Crystal Orange Hotel Shanghai North Bund

I was very impressed. The staff was very helpful. I had problems attaching my TV box with HDMI and the staff helped out instantly! Front desk was very helpful. We had to use a translate app for some things (as I don't know how to say there is a problem with me connecting things in my room...In Chinese). Bathtub was nice. I appreciated how it is connected directly to a separate shower area. It was sold as a scenic/river view... Ya. Not at all scenic... And the river could be covered by my thumb. Could see no landmarks and the river is only briefly seen between 2 buildings. Granted I was only on the 5th floor (may be better higher up). I would not sell a room with those descriptors. Very misleading. Big bed, couch, and huge TV would be better it also sold with mini bar... But that was 2 bottles of water and 2 cans of soft drinks. While I could not get the thermostat to cool, the room had windows that opened, so I was able to keep my room at a comfortable cool temperature. The mattress is firm. I personally like firm mattresses, but if you don't, you might be disappointed. I slept much longer than I was expecting because for me, I was extremely comfortable. Very close to a Raffles mall and extremely walkable to the international cruise terminal and Sinar Mas Plaza mall. Biggest problem... On the TV it showed the room service icon... But you had to download an app. I tried downloading the app and was still unable to find room service... Not sure if it's my lack of Chinese (and phone translation) or if there is no room service. I know there is a restaurant... If there is room service... An old school paper menu would be appreciated. I know everything is moving to apps and online ordering... But needing to try to download and navigate an app for a club sandwich is a pain. There are plenty of nearby food options...but still. I am not often in this part of Shanghai. But next time I am, this hotel will be where I book. While it may sound like I had a lot of negatives... They are really miniscule and I'm only stating them in hope management sees them. I feel so rested after staying there.

The place was amazing. Kudos to the staff for making it an enjoyable stay!

Good location, however the front desk service is slow for check-in, check-out and any inquiries as they only have two staff. Their two lifts can be a bit slow too for 18 levels of rooms. Note that most executive suites are on level 18 meaning you have to take the stairs from level 17.

I spent my Christmas holiday for watching musical in Shanghai. For the first 3 nights, I stayed at other hotel in Xujiahui but changed to Orange Hotel in North Bund for the last night as it's near the theater where I watched musical. The minute upon arrival, my first impression is their messy entrance, a bit dusty with many cars parked outside. The reception who served me is young and a bit rude. As I booked room via English version of trip.com, the voucher is in English which she seems puzzled. She asked me to wait and ignore me staying in front of her for a few minutes until the other reception, who probably understand English more, to handle my booking. Anyway, the room assigned to me was a bit dark but interior condition seemed alright. Meanwhile, wifi connection in room is also complicated and I need to call front desk to help me to connect, which of course took some time for the "someone" to go to my room. In the evening, I didn't have dinner outside but used their boiler to make hot water for drink when back to hotel. However, I got diarrhea midnight. More serious, my left eye got infected in the morning and spread to my right eye late afternoon. I took flight back Hong Kong that late evening, seeing doctor next day and was told it was conjunctivitis which may be due to dusty environment or infected by bacteria likely on the pillows. Anyway, it's not a pleasant experience with Crystal Orange Hotel.

Only stay for one night, so that I don't find out anything particularly outstanding or unforgettable. If I choose again, I will choose the other option in Shanghai with better rate and location!

good hotel, good location, good design