KKothaPros:
Amazing location close to Shajiabang.
Serene and calming environment.
Very fashionable facilities that are spotless.
Very good food.
The takeout robots are awesome and when they are over-capacity, the front desk brings you the food
Friendly and attentive staff
The fancy hairdryer and the warmed toilet seat was amazing.
Shower pressure was impeccable (but you take these things for granted at 4 star hotels...)
TV software is very good, and you can easily stream stuff
Cons:
No English Signs / No communication with staff. Translation app helps a bit , but there were some misunderstandings and a difficulty to find the hotel lobby as there was no clear signage. Very good intentions though from staff, and you can't expect everyone to speak English. But having at least one person speaking English, as well as having billingual signs everywhere are important to ensuring that foreign guests feel more comfortable without having to always reach for their phone
Different understanding of privacy: the housekeeping always knocked despite having Do Not Disturb on. I had to be mindful of them, which kinda stressed me.
2nd floor lake view feels exposed. My room was facing a public walking path into the reserve, and although not much traffic was happening, people could see me. Ideally the windows can be tinted to prevent this.
Wifi is slow and not able to meet needs. Limited at around 10 MBPS (without vpn) and always buffered, but was good for basic stuff
Bad soundproofing. You can hear what is happening in your neighbors
Constant alarm sound from the door latch. If you open your door while having it on, it makes a very loud alarm sound that is good because it deters crime, but it's annoying to hear it on accident while other people have the same issue. at lots of times
Weird floor plans. at 2nd floor where the rooms are, you can get lost very easily. same at first floor which I accidentally went into the restaurant.
Smell of smoke coming when AC is off from other rooms. perhaps more smoke detectors can be placed to deter this while fining violators, as well as isolating the AC system per room a bit more...
BBritinChinaI traveled to participate in the triathlon and stayed at a hotel that was ideally located next to the lake. The check-in process was smooth, and the front desk staff were friendly and welcoming.
However, my experience with the restaurant staff was frustrating. On the first day, I arrived for lunch and was refused service because they claimed it was ”too late”—yet they proceeded to seat and serve other customers who arrived after me. The following morning at breakfast, the staff approached me multiple times to remind me of the 10 AM cutoff, even though they didn’t give the same reminders to other guests.
I’m unsure whether this was due to me being a Westerner or because my Mandarin isn’t fluent, but both dining experiences left me feeling singled out and disappointed.
Ssamuel eelReception was extremely helpful. Super on point assistance and I can say i am well taken care of. The location is impressive and a lot of great effort is put to the place to make it nice.
Breakfast choice was a bit limited since they made the sets accordingly. But it was decent. Room is amazing, clean and neat. Location is near to the tourist area around too. All within range about 1km ish. Was a good walk and safe at night too.