Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai by IHG3

The hotel makes a strong first impression with a dark industrial-chic design and notably attentive staff: guests consistently praise the photogenic public spaces, spacious clean rooms, soft beds and excellent soundproofing. Reviewers mention personalised touches such as a birthday cake, a complimentary first round of minibar items and accommodating late check-outs. Criticisms in reviews are few but repeat: the location is outside the historical centre and some guests find the room technology and numerous control panels confusing.

Key observations

Design and atmosphere: Guests regularly praise the hotel’s dramatic dark-metal aesthetic and say it feels like being in the middle of a fashion shoot.

Service: Staff receive high marks for attention to detail: advance call before arrival, birthday cakes, and flexibility with check-out were noted in multiple reviews.

Rooms and amenities: Rooms are described as roomy, spotless and quiet, with comfortable beds, a large bathtub and separate shower/toilet. Reviewers mention smart features like a pop-up TV and hidden minibar.

Location: Close to Qiantan Taikoo Li and a modest mall; several reviewers warn it’s not in the central tourist area and requires transport to reach major sights.

Main pros

• Striking contemporary design of public areas and rooms (repeated in reviews).
• Very clean, quiet rooms with comfortable beds.
• Attentive staff: complimentary gestures (cake), advance calls, and late check-out assistance.
• Rooftop/infinity pool and bar praised as highlights.
• Convenient underground parking noted by guests who drove.

Main cons

• Location off the main tourist strip — not ideal for walkers wanting to explore the Bund area.
• Complex room technology: many buttons and controls can be confusing.
• Limited direct commentary about on-site dining in reviews; some guests did not use or miss breakfast options.

Overall rating: A-

Hotel overview

Basic info:

• Name: Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai by IHG / 上海金普顿前滩酒店
• Transcription: Shanghai Jinputeng Qiantan Jiudian (approx.)
• Address: No. 9, Lane 199, Qiantan Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
• Contact: not listed in guest reviews
• Year opened: perceived as a recent property based on guest comments about new modern design
• Number of rooms: not specified in reviews
• Positioning: A Kimpton design-focused property in the premium/comfy-luxury segment suitable for staycations and business guests

Description: The hotel emphasizes bold industrial-modern design, photo-friendly public spaces, smart in-room features and rooftop leisure (infinity pool). Guests highlight personalised service and small complimentary gestures that enhance the stay.

Target audience: Couples, design-minded travellers, staycation guests and business travellers who prioritise atmosphere and service over being in the historic tourist core.

Location & transport

Location: Near Qiantan Taikoo Li and a small mall; convenience stores and fast food are within a short walk, but most central Shanghai attractions require a taxi or subway ride.

Key points of interest: Qiantan Taikoo Li within walking distance; Pudong sights and the Bund reachable by car/metro.

Transport: Guests note convenient underground parking; taxis and ride-hailing are commonly used for sightseeing.

Walkability: Good for local shopping and dining options nearby but not ideal for long sightseeing walks to central historic areas.

Rating: B

Rooms & cleanliness

Reviews describe rooms as spacious, very clean and well-soundproofed, with comfortable bedding, large bathtubs and separate shower and toilet. Smart-room elements such as a pop-up TV, hidden minibar and plenty of controls are highlighted; some guests advise asking staff for a short orientation.

Rating: A

Service

Guests consistently praise staff helpfulness and thoughtfulness: pre-arrival confirmation calls, birthday cakes, complimentary minibar rounds and assistance with late check-out are mentioned across multiple reviews. There are almost no reports of rude service.

Rating: A

Food & dining

Reviews reference a bar and room-service options; multiple guests mentioned receiving a complimentary first round of minibar items. Specific comments about the on-site restaurant or breakfast are limited because several guests did not use these services.

Rating: B

Facilities & amenities

Guest comments highlight a rooftop/infinity pool, fitness centre, terrace and underground parking. Wi‑Fi is reported as reliable and public spaces are popular for photos.

Rating: A-

Important notes

• Price: reviewers generally felt the price-to-value was competitive, but rates vary with demand.
• Property age: perceived as new; decor and fixtures are modern.
• Language: English-speaking staff are praised, though specifics vary by shift.

Practical tips from guests

• Ask staff to show you how the room controls work on arrival.
• Notify the hotel about celebrations — guests received cakes when requested.
• If driving, use the underground parking noted as convenient by reviewers.
• Book rooftop pool time in advance during summer — many guests plan for it.
• Check breakfast inclusion at booking if you plan to dine at the hotel.

Final verdict

Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai is a stylish, well-serviced hotel offering strong design credentials, quiet comfortable rooms and helpful staff — an excellent choice for those seeking a modern stay in Pudong though not ideal for travellers wanting to be steps from central historic attractions.

Final rating: A-

Breakdown: Location: B | Rooms: A | Service: A | Food: B | Facilities: A- | Value: A

Suitable for: Couples, design-focused travellers, staycation guests, drivers.

Not suitable for: Visitors who want to be within walking distance of Shanghai's Bund and main historic sights.