The Hongta Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai

I liked knowing my favorite breakfast dishes would be there every morning, even though the menu stays the same each day. The food was fresh, delicious, and nicely presented. Rooms were clean, spacious, and well equipped, and the staff were polite, attentive, and ready to help. The Hongta Hotel is conveniently located for getting around the main parts of the city, and left me with a very positive impression. A comfortable choice with good service and attention to detail.

Most of the rooms smell of smoke, and they're old and haven't been renovated. It is a local Chinese hotel.

The staff were very attentive, but it was hard to communicate since most barely spoke English, or maybe they were shy. I stopped myself from asking for too much when I was met with a stare. The room could fit a whole family and came with robes, slippers, and shower essentials. It's massive and spacious, though you can see the wear and tear, and the place is old and could use some freshening up. I couldn't tell if the location was great or not. Everything was nearby, and it was walking distance to the water, but the language barrier made it hard, so I stuck to places where I didn't need to talk to anyone.

The location is a big plus, with a mall and outdoor plaza full of places to shop and eat nearby, plus subway stations, taxis, and Didi services. The building and rooms are spacious, but feel dated and could use renovation to reach five-star standards. For a good view, request a higher floor and a room facing the Shanghai Tower. You can also enjoy the scenery from the lounge and top-floor restaurant. Breakfast has a decent range, and the staff are friendly and responsive. The gym and pool are fine if you want to exercise. I stay here a few times a year for about a week at a time. I've only had one problem: a room had a lingering smoke smell, but they promptly moved me to another one. For the price, it's good value.