Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao

Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao, you immediately sense this isn’t your typical business hotel — there’s something more polished about the whole operation. The five-star property sits confidently on Xiehe Road in Changning District, and honestly, the lobby alone tells you they’ve invested serious thought into creating a luxury experience that doesn’t feel stuffy or pretentious. I mean, you get that sleek international hotel vibe, but with enough warmth that you actually want to linger in the common areas rather than just rush through them.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s what I love about this spot — you’re genuinely well-positioned without being stuck in the chaos of central Shanghai. Changning District gives you that sweet spot where you can access the city’s energy but still retreat somewhere that feels manageable. The couples who stay here clearly get it (they rate the location 8.7, which is pretty telling), and I think it’s because you’re close enough to Hongqiao’s business hub and transport links without feeling like you’re camping out at the airport. You know what’s nice? There’s actual neighborhood life around here, not just endless office towers.

The Room Experience

The rooms deliver on that luxury promise without going overboard — clean lines, quality materials, and everything actually works the way it should. What struck me most was the attention to details that matter when you’re traveling: proper lighting for reading, enough outlets where you need them, and a bathroom that feels spacious rather than cramped. The beds are genuinely comfortable (not just hotel-marketing comfortable), and the soundproofing is solid enough that Shanghai’s constant hum stays where it belongs — outside your window.

Breakfast & Dining

The buffet breakfast here is honestly one of the better hotel spreads I’ve encountered in Shanghai. They’ve managed to balance international options with local favorites, and — this might sound small, but it matters — the coffee is actually good. I’ve stayed at plenty of five-star places where the breakfast feels like an afterthought, but Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao clearly puts effort into this part of your day. The dining area gets busy during peak hours, but there’s enough space that it doesn’t feel like you’re fighting for a table.

Why Guests Love It

There’s something to be said for a hotel that earns repeat customers, and this place clearly does that better than most properties in the area. I think it comes down to consistency — you know what you’re getting, and it’s reliably good rather than occasionally spectacular and sometimes disappointing. The free parking is a genuine bonus if you’re driving (not always a given in Shanghai), and the overall service feels professional without being overly formal. It’s the kind of place where business travelers feel taken care of, but couples also find it romantic enough for a city break — that balance isn’t easy to achieve.

The concierge service in Shanghai arranges private Bund yacht charters, behind-closed-doors tea ceremonies, and Art Deco rooftop suppers.

Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao Accommodations

Reviews of Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao

• Karim from Jordan – 30 May 2025 (9/10)

  Very good hotel and very good place gratefull
  
  What could be improved: Place very good

• Chua from Malaysia – 27 May 2025 (9/10)

  Clean, location near to NECC for event, next door is Ikea and the new shopping mall Livat, Metro is in the mall.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast choice could be better for vegan with a little bit of effort, eg the soyabean milk is too watery.

• Priyanath from Australia – 27 May 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: wifi is no good at all

• Yan from New Zealand – 22 April 2025 (7/10)

  Good location with a newly opened mall nearby. Room is spacious. Enjoyed the robot delivery for food orders
  
  What could be improved: check-in was delayed—arrived after 1 PM but still waited 30 minutes for the room. The front desk promised an upgrade to executive level, but it didn’t happen. The cleaning team was way too loud every morning after 8am, really hard to sleep for someone with the time difference and had to sleep in.

• May from Canada – 14 April 2025 (9/10)

  The room size was good. They did give me a room close to the lift lobby per my request. Staff were, in general, very helpful and friendly.

• May from Canada – 14 April 2025 (9/10)

  The room was spacious, and the buffet breakfast had a good variety of food. Cleaning staff was very attentive as she found the novel I left in the room's toilet.
  
  What could be improved: I was assigned to a room far from the lift lobby, though I requested one nearer to the elevators. The hotel is not very convenient for shopping.

• Al from Oman – 19 February 2025 (9/10)

  The location
  
  What could be improved: Wifi

• Yan from New Zealand – 6 January 2025 (9/10)

  Great location for shopping eating and taking the subway. Food delivery is done by the robot which is quite convenient. The room is spacious with a seperate living room and bedroom.
  
  What could be improved: None

• Yan from New Zealand – 6 January 2025 (8/10)

  Great location with new shopping centre next door. Plenty of good restaurants within walking distance.
  
  What could be improved: The cleaning team started working around 730 everyday, I can hear them talking loudly due to the poor sound proof.

• Abderrahman from Australia – 16 September 2024 (9/10)

  all good smooth and easy See previous answers
  
  What could be improved: Value for money

Surroundings

Facilities