Park Hyatt Shanghai - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Nov 2, 2011, 8:07 pm
#256
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Hyatt Glob, Marriott Plat
Posts: 145
Apart from the initial frustrations at FD, the stay was great, room was wonderful (much better than GH Shanghai), and view was excellent.
One more thing to add, the breakfast was actually quite good, except that some of the people would take the entire plate of food from the buffet table to their own table, which we found to be quite irritating especially because they ended up wasting most of the food. But the restaurant staff seemed to be used to it and they replenished the food right away. After awhile, we had to tell ourselves not to get annoyed over this wastage and disturbing behavior, and just enjoyed our own breakfast.
Last edited by lululee; Nov 3, 2011 at 12:52 am
Nov 3, 2011, 2:02 pm
#257
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: SPG Lifetime PP ; Hyatt Globalist ; Nexus
Posts: 950
I think this is very common for mainland Chinese, just the way they were brought up when everything was scarce in a communism country. As for the lack of spontaneous upgrade for Diamond, please provide the feedback to Hyatt or the hotel management. Personally, I know their front desk manager so it is never a problem for me.
One more thing to add, the breakfast was actually quite good, except that some of the people would take the entire plate of food from the buffet table to their own table, which we found to be quite irritating especially because they ended up wasting most of the food. But the restaurant staff seemed to be used to it and they replenished the food right away. After awhile, we had to tell ourselves not to get annoyed over this wastage and disturbing behavior, and just enjoyed our own breakfast.
Nov 3, 2011, 7:27 pm
#258
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,298
I think this is very common for mainland Chinese, just the way they were brought up when everything was scarce in a communism country. As for the lack of spontaneous upgrade for Diamond, please provide the feedback to Hyatt or the hotel management. Personally, I know their front desk manager so it is never a problem for me.
How do you explain similar if not worse behavior in hong kong and Singapore ...people with hk and Singapore accents ....scrapping the entire sushi off the plates in the buffet and piling up the cooked prawns and bring it to the table.
It's greed and selfish and to an extent laziness - as they think it's unnecessary for them to go back to get or line up for the food again
They had to put in weighing scales at Singaporean buffets for measuring uneaten food leftover and then charged accordingly ....
I suspect the people you saw were people who mimicked what they saw on their international travels .!!
Nov 3, 2011, 7:57 pm
#259
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Singapore
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hh Gold, NH*G, SPGP, SQ-CC
Posts: 1,381
but however, I have been to many buffets in Singapore and have never the rule being enforced.
Nov 3, 2011, 10:42 pm
#260
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Planet Earth
Programs: | *G | STE | HGP ♦ | SPG Au | MR Au
Posts: 3,772
Communism brought this behavior about ? Nah nah
How do you explain similar if not worse behavior in hong kong and Singapore ...people with hk and Singapore accents ....scrapping the entire sushi off the plates in the buffet and piling up the cooked prawns and bring it to the table.
It's greed and selfish and to an extent laziness - as they think it's unnecessary for them to go back to get or line up for the food again
They had to put in weighing scales at Singaporean buffets for measuring uneaten food leftover and then charged accordingly ....
I suspect the people you saw were people who mimicked what they saw on their international travels .!!
How do you explain similar if not worse behavior in hong kong and Singapore ...people with hk and Singapore accents ....scrapping the entire sushi off the plates in the buffet and piling up the cooked prawns and bring it to the table.
It's greed and selfish and to an extent laziness - as they think it's unnecessary for them to go back to get or line up for the food again
They had to put in weighing scales at Singaporean buffets for measuring uneaten food leftover and then charged accordingly ....
I suspect the people you saw were people who mimicked what they saw on their international travels .!!
Your frustration is understandable to me, because it cheeses me off too. However, the question is what is socially acceptable differs from person to person. I do not believe it is strictly a race or culture issue.
PS: just FYI, Singaporeans that I know, often visit a buffet after not eating the whole day. This is to, in their minds, to make their meal value for money. I personally do not condone this, but I have no say on how one chooses to spend their money.
Last edited by DHalltheway; Nov 3, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Nov 4, 2011, 3:12 am
#261
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Programs: Krisflyer (SQ) Gold Membership, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum, Accor Platinum and Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 327
I guess, we need to respect their culture & hopefully, change over the time
Nov 6, 2011, 10:17 pm
#263
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 88
As a Diamond member using points for an upcoming stay, should I book a regular room at 15/night and ask for an upgrade or the club king at 18k/night?
I'll be staying for about 6 nights. I'm inclined to book a regular room and ask for an upgrade. That way I'll save 15k points.
I'll be staying for about 6 nights. I'm inclined to book a regular room and ask for an upgrade. That way I'll save 15k points.
Nov 6, 2011, 11:10 pm
#264
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Hyatt Glob, Marriott Plat
Posts: 145
As a Diamond member using points for an upcoming stay, should I book a regular room at 15/night and ask for an upgrade or the club king at 18k/night?
I'll be staying for about 6 nights. I'm inclined to book a regular room and ask for an upgrade. That way I'll save 15k points.
I'll be staying for about 6 nights. I'm inclined to book a regular room and ask for an upgrade. That way I'll save 15k points.
Dec 19, 2011, 1:40 pm
#266
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
Programs: AA PLT Pro 2MM, DL Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Ambassador + LT Plat, COFC Venture X, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 5,587
Just completed a one night stay at this stunning property and was impressed.
Arrival Experience
We arrived by cab from the nearby Ritz-Carlton Pudong and were quickly escorted to the 87th floor to check-in. Check-in was fairly quick and straightforward and were given a Bund View Deluxe Twin on the 85th floor.
Room
Very spacious and well laid out. The 85th floor houses the Water's Edge (fitness, pool, and spa) with only two guest rooms and two large suites. Our room easily had 20+ foot ceilings which provided a very open and spacious feeling.
Will definitely return when next in Shanghai. Overall I'd say the "hardware" is superior at the PH while the "software" (service) is light years at the RC which is understandable.
Arrival Experience
We arrived by cab from the nearby Ritz-Carlton Pudong and were quickly escorted to the 87th floor to check-in. Check-in was fairly quick and straightforward and were given a Bund View Deluxe Twin on the 85th floor.
Room
Very spacious and well laid out. The 85th floor houses the Water's Edge (fitness, pool, and spa) with only two guest rooms and two large suites. Our room easily had 20+ foot ceilings which provided a very open and spacious feeling.
Will definitely return when next in Shanghai. Overall I'd say the "hardware" is superior at the PH while the "software" (service) is light years at the RC which is understandable.
Dec 30, 2011, 10:52 am
#267
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: FLL
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond, Marriott Silver, Avis First
Posts: 419
Which metro exit?
Which is the best exit from Lujiazui station to the Park Hyatt? I've seen Exit 5 mentioned here as being under construction some time ago. The SWFC web site indicates to use Exit 6. I've also seen Exit 4 mentioned elsewhere.
If coming from the airport/maglev, is it any better to get off at Dongchang Road instead?
I will have one somewhat larger than carry-on rolling bag, so I assume it shouldn't be too difficult to get there from the airport to maglev to Line 2 to PH.
Thanks.
If coming from the airport/maglev, is it any better to get off at Dongchang Road instead?
I will have one somewhat larger than carry-on rolling bag, so I assume it shouldn't be too difficult to get there from the airport to maglev to Line 2 to PH.
Thanks.
Dec 30, 2011, 11:46 pm
#268
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
I forget the number of the exit but you go through a tunnel (actually there are two tunnels right next to each other) under Century Blvd. When you exit the turnstiles turn right then right again at the end of the station. Go out that way to reach the tunnels, at which you turn right. At the end of the tunnel, take the escalator to the left.
Mar 19, 2012, 8:27 am
#269
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
Was recently in Shanghai and also sampled quite a few of the chain hotels. Park Hyatt Shanghai was worse than Hilton's Waldorf-Astoria or Fairmont's Peace Hotel. I also checked out the three Sheraton, the former St Regis, and the Le Royal Meridien.
You can find the video of the room I had + some photos at http://bit.ly/phpvgreview.
It is always sad when a one of supposedly the best Park Hyatt locations let you down service wise. This is just what happened at the Park Hyatt Shanghai. The hardware is excellent, but the service is very inconsistent and sometime borderline terrible.
Yes. I know. This is China and you shouldn’t expect the same level of service as from hotels in other parts of Asia and in Europe. I have heard that line so many times from my friends. Also, the hoteliers always complain how difficult it is for them to employ competent staff. But, I am not buying any of that. You train the staff or hire competent ones, and pay and treat them well enough, so that they stay. Shouldn’t be more complicated than that.
Location
Depending where you need to be in Shanghai the location may or may not work for you. I know that I probably should use the underground, but the taxis are generally so cheap, unless they try to scam you, that it is really the transportation that I tend to use in Shanghai.
From the airport I took the Maglev train to the station near to the city. Then I took a taxi from there, that turned out to be a scam one, but luckily I knew how much the meter should be from the station to the hotel, and paid based on that, and not what was shown on the meter.
Check in
This is where everything started to ravel. I had an early morning flight in from Apia via Auckland. I had informed the hotel about my early arrival. If it hadn’t suited them, I would have just booked an InterContinental hotel where I have guaranteed 8AM check in as a Royal Ambassador member.
When I arrived the taxi parked on the side of the road. He “missed” the entrance on purpose. Anyway, I wasn’t traveling too heavily so I just walked towards the entrance with my black 22 roller board and computer bag.
I was waving trying to get the bell boys attention so that they could take my bag and escort me to the lobby. It took a while before I was able to get one, and he only took me to the elevator and left my bag there.
So, I was rolling with my bag from the entrance elevators to the front desk. The first question was if I was checking out. Why would I be checking out when I am coming from the elevators that don’t have quest room access with my carry on bags? I promptly replied that I would like to know where the Diamond check in area at this hotel is. Other lady just said that the check in time is at 2PM.
This was absolutely ridiculous and no hotel should operate like this. I had arranged an early check in and they didn’t even bother typing my name to their reservation system to see my reservation. At this point, I politely asked them to get a manager on duty to help me and went to sit down on the chairs by the windows.
The front desk manager was polite and noted that I had come a bit earlier than what was indicated. Yeas, I was. The flight landed early, didn’t have to wait for the Maglev train, and just took a taxi from the station to the hotel. I just told him that if this early check in is a problem I don’t mind just booking another hotel and they can just cancel the reservation I had at the Park Hyatt.
The manager went on his way while I was doing some emails. He came back shortly telling that the room was ready.
Room 8411
This was a very beautiful corner room that almost felt like a junior or studio suite. Per Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond upgrade benefits hotels are not required to upgrade Diamond members beyond best available room. I believe that this was probably very close to the best, although it was only on the 84th floor. BTW I don’t think that the floor itself makes a huge difference because due to the weather you can hardly see anything besides some smog/cloud on this level. The view could actually be better on much lower floors.
Fitness Center / Pool
Here my service problems continued. Came to the right floor and asked where the fitness center was. The guy directed me to the fitness center, but he should have realized that I need to go and change to the gym attire first as I was carrying shoes and work gear. I just walked back to the “reception” and asked where the lockers are. They were entirely the other way.
The fitness center was nice as one should expect from a Park Hyatt. I was the alone for an hours. That’s good.
On my way to the locker rooms I decided to take a picture of the pool using my cell phone. The same guy came and said that one shouldn’t take photos here. There was nobody in the entire area so there was no excuse for this no photos nonsense.
Breakfast
Breakfast was one of the better ones in the Hyatt chain. I ordered eggs benedict with smoked salmon sauce on the side from the menu. It came almost as I had ordered it.
The breakfast selection was nice, but the service at times bit too much. I was up rather early so there was way too many servers compared to guests. I like good service but not when five people are looking at me when I am eating.
Concierge
Again a problem spot. I needed to buy a new SIM card as the previous one that I had for China was purchased in Lhasa, and it would be better to have a “local” one. The concierge couldn’t really understand a word that I was saying. I was able to get a hold off of a western associate that was able to explain my request to the concierge. I then had an employee escorting me to the China Mobile office nearby and get me a local SIM card for data access that I needed. But this whole process was way too complicated.
Diamond Amenity & Welcome Letter
Not sure what is the standard Diamond amenity at this Park Hyatt. All that I got was five pearls. No welcome letter.
Early Arrival Continental Breakfast
As the hotel had noted my early arrival, I had nice selection of pastries and orange juice waiting for me when I finally got to my room. This was very nice touch.
After Stay Satisfaction Survey
You do get these quite often after staying at international properties. I gave them less than stellar score due to the numerous problems I had. I also noted the problems in the written in sections of the survey.
I was really surprised that the following day I received an email from the property. No. It actually came from the survey company and the reply to-address had been changed to some executive assistant at the property. The content of the email was partly mail merged from the comments that I had left.
If they had had look at the record of my stay, they would have quickly noticed the problems that I had and what I had reported. I find this kind of “automatic” responses very amateurish for supposedly one of the flagship Hyatt property.
Conclusion
It is a very nice property hardware wise, but you need to lower your service expectations to the same or lower level than your average domestic US Hyatt.
You can find the video of the room I had + some photos at http://bit.ly/phpvgreview.
It is always sad when a one of supposedly the best Park Hyatt locations let you down service wise. This is just what happened at the Park Hyatt Shanghai. The hardware is excellent, but the service is very inconsistent and sometime borderline terrible.
Yes. I know. This is China and you shouldn’t expect the same level of service as from hotels in other parts of Asia and in Europe. I have heard that line so many times from my friends. Also, the hoteliers always complain how difficult it is for them to employ competent staff. But, I am not buying any of that. You train the staff or hire competent ones, and pay and treat them well enough, so that they stay. Shouldn’t be more complicated than that.
Location
Depending where you need to be in Shanghai the location may or may not work for you. I know that I probably should use the underground, but the taxis are generally so cheap, unless they try to scam you, that it is really the transportation that I tend to use in Shanghai.
From the airport I took the Maglev train to the station near to the city. Then I took a taxi from there, that turned out to be a scam one, but luckily I knew how much the meter should be from the station to the hotel, and paid based on that, and not what was shown on the meter.
Check in
This is where everything started to ravel. I had an early morning flight in from Apia via Auckland. I had informed the hotel about my early arrival. If it hadn’t suited them, I would have just booked an InterContinental hotel where I have guaranteed 8AM check in as a Royal Ambassador member.
When I arrived the taxi parked on the side of the road. He “missed” the entrance on purpose. Anyway, I wasn’t traveling too heavily so I just walked towards the entrance with my black 22 roller board and computer bag.
I was waving trying to get the bell boys attention so that they could take my bag and escort me to the lobby. It took a while before I was able to get one, and he only took me to the elevator and left my bag there.
So, I was rolling with my bag from the entrance elevators to the front desk. The first question was if I was checking out. Why would I be checking out when I am coming from the elevators that don’t have quest room access with my carry on bags? I promptly replied that I would like to know where the Diamond check in area at this hotel is. Other lady just said that the check in time is at 2PM.
This was absolutely ridiculous and no hotel should operate like this. I had arranged an early check in and they didn’t even bother typing my name to their reservation system to see my reservation. At this point, I politely asked them to get a manager on duty to help me and went to sit down on the chairs by the windows.
The front desk manager was polite and noted that I had come a bit earlier than what was indicated. Yeas, I was. The flight landed early, didn’t have to wait for the Maglev train, and just took a taxi from the station to the hotel. I just told him that if this early check in is a problem I don’t mind just booking another hotel and they can just cancel the reservation I had at the Park Hyatt.
The manager went on his way while I was doing some emails. He came back shortly telling that the room was ready.
Room 8411
This was a very beautiful corner room that almost felt like a junior or studio suite. Per Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond upgrade benefits hotels are not required to upgrade Diamond members beyond best available room. I believe that this was probably very close to the best, although it was only on the 84th floor. BTW I don’t think that the floor itself makes a huge difference because due to the weather you can hardly see anything besides some smog/cloud on this level. The view could actually be better on much lower floors.
Fitness Center / Pool
Here my service problems continued. Came to the right floor and asked where the fitness center was. The guy directed me to the fitness center, but he should have realized that I need to go and change to the gym attire first as I was carrying shoes and work gear. I just walked back to the “reception” and asked where the lockers are. They were entirely the other way.
The fitness center was nice as one should expect from a Park Hyatt. I was the alone for an hours. That’s good.
On my way to the locker rooms I decided to take a picture of the pool using my cell phone. The same guy came and said that one shouldn’t take photos here. There was nobody in the entire area so there was no excuse for this no photos nonsense.
Breakfast
Breakfast was one of the better ones in the Hyatt chain. I ordered eggs benedict with smoked salmon sauce on the side from the menu. It came almost as I had ordered it.
The breakfast selection was nice, but the service at times bit too much. I was up rather early so there was way too many servers compared to guests. I like good service but not when five people are looking at me when I am eating.
Concierge
Again a problem spot. I needed to buy a new SIM card as the previous one that I had for China was purchased in Lhasa, and it would be better to have a “local” one. The concierge couldn’t really understand a word that I was saying. I was able to get a hold off of a western associate that was able to explain my request to the concierge. I then had an employee escorting me to the China Mobile office nearby and get me a local SIM card for data access that I needed. But this whole process was way too complicated.
Diamond Amenity & Welcome Letter
Not sure what is the standard Diamond amenity at this Park Hyatt. All that I got was five pearls. No welcome letter.
Early Arrival Continental Breakfast
As the hotel had noted my early arrival, I had nice selection of pastries and orange juice waiting for me when I finally got to my room. This was very nice touch.
After Stay Satisfaction Survey
You do get these quite often after staying at international properties. I gave them less than stellar score due to the numerous problems I had. I also noted the problems in the written in sections of the survey.
I was really surprised that the following day I received an email from the property. No. It actually came from the survey company and the reply to-address had been changed to some executive assistant at the property. The content of the email was partly mail merged from the comments that I had left.
If they had had look at the record of my stay, they would have quickly noticed the problems that I had and what I had reported. I find this kind of “automatic” responses very amateurish for supposedly one of the flagship Hyatt property.
Conclusion
It is a very nice property hardware wise, but you need to lower your service expectations to the same or lower level than your average domestic US Hyatt.
Last edited by holtju2; Mar 19, 2012 at 9:28 am Reason: typo