Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport Review
This Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport review is based on my recent stay before an early morning departure from PVG. The hotel is one of the newest additions inside Shanghai Pudong International Airport, designed to offer direct, walkable access between the terminal and accommodation area, making airport transfers almost unnecessary.
Unlike traditional airport hotels that require shuttle transfers or taxi rides, this property is physically connected to the terminals via covered walkways. The idea is simple: reduce friction, save time, and allow guests to move between the hotel and departure gates with minimal effort.
I stayed here last week for an early morning flight from PVG and chose it purely for convenience. My priority was to avoid any uncertainty around traffic, transfer timing, or delays. Staying inside the airport meant I could simply wake up, check out, and walk straight to the terminal without needing any transport at all.
PVG Airport Hotel – Location & Terminal Access
One of the strongest advantages of this hotel is its position as a true PVG airport hotel, located directly inside the Pudong Airport terminal complex. Unlike many airport hotels that require shuttle transfers or external road access, this property is integrated into the airport infrastructure itself.
From the hotel, guests can walk to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 via covered pedestrian walkways, making the entire journey between accommodation and departure extremely efficient. This level of integration is what defines a high-quality PVG airport hotel, especially for travellers with early morning departures or tight connection schedules.
For me, this meant I could avoid all uncertainty around transport timing. Instead of planning taxis or buffer time for traffic, I simply followed the indoor walkway system directly into the terminal, which significantly reduced pre-flight stress.
Key Location Advantages:
- Walkable access to PVG terminals
- Connected via covered airport walkways
- Inside airport operational zone
- Close to Maglev and metro links
This makes it one of the most logistically efficient airport hotels in Shanghai, especially for short stays or early departures.
Best for:
- Early morning flights
- Overnight layovers
- Business stopovers
- Airline crew stays
The Hotel – First Impression
The first impression upon entering the hotel is one of efficiency and clarity. Check-in was smooth and efficient. The lobby is modern, spacious, and designed for constant guest flow.
In terms of design, the hotel follows a modern Holiday Inn aesthetic with neutral colour tones, soft lighting, and functional furniture layouts. There is a clear emphasis on usability rather than decorative luxury.
The overall feel is calm and practical despite being inside one of the busiest airport hubs in China.
Rooms & Suites – Space, Comfort & Practical Design
I stayed in a suite, which offered a noticeably more comfortable experience compared to standard airport hotel rooms.
Layout & Comfort
- Separate living area and bedroom
- Sofa, coffee table, and work desk
- Large windows with good natural light
- Strong blackout curtains for rest
In-room features
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Large flat-screen TV
- Coffee & tea station
- Mini fridge
- Functional workspace
- Ample luggage storage
The bathroom was clean and modern with a walk-in shower and good water pressure.
Soundproofing is solid — despite being next to the airport, the room stayed quiet, which is crucial before an early flight.
Summmary of Room Types
| Category | Size | Beds | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Room | 30–34 m² | Queen / King / Twin / Double | Core airport rooms |
| Airport-View Room | 30–34 m² | King / Double | Runway views |
| Premium Room | 40–66 m² | King / Twin | Larger space |
| Suite | ~57 m² | King | Living area |
| One-Bedroom Suite | 59–96 m² | King | Separate bedroom |
Dining – Quick & Practical Options
Dining at the hotel is designed around convenience rather than culinary exploration, which makes sense given its location inside the airport. The main Seekrail All Day Dining restaurant serves a breakfast buffet that combines both Western and Chinese selections, catering to the international mix of guests passing through PVG.
In addition to the main restaurant, there is a Lobby Lounge bar / café that serves coffee, light snacks, and beverages throughout the day. Open till late, and house guests even get a beverage coupon. Fair to say it is one of the best places to treat yourself if you have some time at Shanghai Pudong Airport.
Summary of Dining Venues
| Venue | Type | Main Offerings | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seekrail All Day Dining | Main restaurant | International buffet & à-la-carte | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Lobby Lounge | Bar / café | Coffee, drinks, snacks, afternoon tea | Day-evening |
| In-Room Dining | Room service | Comfort food and drinks | 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Meetings & Events – Small-Scale, Functional
The hotel does provide meeting space, but it is clearly designed for functional, short-duration business use rather than large-scale conferences or events. The facilities are typically used for quick corporate meetings, airline crew briefings, or small group discussions that require a private and professional setting within the airport environment.
- Business meetings
- Airline crew briefings
- Short presentations
It is functional with AV support.
Wellness – Gym Only
The wellness offering at the hotel is limited to a compact fitness centre that includes basic cardio equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, and a small selection of free weights. It is open 24 hours, which suits the irregular schedules of international travellers.
- Treadmills
- Bikes
- Free weights
- 24-hours
No pool or spa, which is expected for an airport transit hotel. It’s enough for a quick workout before or after a flight.
Verdict – Who Should Stay Here
This hotel is all about airport efficiency.
I would recommend it for:
- Early morning departures from PVG
- Overnight layovers
- Business travellers on tight schedules
- Airline crew and operational staff
- Travellers at Shanghai Pudong Airport looking for a relaxed dining and lounge option (Lobby Lounge café and bar)
10 Things to Know Before Booking
- You can walk to PVG terminals in minutes
- Best for early flights or layers
- Suites offer significantly more space
- Rooms are well soundproofed
- One main restaurant only
- Some rooms have runway views
- No pool or spa
- 24-hour gym
- Late arrivals may still find food options
- Prices vary based on flight demand
FAQs
Is the hotel inside Pudong Airport?
Yes, it is within walking distance of both terminals.
How far is it from the terminal?
Around 5–10 minutes on foot.
Does it have suites?
Yes, with separate living and sleeping areas.
Is it noisy?
Rooms are well insulated and generally quiet.
Is there a pool?
No, only a gym.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, depending on booking.
Final Thoughts — Is It Worth It?
The Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport is a strong choice if your priority is speed, convenience, and zero airport stress. The suite layout adds comfort, but the real value is the ability to walk to your flight in minutes.
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Check Room Availability
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