The Shanghai EDITION

The Shanghai EDITION stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, frequently lauded for its distinctive blend of sophisticated design, exceptional service, and prime location in the heart of Shanghai.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Shanghai EDITION is overwhelmingly positive, with an average overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from Marriott guests and a "Wonderful" 9.4 out of 10 from Booking.com reviewers. Guests frequently describe their stays as excellent and a highlight of their trips, expressing strong positive sentiment regarding almost all aspects of the hotel experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several key aspects of The Shanghai EDITION:

• Service: The hotel's staff is frequently described as world-class, phenomenal, proactive, and exceptionally attentive, contributing significantly to a memorable stay.
• Location: Its position just blocks from the historic Bund and on Nanjing East Road is a major draw, offering convenient access to attractions, shopping, and public transport.
• Design & Amenities: The hotel's chic, minimalist yet luxurious design, often featuring wood paneling and striking common areas, receives high acclaim. Amenities such as the multiple rooftop bars with panoramic views, the indoor pool, gym, and spa are highly valued. The "invisible design" tailored to guests' needs is also noted.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Shanghai EDITION are known for their slick, minimalist design, characterized by elegant wood paneling and a signature faux fur blanket on the bed. Guests find them undeniably striking, large, and comfortable, often featuring separate sitting areas and good desks overlooking the city or the Bund. Standard amenities include a Nespresso machine, a fully stocked fridge, and Le Labo custom toiletries in bathrooms with separate, frosted-glass shower and toilet cubicles. Room controls are noted for their simplicity, and ample charging ports are appreciated. Cleanliness is rated highly, scoring 4.6 out of 5 by Marriott guests and 9.6 out of 10 on Booking.com.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse and highly-rated dining experience. The Shanghai Tavern, a Modern European brasserie, is Michelin-featured and praised for its all-day dining and an excellent breakfast that combines buffet and à la carte options. Breakfast receives a guest review score of 8.7 out of 10 on Booking.com, offering continental, vegetarian, gluten-free, Asian, and American choices. Other dining establishments include YONE, a signature Japanese restaurant on the 27th floor, and Canton Disco, serving modern Cantonese cuisine. The hotel also boasts multiple lounge bars and two popular rooftop bars, including "Roof" on the 27th floor, which offers captivating views of the Oriental Pearl and Lujiazui district.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Shanghai EDITION consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests frequently highlight the staff as incredible, attentive, helpful, and friendly. Many describe the service as "phenomenal" and the "best of any hotel" they've experienced. Concierge services, such as securing last-minute restaurant reservations or assisting with medical needs, are particularly commended for their knowledge and helpfulness. Some guests have noted staff members addressing them by name, adding a personalized touch to their stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Shanghai EDITION enjoys an "unbeatable" and "perfect" location at the northeast corner of Nanjing Road East and Henan Road, strategically positioned in the Puxi neighborhood. It's just a few blocks behind the historic Bund waterfront and a short, 5-minute walk to the Bund itself. The hotel is also directly opposite the Nanjing East Road MTR station, providing convenient access to Lines 2 and 10, which connect to Shanghai Pudong Airport. The surrounding area is a vibrant hub for tourists, featuring the pedestrianized Nanjing Road Shopping District, numerous food establishments, and proximity to attractions like People's Square and Yu Garden.

7. Value & Pricing

While offering a luxurious experience, the value for money at The Shanghai EDITION receives varied but generally positive feedback, with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 by Marriott guests and 8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com. Room rates can start around £175 per night or 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, with other reports mentioning rates around $300 or ¥1,387 (C$260) for a night. Reviewers often note that the rates are "fantastic" by US standards, especially given the hotel's luxury status and prime location.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the high praise, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Crowded Location/Accessibility: The hotel's location on Nanjing East Road, while central, can be extremely busy and crowded, particularly on weekends. This can make taxi drop-offs difficult, with one guest mentioning being drenched due to a car blocking the entrance on a rainy day.
• Minor Room Issues: Isolated complaints include a toilet flushing issue and a room thermostat that didn't work perfectly. Some reviews also mentioned dirty towels and inadequate room cleaning, although overall cleanliness ratings remain high.
• Public Spaces: The hotel's public areas, especially the lobby, can become very crowded with tourists and "eager Instagrammers," which some guests found detracted from the serenity.
• Service Gaps: A few guests reported not receiving promised free drinks while waiting for a room. There was also a wish expressed for more staff to be fluent in English.
• No Free Breakfast for Elites: Marriott Bonvoy elite members do not automatically receive complimentary breakfast at EDITION properties unless a breakfast-inclusive rate is booked.

Sources

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