The Conrad Shanghai boasts an excellent location in People's Square, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to explore the city's vibrant core. The hotel sits atop a mall and is directly connected to the "People’s Park" subway station, with Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street just steps away. The Bund waterfront is a 15-20 minute walk, and key transport hubs like Hongqiao Railway Station and Pudong International Airport are within reasonable distances.

Entrance of the Conrad Shanghai (Source: Unmatched Voyages)

However, while the location is a strong selling point, it’s one of the few areas where the hotel truly excels.

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Accommodations: Mixed Impressions

With 728 guest rooms spread across floors 20-63, the Conrad Shanghai offers a range of rooms with either a Bund skyline view or a less inspiring park view. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide striking cityscapes, but once inside the rooms, the experience starts to decline.

The executive room we stayed in (around 40 square meters) had modern amenities, such as a smart device for controlling lighting, air conditioning, and curtains, though its functionality was inconsistent and limited to Chinese voice commands. The rain shower head suffered from uneven water flow, leaving an inconsistent stream of water, and the bathroom counter space was surprisingly limited, further hindered by only having a single sink. Even basic amenities like towels were not properly replenished after turndown service.

While the room included thoughtful touches like a Nespresso machine and ample bottled water, the overall layout felt slightly awkward. The couch was positioned at the foot of the bed facing the TV, which didn’t feel like the best use of space.

Lounge: Stunning Views, Poor Service

The 44th-floor Executive Lounge is one of the hotel's highlights, featuring a bright, airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the city. However, while the lounge setting impresses, the service and offerings leave much to be desired.

Afternoon tea (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM) is underwhelming, with a meager selection of three types of melon pieces, some cookies, and uncut fruit. The happy hour (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM) presents a wider variety of food, including a soup station with fresh noodle soup, but the quality is inconsistent. Processed cheese slices and watery pumpkin soup highlight the lack of premium ingredients one would expect from a Conrad property.

Service in the lounge is particularly disappointing. Staff rarely check in on guests, leaving everything as self-service. When seated, there are no offers of drinks, and dirty dishes remain uncleared for extended periods. In some cases, we had to stack our plates loudly just to get the staff’s attention. Additionally, many lounge employees appeared more focused on their phones than on assisting guests, further diminishing the luxury experience.

Breakfast: A Letdown at a Conrad Hotel

Breakfast is served at 'Lane 11' on the 11th floor, a spacious restaurant capable of accommodating large numbers of guests. While the selection is extensive—offering Chinese, Indian, and Western options—the quality is average at best. Fruits are disappointingly limited to the same three melon varieties found in the lounge, with the exception of some dragon fruit. The pastries are decent, with the standout being the classic croissant, but beyond that, nothing truly impresses.

Service at breakfast is inconsistent and inattentive. Unlike at other luxury hotels, there is no guidance to a table upon arrival, and guests are left to find a seat on their own. Coffee and tea service is sporadic, with some tables receiving attention while others are ignored. Many guests resorted to using the self-service coffee machines, an unexpected setup for a Conrad property. Additionally, the staff rarely patrol the restaurant to clear dishes, meaning tables often remain cluttered long after guests have left.

Cleanliness and Maintenance Issues

Throughout the property, there were noticeable lapses in cleanliness. In the lounge, tables frequently had crumbs and stains, with breakfast leftovers still visible in the afternoon. In the guest rooms, small but annoying maintenance issues persisted, such as uneven water pressure in the showers and limited bathroom amenities. Public spaces, including the pool area, felt somewhat neglected, with limited fresh towels available and disorganized seating.

Wellness Facilities: Good Potential, Poor Execution

The hotel’s indoor pool, located on the 10th floor, offers nice city views thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. However, seating options are limited, and the area feels somewhat messy, making it less appealing for long relaxation sessions. Additionally, a swim cap is mandatory for entry, which can be purchased on-site for 98¥ (~$15)—a frustrating extra cost for guests unaware of this requirement.

The adjacent gym is one of the hotel's better features, offering spacious and well-lit workout areas with personal trainers and yoga classes available. Meanwhile, the spa provides treatments starting at around $150 for a 60-minute aromatherapy session, and guests receive a 200 RMB (~$27) voucher upon check-in.

Service and Overall Experience: Not Conrad-Worthy

The biggest issue with the Conrad Shanghai is its subpar service, which does not live up to the expectations of the Conrad brand. Staff members frequently appear disinterested, inattentive, and unmotivated. Whether it’s the lounge employees glued to their phones, the breakfast staff failing to clear tables, or the general lack of warmth and hospitality, the overall service experience is disappointing.

Unlike other Conrad properties where guests feel well-cared for, here, interactions with staff often feel transactional and impersonal. English proficiency is decent but inconsistent, and proactive service is virtually nonexistent.

Conclusion: More Hilton Than Conrad

The Conrad Shanghai may have the name and location of a luxury hotel, but its execution feels far from what one would expect from the Conrad brand. While the rooms, views, and gym are highlights, the overall experience is underwhelming due to poor service, inconsistent food quality, and lapses in cleanliness.

For travelers who simply want a comfortable stay with good views at a reasonable price (starting from around $150 per night), this hotel might still be an option. However, those expecting the refined elegance and exceptional service of a true Conrad property will likely leave disappointed. Frankly, this hotel would be far more fitting as a standard Hilton rather than a luxury Conrad.

REVIEW: Conrad Shanghai - This is not worthy of the Conrad brand