Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai

…its been almost 3 weeks, still within the same month and yet our 5D4N memories in AHHRS, seems so long ago, looking back at photos and videos… We went back to Shanghai, as it was only a day trip, pre-covid, while staying in Hangzhou, and we wanted to see & do things better. Of course when on the mainland for more than a day or 2, we will always opt to stay in a service apartment property, for a legitimate ‘home away from home’ feeling. And if you’ve been following my previous reviews, dear readers, you will know that we’ve come to be very comfortable with the ASCOTT brand. Okay, maybe she needs a fix up here and there (although hardly anything needed fixing or touching up, in the apartment we were assigned). But standard of daily cleaning is high, the pressure is strong/temperature control stable, in regard to water. Adequate lighting in all rooms. The washer/dryer and kitchen appliances all worked fine during our stay. Breakfast is served on the 6/F (same outlet as the bar/lounge), semi-buffet, which is smart ie prevents food wastage vs a full on buffet. In the basement of the hotel/apartments are some F&B outlets, not part of ASCOTT, convenience store included. Next door, physically connected is an actual mall, like a lot of ASCOTT properties, with more shops snd restos. Getting around the city is easy as theres a metro station just across the road. We did that few times but probably used call/car service just as often..usually took us <1hr to arrive anywhere,including airport…this was one of the main reason to stay here ie the location…for reference, there are malls & high end shops in the vicinity, a metro station or 2 further away for ‘regular’ shops, restaurants, etc. And Mei Tuan affiliates have no problem finding the hotel, when we ordered evening meals to eat on a dining table, making use of crockeries & cutleries. We were so comfortable ‘living’ here, we even opted to just come ‘home’ those 2 days at Shanghai Disneyland vs checking in their hotels. I’m not saying AHHRS is perfect compared to a flashy/newer hotel brand. The negative reviews/bad experience of previous guests may have been isolated cases or unavoidable. But after several days & nights, I would definitely say that it is her standards of service, in various areas/departments, is what makes her 5 star. As such, let me take this opportunity to thank the staff we met, interacted with: -Nina Shen @check in, Frank, assisting w/check out arrangements, Johnson Hu/Andy/Fung/Ben Wu w/the lobby/luggage/security team -Alan/Lucy/Anna/Kim w/the breakfast crew @Highline -hotel drivers…i forgot the name of arrival driver, but it was Kevin Long @departure -Dan & Ethan @FO who helped with items left behind after check out, which I received in <48hrs, courier service -River Wang..’your assistance, involvement ∨ guidance to colleagues made everything go smooth’ …special shout out to Miki Wu @Ascott Raffles City Beijing, whom we stayed with last xmas 2023, for helping me get in touch with the right people in AHHRS, prior to arrival… ..again, thanks to all, for welcoming me & family, making us feel safe and comfortable while in Shanghai.