Holiday Inn Express Shanghai New Jinqiao by IHG

I spent three months in Shanghai for work, though I should say upfront that I wasn't paying for the stay. My room was spacious and well equipped, with a great view and very good blackout curtains. The place is also conveniently situated, about ten minutes from the Metro, local shopping centres and a cinema. Didi made getting around easy. A few staff members really made my mornings. Sun Xu greeted me at breakfast with a big smile every day, always bubbly and welcoming. Frank was consistently helpful and respectful, and Lee from security was amazingly friendly and looked after us each day. Some staff spoke English, which helped. It wasn't a dealbreaker when they didn't, since apps made communication manageable if you wanted to talk. Breakfast started to feel repetitive because it rarely changed. If you're staying longer, there's a monthly option for 600, but I only learned about it at the end. After the first month I was charged for apartment cleaning, but the staff barely cleaned. Sometimes they cleaned three bathrooms, and did little else. They didn't even leave toilet paper unless I asked.