While the hotel forms an integral part of the premium HKRI Taikoo Hui mixed-use complex in the prime and bustling Jing’an District, luxury retail shopping is expected. The Sukhothai Shanghai is conveniently adjacent to this premium mall with major prime subway station and connecting lines underneath as well as just minutes away from the city’s best sought after sightseeing to The Bund promenade along the Huangpu River and the classic and historical Yu Garden, which dates from 1577.
We made our own way to the hotel using the local metro, as traffic in Shanghai can be pretty congested especially during peak hours and we felt this was the easiest and most direct way to arrive, not to mention travelling light. With multiple metro lines connecting to the Nanjing West Road stop, a short walk under cover will lead you to the hotel with clear signage, so the navigation is not difficult.
The first impression of the hotel foyer couldn’t strike you with much Thai design elements except recognizing the hotel signature “Chedi” logo design and the instagram-purpose Tuk-Tuk at the main entrance next to the revolving door, as the facade and lobby was quite bare with modern finishes. There was plenty of natural light flooding into the lobby through the large floor to ceiling windows to create a bright ambience, but the granduer of luxury in Bangkok won’t be expected here.
Crafted by the acclaimed design practice Neri & Hu, the hotel is well associated with some alluring artworks (some don’t really gel with the interior) and design features in the public area with materials and textures such as natural stones, fine woods, delicate silk and polished brass, bold and stylish colour tones blend with contemporary furnishings, while incorporating a series of sustainable practices in architectural design.
Staff were quite obliging, considering it was only noon of our arrival, but we were lucky that our room was ready and keys were handed over. The hotel boast 201 artfully designed and well appointed guest rooms and suites. Our 88sqm Executive Suite was located on the 15th floor and had a seamless floor plan of practical living spaces, with bespoke inclusions and touches of luxe.
We were instantly taken with the level of luxury in this sleek and stylish suite. Directly in front of the entrance is a separate guest toilet and then to your left is the entrance to the bedroom with a large open walk-in wardrobe behind the bed that can be accessed either side of the bedroom. As you walk in you have the living space to one side with an l-shaped lounge, dining table and chairs and large windows to enjoy the urban view.
The large king bed has very luxurious linens and a work desk to one side with a designed ladder shelving behind the desk. Some thoughtful touches and plenty of space to spread yourselves out.
Off the bedroom is a huge bathroom with a very large walk-in shower, separate toilet and large double vanity with gorgeous premium organic bathroom amenities from Australian skincare brand Grown Alchemist, which we quickly discovered were fabulous and nourishing the skin.
The whole bedroom and living space is bathed in light, creating an incredibly airy feeling and privacy can be achieved at the touch of a button. Then there’s the elemental feel of the materials that sits particularly well in this green environment, Rammed-earth walls aside the characterful charcoal timbers are inspired bedfellows.
There were other details to ensure you were very comfortable such as state-of-the-art iPad interactive control technology to adjust lights and curtains at your fingertips, a Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities, plus complimentary refreshments in the minibar. The design of the entire Executive Suite is truly a serene retreat.
As expected, wellness is a key focus for the brand, so the lower ground floor is dedicated to the harmonious concept of integrating and returning to nature and they call this A Place Apart.
There is The Retreat, a rejuvenation spa with multiple treatment suites, a 2-metre indoor heated lap swimming pool with lounges and a white tent to cocoon by the poolside which is rather bizarre, separate sauna and steam room in each of the change rooms, a modern and well facilitated fitness studio of some size that has a section overlooking the indoor pool and a serene sound therapy meditation room to let you feel the sound energy from the bowl and gong pouring into your body.
Fitness studio
They have certainly expanded the usual offerings here for you to search for an absolute tranquility and rejuvenation.
Sating appetites is also a big focus, with the URBAN Cafe serving authentic Thai fare, which also has a garden terrace offering a refreshing oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Shanghai. Should your palate need authentic Italian food, there is La Scala for a celebration of culinary artistry to indulge in a proper wine and dine experience.
For cocktails you have the ZUK Bar and then a casual dining spot adjacent to the mall called Bean and Grapes for light bites and refreshments.
Breakfast is enjoyed in the URBAN Cafe, which on the surface looked quite appealing, but we found this to be a little disappointing. The buffet is reasonably wide-ranging, but just doesn’t match what other luxury hotels, at least not what The Sukhothai standard should be offering from our experience.
We savoured some traditional Shanghainese dishes, Thai dishes and western dishes, but we always found something wanting, such as bland flavours, incorrect sauces and condiments or tastes, wrong food temperature and etc. Besdies, not a single staff member seemed happy to be working there nor engaging with the guests which made for a pretty miserable breakfast experience.
The tea and coffee was not up to standard, more like a banquet serving standard. The presentation of the buffet began to be taken down and removed well before the finish time which was not conducive to enjoying a leisurely breakfast (it happened two mornings in a row during our visit). What should have been the highlight of every day became uninspiring and a disconnect for the brand itself, as this was the antithesis of what you would experience and enjoy in The Sukhothai Bangkok by a long shot.
It was a shame that the breakfast was so disappointing, as the hardware is to be admired, but sometimes the software just doesn’t punch above its weight. We had multiple interactions with the Front Desk team and each time the service level varied, with some staff nailing it and others just not interested in the guest. We loved the location, as you can easily access so much of the highlights of Shanghai by metro and also a lot by foot if you love to walk. Our Executive Suite was faultless in all regards and it was a pleasure to return to the hotel every day after much walking and sightseeing and completely relax in the luxurious suite environs. We enjoyed swimming every morning to burn off the calories and stretch further but we had no interest in sampling the hotel restaurants for dinner based on our breakfast experience.
The Sukhothai Shanghai is truly an intimate sanctuary more than providing just a roof over someone’s head in the heart of Shanghai, and it has so much to offer and its location is fabulous as well as its room design features and comfort. With such stiff competition on the doorstep, more consistency in service delivery is an absolute must, not forgetting the elevation of the breakfast food presentation and quality. In order for guests to experience and embrace the renowned and genuine hospitality that originated from the Land of Smiles, the signature Sukhothai service culture and philosophy with the pursuit of service excellence can lead to the passionate and genuine hospitality with discreet attentiveness which is there to adhere, but not on this visit.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 3.5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 3.5/5
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