Harbour Plaza Metropolitan Shanghai

Harbour Plaza Metropolitan Shanghai Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Harbour Plaza Metropolitan Shanghai, you immediately get that polished business hotel vibe — marble floors, crisp lighting, and staff who actually seem to know what they’re doing. It’s one of those four-star places that doesn’t try too hard to impress but just quietly delivers on the basics really well. The lobby has this understated elegance that feels refreshingly calm after navigating Shanghai‘s bustling streets.

Location & Getting Around

Here’s what I love about the Putuo District location — you’re not stuck in the tourist bubble, but you’re not stranded either. The hotel sits on Liquan Road, which honestly took me a minute to find the first time, but once you know where it is, everything clicks into place. You’ve got decent metro connections nearby, and I mean, couples seem to really dig this spot (they rate it 8.4, which makes sense when you’re not fighting crowds every time you step outside). It’s that sweet spot where you feel like you’re experiencing real Shanghai without sacrificing convenience.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was exactly what you’d expect from a solid four-star — clean lines, comfortable bed, and a bathroom that actually has decent water pressure. Nothing groundbreaking, but everything works the way it should. The windows are large enough to give you a proper view of the neighborhood, and there’s something satisfying about watching the city wake up from your window while sipping coffee. The air conditioning is reliable too, which honestly matters more than fancy amenities when Shanghai’s humidity hits.

Breakfast & Practical Perks

The buffet breakfast is actually pretty decent — they’ve got both Western and Chinese options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. I particularly appreciated that they keep the coffee hot and the fruit fresh, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many places mess this up. What really sold me though was the parking situation — having a spot available at the hotel is genuinely helpful if you’re dealing with rental cars or taxis with lots of luggage. It’s one of those details that makes your stay smoother without you really thinking about it.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t the flashiest hotel in Shanghai, but that’s sort of the point. Recent guests consistently rate the location highly (8.6), and after staying here, I get why. You’re positioned well for both business and leisure without paying premium prices for being right in the thick of everything. The staff genuinely seems to care about getting things right, and there’s something to be said for a place that just works without drama. It’s the kind of hotel where you can focus on why you came to Shanghai instead of dealing with accommodation headaches.

Harbour Plaza Metropolitan Shanghai Accommodations

Reviews of Harbour Plaza Metropolitan Shanghai

• Ilaria from United Kingdom – 30 April 2025 (8/10)

  Conveniently situated close to malls and restaurants. I would definitely stay here again. The subway close by. I absolutely loved my stay. Shame I had to return home!!!

• Jia from Australia – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  Very welcoming and professional concierge and reception. Room is clean and got everything we need. Perfect housekeeping everyday with clean towel and linen.
  
  What could be improved: The toilet shower is narrow and no proper place to stand but on a bathtub, water pressure for shower is low.

• Hazel from United Kingdom – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

  Really close to metro station which can directly take you to a few attractions locations. There’s a big mall across the road with amazing food choices too! Would recommend!

• Allyson from United Kingdom – 10 November 2024 (9/10)

  Gym, breakfast with reasonable choices. Staff are very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: TV on the side, difficult to watch while on bed.

• Joshua from United Kingdom – 23 October 2024 (7/10)

  Nice, clean, high up floors so you can see a lot and the hotel seems very new and modern. Didn’t have the breakfast as I wanted to explore China for authenticity
  
  What could be improved: Staff weren’t easy to deal with, very cutthroat attitude but I do honestly believe it’s the culture, I’m quite likeable and pleasant to speak with in any environment (life of sales) however I think learning the language would have been a better experience (next personal objective)

• Elizaveta from Russia – 30 August 2024 (9/10)

  Friendly stuff
  The location
  Price is affordable
  
  What could be improved: Problems with air conditioning ( hydration)

• Bettina from Germany – 1 May 2024 (9/10)

  The location is nearby a Metro Station (Intersection Zhenru), which was great. The hotel offers a huge and tasty variety of Chinese and Continental food for Breakfast.
  The staff was always very helpful and friendly.
  Unfortunately the pool was still unser construction, of what I was Not informed in advance. They appologized immediately.
  
  What could be improved: The Sound of the elevators when they Stop is a bit too loud and we could hear it every time in our room as it was nearby them. You had to wait a certain time to get an Elevator while breakfast rush-hour.to get one.

• Emir from Turkey – 30 December 2023 (8/10)

  The staff was really polite and helpful, the room conditions were very good. The metro station is just 3 mins away by walk. I like it.

• Soo from Malaysia – 18 November 2023 (9/10)

  The hotel staff are very helpful and friendly. The rooms are clean and we were given two rooms opposite of each other. Robot was used to send us towels. We were amazed.
  
  What could be improved: There isn’t restaurant in the evening inside the hotel. After 9pm there is no one restaurant nearby that operates. But the hotel staff took us to a noodle stall nearby (only the locals know) for a simple meal. The room size is quite small. It can hardly fit two large suitcase.

• Txvx from United Kingdom – 24 October 2023 (9/10)

  It was a really good choice to book this hotel.
  Reached the hotel from the airport and it was really easy, Line 2 and changed to Line 11 (it is less walking than Line 14). Use exit 1 (use the escalator then right and right again when you see the Family Mart – if you walk through the empty mall you have to climb a spiral stairwell). It took about 1.5 hour
  Staff in the hotel are friendly and speak good English.
  My room was at the 29th floor, big enough, lots of storage space, one fridge, good bed/mattress, and faced the sunset.
  Had a full "hotel" laundry bag (wash & fold) for 39YEN
  Good size of gym
  
  What could be improved: Please change the fake plants in front of the hotel.
  I did not mind but it is good to know:
  – hot water takes a bit of time to reach higher floor – just keep the tap open
  -swimming pool is closed
  -cleaning of room isn't bad but can be improved
  -I think the size of bed/ mattress is short than the usual 190cm

Surroundings

Facilities