Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Gubei by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Gubei by IHG Overview

First Impressions

Pulling up to Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Gubei by IHG on Honggu Road, you get this immediate sense that you’ve landed somewhere that actually makes sense for exploring Shanghai — not just a room to crash in. The lobby is clean, modern, and unpretentious, which honestly sets the tone for the whole stay. It’s a three-star property, but it punches above its weight in a way that catches you off guard. Staff are genuinely helpful, not just going through the motions.

Location & Neighborhood

Gubei is one of those neighborhoods that doesn’t always make the tourist brochures, but locals know it well — it’s a well-heeled residential and commercial area in the Changning District with a noticeably international feel. You’re not fighting through the chaos of the Bund crowds here, which is kind of a relief after a long travel day. Couples especially seem to appreciate this — the area has a relaxed, walkable vibe with decent restaurants and cafes nearby. Getting into central Shanghai is straightforward, and honestly the breathing room you get by staying slightly off the main tourist drag is worth it.

The Room

Rooms are what you’d expect from an Express property — practical, well-maintained, and comfortable without overcomplicating things. The beds are solid, the air conditioning actually works properly (a bigger deal than it sounds in a Shanghai summer), and there’s enough space to spread out without feeling cramped. I mean, you’re not going to be wowed by the decor, but everything you need is there and it’s all in good shape. It’s the kind of room where you sleep well and wake up ready to go.

Breakfast

The breakfast buffet here is genuinely one of the better ones you’ll find at this price point in Shanghai. There’s a solid spread covering continental, American, and Asian options — so whether you want congee and dim sum or eggs and toast, you’re covered. It’s a nice touch that they’ve leaned into the local flavors rather than just defaulting to a generic Western spread. You’ll leave full, which sounds obvious but isn’t always guaranteed at three-star hotels.

Why Guests Love It

Free parking is one of those practical details that doesn’t sound glamorous but genuinely matters if you’re renting a car or being picked up — it’s not a given in Shanghai, so it’s worth flagging. The hotel has an 8.5 guest rating overall, and you can feel why when you’re actually there — it’s the consistency that gets you. Nothing is broken, nothing is confusing, and the staff seem to actually care whether your stay goes well. For couples or solo travelers who want a reliable, well-located base in Shanghai without paying central-district prices, this place hits the mark in a way that’s hard to argue with.

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Gubei by IHG Accommodations

Reviews of Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Gubei by IHG

• Mir from Bangladesh – 15 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good location & good service

• Shahar from Israel – 13 May 2025 (9/10)

  Nice and clean room, great and helpful staff. Location is awesome, few minutes walk to Shuicheng road metro station line 10. Will definetly come again!

• Rozana from Malaysia – 21 April 2025 (9/10)

  The heated bidet toilet and the hospitability. Front counter is very helpful. Breakfast is goog

• Elżbieta from Poland – 16 April 2025 (9/10)

  Friendly and helpful staff, comfortable room, tasty breakfast

• Tram from Vietnam – 21 March 2025 (8/10)

  Good breakfast and a good place to go anywhere in the city, near subway line
  
  What could be improved: I can not use wifi, it's so weak

• Muhammad from United Arab Emirates – 12 March 2025 (9/10)

  Very is just wonderful

• Mei from Spain – 6 March 2025 (8/10)

  Breakfast ok, many local restaurants nearby, staff very nice, near MTR, will be back next time
  
  What could be improved: No refrigerator in room

• David from Argentina – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

  Its very good located. Has all the stores you nead around. Close to subway, fruit, drinks, my sinagogue.
  Its modern, clean, has an excellent loundry service. Small place so every worker knows you and understand your needs. Karol speaks English clearly wich is not easy to found in China .
  
  What could be improved: Should have small frigobar and not having window to the street makes feel some close. But it related to the neighborhood wich is city center

• Per from Sweden – 22 January 2025 (9/10)

  You get a lot for your money.
  Nice bed and bedding, high-tech heated toilet, well-functioning stable heating system and wifi, room nicely cleaned, helpful hotel reception where some can speak english, they can get someone english speaking if needed.
  Very convenient with breakfast included, some western some chinese things.
  Nice location near Hongqiao airport and train station.
  A 7-8 minute walk to the metro station – ShuiCheng road – line 10.
  
  What could be improved: I am very satisfied, but there is always room for improvement.
  As a westerner, I would appreciate a slice of cheese and some kind of bread other than toast for breakfast.
  Missing toilet brush.
  A small fridge in the room would make me willing to pay a little more.

• Xiaoguang from United States – 21 January 2025 (9/10)

  Convenience location, short walk from subway station. Have a lot of different styles restaurants near by. Delicious breakfast and friendly staff. Very clean room with high quality furnitures.

Surroundings

Facilities