Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai

Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a vibrant and stylish stay in the heart of one of Shanghai's most dynamic districts. It generally garners positive feedback for its excellent location, distinctive design, and attentive service, though some minor issues regarding room upkeep and breakfast service have been noted.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, is highly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "excellent" or "very good". Review platforms show strong scores for location, comfort, and staff performance. The sentiment leans towards appreciation for its luxurious yet contemporary boutique feel.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel for several key aspects:

• Location: Its prime position in the Xintiandi area is a major draw, offering immediate access to trendy boutiques, upscale restaurants, and lively entertainment options. It's also well-connected to public transportation, with Xintiandi and South Huangpi Road subway stations nearby.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a unique, futuristic, and highly inventive design that blends contemporary elegance with local charm. The minimalist, front-desk-less lobby and artistic hallways are often highlighted.
• Amenities: Complimentary perks like free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks from the in-room minibar, welcome drinks, and all-day coffee/tea in the lounge are highly appreciated by guests. The hotel also offers a complimentary evening happy hour with drinks and snacks, sometimes accompanied by live music. Other amenities include a well-equipped 24-hour gym, an indoor pool, and a spa.
• Service: Many guests praise the staff for being friendly, professional, attentive, and proactive.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Andaz Xintiandi are described as spacious, stylish, and comfortable, ranging from 41 to 88 square meters. They feature contemporary design with modern amenities and plush furnishings, ensuring a restful stay. Key design elements often mentioned include:

• Vibrant Decor: Rooms often incorporate shades of red and rich hardwood textures, creating a striking aesthetic.
• Smart Technology: An iPad-based "DigiValet" system allows guests to control lighting, curtains, television, and order room service. The LED lighting system can change colors to suit different moods, extending even to the basins and bathtubs.
• Comfort Features: Guests highlight comfortable beds, amazing soft sheets, and sometimes heated bathroom floors. Rooms typically include an iPod docking station and an in-room mini-bar. Many rooms also offer city or landmark views.

While generally well-received, some reviews suggest that rooms might feel a bit "worn out" or "older" in some aspects, potentially indicating a need for refreshment.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Andaz Xintiandi receives mixed but generally positive reviews.

• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet at Hai Pai restaurant is often described as "excellent" with an "incredible selection" of both international and local dishes, including Chinese and Western options. The quality of food is typically praised, with fresh and tasty options. However, some guests have found the variety not "huge" or the food quality not always impressive, preferring external dining options. Service during breakfast has occasionally been noted as underwhelming or less attentive.
• Other Dining: The hotel features Hai Pai, a modern Shanghainese restaurant, and Éclair, a French patisserie. The lobby lounge is also a comfortable space for drinks and offers lunch. Room service is available 24 hours.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is largely positive, highlighting their professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor. Specific instances of proactive service, such as early check-in, late check-out, and quick action on requests, are mentioned. Housekeeping is also noted for being thoughtful. However, some older reviews mentioned that staff attitude could be impersonal and English proficiency not on par with other luxury hotels, though more recent reviews generally show improvement. There was one instance of a concierge reportedly ignoring guests upon arrival.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location in the Xintiandi area is consistently rated as superb and one of its strongest assets.

• Neighborhood: Xintiandi is celebrated for its blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern influences, offering a pedestrian-friendly district with trendy boutiques, art galleries, chic cafes, and a diverse range of upscale international and local restaurants. It's a popular area for both locals and travelers.
• Attractions: The hotel is a short walk from Middle Huaihai Road, a premier shopping street. It's also close to Huaihai Park (2-minute walk) and a short drive to People's Square (8 minutes) and The Bund (10 minutes).
• Transport: Accessibility is excellent, with Xintiandi Subway Station (lines 10 & 13) and South Huangpi Road Subway Station (lines 1 & 14) within steps, providing easy access to the rest of the city. Transfers from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) typically take around 45-60 minutes by taxi or public transport.

7. Value & Pricing

Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, is considered a luxury property. While specific prices fluctuate, it generally offers good value for a 5-star hotel in its category. The average price per room is around $227, which is notably higher than Shanghai's overall average of $100, but guests often feel it's worth the splurge given the location, design, and amenities. Some guests also utilize loyalty points for stays, with a category 4 property costing around 15,000 points per night. Complimentary amenities like the minibar snacks and happy hour add to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Dated Aspects/Wear and Tear: Some guests have noted that certain parts of the rooms or facilities, such as the overall feel, might be a bit "worn out" or "older" than expected for a luxury property.
• Cleanliness/Maintenance: Isolated reports of cleanliness issues, like a black thread in a bathrobe, or minor maintenance problems such as a musty smell in rooms or non-functioning cold water in the shower, have been mentioned.
• Lighting: A few guests found the lighting in the rooms not bright enough.
• Breakfast Service: While food quality is generally good, the attentiveness of staff during breakfast has been a point of criticism for some.
• Noisy Construction: Occasional construction noise from nearby roadwork has affected some stays.
• Lack of Personality: One reviewer felt that despite beautiful interiors, the property lacked a distinct personality compared to other Andaz properties.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. trip.com
4. michelin.com
5. travelcodex.com
6. onemileatatime.com
7. ourtravelitinerary.com
8. theshutterwhale.com
9. booking.com
10. flyertalk.com
11. reddit.com