Banyan Tree Hotels in Shanghai

I chose this hotel because it was recommended by Ctrip as the number one hotel for room views. I often stay at Banyan Tree hotels when I'm vacationing abroad. However, the Banyan Tree Shanghai was quite a disappointment. First, I'm not sure how it topped Ctrip's list. There are many hotels with better views at the same price point. The standard rooms here only offer a view of the river. If you're going for a deluxe room, there are definitely better hotels to choose from. I arrived at the hotel around 9 PM, and the ambient lighting was very dim, which gave a poor first impression. During check-in, it was the first time a five-star hotel tried to upsell me a room upgrade. It felt like I was at an all-season hotel being pushed to sign up for a membership card. I mentioned that it was my birthday the next day and asked if the hotel could provide some decorations. The response was that I'd need to inform the front desk again tomorrow for the decoration service. Why do I need to inform them twice? Most hotels offer concierge services nowadays, but Banyan Tree requires me to go to the front desk again the next day for decorations. This really shows a lack of service awareness. Ctrip automatically offers room upgrades, and since it was my birthday, I rarely encounter situations where an upgrade isn't given. When I asked why I couldn't be upgraded, they said there were no rooms available. However, I checked the room availability and saw there were. When I asked again, they replied it depends on the situation and couldn't be arranged at that moment. Upon reaching my room, I ordered takeout, only to find that it could only be delivered to the entrance. I then had to call the front desk to confirm my order before staff would bring it up, which was very inconvenient. After opening the window, the view was actually mediocre – half river view, half of the offices in the opposite securities building (clearly visible). It was a far cry from the advertised scenic views. I wanted to upgrade my room and asked a staff member to show me around. After the tour, I was told there were no rooms available. I went to the hotel pool and found it to be an underground children's pool, also selling ** fitness packages. The pool walls were old and moldy. I really wouldn't recommend it. On the positive side: The staff member who showed me the upgraded room, the restaurant staff, the bellboy, and the rooftop bar staff were all very pleasant and provided genuine service. The hotel breakfast was excellent, plentiful, and delicious, and served until 12 PM. Check-out time could be arranged flexibly. Ignoring the view with the window closed, the room space arrangement was very good. In summary: It's an older five-star hotel, half of which feels outdated and the upselling felt a bit 'low-rent.' The other half still maintains the standards of a high-end hotel. Overall, the value for money is low, and the comfort level is also low.