Our Shangri-La journey began at Pudong International Airport with our limousine pick-up and from the moment we left the arrival hall we were treated like VIP’s. Lawrence, our chauffeur, was extremely polite and kept us company while keeping his eyes on the highway and feeding us some useful travel tips, so never a dull moment.
The mode of the transport was even more of a surprise as the hotel had recently taken delivery of a new Toyota Crown luxury people mover and we were suitably impressed, with sofa-armchair like seats and so much room, you will immediately feel like a rock star with this treatment in luxury travel heaven.
Traffic was good in mid afternoon before the peak hours kick in, with just over a good 45 minutes hassle free journey and we were safely delivered to the heart of modern Shanghai’s commercial hub in Lujiazui. Roads are wide and clean and Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai is nestled in this prime location, directly opposite the historical Bund, offering breathtaking views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s magnificent skyline.
With 950 rooms and suites, this is a behemoth of a Shangri-La, as the brand does not normally go into such a large room count format, but spread over two towers it is somehow manageable.
Our 45sqm room was perfectly comfortable with those spectacular views and had that classic Shangri-La look and feel – golds and dark wood tones and crisp white bed linen, not newly renovated but also not looking too aged which seems to be how a lot of existing urban Shangri-La hotels look that is lacking an individual style unless there is a new build.
Despite the bathroom being a little dated, similar in interior shades yet it offers a large bathtub, walk-in shower, toilet and double vanity. There was also ample closet space to spread yourself out for a longer stay with such contemporary comforts.
The hotel has two towers, one in the old style and one a number of years younger in a more modern architectural design, so when you enter the property, the first entrance is the new tower and is more streamlined in design, but further back on the property is the old tower which has the grandest lobby with crystal chandeliers, sweeping staircases, so more classic Shangri-La in style and very grand, elegantly decorated with large floor-to ceiling windows looking out to the lush water pond gardens creating a luxurious and cozy ambience, which is the perfect place to watch the world go by or indulge in afternoon tea or evening cocktails.
The graduer of the hotel lobby
Our Horizon Club access afforded us the usual club lounge experience and amenities with breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktail hour service periods, as well as refreshments throughout the whole opening time.
The evening cocktail hour service was much more than we expected, being a veritable huge buffet covering all the East and West palates and we were impressed with the food, from tasty cheeses, salad bar and charcuterie, to Chinese dumplings, assorted seafood snacks, stir-fried noodles and then some. The wine and alcohol selection was rather limited but palatable and plenty of soft drink options and tea and coffee offers.
The Horizon Club guests do not hesitate to report themselves on time as the happy hour begins and also to rush in by occupying the most sought after seats overlooking the cluster of those exotic buildings in Shanghai’s Bund where modern and classical charm coexist and complement each other. So, be there early or be square.
We chose to breakfast at YICAFE on level 2 and it was unbelievable.
Firstly, the length and breadth is extraordinary – you almost need a GPS tracker to get your bearings!
As the hotel was busy the dishes were quickly replenished so every morsel tasted so fresh and it seemed that they nailed just about every take on a country cuisine.
Despite the pastries which seemed a little industrial to our liking, it is quite a spectacular culinary showcase. You could also ask the station chefs to cook some variations a-la-carte as they aimed to please.
The property is not short on dining options if you feel like enjoying the comforts of this luxury hotel, with a signature Chinese restaurant, Gui Hua Lou, The Grand Boat Seafood fusion with Cantonese cuisine, YISEA Japanese Restaurant and The French fine dining Jade on 36, just to name a few.
They are not short on amenities and a great location, so from that perspective, worth a consideration. One thing is for sure, the Horizon Club amenities are worth the stay for its amenities and views of the iconic legendary Bund and soaring sanctuary Pudong skyline, so maybe that is the clincher for wanting to book that adds radiance and charm to one another.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5
Service: 3/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 4/5
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5
Service: 3/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 4/5
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