Indigo Hotels in Shanghai

Every year, we celebrate our wedding anniversary by staying at the Hotel Indigo. We love the atmosphere here, and it's so convenient for getting around. Each time we've visited, we've received a complimentary room upgrade, and the river view from the room is absolutely stunning. My old home was just across the street, so I used to frequent this place for afternoon tea and steak at Char. That's why I have such a soft spot for it!

The room size is actually quite good for the price in Shanghai. The location is very convenient, just a few kilometers from the Natural History Museum, Wukang Road, and Taikoo Hui. The bed is comfortable, and it's generally quiet. I plan to stay here again, but I really have to complain about two things, and I hope the hotel can see this and make adjustments. 1. The breakfast is simply terrible!!! I've never had such a bad hotel breakfast. Even if it's included in the room rate, it shouldn't be this bad! (I heard it costs 198 RMB per person if purchased separately, but it's not about the price, it's about the poor quality!) The meat sauce for the noodles was reheated from the same pot for several days; the yogurt wasn't individually packaged, it was all cheap bulk-sized; the bread and small cakes weren't freshly baked, they were all cold and pre-made; and the cold cuts and cheese were even worse! It doesn't resemble a hotel breakfast at all, which is a shame given the hotel's hardware and environment! (Why did I eat this awful breakfast for three days? Because I was in a hurry every day, and finding a place outside would take time. From the second day on, I just ate a bowl of noodles and an egg!) 2. The blinds near the bathtub in the room let light through at night. On the second night, I asked housekeeping for a curtain to block it. This design is really unreasonable. Also, the bar counter above the minibar in the room is too easy to bump your head on. Please, make the breakfast better.

✅ Pros 1. **Excellent Location**: Right across the road from the Dishui Lake环湖 trail, and the Duoyun Bookstore Dishui Lake branch is very close. It's also a short drive to the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, Maritime Museum, and Yaoxue Ice and Snow World. The lake view balcony rooms offer a prime viewing spot for Dishui Lake's Saturday fireworks display; you can watch the fireworks directly from your balcony without battling the crowds by the lake. 2. **Modern Facilities & High-End Amenities**: The hotel is relatively new, with most rooms around 40sqm. They feature King Koil mattresses, Dyson hairdryers, smart toilets, Nespresso coffee machines, JBL speakers, and a standard mini-bar. The decor follows an ocean/Dishui Lake theme, with wave and water elements creating a strong ambiance and great photo opportunities. The popular heated indoor pool, with its starry sky design, is a must-visit for many. 3. **Excellent Dining**: Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM, perfect for a relaxed holiday. There's a wide variety of food, including local lake fresh ingredients. The main restaurant is called ”Chao,” and there's also the ”Xi Neighbor Bar” for an evening drink. 4. **Reputable Service**: The staff are enthusiastic, and you can get in touch with them before check-in. IHG members often receive room upgrades, and even on holidays, they strive to ensure good service, sometimes offering small surprises for birthdays. Free parking is available, complete with charging stations. 5. **Diverse Room Types**: From basic lake view balcony rooms and suites to ocean-themed family rooms, there's something suitable for couples and families with children. ⚠️ Cons 1. **Small Breakfast Restaurant**: On weekends/holidays when the hotel is full, you might have to queue for breakfast, and seating can be tight during peak hours. 2. **Lake View Room Visibility**: Lake view rooms are divided into blocks. Some rooms in Block A have their views obstructed by Block B. When booking, it's recommended to request a lake view balcony room in Block B. 3. **Noise Issues in Some Rooms**: Soundproofing in some individual rooms is not great, and rooms facing the road may experience traffic noise. Room rates increase significantly on holidays, with a very high premium on fireworks days. 4. **Far from Shanghai City Center**: It's about a 1.5-hour drive from the city center, making it ideal for a one-night short getaway but not suitable for a day trip.