“Great for the price, but a few drawbacks”

Its a little bit hidden in a more quiet area but its a great hotel for the price. Stayed longer than originally booked. Breakfast includes 2 options. Western that includes a toasted sandwich with lettuce, and a chinese option. It was nice but gets a bit repetitive if you have it for a while. The c… more

Its a little bit hidden in a more quiet area but its a great hotel for the price. Stayed longer than originally booked. Breakfast includes 2 options. Western that includes a toasted sandwich with lettuce, and a chinese option. It was nice but gets a bit repetitive if you have it for a while. The coffee was great though! Staff have very limited English skills, but friendly but thats the same in most hotels in China I went to so not picking against this one. The room was clean, but did have some insects which didnt really bother me but would bother others. No English TV channels but thats also the same in most Chinese hotels. the internet worked well but no wifi. Location was good, a little out the way but its nice if you like walking, about a 10-15 minute walk to to Jing'an Temple and shopping, food areas and metro/bus stations. Area has a traditional feel to it with lots of convenience and fruit shops nearby. On arrival it looks new and clean but to be picky when in the room for a while, Could probably do with a refurb as the wallpaper was a little patchy, power outlets a little loose and carpet could be a little cleaner but this is a problem in many hotels in China. The ground floor was very loud during morning periods mainly from loud guests speaking in asian languages so if you like to sleep in try and get a floor higher up. One thing to note that could also bother other guests, late at night someone slipped a card under the door and knocked, it was advertising sex services. I opened the door fast to check who it was, I believe the person was talking to staff so im not sure if he worked at the hotel or if they let him into the hotel, I cant really blame the hotel as their rules state no prostitution so it would be weird if they were involved. Its strange he knew my room number though. it certainly left a slight negative impression as it was my last day and was otherwise happy with the hotel and had previously had a problem with seedy hotels in China and hope this one isnt one too!

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“Nice room, beware of non - english speaking staff!”

Room was a standard international size double with 2 large double beds and good sized bathroom. Kettle in room complete with mugs etc.Beds were very uncomfortable/hard. "Interesting" breakfast options and Italian themed restaurant - not sure why?! Reasonable location - 10 minute walk to subway stat… more

Room was a standard international size double with 2 large double beds and good sized bathroom. Kettle in room complete with mugs etc.Beds were very uncomfortable/hard. "Interesting" breakfast options and Italian themed restaurant - not sure why?! Reasonable location - 10 minute walk to subway station. Staff tried hard but communication was very difficult as their command of English was less than basic. Good value though.

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“Spotty service - amazing Italian food!”

We've lived in China for seven months and get to Shanghai regularly on long weekends. We stayed at a hotel near the French Concession (GreenTree Inn, on WuDing Road, No. 661) and like the hotel - but we loved the the little Italian place (doors open right through the hotel lobby) even more. Only o… more

We've lived in China for seven months and get to Shanghai regularly on long weekends. We stayed at a hotel near the French Concession (GreenTree Inn, on WuDing Road, No. 661) and like the hotel - but we loved the the little Italian place (doors open right through the hotel lobby) even more. Only open four months, Lange, is not trying to keep up with the slick, hyper-priced La Dolcevita a few blocks over - Lange isn't flashy but is comfortable with huge leather chairs ala Starbucks for a cozy lunch with a book, square tables, real linens, dark wood with some tasteful mirrors and interestingly framed travel pictures (who is that guy!?) spread throughout a small dining room. Great windows with street views from the front, more romantic seating in the back. The music was a bit loud at times, the service was spotty at best, but the food is worth waiting for while they iron the kinks out. Expect drinks in a flash, wait fifteen for appetizer, main course comes quickly, wait fifteen for dessert, etc. Each time we visited, Shaun (GM) took care of us personally, with a lunch set at 50 yuan ea. and also dinner specials they offer genuine northern Italian from a master chef who I had to confirm myself is actually Chinese - he is that good. I lived in Italy a few years and look for the good stuff. Wine list is not long but the wines we had were delicious, some Chinese, most Italian (25 per glass). Try the house Italian red... They offer soups, salads, genuine Italian pizza, pasta, risotti, main courses, and desserts. I recommend asking about the specials because they are a great deal - one night had a buy one get one half off, and another night if you spend 150 yuan we got a bottle of Italian red wine to take home for free. We went on weeknights so don't know about weekend crowds, specials, etc. The food is consistent and amazing for the price. I can recommend the vegetable soup, the fusilli pasta with mushrooms and bacon, any of the pizzas, the sliced tenderloin over arugula, the lasagna(!), the chicken Parmesan, and the seafood risotti is perfection - just enough calamari and shrimp in a light tomato sauce with stunning, tender risotti. If you are patient while they train the wait staff this place deserves, one visit to Lange costs 1/3 less than the more popular places in this area and you too will be saying Benissimo!

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