Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Jiading

The bed was comfortable, the staff were helpful, and noise was well blocked out. I had a distant view despite being in a built-up area. The bathroom had a glass wall, so you could see right through to the toilet from the room. A colleague’s roller blind didn’t work. There were dirty, moldy corners in the shower screen, the central bathroom light kept flickering, the sink was fitted badly, and there was no toilet brush. Breakfast was very poor for a European. The eggs were fried completely brown, the sausages were bad and the pastries seemed a few days old. There was no mustard or beans, and bacon was served only twice during my 7-day stay.

The hotel and its amenities were excellent, and every staff member we dealt with was friendly except for the restaurant and bar manager. We stayed two nights, March 10 and 11, and found her rude to us and to most guests on both nights she was working. It’s a pity, because this one person spoiled an otherwise good stay.

The fitness area was small but very clean and good, though nobody from the hotel team was there, so you’re on your own. The room was okay, apart from occasional smoke smells that I assume came from a neighbor. There were no English channels or movie channels on the TV, and no HBO. Breakfast was poor, with little choice, dirty tables and, if you looked closely, a dirty kitchen too. It was so cold in the breakfast area that you needed a jacket or you’d get sick. Around the hotel there’s nothing to do, and you need a car to visit places farther away. For a Marriott, I’m disappointed. In the Jiading area of Shanghai, this felt more like a two-star hotel than a four-star one.

The room was comfortable, clean and nice, and the cafe’s breakfast buffet was a treat. Staff were gracious and courteous. Old Jiading, including places like Confucius Temple, is about a 25-minute walk or a 12 RMB cab ride away.