Ascott Shanghai Pudong

I stayed here for 6 nights as part of a business trip. On the photos it was all nice and it was rated 4 stars so i thought it can't be that bad. Well I was wrong. The apartment is part of a residential tower so it was really difficult to find and not on the main road at all. Property name was Rui Yuan apartments, not ACME. After walking around for 5 minutes, I called the reception. Lucky for me I spoke Mandarin so could converse but for an English speaker, I'd question the English abilities of the receptionist. I arrived at the property only to be redirected to the second floor where the "check in desk" was based - which is a tiny room/office/staff sleeping quarters. They charged me in full for the room which was around 5500 RMB. I requested for the amount to be charged in local currency only to be told that wasn't an option. So I swallowed the additional AUD 50 or so in extra bank fees. Then I headed to the room which comprised of stained carpets, cigarette smell, dirty everything and loose wall fixtures dangling on a thread. I wanted to immediately leave but it was late so I thought I'd deal with it the next day. Then the construction started and I guarantee no one will be able to sleep through it. So after a few trips down to complain they finally moved me to another room facing a different direction (after I told them I wanted to return the room. The other room was a 2 bedroom so it was bigger but still stained carpet and dirty furniture. In the end, I gave up and stayed as it was booked by my employer so will be difficult to sort out. But it was the worst 6 nights I have stayed anywhere in the world and I have stayed in hostels. My suggestion is to avoid this place at all costs and run the other way. Ps the breakfast that was included was atrocious. I would not feed it to a person or animal.

This hotel really sucks big time in service. The service of the staff is horrendous and for an international hotel chain, its hard to believe that they dont even have a single staff that can speak moderate english. Its truly terrible that when you ask for a soup bowl, you get a soap dish!!! One staff confirms to you (after checking with the management) that the internet package for my room is not chargeable. And to be on the safe side, I checked with another staff on a separate day just to confirm. I was told twice that the internet package is complimentary. Lo and behold when I was checking out, I was charged for all my internet connections. Despite informing them that it was not chargeable, they refuse to omit it out of my bill. It is truly terrible service. Bear in mind, I have been to this hotel frequently for more than 6 months due to my company's arrangement. Everytime, it disappoints me further. Please take note....flooding also occurs in some floors within the hotel. Another point to note: Do not use the gym towels.....they still smell of sweat big time despite being washed!

I stayed at Ascott for nearly 2 months! That is a long time to actually know the hotel staff by name - and trust me, the staff was genuinely very nice. I was undergoing training in Pudong and Ascott is one of the best places you can stay. With a nice view overlooking the river, Ascott offers all the luxuries that one can expect only from 4/5 start. One gets a good variety in food, though not so much for a vegetarian. Pool and Gym facilities are excellent.