While I do prefer the intimacy of the Park Hyatt, the Grand Hyatt proved an excellent hotel for a long layover in Shanghai.
We arrived into Shanghai around 5:30pm and did not leave for 21 hours. An airport hotel would have been ideal, but PVG simply doesn’t have a nice one like the Hilton at PEK. So we proceeded into central Shanghai. My only requirement for our stay: a Hyatt. Ben chose the Grand Hyatt because he had recently reviewed the Park Hyatt and Andaz. The rate was about $200/night (or 15K points or 7.5K points + $100). Ben and I had separate rooms.
We took the Maglev from the airport into town then connected in a taxi to the hotel.
Check-in lines were horrible, both in terms of organization and waiting time. Eventually we had to push our way to the front and pull our status card–people were literally just cutting in front of us in line.
Ben was offered a sheet reviewing the hotel’s Grand Club amenities. Oddly, I was not, but here is is:
I suppose we could have found a way up to the Grand Club to check-in, but elevators require a room key to operate.
While the lobby seemed rather congested, a spacious bar can be found two levels up and this amazing atrium.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai Guest Room
My room was on the 68th floor and offered great views of the city skyline. The room was recangular-shaped (though it appeared more triangular) and while simple in design, quite attractive.
For whatever reason, I was given a room with two beds even though I had reserved a king bed. It didn’t matter–I still slept extremely well.
The room contained a minibar, Nespresso machine, and tea kettle.
Best of all, the desk contained a pair of universal power plugs and USB charger: that is always greatly appreciated.
The bathroom was very spacious, with a full tub and separate shower. As is common at Grand Hyatt properties, June Jacobs amenities were provided.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai Grand Club
Most of the evening was spent in the Grand Club, which is absolutely top notch. I’d rank it up there with the Grand Hyatt Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong as among the best Grand Lounges in the world.
A large evening spread offered a worldwide cuisine of excellent food. After the horrible food on China Eastern, I was happy to order a heaping plate of pasta which was cooked to order then delivered to our table.
Breakfast was also tremendous in the lounge, offering a full buffet with excellent variety.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai Fitness + Pool
Looking back a year ago, I wasn’t really blogging at the time and had much more time for exercise. Now it’s a struggle to make time: back then it was a given that I would workout if the hotel had a gym. And lucky for me, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai had a nice gym, pool, and spa.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai Concierge Problems
One complaint about the property: the concierge/guest services team in the lounge left much to be desired. Oh, they were very friendly and delivered great food-related service in the lounge, but proved unable to help me on what should have been an easy matter.
I left my camera charger at home for my larger Canon DSLR and without a camera, well…the whole trip would be in vain. They directed me to a mall just a few minutes away from the hotel. I went there and found there was no store that had it. When I returned to the hotel and they said they didn’t know but I could order online. I explained that was a bit difficult when I was leaving the following morning.
And they all sort of just stared at themselves and said sorry. One suggested I check the airport…
I did my own research online and found what looked like a place that would have it, a camera mall that we could stop at on the way to the airport. When I asked for help finding it on the map, they had a lot of trouble finding it, consulting with several people and making a phone call before finally marking it on the map. It was only 10 minutes from the hotel…
Thankfully, it was marked correctly and I was able to purchase a charger the following morning. Still, it would have been nice to perhaps call ahead to a few electronics shops at the mall to see if they actually had what I needed before I wasted over an hour walking in the scorching heat to the mall, searching aimlessly, and walking back.
CONCLUSION
The hotel is located in Jin Mao Tower just across the street from the Park Hyatt. While I prefer to stay on the Bund, I was quite happy with my stay overall. Yes, the concierge incident meant it was not perfect, but the Grand Club made life so easy. The Grand Hyatt Shanghai was exactly what we needed during our night in Shanghai I recommend this hotel.
For Ben’s take on the property, click here.
“…people were literally just cutting in front of us in line.”
Welcome to China!!!
which night of the week was it when they had crab legs?
Wednesday night.