Jin Jiang Tower - Shanghai, China     

I spent several days at the Jin Jiang Tower Hotel as part of a large group and overall my experience was very good (yes, except for the musty smell in the lobby, but that's the way it goes in humid areas). The rooms, albeit on the smaller side, are all newly refurbished in a sleek IKEA-look with excellent lighting - even small reading lights by the beds - something hard to find in even the glitziest hotels in the world. The bathroom is fine as well and is stocked with everything you possibly need, from razors to tooth brushes to wooden combs. The only negative here, as noted by another traveller, is the hair dryer stuck in a drawer - you will have to bend down to dry your hair, but at least the hair dryer is powerful. The gym is a bit small with just a few machines, there is also a larger terrace area where you can jog outside (if you do not prefer to jog through the city as my room mate did every morning - the park is not too far from the hotel). The indoor pool is very nice and large enough for 4 - 5 people swimming laps at once, I did not notice too much chlorine, on the contrary, I found the water rather fresh, clear and clean. Please note to bring a swimming cap as this seems to be "mandatory" in all Chinese hotel pools. (They did not enforce it strictly at this hotel). There is also a vapor sauna and a hot tub in the changing room areas. Now, the one and only thing that was TOTALLY worth the stay at this hotel is the breakfast. Never before have I seen such an abundance, there are buffet tables after buffet tables of food of all varieties: Japanese breakfast, Korean breakfast, Singapore noodles, Spaghetti, soups, Chinese dumplings, American breakfast with eggs of all kinds and also European style items, ranging from fresh rolls to one of the best dark grainy breads I have ever tasted etc etc etc. And did I mention it is served on the 41st floor in a revolving restaurant? You get a 360 degree view over Shanghai, quite amazing. This way I was able to fill up on breakfast and escape the sometimes well too average group food we were served during our trip. Another tip: Not far from the hotel you will find Cafe Costa on HuaiHuai Road for a quick and delicious caffeine fix.

Excellent: rooms, location, space, breakfast room. Bad: staff, lobby smell, services. Mixed feelings here. Rate was good.