Caojiatian Vacations from $854

Had some problems checking in but the staff were super friendly, spoke english and was just reassuring through the stay. Only issue was the smoke smell around the halls for those in dorms but it goes away once in the capsule.

Absolutely loved this stay. Just a 10-minute walk to the Bund, with charming old houses along the way. The room was spotless, the bed super comfortable, and I slept like a baby. Great water pressure in the shower. The laundry room on the 4th floor was a huge plus—wash and dry in one go. Nice gym for a quick morning workout, and the rooftop terrace has an amazing view of Lujiazui at night. Front desk staff were friendly, efficient, and even recommended some great local Shanghainese restaurants. Would definitely stay again.

Positives: Property: The hotel is stunning and expansive. Plenty of freebies: Free 1 time minibar, foot soak, breakfast, wine and photoshoot, shuttle bus for the airport and disney. Gym: very good gym. Negatives: Housekeeping: I don't think they replaced the bedsheets in the entire 9 nights I was there and didnt take away the dirty dishes we had for days. Supplies like shower caps, bath salts etc arent replaced - which sucks since they chucked out the shower cap the first day they cleaned my room. Breakfast: Pastries tasted quite stale and the variety didn't change much at all throughout my stay. Staff: weren't very friendly. They weren't awful but could certainly be more hospitable.

What can I add - it's the fabled Cathay Hotel (2.0), celebrating a bygone age with amazing staff, design, and service. Yes, it's pricey, but this is among the world's most interesting hotels and just staying there is an experience. It's beautiful and bold: more than a hotel, it's a worked example of everything travel should be. And because it's a recreation rather than the 1930s original, it's also modern and spotless, with old-school service like turn-down that just feels ... special. Hotels are usually just somewhere to sleep for me, but this one is far more. A wonderful place I'll always return to.