LovePuXi

Located at 66 Lvshun Road, about a 10 min walk from the Bund along Huangpu Road is the W Hotel (You can also take Dongdaming Lu/ East Daming Road). It offers 339 rooms and 35 suites and is part of the Starwood brands chain (Category 5). It is the anchor for the Sinar Mas Plaza (Also called White Magnolia Plaza, Shanghai Harbour Passenger Terminal Main Tower, North Bund Tower, Sinar Mas New Bund) which has two towers: Sinar Mas Centre 1 (319.6 m/66 stories [Other proposed designs include 388m and 260m] which uses a entasis design feature) and  2 (172m/39 stories). A third tower was set to be 111m/24 stories, however it was cancelled (Also called White Magnolia Plaza 1, 2 and 3).

The shopping complex of Sinar Mas Plaza (by Sinar Mas Paper (China) Investment Co. Ltd via its subsidiary Shanghai Jingang North Bund Reality Co. Ltd.) is currently vacant and appears to be undergoing construction.

Upon arrival at the W hotel, I noticed the ramp style curb, which could be slightly easier to move luggage up to the main door. Sadly they placed a planter next to the door, which negates any benefit, as one would have to go upon the road, to get around the planter. This is a common theme for the property, good start, which is poorly executed. I was greeted by a young man asking what I needed, I indicated I was looking for the lobby, which he informed me that the W does not have a lobby, infact it only has a living room. The young door man than went back to his post, while another man came to my aid. I asked if they offer a café which serves coffee, this was also indicated to be negative. I looked at the restaurant selection, and through some detective work, did discover that the wet bar in fact offers coffee, however it was on the ‘W’ floor, which according to staff is actually the 4^th floor, but called ‘W’ floor due to superstition. Inside the elevator shaft, they placed in neon-like tubes in a Hong Kong sign style, but with the names of Shanghai streets and slogans of love for Shanghai.

When the elevator doors opened upon the ‘W’ floor, the lobby was revealed. It has an Ovolo Hotel feel to it – young, cool and hip. A slight ramp with sofa-like seating lining it, is neat, and it flows nicely into the lobby lounge. I wandered without specific direction looking for the wetbar. Through a set of unmarked doors, next to the kitchen, with their overly friendly staff, I made my way upon the patio. The view of the skyline was very nice – the wetbar is open, without air conditioning or shielding from mosquitoes, but it does have nice views.

I requested their coffee selection, however was informed that they were unable to make coffee, despite it being on the menu, and only offered two non-alcoholic drinks. With a desire for liquids, I opted to try both, the Sing Sing (Lemon, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Ginger, Lavender, Sprite) and the Mr & Mrs Pink (Grapefruit, Lemon, Elderflower, Peppercorn, Himalayan Salt).  I took a seat on some bar stools near the pool, to take in the skyline. After about 20mins, I asked for an update on the drinks, they were in preparation. They didn’t offer water, just required me to wait, so I waited. By the time the drinks did arrive, I was in need of them. Sadly the drinks were both unpalatable both visually and in taste, being served in plastic cups, the Mr & Mrs Pink was so bitter that it was similar to eating a raw lemon straight and the Sing Sing was essentially liquid sugar with unclean ginger slices added to it. No wait staff came to ensure I was satisfied and after several failed attempted requests to attract wait staff,  with even them looking directly at me, but simply ignoring me, I went up to the counter.

A new bartender was there and I inquired about coffee, which they now informed me they offered. I explained that initially was not available and I would be keen if they would swap out my drinks for a cup of coffee  – they were initially open to the idea, but another person insisted on remaking the drink. I should have been more forceful, as the next drink was essentially mint and water and was more terrible then the last one. I ended up, after about three hours, just requesting a glass of water, which they did provide. After spending 100 rmb on drinks, I was only able to enjoy a cup of water from the Wet Bar. The staff certainly need more training of what they offer and how it is prepared and delivered. I went for coffee and only got disappointment.

Afterwards, I headed to find the washrooms, which I found near the lobby. It reminded me of the washrooms of People 6, which is essentially just mirrors – I pity any drunk people that go into that room. The room was clean, but used an odd placement for soap dispensers and paper towels.

As I was preparing to head out, I decided to stop to take a look at the conference hall services which they offer. The rooms are decent and could work well for meetings. The washrooms are what you would expect in a decent hotel, well lit, well thought out and easy to use.

Metro line 12’s  International Cruise Terminal (国际客运中心) has a stop here, but it is not open from the east side of the street. On the north side of the complex, there is an LED pathway, which is a nice and unexpected feature.