InterContinental Shanghai Expo by IHG

I was genuinely impressed by the InterContinental Shanghai Expo. Though the surrounding area still carries remnants of the Expo era — quieter and with less foot traffic than the more central parts of the city — the hotel itself is in excellent condition and has the bones of a luxury flagship. It’s nestled in a clean, upscale neighborhood that feels peaceful yet remains accessible by car to most major spots in Shanghai (about a 10–15 minute ride to the heart of the city). As a Diamond Ambassador member, I felt fully recognized and well taken care of from the moment I arrived. PENNY at the front desk warmly checked me in and graciously upgraded me to a one-bedroom suite with one of the most breathtaking views I’ve had in Shanghai — a sweeping, deep-perspective panorama of the river and skyline that I absolutely loved. It was exactly the kind of view I prefer when staying in the city. The suite was in great condition, with a small hiccup involving the Bose speaker system that was quickly resolved and replaced. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide variety of both Asian and Western options, well-curated and high quality. A real highlight of this property is the Club Lounge, which not only offers an elegant setting but also serves lunch and a strong happy hour dinner — something that easily topped my experience at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai lounge. I was able to make a full, satisfying meal out of both. Bonus : the lounge also has a great outside deck! The gym and sauna facilities are also standout — updated, clean, and very well-designed. The sauna features both wet and dry options, the locker rooms are spacious and truly 5-star, and the pool area is equally impressive. My only disappointment is that the SPA and massage services are no longer in operation — the space looks stunning and it’s a shame to see it unused, though I understand if occupancy no longer supports it. What sets this hotel apart is its service philosophy — it reminded me of a Six Senses or Park Hyatt style: attentive when needed but never intrusive. I appreciated the elite sense of privacy and calm throughout my stay. Lastly, despite what some outdated reviews may say, I found this property to be very foreigner-friendly. I had been debating between this, the main InterContinental in central Shanghai, and the Jing’an property — and I can confidently say I made the right choice. A refined, peaceful, and luxurious experience. Bravo.