When I was sent by the company to Shanghai to discuss a cooperation project and booked a hotel a week in advance, my colleague casually said, 'Shanghai Donghu Hotel, good location'. I didn't think much about it and made a reservation, but after this business trip, I posted a message in the work group saying 'I will stay here next time I come to Shanghai for a business trip', which attracted a bunch of colleagues to ask.
Let's talk about transportation first. The hotel is located on Donghu Road, not far from the Xujiahui and Huaihai Road business districts. It takes less than 20 minutes to take a taxi to the client company at Jing'an Temple. But what saves me the most is that the hotel itself has a parking lot, so colleagues who drive on business trips don't have to search for parking spaces all over the street. At the 9am meeting, I woke up at 7:30, went downstairs for breakfast, left at 8:15, and arrived at the client's downstairs at 8:40. The time was just right. It's only a ten minute walk from Siping Road Station on Metro Line 10, so it's completely possible to take the subway when you're in a hurry.
The room is a standard business room, not fancy but everything is in place. The office desk is spacious and flat, the desk lamp has sufficient brightness, the socket position is reasonable, and laptops, phones, and power banks can be charged simultaneously without crowding. The most important thing is that the internet speed is fast, and video conferences don't get stuck at all. The other party even praises me for having clear images. The bed is not soft, but it has enough support. There are two heights of pillows to choose from. As someone with poor cervical spine, I slept for two nights without a pillow. The bathroom water pressure is stable, hot water arrives in seconds, and taking a shower in the morning makes it feel refreshed and efficient to go out and talk about things.
On the afternoon after the cooperation was discussed, the client invited me to sit in the hotel's tea room. The teahouse is in the garden, and the East Lake is outside the landing window. Several old camphor trees sift the sun into pieces of gold and sprinkle it on the table. We brewed a pot of Longjing tea and went through the details of the contract while drinking, creating a relaxed and professional atmosphere. The customer later said, 'Your company has a discerning eye when it comes to choosing a location,' and I felt secretly pleased - in fact, it was the hotel that gave me a face.
The hotel's business center has also been a great help. The next day, I had to print a supplementary agreement at the last minute. I went downstairs to find the front desk, and without hesitation, the girl helped me with layout, printing, and binding. She also asked if I needed a file bag. The entire service can be completed in ten minutes, which is a hundred times better than me searching for printing shops all over the street. In the evening, I used my computer to rush through plans at the lobby bar. The waiter silently refilled the coffee twice without disturbing or urging. This sense of propriety is really important for business travelers.
On the morning of check-out, I woke up at 7 o'clock and walked around the garden to wake up. The lake was quiet as if no one had come before, the morning mist had not yet dissipated, and there was a faint fragrance of osmanthus in the air. I stood by the lake and daydreamed for a while, suddenly feeling that business trips are not just about rushing and attending meetings. Occasionally, there is a morning like this, and my whole body is charged.
After returning to the company, I specifically mentioned in my business trip report that Shanghai Donghu Hotel is a safe choice for business trips. Next time I'm sent to Shanghai, I won't be hesitant anymore.Show more