Shanghai Donghu Hotel

The location is handy for Shanghai’s business and shopping districts, yet the surrounding area stays quiet. There are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, and the rooms are clean, spacious enough, and have the essentials. The hotel has a good restaurant serving breakfast from 7:00, then lunch and dinner; just note that it doesn’t offer alcoholic drinks. Guests can use the gym and pool at the Donghu collection hotel across the street. Staff at the desk were consistently friendly and helpful, and spoke English well. Prices are reasonable, with credit cards, debit cards, and the usual local payment options accepted.

Getting around, shopping, and finding places to eat was easy from here. The staff were very polite and helpful, and I was glad I chose the hotel. It had been renovated six months earlier, and the result was clean and elegant.

You’re surrounded by tree-lined streets and distinctive restaurants, cafés, and bars in the old French concession area. Three rapid transit stations are a 5 to 10 minute walk away, so the location works really well. The hotel itself has a lovely old Shanghai feel and a beautiful heritage character. It was built by famous Shanghai mafia Du Yueshengin 1934. Highly recommended for a Shanghai stay.

The location is a plus, with restaurants, bars, and shops all within walking distance. For the price, though, service should be much better. Housekeeping didn’t replace bathroom supplies after they were used, breakfast was weak, and the gym felt stuck in the last century, with no proper weight machines or cardio equipment. Staff English was poor. Average at best.