Renaissance Yangtze Shanghai

From the Reception area you get the feeling that this hotel is going to be a great standard. However the bedrooms feel dated, beds were terribly hard and uncomfortable, bathrooms did not feel clean (lots of black mold in the bath area) and the sound-proofing was non-existent. The buffet breakfast was chaotic and stressful. Reception staff were not very friendly. Finally the location is not great either. Overall, disappointed and was glad to leave.

Very disappointing experience. I came to breakfast before 10:00, which was still within the official breakfast hours. The restaurant staff told me that, because there was little time left, I could only take a takeaway breakfast. I agreed without any complaints. However, the takeaway they gave me contained only a few pieces of bread, some pastries, and a small juice box. I explained that I do not eat flour-based products and asked if there was anything else available. The staff replied that this was all they had, although I could clearly see that other food was still available in the restaurant. People choose an expensive hotel like Radisson Collection because they expect excellent service. We are paying guests, not beggars. No one will starve because of one breakfast, but it is the attitude and lack of care that completely ruined my impression of this hotel. Great hospitality is made up of small details, and unfortunately this hotel failed at one of the simplest ones. I cannot recommend staying here based on this experience.

While I definitely enjoyed my 4-night stay at this hotel, there was nothing spectacular that resonates with me. In particular if you consider this to be a 5-star hotel, I cannot help but think there must still be some better options in Shanghai. It just does not excel, also considering other 5-star Radisson hotels I have stayed at. Upon arrival I was greeted by friendly staff. While their English capabilities seem limited, there were no issues communicating. I was allowed to check-in early, maybe due to my rewards status, but I greatly appreciate that. I stayed in a Collection Superior room with a king sized bed. I would say the room size is average compared to European standards. Plenty of complementary bottled water, with refills each day. Likewise for a Nespresso-type coffee maker and capsules. The bathroom includes a bathtub with shower (not separate) and a variety of amenities in case needed. The shower could be very hot, and was put back to that setting after each cleaninge service. Bed was comfortable, with sufficient pillows. The room was kept very clean. Not sure if they clean once or twice a day as I typically was out early morning and back late evening. In any case it was spotless. I found it a bit challenging to regulate the room temperature/fan. Temperature did not stay stable, but nothing that bothered me too much. The TV in the room is large. Not sure if it is the quality of the signal or the TV itself, but picture quality was rather bad. My colleague stated the same. I am not sure if room service is offered. It was in any case not obvious. I had dinner once at hotel premises on their 2nd floor. I do not think this restaurant is owned by the hotel as I could not charge to my room. The (Asian) food was okay though, communication a challenge but translation apps on phones made a difference. There are a few other dinner opportunities on site, including one that offered more European style food. There is a large modern shopping mall in proximity which offers multiple restaurants. In all cases I could pay with my credit card (MC), which was helpful as I was afraid that would not be possible. Breakfast at hotel was okay. You pick your table yourself after they scan your room key. This means you are not guided to your table, nor offered a coffee/tea. You obsviously can get it yourself, it is just the first time I experience it like that in a 5-star hotel. Tables were not attended at all. Plenty of Asian food selection, and eggs made to order. It seems they do run out of things rather quickly (e.g. bao buns), so they could consider checking on refill needs sooner. I personally find it odd that aluminum cups are used to serve juices, instead of glasses. It seems practical considerations prevailed the customer experience. I will consider staying here again, in particular if I need to be in proximity. Otherwise I may consider alternatives closer to more lively areas such as The Bunt.