Highton International

“Pleasantly Surprised!”

I read reviews and wanted to give the hotel a try for two days from 4th to 6th of May. I had read complains of limited English language. I went there with some effort of Chinese interpretation as I do in taxis and even shops around China. To my surprise, a number of staff in the front house can … more

I read reviews and wanted to give the hotel a try for two days from 4th to 6th of May. I had read complains of limited English language. I went there with some effort of Chinese interpretation as I do in taxis and even shops around China. To my surprise, a number of staff in the front house can communicate reasonably in English. As someone whose only language is English, this was helpfull. Even the free breakfast is a add on which you can skip if you don't want. I used it and found it very neat, presentable and friendly service. The entire massive entrance and restaurant is full quality marble. Many hotels in other places across the world I have been to would give prominence to that in theur advert. The room I stayed was the most basic, yet it was very good. I watched English news on CGTN. That is an international English news channel. For God's sake, this is China. I didn't expect that every hotel will have BBC or CNN. If I wanted that, I would go to Mandarin Oriental! Overall, a very good value for money. I write as British who leave in London but travel widely across the world for occupational reasons. So my judgement is based on a worldview rather than a closed mentality.

less

“Better than average not as good as very good”

There are some great things about this hotel. Rena, who sits on the help desk, speaks good English and is really helpful. She can smooth over any issues you have - but doesn't seem to work weekends. She is fabulous. The Japanese restaurant in the hotel is really good and reasonably priced. Th… more

There are some great things about this hotel. Rena, who sits on the help desk, speaks good English and is really helpful. She can smooth over any issues you have - but doesn't seem to work weekends. She is fabulous. The Japanese restaurant in the hotel is really good and reasonably priced. The rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious. The beds are very hard - the analogy with a chopping board isn't too far off - but my back hasn't felt that good for ages! The bathroom is well stocked with toothbrushes, razor and sewing kit kind of stuff but the other toiletries aren't up to much. A bit thin so they do the job but aren't great. I liked breakfast, there was lots of choice but it is not a Western style. What isn't so good? It isn't really geared up for anyone that isn't doing business in the area. It is 40 minutes away from downtown Shanghai and a taxi isn't expensive but it is time consuming. There aren't really any restaurants nearby, we found some but it is an unpleasant walk to get there along a busy dual carriageway - and wasn't worth it when we did. It is more geared up for Korean, maybe Japanese, people so the English is limited at reception. It isn't just that they don't speak English, they are downright miserable and don't smile or look welcoming, maybe they are worried that you'll launch into English and get irritated that they don't understand but whatever it is they certainly don't smile! Currently there is building work going on 24 hours a day. The doors are very heavy and they bang as people go back and forth all night.

less