Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel

The main hall is nice, the location is good, and the rooms are well appointed. But the rooms and furniture are showing their age and need refurbishing.

The printing charge really got to me: ¥10 per page. I’m a Gold Member, and I expected basic courtesy. Even Holiday Inn offers free printing, but here they wouldn’t waive the fee when I politely asked the concierge. I asked to speak with the manager, but was told he was busy. They said I could wait 15 minutes for him to explain why printing always costs money. I was unwell and didn’t have time to wait, so I said I’d write a review. They said fine. It’s the principle as much as the money. This feels like penny-pinching over a few sheets of paper, and it makes me wonder where else they might cut corners. I’ve stayed everywhere from budget chains to five-star resorts, and I’ve never experienced this level of stinginess. Even roadside hostels offer free printing. I’ve stayed in budget dumps with more class. This is pathetic. Save yourself the frustration and stay elsewhere.

The reception staff were friendly and professional, but I got no upgrade or recognition as a platinum elite member. Rooms had the usual amenities, including bathrobes and toiletries, though they’re very small and the carpets were quite dirty. This older Marriott is decently maintained, but it shows its age. The lobby is huge, cold, and uses the space strangely. The location is fine depending on your plans, but getting to the Bund by car, for instance, can take a long time. It’s a good hotel, though a renovation that keeps its character is due.

The breakfast was fine, with lots of Western, Chinese, and Indian options. The hotel was clean and did its job, though it felt a bit dated and could use a refurb. It also has more of a Chinese feel. If you want everything you’d expect from a Western five-star hotel, I’d suggest staying in the downtown proper. The location worked for me as a walker. The hotel is about halfway between downtown and the convention centre. It was a pleasant 30-minute walk through a big park to the convention centre. Downtown is further, mostly along major roads, so it’s interesting but less pleasant.