“The Ivy Hotel - design gem in local Jing´an district”

Since we hadn´t found any trustful reviews on `The Ivy Hotel` - a 46 room boutique hotel for business and leisure travellers in Shanghai´s upcoming Jing´an district - before our trip we were attracted by the hotel´s website and the appealing pictures of the rooms hidden behind an ivy-painted outsid… more

Since we hadn´t found any trustful reviews on `The Ivy Hotel` - a 46 room boutique hotel for business and leisure travellers in Shanghai´s upcoming Jing´an district - before our trip we were attracted by the hotel´s website and the appealing pictures of the rooms hidden behind an ivy-painted outside. Furthermore, we got a really got offer on a booking request on hrs - stay 5 nights/pay 4 nights/breakfast included - so we finally decided on The Ivy. To my surprise early check-in on the arrival day at around 9:30 a.m. after a 10 hours uncomfortable economy flight was not a big thing for the friendly English-speaking staff at the stylish reception below a huge chandelier. The premises were modern and, most important, clean, calm, comfy, and air-conditioned (outside in those early morning hours --> temp. 32 degrees Celsius, wow). Furthermore, bathing and beauty goodies, slippers, safety box, mini bar, bottled water for free awaited us in our tasteful furnished platinum/premier room (twin beds, flat screen, marble bathroom w/ bathtub and a separate shower). Besides, The Ivy offers free parking, ironing service and further services like personal butler upon request. The breakfast was a bit ´basic` - offering a chinese style breakfast (fried noodles, wan tan soup, etc.) or american style breakfast (toast, jam, oatmeal, muesli/cereals, omelette, or eggs in any type) w/ tea or coffee/orange juice. Nevertheless, it was ok being included in our booking (separate price: 60rmb). Unfortunately, we didn´t have time to have dinner in the restaurant but it seemed to attracted both, locals and tourists. As far as I remember, a three-course meal was offered for 158 rmb. The staff was absolutely helpful and friendly when dealing with our requests, for e.g., researching train departures, opening hours, taxi, etc. The Ivy´s location is approx. a 10 min. walk from Jing´an temple and the metro station (line 2). A metro station at the next junction (Jiazhou Rd./Changping Rd.) is under construction (finshed by 2010/2012?!) All in all, The Ivy an be a great deal and a very, very comfy ´base camp´ with cordial staff for your visit to Shanghai!!!

less