 12:40pm, and went to 54/F to check in. I was curious why there were so many people milling around the lobby. I thought it was a tour group gathering together to go somewhere.
I went to Reception, and two gentlemen were there counting keycards. Neither paid any attention to me. Waited almost 30 sec, and I then had to speak up before one of them even acknowledged I was in front of him.I told him I would like to check in. He rudely said "You cannot check in now". I asked why not, and he said "Check in time is at 1:00pm. You cannot check in until 1:00pm because none of the rooms are ready". Ok, so now I know that is why there were so many other people in the lobby.
I sat down, and did online check in via the app. It showed that my suite was ready. I went back to the Reception to the same gentleman, and showed him the app confirming the room is available. He looked at the app and rudely said "You booked a suite? Why didn't you say so?" He took my name and confirmed on his computer that I was also a Globalist. He then said t me "You are Globalist? Why didn't you say so?" By that time, I was getting quite pissed off. I told him that it is not my responsibility to flaunt my status. Shouldn't it be your responsibility to engage with guests appropriately, instead of just brushing them off with a 1:00pm check in time excuse???
I am not really sure what the hotel policy has become regarding check in. It seems strange that they now enforce a blanket 1:00pm check in time because none of the rooms are ready prior to that. I assume the hotel is not busy (my rate was quite low...CNY 960/night), so I could not imagine that not even one room is available to check in guests early.
The 54/F Grand Cafe is gone. It has been changed into function rooms. I did not try any of the restaurants on 55 or 56th floors yet. The breakfast is now at ON56, but I will not be trying this since I have access to the Grand Club.
I did go to the Grand Club for evening cocktails tonight. What a difference pre- and post-COVID. Food selection much less than before, and of noticeably cheap/cheaper quality. I doubt whether I will be going to the evening cocktails tomorrow night.
While at the Grand Club, I did complain about the unacceptable and slightly-insulting check-in experience, and then promptly asked the staff to cancel my next stay in April. I am voting with my wallet, and will move elsewhere.
Will try breakfast tomorrow morning, and report back. I am not hopeful of anything good.
Mar 10, 2023, 7:29 am
#216
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,055
Staying at the hotel now for two nights. This hotel is no longer my favourite one in Shanghai.
Arrived hotel at 12:40pm, and went to 54/F to check in. I was curious why there were so many people milling around the lobby. I thought it was a tour group gathering together to go somewhere.
I went to Reception, and two gentlemen were there counting keycards. Neither paid any attention to me. Waited almost 30 sec, and I then had to speak up before one of them even acknowledged I was in front of him.I told him I would like to check in. He rudely said "You cannot check in now". I asked why not, and he said "Check in time is at 1:00pm. You cannot check in until 1:00pm because none of the rooms are ready". Ok, so now I know that is why there were so many other people in the lobby.
I sat down, and did online check in via the app. It showed that my suite was ready. I went back to the Reception to the same gentleman, and showed him the app confirming the room is available. He looked at the app and rudely said "You booked a suite? Why didn't you say so?" He took my name and confirmed on his computer that I was also a Globalist. He then said t me "You are Globalist? Why didn't you say so?" By that time, I was getting quite pissed off. I told him that it is not my responsibility to flaunt my status. Shouldn't it be your responsibility to engage with guests appropriately, instead of just brushing them off with a 1:00pm check in time excuse???
I am not really sure what the hotel policy has become regarding check in. It seems strange that they now enforce a blanket 1:00pm check in time because none of the rooms are ready prior to that. I assume the hotel is not busy (my rate was quite low...CNY 960/night), so I could not imagine that not even one room is available to check in guests early.
The 54/F Grand Cafe is gone. It has been changed into function rooms. I did not try any of the restaurants on 55 or 56th floors yet. The breakfast is now at ON56, but I will not be trying this since I have access to the Grand Club.
I did go to the Grand Club for evening cocktails tonight. What a difference pre- and post-COVID. Food selection much less than before, and of noticeably cheap/cheaper quality. I doubt whether I will be going to the evening cocktails tomorrow night.
While at the Grand Club, I did complain about the unacceptable and slightly-insulting check-in experience, and then promptly asked the staff to cancel my next stay in April. I am voting with my wallet, and will move elsewhere.
Will try breakfast tomorrow morning, and report back. I am not hopeful of anything good.
Arrived hotel at 12:40pm, and went to 54/F to check in. I was curious why there were so many people milling around the lobby. I thought it was a tour group gathering together to go somewhere.
I went to Reception, and two gentlemen were there counting keycards. Neither paid any attention to me. Waited almost 30 sec, and I then had to speak up before one of them even acknowledged I was in front of him.I told him I would like to check in. He rudely said "You cannot check in now". I asked why not, and he said "Check in time is at 1:00pm. You cannot check in until 1:00pm because none of the rooms are ready". Ok, so now I know that is why there were so many other people in the lobby.
I sat down, and did online check in via the app. It showed that my suite was ready. I went back to the Reception to the same gentleman, and showed him the app confirming the room is available. He looked at the app and rudely said "You booked a suite? Why didn't you say so?" He took my name and confirmed on his computer that I was also a Globalist. He then said t me "You are Globalist? Why didn't you say so?" By that time, I was getting quite pissed off. I told him that it is not my responsibility to flaunt my status. Shouldn't it be your responsibility to engage with guests appropriately, instead of just brushing them off with a 1:00pm check in time excuse???
I am not really sure what the hotel policy has become regarding check in. It seems strange that they now enforce a blanket 1:00pm check in time because none of the rooms are ready prior to that. I assume the hotel is not busy (my rate was quite low...CNY 960/night), so I could not imagine that not even one room is available to check in guests early.
The 54/F Grand Cafe is gone. It has been changed into function rooms. I did not try any of the restaurants on 55 or 56th floors yet. The breakfast is now at ON56, but I will not be trying this since I have access to the Grand Club.
I did go to the Grand Club for evening cocktails tonight. What a difference pre- and post-COVID. Food selection much less than before, and of noticeably cheap/cheaper quality. I doubt whether I will be going to the evening cocktails tomorrow night.
While at the Grand Club, I did complain about the unacceptable and slightly-insulting check-in experience, and then promptly asked the staff to cancel my next stay in April. I am voting with my wallet, and will move elsewhere.
Will try breakfast tomorrow morning, and report back. I am not hopeful of anything good.
GH Shanghai also seems to be GM-less since Anthony Ha left?
Mar 10, 2023, 12:28 pm
#217
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Boston, Jo'burg, HK
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Lifetime Diamond, CX Gold, Mrs. Pickles travels for free
Posts: 13,163
I went to Reception, and two gentlemen were there counting keycards. Neither paid any attention to me. Waited almost 30 sec, and I then had to speak up before one of them even acknowledged I was in front of him.I told him I would like to check in. He rudely said "You cannot check in now". I asked why not, and he said "Check in time is at 1:00pm. You cannot check in until 1:00pm because none of the rooms are ready". Ok, so now I know that is why there were so many other people in the lobby.
Mar 12, 2023, 1:44 am
#218
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,954
To follow up on my post, above…
I had breakfast the first morning of my two-night stay at the Grand Club. Just as I had predicted, breakfast has gone downhill. Really sub-standard quality food, and not a lot of choices. It is a definitely noticeable difference compared with pre-COVID. The second morning, I skipped breakfast at the hotel altogether, and just went across the street to the Starbucks Reserve in the Shanghai Tower.
Although my stay was booked for two nights, and then planning to go to Hangzhou thereafter, I had some additional matters to take care of in Shanghai and needed to extend by a few nights (and also cancelled the Hangzhou trip). Although I had no intention of extending at the Grand Hyatt, just out of curiosity, I asked at the Grand Club what the rate would be for a 3-night extension. They quoted CNY 920/night, which was even lower than my initial rate.
Anyway, I checked out of the Grand Hyatt at 10:30am today. At the 54/F Lobby, there were already 10+ guests sitting in the Lounge area, all with luggage. I sympathise with them, since many probably did not know about the blanket 1:00pm check-in policy. Waiting 2+ hours for check-in, even though rooms would probably be available (ref. The low rate quoted to me for extending), is not something I would be happy about. If the Grand Hyatt continues this policy, and does not revert back to something sensible, I will be crossing this hotel off my list.
Now writing this from Shangri-La Jing An. Booked at base Deluxe Room at CNT 1,461; checked-in at 11:00am, and got double-upgraded Deluxe—> Premier—> Executive. Executive rooms are like a junior suite, with a separate living room. Also getting 6:00pm late checkout because of my Diamond status. Temporarily booked two nights, and may extend for a third. Or, I may spend the third night at the new Shangri-La Qiantan (makes it easier to go to Pudong Airport). Yes, the rates are much higher than the Grand Hyatt, but I have much more confidence in the Shangri-La chain now, where I have stayed in several cities even during COVID times, and have been treated very well.
I had breakfast the first morning of my two-night stay at the Grand Club. Just as I had predicted, breakfast has gone downhill. Really sub-standard quality food, and not a lot of choices. It is a definitely noticeable difference compared with pre-COVID. The second morning, I skipped breakfast at the hotel altogether, and just went across the street to the Starbucks Reserve in the Shanghai Tower.
Although my stay was booked for two nights, and then planning to go to Hangzhou thereafter, I had some additional matters to take care of in Shanghai and needed to extend by a few nights (and also cancelled the Hangzhou trip). Although I had no intention of extending at the Grand Hyatt, just out of curiosity, I asked at the Grand Club what the rate would be for a 3-night extension. They quoted CNY 920/night, which was even lower than my initial rate.
Anyway, I checked out of the Grand Hyatt at 10:30am today. At the 54/F Lobby, there were already 10+ guests sitting in the Lounge area, all with luggage. I sympathise with them, since many probably did not know about the blanket 1:00pm check-in policy. Waiting 2+ hours for check-in, even though rooms would probably be available (ref. The low rate quoted to me for extending), is not something I would be happy about. If the Grand Hyatt continues this policy, and does not revert back to something sensible, I will be crossing this hotel off my list.
Now writing this from Shangri-La Jing An. Booked at base Deluxe Room at CNT 1,461; checked-in at 11:00am, and got double-upgraded Deluxe—> Premier—> Executive. Executive rooms are like a junior suite, with a separate living room. Also getting 6:00pm late checkout because of my Diamond status. Temporarily booked two nights, and may extend for a third. Or, I may spend the third night at the new Shangri-La Qiantan (makes it easier to go to Pudong Airport). Yes, the rates are much higher than the Grand Hyatt, but I have much more confidence in the Shangri-La chain now, where I have stayed in several cities even during COVID times, and have been treated very well.
Apr 26, 2023, 9:43 pm
#219
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Paris
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 134
Some staff members are noticeably rude indeed. I came yesterday night to book and visit rooms and the staff said this was impossible, until I booked in front of them and it showed a Globalist note.. Finally they agreed to show me one room.
The GM told me they are running at 98% those days. I am curious how they manage this with 2 receptionists and 600 rooms but kudos if that’s really the case.
I was offered a 2 PM checkin to a suite and a Deluxe room while I was waited. Not too bad at this stage.
Apr 27, 2023, 4:14 am
#221
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,055
Apr 27, 2023, 9:29 am
#223
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Paris
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 134
I’m thinking maybe most people wouldn’t consider a position in China until they dropped all the restrictions this year. The GM left 9 months ago.
The area VP seems very involved. I saw him at Check In, then talking to all guests in the Lounge and offering drinks during the Happy Hours. Pretty impressive.
The area VP seems very involved. I saw him at Check In, then talking to all guests in the Lounge and offering drinks during the Happy Hours. Pretty impressive.
Apr 27, 2023, 9:42 am
#224
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,954
I’m thinking maybe most people wouldn’t consider a position in China until they dropped all the restrictions this year. The GM left 9 months ago.
The area VP seems very involved. I saw him at Check In, then talking to all guests in the Lounge and offering drinks during the Happy Hours. Pretty impressive.
The area VP seems very involved. I saw him at Check In, then talking to all guests in the Lounge and offering drinks during the Happy Hours. Pretty impressive.
Apr 27, 2023, 9:50 am
#225
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Paris
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 134
If I choose to stay at this hotel again (unlikely), and I ran into this GM, I would really go at it with him at tell him what a downgrade this hotel has become. Quite a shame that the Grand Hyatt Shanghai has gone from my go-to in Shanghai to an option not even worth considering. (I have been staying at the Shangri-La Qiantan during my last few trips to Shanghai, and I love it there.)
Did they offer welcome amenities for Globalist in the past? Got nothing but water so far.