Starway Hotel (Shanghai Chongming South Gate)

This is a simple hotel in a remote part of Shanghai. But the price-to-performance ratio offered by this hotel is good. I paid 344 RMB per night during a festive period and stayed at room 1802. This room on floor 18 offers a splendid view in the southern direction. Being the tallest building in this area of Chongming Island, it was an almost unobstructed view. The room itself was large in size. During my stay, there was a powerful rainstorm with strong winds. The sound of the storm and winds could be heard in the room. Although water leaked from the windows, the hotel was quick to provide towels to soak up the water after I had informed them. The leak was manageable but unfortunate. The hotel was also quick to offer a different room. Floor 21 of the hotel is the breakfast dining area and offers a decent view of the west and the water. Sadly, the windows were not cleaned so the stunning view was somewhat muted. The hotel offers a simple breakfast so picky eaters will have to look elsewhere. Fortunately, the hotel is excellently located near food stalls and fast food outlets. KFC, Pizza Hut, Yang’s Dumplings, and other food places are a short walk away. A relatively affordable taxi ride to the largest shopping mall on this part of Chongming island costs you less than 20 RMB and less than 12 minutes in time. The hotel is also a five minute walk away from the ferry terminal and bus terminal. Very good location. The hotel also has a good guest laundry service on floor 1 of the hotel. Washing detergent is provided by the hotel with compliments, together with free use of two washers and two dryers. The staff are friendly and can advise you on how to use the machines. If you are on a busy schedule and out of the hotel, they can also help you to fold your laundry and place it into a bag after being dried by the dryer. Also on floor 1 is a basic mini-gym with treadmills machines and an exercise bike. There is a simple variety of dumbbell free weights. There is one bench. Overall, this hotel, although not new by any means, offers a great location, great view, and great service for the price. Like many other hotels on Chongming island, this hotel is happy to let you store your road bike in the room itself without disassembling it. For avid cyclists, this is the best facility that this hotel can provide.

This hotel has what I look for while away from home. I always use it whenever I visit Chong Ming. We got to see sunrise this morning.