Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai: A Comprehensive Review (Michelin Key Selected Property)

The Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally garners positive feedback for its distinctive design, prime location, and dedicated service, offering a luxurious stay in the vibrant Pudong district.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The hotel boasts an impressive overall rating of 8.6 out of 10, indicating that it consistently exceeds guest expectations. Sentiment is largely positive, with guests frequently highlighting the hotel's cleanliness, staff performance, and excellent location as standout features. While most experiences are excellent, some minor points of contention occasionally arise, particularly concerning the upkeep of certain facilities.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel:

• Design & Ambiance: Inspired by feng shui and a piece of jade, the hotel features a dynamic blend of Oriental and modern design elements, with a striking neon-lit cube exterior atop the futuristic Himalayas Center. The interior design incorporates custom-crafted dark-wood furniture and modern Chinese artworks, creating an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. The impressive 14-story Jade Atrium and Reflection Garden offer dramatic interior views.
• Location: Its proximity to the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) is a major draw for business travelers, located directly opposite or just across the road.
• Amenities: The hotel offers a wide range of facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center with a hot yoga area, a full-service spa with steam baths and traditional saunas, and an executive lounge. Guests also appreciate the free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

3. Room Quality

The 393 spacious and beautifully appointed rooms and suites are designed for comfort and luxury. They feature elegant and contemporary Chinese classic design, with custom-crafted dark wood furnishings and hardwood flooring. Each room typically includes modern amenities such as a 42-inch cable TV, a sofa, and tea/coffee making facilities. Many rooms offer floor-to-ceiling grandstand views of the Pudong skyline, while Premier Rooms overlook the Jade Atrium. Large, "see-through glass bathrooms" with bathtubs and hairdryers are a notable design element. While generally clean and modern, some guests have noted that the furniture can appear tired or worn and could benefit from an update. Some guests also found the beds to be very soft.

4. Dining Experience

The Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel offers diverse dining options:

• Arte Cafe & Lounge: This all-day dining spot provides an international buffet for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with à la carte options. It features an open kitchen and hosts regular cultural performances.
• Shang-High Cuisine: Specializing in local and regional Chinese favorites, this restaurant is Michelin star-rated and serves lunch and dinner in an opulent Oriental setting.
• The Grill Room: An intimate steakhouse offering quality cuts of imported Australian Wagyu and Angus steaks.
• J-Mix: Serves Japanese cuisine in a whimsical setting.
• Breakfast: While generally good with a variety of Asian and Western options, some guests have reported the coffee as undrinkable and croissants as stale. Certain service elements during breakfast have also been cited as falling short of a 5-star standard, with some Chinese cuisine items being bland or dry.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel is frequently praised for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and efficient. Guests have shared experiences of staff going above and beyond, such as upgrading rooms for special occasions and assisting with late-night medical needs, including getting medicine from a pharmacy. The concierge service is also commended for being very kind and helpful with taxi arrangements. However, a few guests have expressed a desire for more warmth and greeting from staff, expecting more from a hotel of this caliber.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an excellent location in the Pudong district.

• Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC): It is situated directly opposite the SNIEC, making it an ideal choice for business travelers attending exhibitions.
• Public Transport: The Huamu Road Metro Station (Line 7) is only steps away, and the Shanghai Maglev Longyang Road Station is a short walk (approximately 10 minutes), providing a 7-minute train ride to Pudong Airport. Other nearby metro stations like Gaoqing Road and Beiyangjing Road offer connections to attractions like Nanjing Road, The Bund, and Shanghai Disney Resort.
• Nearby Attractions & Shopping: The hotel is part of the Himalayas Center, which includes a large rooftop garden and an art museum. There are also numerous shopping centers nearby, such as Three Forest City Commercial Plaza, Kerry Parkside, International Trade Plaza, and the Central Flower Market. While convenient for the expo center, some guests find it a bit far from the city center's main attractions, requiring a taxi trip.

7. Value & Pricing

With an average room price of around $208, or between $101 and $150 on some booking platforms, the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai offers a luxurious experience. Compared to the average hotel room price in Shanghai, which ranges from $51 to $100, the hotel is considered to provide exceptional value for a five-star property.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring criticisms include:

• Dated Furniture: Some guests have noted that the furniture in rooms appears tired and could benefit from refurbishment.
• Breakfast Quality: Although varied, the quality of certain breakfast items, such as coffee and croissants, has been criticized.
• Bathroom Privacy: The "see-through glass bathrooms" have been a concern for some, especially for guests traveling with children.
• Elevator Wait Times: There can be long waits for the elevators, particularly during rush hours, as only three lifts serve different floor sections.
• Room Lighting/Sockets: Minor issues like a cupboard light that wouldn't switch off at night and limited USB sockets have been mentioned.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. jumeirahshanghai.com
3. booking.com
4. michelin.com
5. trip.com
6. agoda.com
7. hotels.com
8. agoda.com
9. shanghaicityhotels.com