Escapist Travel Through China

Yann Busquets from France is a project leader from Alcatel-Lucent who is currently based in Beijing. His travels have have taken him to many cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Lhasa, Harbin, Kunming, and Hong Kong; as well as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

When do you normally go on holiday?

Annual Leave: +++++
Spring Festival: +++++
Traditional holiday: ++++
National Day holiday: ++++

Which city that impressed you most during your holidays: Pingyao

Reasons for choosing a travel destination (please specify if not listed below):

Natural environment: +++++ History and culture: +++++
Sports programs: +++ Religion: +++
Shopping: + Food: +++
Golf + Drift: +
Diving: ++ Ski: +++

Which hotel impressed you most?

Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Pudong ++++

Please score each of the factors of the hotel that impressed you (marks out of five).

Hotel Brand : +++
Location: +++
Room Reservation Service: ++++
Room Rate: +++++
Reception Service: ++++
Concierge service: ++++
Hotel security (hardware and security guard): ++++
Elevators: +++
Transportation: ++++
Hotel service: ++++
Hotel catering service: ++
SPA: ++++
Hotel and surrounding environment: ++

Your comments on the hotel rooms:

Room type: Standard

Door lock: +++
Air-conditioning: ++++ Quiet, efficient
Power points: +++
Ventilation system: ++++
Cabinet/clothes rack: ++++
Condition of bath towels and robes: ++++ New
Internet broadband connection: +++ Not free
Safe: ++++
Shower and Bathtub: +++++
Lighting: ++++
Turndown Service: N.A.
Quietness/noise-proofing: +++++
Floor/direction/natural light/scenery: ++++
Room size: ++++
Television size and channels: ++++
Newspaper (domestic/local/English): No
Bed (special brand bed products): No
Sanitary facilities: ++++
Mini bar: +++
Work area: N.A (didn’t use it)
Room decoration: ++++

Rooms are new, nicely furnished and of an acceptable size. Bathrooms are clean and well-designed. All standard amenities expected from a four-star hotel are there: Satellite TV, Internet (not free), laundry service, and a fitness center (although there are only a small number of machines). The breakfast buffet is good and has a wide range of choices. It would be better if the food could be delivered more quickly. (I personally tried the pizza and the pasta). Nearby the hotel there is a subway station that makes traveling to and from the hotel quite convenient, given its location. The hotel is a good choice for value for money. Prices are definitely low compared to top-end services provided. I would recommend it.

What places did you visit during you stay and which scenic spots made a deep impression?

Yu garden, the French concession, and Xitang

Xitang was a nice experience. Located a few kilometers far away from Shanghai, it is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can spend a day there wandering among canals and art galleries.

How would you rate the amenities of the destination (marks out of five)?

Geographic environment: ++++
Folklore: ++
Transportation: +++
Climate: +++
Please recommend three bar: Bar Rouge, Velvet, Mint
Recommended shopping venues: Nanjing Road, Tai Kang Lu
Recommended restaurants: M on the bund, T8, Tang Dynasty Restaurant,
City construction: +++
Cultural and Historical Relics: Yu Yuan Garden, French Concession, and the Bund