You won't remember being there, even if you were upgraded to a suite: review Conrad Shanghai

Since the China lifted visa requirement, at the end of 2023, I have been there five times and I will go back there again shortly seen which Shanghai is one of the "safe" routes where Allegris flies, Lufthansa's new business class.

When I am traveling to review, but actually also when I am on vacation with Marika and Bete, I jump from one hotel to another. In this case on this trip I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria and at the Conrad, the two ultra-luxury insignia of the Hilton family. To compensate, the next time I land in China's most "western" city I will try hotels from other chains so that I can make a comparison, honest and truthful, since As always, I am a paying guest.

Reservation

This facility is bookable in both the portfolio Fine Hotels + Resorts by American Express, than directly. In the former case if you do not have the status or stay more than one night it might make sense to take advantage of the benefits guaranteed by this channel for Platinum customers. I, however, had booked direct and the X2 rate.

X2 fare allows you to earn double Hilton Honors points, a promotion that is combined with any other active promo. The other advantage of this rate is that it is a cancellable reservation until the day before arrival. Of course just under 180€ is not a cheap rate, but we are talking about a 5-star hotel that would cost 5 times as much in London.

The structure

The Conrad Shanghai opened in January 2022, taking over from the historic Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, basically exiting Marriott, getting a makeover, and joining Hilton.

The hotel has 728 rooms, including 60 suites. It is located within the Shanghai Shimao Plaza, a multifunctional complex with the lower floors devoted to commercial space and the upper floors occupied by the hotel. In fact, the hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from People's Park metro station, although it is not directly connected.

It overlooks Nanjing Road East, one of Shanghai's best-known pedestrian shopping streets. The location is definitely ideal for those who want to visit the city. Although it is a busy area, the rooms on the upper floors are quiet and away from the hustle and bustle.

Check-in

The reception area is modern, without the classic continuous counter but with several individual stations. I was given all the relevant information and even spoiled an upgrade to a suite, as always I book the basic room and then I hope the status (and the hotel) will do their part.

The environment looks fresh; I would say that these spaces have undergone a recent renovation.

I definitely do not recommend booking a view of the Bund, which is far away and visible between skyscrapers, in any case my view was on the opposite side i.e. on People's Square.

Conrad Shanghai, the suite

Considering the size of the hotel and the amount of guests present, I cannot complain about getting, not only one of the 60 suites, but one of those on a higher floor.

The room met, absolutely, suite standards. Two separate rooms, large and comfortable spaces.

Beyond the entrance hall is the first access to the bathroom and the living area of the room. I must say very nice, though very impersonal. Sofa, bookcase, skyline view desk and mega TV.

Very small room, considering that closets and everything else are placed in the entry area. King bed, comfortable mattress, prominent topper and skyline view from the huge window.

The bathroom was, for sure, the most sceographic thing in the room. First, it is circular, with a double marble sink in the center. Then Japanese toilet seat, immense circular tub and double shower with different types of jets and bench included. As in all Conrads, the products are Byredo Mojave Ghost.

As mentioned, the entrance area is where the "amenities" of the room are concentrated. Here is the small closet, bar area, and all the amenities such as iron, safe, and slippers. The minibar was really sad, for the kind of hotel we are in.

I must say that working with this view is really a sight to behold, as are all the little amenities that are provided, which are very 80s.

In the evening when I returned to my room I also found a small plate of fresh fruit and a message from the hotel welcoming me, however no fluff as is the tradition in this chain.

It happens to me very rarely, but to move to the lounge I had to take the elevator and go down a few floors.

Executive Lounge

Among the benefits of status in hotel chains, lounge access is, in my opinion, less important to guaranteed late check-out, but it's close. Being diamond in Hilton Honors opens the doors to this lounge located on the 44th floor.

The lounge is bright and spacious with a very scenic spiral staircase in the middle.

As always, the appointments are breakfast, afternoon snack and evening happy hour. The rest of the time the lounge is open and offers drinks and snacks at all hours. The offerings were definitely less than what I usually find in hotels in this part of the world, but incomparable to the paucity found in Europe or US.

Swimming pool and gymnasium

Of course if all the guests decided to take a dip in the pool at the same time it would be a spectacle, but fortunately it never happens.

The pool is indoor and also has a lounging area; of course it is not Olympic size, but if you are one of those people who wants to do 50 laps before you start your day, you can do it without too much effort.

The gymnasium, on the other hand, is significantly larger, but still small if all 800-plus potential guests decided to come and work out at the same time.

Breakfast

Asador is the main restaurant of the hotel, there are 3 others, here breakfast is served with the classic buffet. No a la carte menu, no special dishes.

Breakfast is extensive: bakery, yogurt, cereal, fruit, Oriental dishes (bao, noodles, congee) and Western (eggs, bacon, sausages). Average quality, but better than many Chinese breakfasts tried in the past. No active tea or coffee service: self-service machines and juices were available. 

In conclusion

The Conrad Shanghai has an excellent location and a modern facility, but it fails to offer the premium experience expected of a 5-star Hilton hotel. The service is distant, the product is already showing signs of aging, and the value for money is not competitive. Especially 10 days after checking out you will struggle to remember anything about this facility.

The verdict

I can't say I'm not satisfied with this hotel, but probably being so big you lose the human contact between the staff and the guest. My suite was super, the lounge scenic, but the food quality was cheesy, not 5-star.

6.5

Pro

• Suite
• The lounge
• The position

Against

• Zero heat
• Little human contact