Review of Shanghai Ai Jin Hua Hotel (Pudong Airport 2nd Hotel) by Dwight

We chose this hotel for the price, the distance, and that it was advertised as "three-star hotel." Well, it is not a three-star hotel. It is not close to the airport. We were not told where to find the "free airport shuttle." At the airport, we asked a representative from another hotel to call and ask where the shuttle would be, and we were told where to wait, but the shuttle driver was expecting us. The shuttle van was in worn condition, no identifying writing or logos anywhere, and two employees inside who did not speak English. After a 20 minute trip, we started to wonder where we were going. It was not a pretty area (this was before the earthquake). It reminded us of our 80s adventures to Mexico City and our cheap hotels. Upon arrival, we noticed there were many pieces of furniture outdoors (we never asked why). The indoors is nicer than its surroundings. Once there, were greeted by the manager(?) in English. We quickly checked in and went up to our triple room; a high ceiling room with three of the hardest beds ever encountered. There was an odor emanating from the bathroom, although it looked fairly clean. The room had furniture which looked straight out of the 70s and looked its age. There was a tv and telephone. There were bathroom slippers in the closet, and little bottles of mouthwash and shampoo in the bathroom. No washcloths (also like Mexico and most of Europe), but clean towels. Since we had scheduled a tour that night, we had to leave immediately, and were grateful the manager arranged a taxi to take us into town right away. It took about 45 minutes to get into town. The area became nicer and nicer as we got closer to town. The next morning, we were not given a free breakfast, but the manager did order lunch for us in Chinese since no one in the restaurant spoke English. It tasted fine, but we did get upset stomachs later that day. We also were welcomed into the back office to use the internet twice, which we appreciated. We were taken to the airport by the hotel shuttle. Not what was advertised, but everyone was really friendly, and you can't beat a room for three for the price ($35), the taxis did not cost that much ($10). We also went into town using the high speed train which was fun, but MORE expensive ($60/RT for three). Thinking back, we did appreciate it was away from the tremendous noise and bustle of downtown.