JinLing Purple Mountain Hotel Shanghai
I’m a big fan of classic five-star hotels and government guesthouses—mainly because of the great service, excellent location, and peace of mind when it comes to privacy (no need to worry about hidden cameras in the room!). Plus, they often offer better value than luxury chains. This stay at JinLing Purple Mountain Hotel Shanghai was no exception.
Located just steps from Lujiazui, my room on the 41st floor offered stunning high-floor views. While not quite a skyline-level perspective, the cityscape below is still impressive, especially at night. The nearest subway line 2 is a 7–8 minute walk away—super convenient since this line connects both Pudong and Hongqiao airports. You can also easily reach major attractions like Jing’an Temple, Zhongshan Park, Nanjing West Road, and People’s Square. Getting to the Shanghai Museum East Wing is a breeze too—just a 3-minute walk to the bus stop, and you’re there in two or three stops. Much faster than transferring via metro.
Cleanliness was top-notch. The entire room had carpeting but no unpleasant odors, and everything looked spotless with zero stains. One thing I appreciate in older five-stars is that they’ve upgraded bathrooms properly—this one features a separate shower area, not just a bathtub you have to stand in. There’s even a curtain for privacy on the outer side of the bathroom, which makes sharing the space much more comfortable for multiple guests. The hairdryer may not be branded, but it works surprisingly well—strong yet gentle airflow. I tested it by washing my hair, and it dried quickly without being harsh.
The amenities are thoughtfully placed. The brand is Baizhaoji, which has decent scent and texture, though not exceptional. If you’re not satisfied, staff will gladly swap it out for a travel-sized alternative. And yes—the little horse plush toy in the room is actually yours to take home! Adorable.
Staff were attentive and proactive. Housekeeping ladies greeted me warmly and offered help carrying luggage straight to the elevator—no need to carry anything heavy around. They even left a boxed carton of Mengniu milk at bedtime. Not fancy, but thoughtful. The late-night porridge service ends at 11 PM—I came back later and missed it, so I’ll definitely try it next time.
Breakfast is served until 10 AM (until 10:30 on weekends), and staff remind you before closing. Don’t linger past the cutoff! The spread includes many local favorites: fresh steamed buns, handmade yangchun noodles, small wontons, salty tofu pudding, soy milk, and various pastries. But here’s the issue—there’s way too much carbs (buns, breads, noodles) and very little protein. Cold cuts include only fish—no beef, no chicken. The Western pastry section feels underwhelming: limited variety, and most puff pastries are soggy instead of crisp. I saw a few foreign guests eating only Western options—wonder if they found it satisfying.
The homemade yogurt is excellent—plain version is rich and creamy; strawberry flavor leans heavily on artificial sweetness. The tea eggs lack depth in taste. However, the yangchun noodles and tofu pudding? Absolutely delicious.
Overall, this hotel delivers strong value for money, great comfort, and genuine hospitality. With a few tweaks—especially adding more protein-rich breakfast items—it could be perfect. Would definitely stay again.
