Crowne Plaza Shanghai Noah Square, an IHG Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its convenient location and generally offers good value for money, making it a popular choice for various travelers. Its signature feature is its direct proximity to a subway station and nearby shopping malls, providing easy access to dining and entertainment. The hotel is well-suited for business travelers due to its shuttle service to office campuses and suitability for longer stays, while sightseers will appreciate the metro access to explore the city. Families can also find the large rooms and nearby amenities appealing. To ensure a smooth stay, guests are advised to confirm their preferred bed configuration at the time of booking and be prepared for potential language barriers with some staff members.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities for guest use, including a gym that is generally well-equipped with a reasonable variety of equipment, though some guests noted lower quality in certain areas. A swimming pool is available and is considered good, providing a pleasant environment for relaxation. There are also sauna facilities, though the male sauna has been noted as needing refurbishment. A spa is also on-site for guests seeking wellness services. While Wi-Fi is generally sufficient for streaming, some guests have experienced issues with connectivity when multiple devices are in use. The club lounge receives mixed feedback, with some guests finding it to be poor, offering limited food and drinks, and staffed by individuals who may be inattentive or have limited English proficiency. Air conditioning control in rooms has been a recurring issue, with units sometimes deactivated or not functioning optimally.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and comfortable, with many praising the cleanliness of the beds and bathrooms. The beds themselves are frequently described as very comfortable, contributing to a restful sleep. However, feedback on overall room condition is mixed, with some guests noting old decor and a general sense of the hotel showing its age. Specific issues reported include hot and stuffy rooms due to air conditioning problems, dirty or moldy carpets, and even instances of dampness on floors. Some rooms have also been described as needing paint in certain areas, and there have been reports of smoking smells between rooms, mosquitoes, and confusing light switches. Bathroom issues include moldy walls, broken tiles, slippery floors, and bathtubs that do not drain properly. While some guests found rooms to be quiet, others experienced noise from corridors.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on breakfast is varied; while some guests appreciate the variety, many note that the selection is heavily Asian-focused, with limited Western options. Specific complaints include poor quality juice, coffee, and tinned fruit. In-room dining has been a source of disappointment for some, with food described as cold and soggy. The hotel's Tang Palace restaurant, specializing in Cantonese cuisine, receives positive reviews for its delicious food. However, the general hotel restaurant has been noted by some as having declined in quality. The bar area has been described as uncomfortably cold, and staff there may have limited English proficiency. On a positive note, the dinner during happy hour has been praised by some guests. It is important to note that room service options have been significantly limited or unavailable since the pandemic.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing it directly across the street from a subway station (Line 13), which provides excellent connectivity throughout Shanghai. Guests appreciate its proximity to several shopping malls that offer a wide variety of dining and entertainment options within walking distance. The hotel is also conveniently located near the airport, making arrivals and departures easier for travelers. For business travelers, a notable feature is the provision of a shuttle bus service to nearby office campuses, enhancing convenience for work-related stays. This strategic positioning makes it an ideal base for exploring the city or attending business engagements.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel receive mixed reviews regarding their service. Many guests commend the housekeeping team for their attentiveness and thoroughness in maintaining room cleanliness. Some individual staff members, particularly at the front desk, are highlighted for being friendly, polite, and helpful. However, a significant and recurring concern is the limited English proficiency among many staff members, especially at the front desk and in the club lounge, which can lead to communication difficulties and challenges in resolving issues. The check-in process has been described by some as chaotic and difficult, with issues related to room configurations and the recognition of loyalty program status. Overall, while some guests experience excellent service, others report unhelpful or even rude interactions, particularly with front desk personnel.

Additional Information
The hotel is generally considered to offer good value for money, which is a consistent positive theme among guests. However, many reviews indicate that the hotel, despite being advertised as a 5-star establishment, feels dated and does not meet current 5-star standards due to its age and decor. Some guests have reported issues with loyalty program status recognition, which can impact benefits like welcome points or room upgrades. There have been instances of difficulty with room configurations for larger groups, particularly concerning the availability of rooms with three beds. Furthermore, in-room dining options have been significantly reduced or entirely unavailable since the pandemic. The hotel is also noted for being a popular venue for conferences and as an airline-designated hotel, which can contribute to busy periods and a bustling atmosphere.