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Considering where to stay in Shanghai? The Grand Central Hotel Shanghai offers unparalleled convenience on Nanjing Road, putting you steps from top attractions and subway access. Discover why it's a top pick!
Thinking about where to stay in Shanghai's Nanjing East Road area?
A 5-star stay just a 3-5 minute walk from Nanjing East Road Station,
and you can even stroll to The Bund?
Let's dive in and check it out!
Staying somewhere out of the way can really eat into your daily taxi budget and precious travel time.
That's why I looked for a place where I could walk everywhere and ended up choosing the Shanghai Grand Central Hotel.
505 Jiu Jiang Lu, Huang Pu District, Shanghai, China 200001
✔️ 3-5 minutes walk from Nanjing East Road Station
✔️ 10-15 minutes walk to The Bund
✔️ Approximately 15 minutes walk to People's Square
From Nanjing East Road, it's practically right next door,
and it's a spot where you can easily cover People's Square and The Bund all on foot,
making it the perfect spot to return to even after enjoying the stunning night views late into the evening.
Especially ideal for first-time Shanghai adventurers!
Hop on Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport, and it'll take you straight to Nanjing East Road Station.
The line is straightforward, so you won't have to worry about getting lost.
However, if you're traveling with a lot of luggage or simply want to save time and travel in comfort,
I highly recommend a taxi or airport pickup service!
Booking an airport pickup in advance can make your arrival day significantly smoother.
Explore Shanghai Airport Pickup Options <<
Just a heads-up, there's another hotel nearby with a very similar name:
The Central Hotel, right next door.
The Shanghai Grand Central Hotel is the square-shaped building,
while the similarly named Central Hotel is a circular building. So, make sure to double-check the building photos when you book to avoid any confusion!
See More of Shanghai Grand Central <<
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Early check-in is often possible, depending on availability.
Since the hotel first opened its doors in 2009, I admit I was a little concerned about its age,
but to my delight, it was surprisingly well-maintained and spotless!
Rather than feeling strictly modern and opulent,
This hotel exudes classic charm, with its plush carpets and substantial furnishings, making it a classic hotel.
The room I stayed in this time was the Executive Business Room.
I had a guest to meet,
so I booked a room that included
Executive Lounge access.
If you book an Executive Room,
you get lounge access,
plus free breakfast, evening cocktails, and cafe access!
It's perfect for a business trip and a visit to Shanghai.
The lounge here is spacious and super clean!!
One of the best things was the spacious room.
Even the standard rooms are about 35m² (377 sq ft),
so you can easily spread out two suitcases
without any trouble.
It's definitely more spacious than typical accommodations,
so even a family of three or a group of friends
could comfortably stay here.
However, it's a shame that only a maximum of 2 adults can stay.
However! One child can stay for free,
and you can request an extra crib,
so it seems good for a family of three traveling together.
The closet had a thoughtful design.
It was like a mini dressing room,
with mirrors on both sides of the door,
perfect for a quick appearance check!
The bathroom is also quite spacious,
with a separate bathtub and shower stall.
As I prefer spacious bathrooms,
I was very pleased!!
The view from the room wasn't bad either.
While it wasn't the Oriental Pearl TV Tower or Huangpu River view,
it was open enough to not feel cramped.
The view might vary depending on the room.
💡 Tip No separate adapter needed! The last time I stayed at the Hyatt on the Bund, it was 110v so I had to get an adapter from the front desk, but here, it's already provided in the room! |
For a 5-star hotel, the price is quite reasonable.
A standard double room without breakfast starts from
around ~$138
For reference, executive rooms are in the late ~$190s to early ~$200s.
Deluxe Double Room Price Comparison
Shanghai Grand Central 1-Night Price (Oct 26)
Trip.com | Agoda |
~$173~ | ~$159~ |
Prices can vary depending on the dates,
so if your travel plans are set,
make sure to check the prices for your stay first!
Breakfast is served as a buffet,
featuring both Chinese and Western dishes.
Although I didn't include breakfast in my booking,
the reviews for it are generally good.
As it's a 5-star hotel, I expect it to deliver a solid experience.
If you pay for breakfast separately,
it's 182 Yuan per person (approx. ~$26).
If you plan to have breakfast,
it's cheaper to book a room with breakfast included.
If you want to enjoy a relaxed breakfast,
including breakfast is a good option.
But personally, since the hotel is near Nanjing East Road, right?
There are plenty of delicious food options around.
It might be great to order delivery or eat out,
trying local delights like Xiao Long Bao or Wontons!
If you're traveling with parents or children,
it's more convenient to eat directly at the hotel before heading out.
However, for solo travelers or those on a self-guided trip, I recommend trying local eateries!
This place is perfect for:
✔ First-time independent travelers to Shanghai |
✔ Those who prioritize convenient transportation |
✔ Families of three traveling with children |
✔ Individuals visiting Shanghai for both business and leisure |
Of course, Shanghai is brimming with
even newer and more modern hotels,
and many offer breathtaking views of the Huangpu River or the Oriental Pearl Tower.
So, if room interior or a stunning view
is your number one priority for choosing accommodation,
another hotel might suit you better.
On the flip side, if a super convenient location
for Nanjing Road East, The Bund, and People's Square is your priority,
and you dislike cramped rooms,
then I wholeheartedly recommend the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai! :)
Considering its spacious rooms and the excellent upkeep,
it definitely lives up to its 5-star rating.
And then there's the location –
it's already a clear winner, as you can easily explore
Nanjing Road East, The Bund, and People's Square all on foot!
As it's a highly sought-after hotel,
rooms tend to fill up fast...
If you're looking to book, I'd suggest checking availability quickly!
It takes about 3-5 minutes to walk to Nanjing Road East Station and 10-15 minutes to The Bund. People's Square is also about a 15-minute walk away, making it convenient to explore major attractions on foot.
The Shanghai Grand Central Hotel is a rectangular building, while the similarly named Central Hotel next door is a circular building. It's best to check the building photos when booking to avoid confusion.
The standard room size is a spacious 35m², making it suitable for a family of three. While a maximum of two adults can stay, one child can stay free of charge, and you can also request an extra crib.
Booking an Executive Room grants you access to the Executive Lounge, where breakfast, evening cocktails, and cafe use are all provided free of charge. This is particularly useful for business travelers.
If breakfast is paid separately, it costs 182 CNY (approximately ~$26) per person. It's convenient to have breakfast directly at the hotel if you're traveling with parents or children, and booking with breakfast included is generally more economical.
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