Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel — Hotel in Shanghai

We stayed at this hotel for four nights. As a platinum elite, we were given free breakfasts for three (me, my wife and her mother). Originally we stayed in a corner room facing away from the city, but the a/c in that room never worked (see below) and we were moved to a slightly smaller room but with a view of the Bund.

We were checked in efficiently and shown to our room by the very pretty Sybil, who communicated well in English (as did most of the staff). We were on the club floor, which meant free drinks nearly anytime and free food in the evening too. This part was very nice -- and the food in the club lounge was ok. The views from there are excellent and it was crowded as a result most every night. The breakfast buffet, while not extensive, was acceptable and offered a noodle bar and cooked-to-order eggs. There was a good selection of bread and fruit too, not extensive but good.

There were two major issues with the second room. First, the bathroom is exposed to everyone else in the room. I have seen this bizarre trend in other hotels, but in this case we stayed with my wife's mother in the same room. The blinds which were supposed to provide some privacy were bent and warped and no matter how they were adjusted, you were 100% 'on display' while in the shower and/or using the toilet. Unacceptable! All three of us are pretty near-sighted without our glasses, so our solution to this dilemma was to take all of the glasses into the bathroom each time. So, while everyone was on display on the toilet and in the shower, all we could make out were skin-colored blurry blobs moving around. Can you imagine having to do that? I hope this 'full disclosure in the toilet' trend at hotels dies soon. Second, at night I would set the air conditioner to a certain temperature and fan speed but sometime after 2am every single night we were there, the air conditioner would shut off and only the fan would blow, on low speed. So, at around 3-3:30am I would wake up in a sweat and have to turn the air back on to cool the room from around 25-26 degrees C, which is too hot to sleep. For these reasons I would not stay in this hotel again.

On the plus side the breakfast wasn't bad, the service staff was excellent, and the bed was comfortable. It was nice getting a club room and the location of the hotel is excellent too. However, the cons outweigh the pros here, and while they don't come any lovelier than the graceful Sybil, I'll still give this hotel a miss next...

Concierge is not helpful. No one is willing to help for our luggage. Did not ask for my room number when they helped for making restaurant reservation. Chief concierge and navigator associates engage in their private chat rather than provide service. Borrowed an umbrella but the first one was broken, went back and asked for another one. However, the navigator associates seem not happy for that.

Breakfast choices were average. Taste good. But I thought I was having breakfast at the dormitory. No greeting from the host and manager, not even a word of "good morning" and "thank you". Likewise, they were doing their private chat. You were asked to sign the bill before you have your breakfast at the host table. No one brought you to the table. No coffee spoon for coffee. We asked for coffee spoon everyday. Waiters and waitresses not willing to provide assistance. There were a couple looking for a table, while a waitress stood in front of them and did nothing. Restaurant managers cleaned the tables with a hard manner, "bang" the chairs and swiped the food particles on the floor.

Checked in at late afternoon. Smooth process and given welcome drink coupon for marriott member. Front desk associate - Linda was the only one girl that made me happy during the stay. We asked Linda for the address of a sightseeing spot. She welcomed with a smile, and explained the route patiently. However, Rebecca (i think she is supervisor grade as she is wearing suit) has a totally different attitude when I was doing my check-out. She was rude and no smile. She said "no need" when I gave her my credit card. And she said "this for you" with her single hand holding my bill. Vice versa, it was me to say "thank...

My recent stay at the Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel was nothing short of exceptional. This hotel perfectly blends modern luxury with traditional charm, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Shanghai.Location:Situated just a stone's throw away from the iconic Yu Garden, the hotel boasts a prime location on the Bund. The convenience of being close to major attractions, shopping districts, and public transportation makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.Ambiance:From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was struck by the sophisticated and welcoming ambiance. The tasteful decor, featuring a mix of contemporary design and cultural elements, set the tone for a relaxing stay. The views from the hotel, particularly from the rooftop bar, are breathtaking, offering a panoramic glimpse of Shanghai's stunning skyline.Rooms:The rooms are spacious, impeccably clean, and well-appointed with modern amenities. The bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep after a day of exploring the city. I particularly appreciated the thoughtful touches, such as the plush bathrobes and high-quality toiletries.Amenities:The hotel offers a range of top-notch amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center and a beautiful indoor pool. The rooftop bar is a perfect spot to unwind in the evening, with stunning views and a great selection of drinks.Conclusion:Overall, the Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel exceeded all my expectations. Its prime location, luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, and outstanding service make it a top choice for anyone visiting Shanghai. I highly recommend this hotel for a memorable and comfortable stay...