J Hotel Shanghai Tower

Absolutely terrible experience. First off, the reception staff – I don't know if they're untrained college students or just haven't received any proper instruction – were scowling the whole time, constantly on their phones. Not a single one of them seemed capable of communicating; they couldn't answer any of my questions and even got my room booking name wrong. The 'cloud' experience they advertised? It was just a non-stop promotion of the hotel's restaurant. The hotel pool is outsourced, tiny, and shallow, and it was full of people taking lessons. The pool's layout is incredibly impractical; you have to put on your swimsuit and then take an elevator to get there, with everyone outside staring at you – zero privacy. Plus, there's no hot spring or sauna. Then, at checkout, the reception staff saw me with my luggage and immediately blocked the elevator door, leaving no room to move. They practically snatched my room key and immediately asked if I had consumed anything from the mini-bar, showing no interest whatsoever in my stay experience. It was disgusting. If you don't know how to run a hotel, your manager should go stay at some other hotels to see how it's done. Finally, while waiting for my driver downstairs, a man in a blue suit bluntly told me to wait outside, implying I shouldn't disrupt the lobby. It felt like they were kicking us out as soon as we checked out, and it was winter! I was genuinely confused. The entire hotel experience was garbage.

The hotel decor is incredibly luxurious, and the rooms are very spacious and beautifully appointed. The amenities are high-end, and all beverages are complimentary. Breakfast was also a highlight, with excellent service and delicious food. It's definitely worth experiencing the tallest building in Shanghai. Our room had a perfect view of the sunrise, and other rooms offer stunning river views – all beautiful.