I stayed at the Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an the night before an early train from Shanghai to Yichang for a Yangtze River Cruise. This Holiday Inn is modern and comfortable, but what would lead me to stay there again was the convenient location.
Location
The Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an is located in one of Shanghai’s central districts. Jing’an blends historic streets, modern office towers, shopping areas, and strong transportation links. It is also, which was important to me, a short walk to Shanghai’s main train station.
Getting to the hotel by car was a bit of a trial for my Didi driver, who missed the hotel twice before finally getting me there. The streets nearby are congested and a little bit confusing.
But it was the best place to stay for someone with an early train out of the city. No subway, ride share, or bus was needed in the morning. I checked out and walked to the end of the block for my train.
Public Spaces
Public spaces at the Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an are clean and modern, and in my experience, always busy. The lobby is bright and well organized, but it felt a bit hectic. There were only small seating areas, and large groups seemed to be coming or going during much of my short stay.
Check-in was efficient and professional, with staff who were comfortable assisting international travelers. English-language support was solid, and the process moved smoothly even during busier periods.
Room Features
My room was comfortable, quiet, and well-suited to both rest and productivity. The desk was genuinely usable, with good lighting and accessible power outlets. Wi-Fi was stable and fast throughout my stay, which made it easy to manage work tasks and upload photos. The television offered a mix of international and local channels.
Despite the central location, sound insulation was effective. Once inside the room, the city noise faded quickly. Climate control worked quietly and reliably, keeping the room comfortable regardless of outside conditions. The room was decorated with neutral colors and a rather Spartan decor.
The bathroom was modern and practical, with good water pressure and sufficient counter space. Amenities were familiar and functional, reinforcing the sense of dependability.
Food and Dining
Dining at the Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an focuses on practicality and broad appeal. The main restaurant serves breakfast daily, with a mix of Chinese and Western options designed for an international audience.
Breakfast was well-managed. Hot dishes rotated regularly, and staples such as eggs, fruit, pastries, and coffee were consistently available. Service was efficient.
Facilities and Amenities
The fitness center on the 24th floor includes standard cardio machines, free weights, and a rather non-standard view. It was clean and well-maintained.
Meeting rooms and event facilities are a core part of the property, reflecting its appeal to business travelers.
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Get a Car Rental
- To get to facebook and other sites from China you will need a VPN.
I particularly appreciated the guest laundry facilities as I saw so few of them in my recent travels in China.
Things Nearby
The hotel website lists a lot of well-known sites as “nearby” that really aren’t. If you are looking for a hotel near tourist sites, then you would be better off at the Holiday Inn Nanjing Road.
The neighborhood is strong for dining. Walking a few blocks in almost any direction reveals local eateries, bakeries, cafes, and casual restaurants that cater primarily to residents.
Final Thoughts
My stay at the Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an reinforced the value of a hotel that understands its role. It offers comfort, functionality, and a strong location for train travelers. If you have an early morning train, you can beat a stay at the Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
