Review: Grand Hyatt Shanghai

Review: Grand Hyatt Shanghai

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In this case we just had a quick layover in Shanghai, as we were landing at around 5:30PM, and leaving the following day at 2:05PM. Realistically we knew we’d spend most of our time working during the layover, so would have stayed near the airport if there was a decent hotel. However, despite how big Shanghai Pudong Airport is, they don’t really have any good airport hotels.

With that in mind we decided to stay in the city. Matthew needed Hyatt stay credits, but left it to me to decide which Hyatt property to stay at. Well, I recently reviewed the Andaz Shanghai, and before that reviewed the Park Hyatt Shanghai, so I figured the Grand Hyatt Shanghai was the best option.

My rate at the Grand Hyatt was 1,400CNY (~210USD).

This is a Category 4 property, so I could have booked this stay for 15,000 Gold Passport points, or otherwise 650CNY (~100USD) plus 7,500 points per person. Based on my valuation of 1.5 cents per Gold Passport point, paying cash seemed like the best value.

Grand-Hyatt-Shanghai-Rate

We took the Maglev from Shanghai Pudong Airport into the city, and then from there took a taxi to the hotel, which took a further 15 minutes. That whole transfer took a bit over an hour, partly because we had to wait 30 minutes for the Maglev (we had just missed the previous one).

The Grand Hyatt is located inside Jin Mao Tower, which is really tall.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai exterior

It’s right across from the Shanghai World Financial Center, where the Park Hyatt is located, which used to be the highest hotel in the world.

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Park Hyatt Shanghai exterior

I don’t generally love this part of town, as I’d much rather be at the Andaz in Xintiandi, as there’s more to do in the immediate area. However, in this case we were just looking for a comfortable place for a quick overnight.

Upon arriving at the hotel, the bellmen immediately offered to help with our bags, though we were traveling light, so declined their offer.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai exterior

The hotel had a small reception area and concierge desk on the first floor, and once there we were directed up to the 54th floor, where the “real” lobby was located.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai ground floor lobby

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai elevators

The hotel only starts on the 54th floor, where the gorgeous lobby is. It has amazing views of the river and surrounding area, assuming the weather is cooperating.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai 54th floor lobby

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai 54th floor lobby

There was also lots of seating in the lobby area.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai 54th floor lobby

The check-in process was very poorly organized. The problem was that the hallway with reception was fairly narrow, so there was no official queue. Add in the fact that this is China (where “queuing” isn’t really in the dictionary), and we had to be pushy in order to check-in. There was also a Diamond line, though nothing was done to enforce its use.

So I had to wait about 10 minutes before I was helped, though once that happened I thought the service was great. The associate informed me I had access to the Grand Club, and presented me with a letter explaining the hours it was open, etc. Within a couple of minutes I had a key to my room on the 70th floor.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge information

On the way to my room I first went up a couple of levels to where the hotel’s incredibly impressive atrium begins. Isn’t this atrium amazing (especially when you consider that it only starts on the 56th floor)?

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai atrium

There was a lobby bar on the 56th floor, though we didn’t have a chance to use it.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai atrium bar

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai atrium bar

The only thing more impressive than the atrium view from the bottom floor was the atrium view from the top floor. Yow!

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai atrium

Even though the hotel has 500+ rooms, elevators always arrived quickly, largely thanks to the fact that there were six elevators.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai elevators

As stated above, my room was on the 70th floor, a bit more than halfway up the hotel.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai atrium

All the rooms were lined along the atrium.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room entrance

I was assigned room 7002.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room entrance

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai floorplan

The room featured an entryway with a closet on the right side, followed by the minibar.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room entryway

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room entryway

The minibar wasn’t especially well stocked, not that most people are lining up to buy $12 bottles of water. 😉

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room minibar

There was also a Nespresso machine and a tea kettle.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room Nespresso machine

The room itself was beautiful and spacious.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room

It featured a comfortable king size bed.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room

The bed faced a flat screen TV, located on a console on the opposite side of the room.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room

In the far corner of the room was a comfortable chair with an ottoman.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room seat with ottoman

On the table next to the chair was a welcome letter and some fresh fruit.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai welcome fruit

Across from that was a glass desk with both an office chair and a regular chair. I thought the design was good, since the table could double as an office and also a dining table, if need be.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room desk

The desk also had conveniently located international plugs, which I always appreciate.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room desk outlets

While slightly obstructed by the Shanghai Tower, the room featured incredible views of the river and surrounding area.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room view

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room view

The bathroom was separated from the rest of the room by a sliding door.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room bathroom

The bathroom featured a glass sink, soaking tub, and walk-in shower.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room bathroom

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room bathtub

The hotel had a carwash-style shower, where you could be soaked from all angles, which I love.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room walk-in shower

Toiletries were June Jacobs, as I’ve come to expect from most Hyatts.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room June Jacobs toiletries

Then the toilet was in a partitioned off room.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai king room toilet

Overall I thought the room was spacious and well appointed, though it did feel just a few years past its prime (which isn’t really evident based on the pictures, now that I look back at them, but I promise it felt that way). Wifi was usable, though certainly not high speed. As is the case at many western hotels in China, no VPN was required to access most sites (but here’s my advice if you do need a VPN).

The Grand Club was located on the 83rd floor, and consisted of a couple of different rooms. There was one room in the back with several tables.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge

Then closer to the self serve food area were more tables, along with a couple of couches.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge

Then past the self serve area was even more seating.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge

The lounge was large, though there were also a lot of Grand Club guests (presumably mostly Diamond members), so it did get quite busy.

The Grand Club also has stunning, unobstructed views of the city.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge view

The food spread at the Grand Club was extremely impressive. Drinks and snacks were available in the evening from 5PM until 8PM (kudos to them for offering this for three hours, while many other hotels just offer it for two hours).

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge buffet area

The spread consisted of salad, cold cuts, cheese, fresh veggies, sushi, crab legs, soup, dim sum, etc.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening food selection

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening food selection

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening food selection

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening food selection

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening food selection

Then there were a couple of hot dishes, consisting of beef and rice.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening food selection

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening food selection

There was even a pasta station, where a chef prepared custom made pasta dishes.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening pasta station

There was also an impressive dessert selection, consisting of fresh fruit and a nice variety of sweets, including cake, panna cotta, etc.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge evening food selection

The staff in the lounge were extremely attentive, and were constantly roaming to offer drinks. They had beer, wine, fresh juice, Nespresso drinks, etc. The water selection even consisted of San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge drinks

While the drink selection was otherwise impressive, I wasn’t as impressed by them offering Beefeater gin.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge drinks

I did love the Nespresso machine they had, though, given that I was jetlagged and trying to get work done, so that helped fuel me for a few extra hours.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge Nespresso machine

I wasn’t especially hungry in the evening, though did have one of the pasta dishes prepared by the chef, which was great.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai club lounge pasta

Breakfast was served from 6:30AM until 10:30AM, and was also a very good spread. There was a selection of fresh fruit, congee, cereal, dim sum, salad, cold cuts, cheese, pastries, croissants, etc.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai executive lounge breakfast

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai executive lounge breakfast

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai executive lounge breakfast

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai executive lounge breakfast

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai executive lounge breakfast

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai executive lounge breakfast

Then there was a chef who made custom made omelets.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai executive lounge breakfast omelet station

Overall I thought the Grand Club spread was very impressive, easily one of the best I’ve seen.

While I didn’t have a chance to use it, the hotel also has a spa on the 56th floor, where the gym and pool are located. The locker room was pretty cool, as even it had views.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai locker room

There was a whirlpool, in addition to a pool.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai whirlpool

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai pool

Then there was a gym. I apologize for the lack of quality pictures of it, as it was quite full.

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Grand Hyatt Shanghai gym

With our flight the following day at 2PM, we took a taxi from the hotel to the airport at around 10:30AM, which took just under an hour.

Grand Hyatt Shanghai bottom line

I already thought Hyatt’s hotel game in Shanghai was strong, and felt that way even more after this stay. The Grand Hyatt Shanghai is gorgeous, with a huge, stunning atrium, and great views. The Grand Club was one of the best I’ve seen (perhaps after Hong Kong, which remains the best in the world).

I’m not sure which Hyatt hotel I prefer in Shanghai:

  • I love the location of the Andaz, and the design in general
  • The Park Hyatt is stunning, and what’s not to love about Park Hyatts?
  • The Grand Hyatt has an awesome club lounge and is a bit cheaper than the Park Hyatt

All three are fantastic properties, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return to any of them.

Do you have a favorite Hyatt property in Shanghai?

Conversations (20)
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  1. Marc Guest

    First time in Shanghai and only have one night. Debating between a free credit card annual award night at the Andaz or Hyatt on the Bund or using points at the Park Hyatt. Thoughts?

  2. Lance Guest

    Loved this place. Fun fact: it was also the inspiration for a level of a Splinter Cell game- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e4D1gyFeaYQ

  3. MT20 Guest

    That floor plan picture makes me sad - it reminds me why Hyatt is still sub-par for elites looking for a larger room. As a Diamond member you got one of the smallest rooms on the floor. With over 500 rooms at the GH Shanghai, certainly they can find you a bigger room than that with a similar or better view?! Nope, not with Hyatt. They consistently withhold upgraded larger rooms from elites. After multiple...

    That floor plan picture makes me sad - it reminds me why Hyatt is still sub-par for elites looking for a larger room. As a Diamond member you got one of the smallest rooms on the floor. With over 500 rooms at the GH Shanghai, certainly they can find you a bigger room than that with a similar or better view?! Nope, not with Hyatt. They consistently withhold upgraded larger rooms from elites. After multiple years as a Diamond with no upgrades, I went to SPG and became Ambassador Plat and got upgrades nearly every week at different properties. I even got more upgrades as a Marriott Plat than as a Hyatt Diamond. And don't get me started about the DSUs...they are very difficult to use at any of the vacation properties nowadays.

  4. David Ridley Guest

    Shame you didn't get to cover the Cloud 9 bar on the 87th floor. Amazing views of the city and reminds me a lot of the New York bar in the Tokyo Park Hyatt. Definitely worth a visit!

  5. MB Member

    Very nice review/pics. I probably should have stayed here back in May rather than Shanghai Peninsula. My 2 night stay there was very disappointing. I'll keep this mind for next time, thx

  6. David New Member

    @lucky - does the decor remind you a little of the Park Hyatt Melbourne?? That wood and bathroom has got to be related?

  7. 2PAXFLY Member

    Lucky, Have you ever stayed at Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai?
    Honestly, one of the best stays I have ever had at a Hyatt property. We visited twice a few years ago, once in a standard room, and then 3 weeks later in a suite (the stored half a dozen bottles of wine, a Qantas flight attendant had gifted us). Views over the river, and Pudong, outstanding, and the suite was amazing. It's also on the Bund, so close to everything. Highly recommend.

  8. VX_Flier Guest

    Wait. THAT GH in Shanghai was a Hyatt Cat4 hotel???

    That GH looked fantastic for the price and category. I've only stayed at the GH SFO, and it was nothing close to the GH Shanghai.

    I've just visited the HR Waikiki, which is a Cat5 Hyatt. And it pales in comparison.

    The North American Hyatts really need to step up their game when compared to the Asian properties.

  9. Greg Guest

    In August of 2005, 11 years ago, I stayed at a suite at this property for several days. We were located a floor above or below the nightclub (on the top floor) or the lounge, I can't recall...but 83rd floor comes to mind.

    Everything was amazing and we had a number of our meals in the Lounge.

    On the last day, a typhoon moved in and we were stuck in a swaying hotel as ferocious...

    In August of 2005, 11 years ago, I stayed at a suite at this property for several days. We were located a floor above or below the nightclub (on the top floor) or the lounge, I can't recall...but 83rd floor comes to mind.

    Everything was amazing and we had a number of our meals in the Lounge.

    On the last day, a typhoon moved in and we were stuck in a swaying hotel as ferocious winds and heavy rains literally buffeted the hotel to and fro. Airports were closed. There was nothing to do but wait it out which took 2-3 days as I recall. I was therefore sorry to read the assessment that the hotel was in need of renovation.

  10. lwkatya New Member

    I have stayed at the GH, Andaz, and HotB, my favorite is Hyatt on the Bund. Incredible views, even from a non-suite room, and a fantastic Club lounge (better than GH imho). My least favorite would be the Andaz, love the location but there is no lounge and service in the restaurant was poor.

    From this review seems the GH has really improved the Club lounge. When I stayed there a couple of years ago the food selection was quite minimal.

  11. Tadd Lazarus Guest

    Ben--What gin do you like/approve of?

  12. rick Guest

    The view you get form the suite @ hyatt on the bund is unbeatable, you have to try it next time you are there !

  13. Bill Guest

    I have stayed at all those Hyatt brand name hotels in Shanghai and in my humble opinion the grand Hyatt is the best. A few months later I will try a brand new Hyatt regency wujiaochang in Shanghai for two nights to test the water.
    I also love Hyatt regency in nearby souzhou city and its suite is stunning.

    Another Hyatt location to check out is Hyatt regency in chongmin, a Shanghai satellite town. One thing to stop me from going there is transportation .

  14. MFK Guest

    I stayed at the Hyatt on the Bund a couple years ago and really loved it. It's cheaper than the other Hyatt hotels, but still quite nice, and very well situated at the north end of the Bund. Views from the rooftop bar are particularly spectacular. I need to get back to Shanghai :)

  15. leol Guest

    Maybe try Hyatt on the Bund next time?

  16. R B Guest

    When I visited Shanghai, I stayed at the Park Hyatt and really enjoyed it.
    However, based on your review, I would not mind trying the Grand Hyatt.
    Great article & pics.

  17. Andrew Guest

    "Jim Mao tower" I like it! A lil American twist haha

    1. lucky OMAAT

      @ Andrew -- LOL, oops! Fixed.

  18. Peter s Guest

    Crab legs in a lounge. Omg. If I was there, I would have eat lot of them.

  19. Astor Guest

    The bund view suite at Hyatt on the Bund. Fantastic view. Hyatt on the Bund is actually a Grand Hyatt hotel though the name suggests otherwise

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Marc Guest

First time in Shanghai and only have one night. Debating between a free credit card annual award night at the Andaz or Hyatt on the Bund or using points at the Park Hyatt. Thoughts?

0
Lance Guest

Loved this place. Fun fact: it was also the inspiration for a level of a Splinter Cell game- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e4D1gyFeaYQ

0
MT20 Guest

That floor plan picture makes me sad - it reminds me why Hyatt is still sub-par for elites looking for a larger room. As a Diamond member you got one of the smallest rooms on the floor. With over 500 rooms at the GH Shanghai, certainly they can find you a bigger room than that with a similar or better view?! Nope, not with Hyatt. They consistently withhold upgraded larger rooms from elites. After multiple years as a Diamond with no upgrades, I went to SPG and became Ambassador Plat and got upgrades nearly every week at different properties. I even got more upgrades as a Marriott Plat than as a Hyatt Diamond. And don't get me started about the DSUs...they are very difficult to use at any of the vacation properties nowadays.

0
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