Guests enter this 27-story hotel through a grand, two-level lobby. That scale is helpful in this part of Shanghai, where big-name upscale and luxury hotels pack the blocks in every direction. The Central Hotel Shanghai makes for solid competition. Floors and walls are gleaming, and huge crystal and gold chandeliers hang overhead. The lobby is mostly just open space, but sofas and chairs in the corners give guests a place to perch. While the social vibe at this hotel isn't too noticeable, guests have several options for on-site recreation, although most choose to be out and about in this lively city. With its excellent location and business space and services, this place draws all sorts of guests, including business travelers, tour groups, families, and couples. 

The hotel is located on vibrant Nanjing Road a minute's walk from the Century Square shopping area and surrounded by many restaurants, shops, and businesses. The Bund waterfront promenade and People's Square can both be reached in 10 to 15 minutes on foot, in opposite directions, and the Shanghai Museum is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The closest metro station -- at Nanjing East Road -- is about an eight-minute walk, and the Shanghai Train Station is 15 or so minutes away by car. Plan on a 45-minute drive to reach Pudong International Airport by car, though traffic can be bad. 

Modern rooms feature neutral beige and brown color schemes, clean-lined medium-toned wood furniture, and large mirrors above ergonomic work desks. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi, and tea kettles. The Wi-Fi can be spotty. Bathrooms also are attractive, with marble countertops, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, scales, and upscale toiletries. Some rooms have separate tubs and showers, while others have shower/tub combos. A glass wall separates the bathroom from bedroom in some units, which some travelers may not appreciate. Robes and slippers are provided, and shoeshines are available. Executive Deluxe Rooms add a sitting area with a sofa and chair, plus a coffeemaker, and these guests have access to the Executive Lounge. Some rooms have nice views of the city. Keep in mind that while rooms are technically heated and air-conditioned, these are centrally controlled and not always turned on (or off) to guests' liking.

This hotel offers most everything needed for a comfortable business or leisure stay. The hotel's well-known Chinese restaurant, Wang Bao He 1744, specializes in seafood and regional dishes. It has 13 rooms, all with different designs to showcase the customs and people of regions in the Yangtze River Delta. All are elegant and sophisticated. A breakfast buffet is served daily in the fancy 24/7 coffee shop and offers a variety of Western and local selections, both hot and cold. It costs extra. A bar in the lobby has cushy sofas and chairs for relaxing with a drink. Room service is available. 

A spacious carpeted fitness center has cardio and weight-training equipment as well as free weights. Water is provided, and windows overlook the city. Other on-site recreation includes a karaoke room, indoor mini-golf, table tennis, and billiards. The salon has two chairs for hair and beauty services, and massage treatments are available. 

Conference space accommodates business and social gatherings of various sizes in its seven rooms, and there's a business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and parking is available for a fee.