We recently stayed at the InterContinental Shanghai Hongqiao NECC and had a mixed experience.
The Positives:
The hotel lobby is impressive—spacious, modern, and welcoming. The standout feature for our family was the pool, which was clean and well-maintained. The buffet breakfast was another highlight: vast in variety, fresh, and truly exceptional in both quality and quantity. It's one of the best we've experienced in terms of sheer range.
The Negatives:
Unfortunately, the rooms didn’t meet the same standard. There was a strong, stale smell of cigarette smoke in the room that lingered throughout our stay, which made it quite unpleasant. The cleanliness was underwhelming, with visible hair and mold in the bathroom, which shouldn’t be the case at a hotel of this caliber. The double beds were surprisingly small—definitely something to consider if you're traveling with family or expect more spacious accommodations.
Other Considerations:
The location is a significant drawback if you're planning to explore central Shanghai. It took us over 40 minutes to reach the city, and the area around the hotel feels quite remote unless you're attending an event at the NECC. During our stay, we noticed that there were no other Western guests, which wasn’t a problem but did feel a bit isolating at times depending on your expectations for international clientele and service standards.
Overall:
This hotel may suit business travellers attending events at the nearby Exhibition and Convention Center.
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