Overview
A spur-of-the-moment decision led me to try a newly opened free-shipping hotel. I originally planned to fly to Pudong to check in at HIX airport and collect a stamp, but on Friday afternoon, I was notified of a flight change – my departure was delayed by three and a half hours, and I eventually arrived in Pudong very late at night. Rushing, I rebooked a flight from Hongqiao and canceled the HIX at Pudong Airport. Not wanting to experience the disdain of Shanghai taxi drivers for short trips, I opted instead to stay one night at the Crowne Plaza near Hongqiao Airport.
After passing through Hongqiao Tiandi, the hotel came into view amidst a slight chill in the evening. A closer look revealed dim lighting at the entrance of the hotel, which is divided into three towers. The hotel’s “HONGQIAO” suffix clearly highlights its geographical advantage. Inside, an expansive lobby and lounge area—with a striking ceiling design and blooming orchids—impressed upon arrival. The front desk is located on the left, and a little further inside lies the executive building. Signage throughout directs guests to various facilities, including the elevator hall in the East Wing and the floor corridors.
In Room
Due to a last-minute booking, there was no pre-arranged communication; the app simply upgraded my room to a city view room. Arriving at 11 PM, I didn’t engage in lengthy conversation at the front desk but was given whatever was available—a high-floor room in the East Wing. The room is pleasantly set far from the elevator, which is a plus. To the left of the entrance is the bathroom, where the shower stalls are arranged in a row. A single-use bath bag was provided, which I appreciated, and opposite the bathroom is the closet. The bedroom offers a complete view of the space, featuring a minibar (accompanied by two LOR capsules), a large bed, and a trendy asymmetrical layout that includes a corner sofa and a desk chair. Fruits were provided, though no welcome drink was offered, and the TV even displays the membership level—a first-time encounter. The room layout and the view outside the window complete the overall experience.
Dining
Since I arrived late and left early, I did not experience the executive lounge service. The lounge, located next to the main building’s second-floor western restaurant, had an uncertain status regarding its operation. Breakfast began at 6:30 AM; however, given the hotel’s proximity to the Hongqiao transportation hub, an even earlier start—say at 5:30 AM—might better serve many travelers. The breakfast spread was diverse, featuring local specialties alongside refreshing Perrier and Evian water. The all-day restaurant on the main building’s second floor is arranged in a U-shaped layout that clearly divides the buffet area from the dining area. Other sections include a bakery and beverage area, an open display counter, a noodle counter, and a dining space facing a scenic window. Signature dishes ranged from braised lion’s head meatballs and pan-fried steamed buns to frozen shrimp, heavily cheesy meat sauce pasta, braised beef brisket, savory soybean pudding with eight types of toppings, and a hot and sour soup that was surprisingly low on pepper flavor. In contrast, the preserved egg and lean meat congee boasted a distinctly peppery kick—perhaps reflecting regional culinary influences. Additional items included small cold dishes, ice jelly, four types of freshly squeezed juices, and free-flowing water, along with a Shanghai-style rice cake that struck me as somewhat inauthentic. Let’s dig in!
Facilities
There is no swimming pool – which raises the question of whether Crowne Plaza’s configuration is declining. The gym is situated in the basement of the main building. In the morning, I captured shots of the spacious lounge and the coffee station. An elevator adjacent to the lounge provides access to the lower floors, where you can also find the gym. Additionally, the building houses the Cai Feng Lou and a conference hall on the second basement level, while children’s play facilities are conveniently located along the path from the lobby to the East Wing.
The Moments
Service was lukewarm; the housekeeping staff’s responsiveness could be improved. When I requested ice cubes via phone—and mentioned the extra supplies I had asked for at check-in—the response was a curt, robotic “no notification received.” This unenthusiastic reply was quite disappointing. Additionally, there is a unique restaurant on the first floor, and directly opposite the hotel stands a Hyatt-branded establishment.
Conclusion
International metropolitan planning truly stands apart. Hongqiao Transportation Hub is undeniably the best example among similar domestic projects, and other cities have much to learn. This article is not only a Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Transit Hotel Review but also serves as a Hotel Near Hongqiao Transportation Hub in Shanghai, offering practical insights for travelers.
Additional observations include landing in the middle of the night with the plane positioned far from the terminal, passing through Hongqiao Tiandi, noticing figurines inside the mall, catching a distant view of the hotel immediately upon exiting Hongqiao Tiandi, and even passing by the Kandesi Hotel.
