Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai is centrally located in the Lujiazui financial and trade section of the prestigious Pudong district and offers sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the Shanghai skyline. Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai has 686 rooms and suites, 6 restaurants & bars as well as extensive banquet facilities for up to 720 guests.It also has an oversized indoor pool, Spa and state-of-the-art fitness center on the 30th floor with panoramic view. Within walking distance to the Oriental Pearl Tower and only a short drive away from The Bund, New International Expo Centre and luxurious shopping centres, the hotel is easy access to any well-known landmarks of Shanghai. The Pudong and Hongqiao international airports can also be reached within 45 minutes.
"This is an eager five-star review, starting with a special shout-out to Bernie and Grace at the Executive Lounge for their exceptional help and superb coffee! All the other staff were also very nice, and the desserts by the plump chef at breakfast were incredibly amazing. It was a perfect travel experience, full marks.
Now for the specifics. From the check-in date, the experience was top-notch. For my 4-day trip, the front desk offered a room upgrade at the minimum extra cost, allowing my whole family to enjoy a full river view plus executive benefits throughout our stay. The rooftop swimming pool was fantastic; the water quality was perfect, and swimming naked at night didn't feel uncomfortable at all. My baby practically lived in the pool and executive lounge for several days. The breakfast was more Western-style, with unbeatable desserts. The ice cream and donuts were outstanding. The Executive Lounge is on the 28th floor, and lunch is à la carte. I highly recommend the foie gras and wagyu burger – absolutely fantastic. The beef was cooked to perfection, and the tenderness of the foie gras and beef complemented each other beautifully. For afternoon tea, there were various coffee options, and the cappuccino and iced latte I tried were both excellent. The light dinner in the evening was more than sufficient for a traveler; the creamy mushroom chicken stew, grilled sausages, and curry beef left a very deep impression.
Finally, let's talk about the room and hotel environment. Kempinski perfectly replicated the essence of classic elegance. While the room facilities might seem a bit dated, the hotel redefined luxury with its tangible comfort. The room temperature was always just right, and the experience with personal garments, towels, and bedding made you unconsciously indulge in the luxury. Even the blankets by the pool were warm, truly embodying the idea of 'warm service.'
Lastly, to pick a bone, I'll offer some limited suggestions as a guest: Firstly, with the economic downturn, family travel will gradually become mainstream. Breakfast could add some kid-friendly items like smiley potato fries, ketchup, and bolognese pasta, which wouldn't significantly increase costs. Secondly, the glass needs cleaning, especially the panoramic glass at the pool, as it affects the view.
I can't come up with a third point because the experience was truly excellent. I hope they continue their efforts. As a long-established luxury hotel in the 'center of the universe,' it needs to uphold not only its style and culture but also persistent passion and warmth. I will definitely visit again. (The ice cream wasn't replenished; it was photographed after closing, which shows how popular it is!)"