Sofitel Hyland Shanghai - Shanghai, China     

Stayed at the Sofitel Hyland for a two week business trip in Shanghai. I was expecting some fairly good things of this "luxury" french branded hotel, and I have to say that it didn't necessarily live up to my expectations. We were met at the airport by the hotel car, a service which is excellent for a first time visitor (although marginally overpriced) and much more comfortable than spending an hour in the ubiquitous VW Santana taxi and FAR less nerve-wracking. On first arrival at the hotel just before midnight, check in was very quick, the bellboys taking our cases off us and delivering them a moment or two after walking into my room. First impression of my room on the 18th floor was "is that it?". It was certainly clean and tidy, though mildly shabby in places, just unexciting. The bed was comfortable without being exceptional, the bathroom pleasant but not luxurious and the view that I had was of the high rise under construction opposite. Breakfast the next morning (and for the next two weeks) was perfectly okay, with a wide range of choices, hot and cold, healthy and not so healthy, local and Western. The main gripes were that the tea and coffee were frequently served lukewarm, and the service often rather patchy. The bellboys were very helpful every morning in helping get a taxi, and making sure the driver knew where to take us. The concierge also helping out by writing down addresses in chinese. The main plus point of this hotel though, is it's location. It's been remarked by other reviewers that many places are within walking distance, the Bund, the Jin Mao tower (WELL worth a visit and either a drink in the bar or a meal in the restaurant) and the main Nanjing Road shopping area itself. Some may find the hawkers (selling everything from fake Rolexes to Gucci handbags, as well as "personal services") a pain, but most are easily brushed off with a simple "No thanks". Some of the beggars are a little more persistent though. I was quite ready to leave after two weeks, but that was no fault of the hotel. The service received was mostly efficient and mostly friendly. The facilities were mostly good, and the food was mostly decent. All in all, it was nearly a good experience, just falling a little short in several ways. Would I go back? Probably, though would be tempted to explore some of the other options in the area first.

We stayed here in November 07 and it was an amazing hotel. The concierges and check in staff are very nice and speak very good english. It is in one of the best possible locations in Shanghai, Nanjing Road. The rooms are small, yet clean, but still nice. It`s also within minutes from the bund, and the Nanjing road metro station. The breakfast was amazing here, and i cannot wait to return.