The location: Centre of Shanghai’s business district of Pudong, a short taxi ride from the high-speed Shanghai Maglev train station which links with Pudong Inter-national Airport. The hotel is across the river from Shanghai itself, home to the legendary Bund and the city's famous shopping district, Nanjing Road.
The check-in: I'd recommend the hotel’s private airport transfer service as taxi drivers do not speak English. I was checked in by a personal butler in the privacy of my own room, as all guests are. Any special requirements can be emailed to the butler in advance of arrival. It's the only hotel in Shanghai to offer every guest complimentary, 24-hour butler service.
The room: Elegant and spacious with an oversized desk and expansive ensuite bathroom with shower and bath. There was also a minibar, television, broadband internet access, safe and tea and coffee-making facilties. There's no need for an ironing board as round-the-clock butler will deal with all laundry requirements – I had two garments pressed free of charge on arrival. My room was located on one of three ladies-only floors.
The business: I had access to the Executive Lounge for complimentary refreshments throughout the day, and there was wifi access throughout the hotel. There was a well equipped, 24-hour Business Centre, plus ten meeting rooms for groups of ten to 400 people.
The restaurant: Breakfast buffet-style was served behind the lobby, while lunch, brunch and dinner can be enjoyed in rooftop Danieli’s Italian restaurant – great views and great cuisine.
The facilities: There's a hair salon, indoor swimming pool, fitness room, spa and small shop with not-so-small prices.
The CHECKOUT: Smooth and swift.
The verdict: A top quality business hotel with superb amenities and a good location in Pudong – not so good for those working in Shanghai itself due to traffic congestion between the two centres. In a country that is struggling to learn English as fast as it can, staff at The Regis were savvy to guests’ needs and keen to help. I failed to occupy my butler 24 hours a day though!
The details: 889 Dong Fan Road, Pudong, Shanghai 200122, China. Tel: (86 21) 5050 4567; see www.stregis.com/shanghai Jo Austin
