Hotel Review: Radisson Blu Forest Manor Shanghai Hongqiao, China

The Radisson Blu Forest Manor is situated in a newly developed area near the National Exhibition Centre, Honqqiao International Airport and the Bullet Train Terminal. It’s so new that they were still finishing off the road nearby when I visited.

Radisson Blu canal side

The architecture is inspired by the Spanish colonial style. What’s immediately striking is the immensity of the hotel, both inside and out. It sits in its own landscaped gardens, with a canal on one side and residential villas on the other.

Lobby Staircase

The cavernous marble lobby is adorned with stunning chandeliers and has a huge red-carpeted staircase at its centre.

Who for

It styles itself as an upscale business hotel, with more than 1700 square metres of meeting space, but it’s also perfect for weddings, special celebrations and leisure travellers. Tourists visiting Shanghai might want to stay closer to the centre but good metro connections mean it’s only half an hour from downtown. Best of all, after the hurly-burly of the city, it’s a great place to relax on its poolside terrace.

Accommodation

There are 439 guest rooms and suites, all with state of the art facilities, some with balconies overlooking the lake. All have air-con, large screen LED TV’s, USB charging ports, tea and coffee making facilities and a pillow menu. The marble bathrooms come with a bathtub, separate rain shower and premium bath products. The nightly turn-down service not only closes your curtains but also brings you a fresh tub of ice. Bottle water is provided as standard and there’s 24-hour room service.

Facilities

The front desk is available 24/7 and there is always plenty of staff on hand. There’s a business centre and extensive conference and banqueting facilities, including a 1000 square-meter Grand Ballroom and seven separate function spaces. Alfresco functions can also be arranged at the pool terrace or palm garden.

Indoor 35-metre Pool

Recreational amenities include a heated outdoor pool and a 25-metre indoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre and a spa. A kid’s club and children’s pool are available for younger guests. The spacious gardens, around the pool, are perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s sightseeing.

Food and drink

There are two main restaurants. The Open Kitchen serves a Chinese and International breakfast buffet and is open for all-day dining with interactive cooking stations serving Western, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisine. There’s also a raw seafood bar and Western-style carvery. Weekend brunches, featuring elegant local dishes and global cuisine as well as a dedicated kid’s corner and entertainment, make it ideal for families

The Liqing Chinese Restaurant is a stylish Cantonese eatery, serving classic dishes and contemporary fusion. Specialities include steamed crystal shrimp dumplings and spring onion pancakes. The restaurant also offers nine private dining rooms for important business dinners or special occasions.

Lobby Lounge

The Lobby Lounge serves cocktails, tea and coffee throughout the day and what they call the Fashion Handbag Afternoon Tea. You can also get drinks and snacks by the pool.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes throughout

How much

Rooms at Radisson Blu Forest Manor Shanghai Hongqiao start from around £133 per night including breakfast, far better value than staying downtown.

Booking.com

What’s nearby?

A selection of restaurants is close, including cheap noodle stalls. The nearest Metro station is 15 minutes’ walk away. The National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hongqiao International Airport, Bullet Train Station are all within 3 miles. There’s a free shuttle service to East Xujing Station.

Getting There

Honqqiao International Airport and the Bullet Train Terminal are a short metro ride away.