InterContinental Shanghai Hongqiao NECC by IHG

Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC)—the largest single-building exhibition complex in the world—sits at the heart of Hongqiao’s commercial ecosystem. Flanked by the Hongqiao Transportation Hub and surrounding CBD, the NECC draws countless business travelers, and nestled at the southwest wing of its iconic clover-shaped layout is the InterContinental Shanghai Hongqiao NECC Hotel—IHG’s flagship for exhibition hospitality. Having stayed here 12 times over the years as an IHG Diamond Ambassador, this hotel has been my trusted choice for its proximity to both NECC events and Hongqiao Airport. I’ve seen this property through its highs and lows—from struggling periods with declining service in 2023 to an impressive rebound in early 2025. My most recent visit on July 22–23 reminded me why this property continues to earn my loyalty. Pre-Arrival & Booking Experience: I was undecided on which IHG property to book near Hongqiao Terminal 2. With new options like the Voco & Even dual-branded complex and the Crowne Plaza nearby, competition has grown. Ultimately, the InterContinental NECC won out when pricing dropped to a competitive ¥867 ($120 USD)—reasonable given a major event that inflated occupancy. In classic last-minute fashion, I booked just one hour before arrival. Arrival & Suite Experience: I informed Front Office Manager Tim Zou—who had overseen a previous stay—that I’d be arriving soon. He swiftly arranged my complimentary upgrade to a 1 King Bedroom Suite. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the front office team, including the Front Office Manager Tim, his Assistant Front Office Manager, and Zoey, who made check-in seamless while the bell staff delivered my luggage. Suite Experience – 1 King Bedroom Suite (Room 1046) I was upgraded to Suite 1046, located conveniently near the elevators, offering 95 square meters (1,022 square feet) of well-designed space. The suite includes a separate bedroom, a spacious living/dining area, a large bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a powder room. Bedroom: The bedroom features a comfortable king-sized bed, bedside control panels, a desk, a daybed by the window, and a Bose Bluetooth speaker. The space is calming, with soft lighting and simple, modern decor. Bathroom: The master bathroom is clean and functional, with a dual vanity sink, a freestanding bathtub, a rainforest shower, and a Duravit smart toilet. Toiletries by Byredo Blanche add a luxury touch. Closet & Vanity Area: A walk-in closet connects to both the bedroom and bathroom, complete with a vanity desk, luggage rack, and plenty of storage—perfect for longer stays. Living Area: The living room includes a full-length sofa, a TV with Bose sound, a small dining table, and a minibar with a Nespresso machine and tea setup. It’s a comfortable area to relax or work. Powder Room: An additional guest powder room near the living space includes another smart toilet and sink, which is useful for visitors or shared stays. Details That Stood Out: Despite booking just an hour before arrival, the room was impressively clean. A welcome amenity of cheesecake, lychees, and grapes was waiting in the room, and turndown service was provided in the evening. Final Thought: The suite was spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped for both rest and productivity. While the furnishings are showing slight signs of age, the layout and service more than made up for it. A solid choice for business travelers or loyal IHG guests. Club InterContinental Lounge: Thanks to my IHG Milestone Reward, I had full access to the 10th-floor Club Lounge, also open to Royal Ambassadors and Executive Room guests. The lounge features a dining area, bar, private meeting room, and lounge seating with city views. Food service included a semi-buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, and a well-curated evening happy hour. While offerings were slightly leaner than my 2021 visits, quality remained high. Special thanks to Club Supervisor Ivy and Guest Services Officer Leen for their warm, personalized service throughout. Wellness Facilities: The fitness center, spa, and indoor pool on the 5th floor form a robust wellness offering. The pool, about 25 meters in length, is ideal for lap swimming, though clearer water quality would enhance the experience. Locker rooms are spacious, with plenty of showers and vanities. The gym features modern equipment, and the spa provides an array of treatments for relaxation and recovery. Dining Highlights: The hotel boasts three dining venues, a gastropub, and a refined lobby lounge: Five Live All Day Dining I dined here twice: once for lunch, where I enjoyed a great-value promo meal of Spaghetti Bolognese and a Coke for ¥95, and again for the international breakfast buffet. Highlights included an Indian dosa station and German specialties like meatloaf and Munich sausages—unique touches not often seen at hotel buffets. BRU Restaurant & Bar A relaxed gastropub with indoor/outdoor seating, BRU offers a laid-back evening atmosphere with a pool table, bar bites, and drink specials—a great place to unwind after NECC events. Cai Feng Lou This signature Chinese restaurant blends Cantonese roots with Shanghainese flair. I tried the ¥168 tasting menu recommended by Tim, crafted by Executive Chef Jerry Wu from Jiangmen, Guangdong. The multi-course meal included pork belly, braised belt fish, stir-fried spinach, and a delightful pandan custard—all served with elevated plating and hospitality. Meeting Chef Wu personally was a highlight, as we chatted about his culinary inspirations and the Cai Feng Lou brand’s success in Greater China. Lobby Lounge: The Lobby Lounge near reception is ideal for tea service, casual meetings, or redeeming IHG welcome drink vouchers. A dedicated Chinese tea area highlights premium leaf teas with live demonstrations. During the pandemic, it even served as the temporary Club Lounge—testament to the team’s adaptability. Check-Out & Reflections: As I checked out, Tim graciously saw me off, bringing my 12th visit to a satisfying close. Seeing the NECC fade beneath my flight path from Hongqiao Airport felt symbolic of the journey this property has taken—from past struggles to present-day resurgence. Conclusion: This stay was a turning point—a revival of the trust I once had in the InterContinental NECC. While the hotel would benefit from a full-scale renovation, it remains an outstanding IHG option for business and transit travelers near Hongqiao. With the leadership of GM Ferry Warnke and a revitalized team, the property is clearly moving in the right direction. Looking forward to my 13th stay—and many more to come.