Date of stay: 21st ~ 25th Oct'13
Duration: 4 nights
Booking agent: Direct
Paid: RMB500.01 per night
Wifi: Free
Breakfast: International
As Double Tree by Hilton is fully occupied this week, Admin made reservation in Kempinski. They told me it's only 15 minutes from the office, so I guess no harm trying new hotel, since I'm quite sick of Double Tree's breakfast options.
Check-in:
I arrived rather late, about 9+ in the evening as I went for a dinner right after I arrived in Wuxi from Pudong, Shanghai. The 2 crews at the entrance could do with a more helpful pair of hands. One of them literally watched while I pushed my luggage bag in, while another did come over to me. But while walking me to the reception, he asked if I could handle the luggage up to my room myself. Well, I could. But in Double Tree, they usually would wait till I checked-in and offer to send my bag up. In short, there, I would have to ask the crew to leave my luggage as I could bring it up myself.
Checking-in was a breeze, I stood less than 5 mins there. I was surprised when it was over.
Going up was a breeze too, they have 5 working lifts and within seconds, I was lifted to 8th floor.
The room:
The room looks bigger than Double Tree's, the bathroom is obviously bigger but I can't understand the bathroom design. The shower was cramp, you can tell. I'm very petite, but I felt like I was not able to wipe my body without knocking on the wall nor shower door, I may be overly exaggerating, but you get what I mean. I do not use bath tubs during my business trips as I rather spend the time reading or sleeping, obviously.
The really nice feeling after shower is, I did not feel cold breeze when I step out of the shower. Unlike many other hotels, you'll be embraced with cold breeze from the air-cond in the room. I have to say Kempinski's bathroom is nicely sealed, I still felt warm and nice when I dressed up (instead of rushing into my clothes). Haha!
I hate the shampoo though, they made my hair as dry and rough as patches of grass. I'm sure glad I brought my Tsubaki hair treatment along. I have to use it daily, it looks. I miss Double Tree's Crabtree toiletries! :-s
I didn't sleep well the 4 nights, I'm not sure why. If I was over-tired when I finally get to sleep, or coz of anything else. In short, I woke up every morning feeling more tired than the night before.
Breakfast:
Breakfast was something new but I did not like the scattered seating arrangement. First day, I was by the water, next day, I was at the far side, third day, I was completely out of the place and last day, I chose my own seat (exactly the same as the day before) as I had a luggage with me so I chose out of the main eating area.
There were a great variety of food though, and I love their chili sauce to go with my sunny side up. I take only sunny side up, cereals, yogurt drink and coffee for breakfast everyday.
The morning staffs were more than sufficient. They were everywhere and you'll not get frustrated trying to get someone's attention.
Going to work was a pain. For the start, I have to tell the main entrance crew that I needed a cab. He would walk out to the main street to get one for me. While he managed to get one every time, it did not make me feel good. I wish he would take the cab in instead of walking gazillion times a day. If they had a sign by the street that the hotel needed a cab, just like what we had back in Singapore, that would be wonderful.
To reach to workplace, it didn't just take me 15 mins. I was far from office, far from clients entertainment spots.
Check-out:
I nearly fainted when I saw the queue to check-out. However, I was really impressed. They separated the check-in and check-out counters, something I didn't notice through my stay. And there were 3 staffs doing check-outs. I was further impressed when I saw granite table at the counter, for guests to put their bags while they check-out. It was extremely useful for me to place my handbag and dig my wallet out. I must say they are very thoughtful in this sense.
Checking-out was a breeze too. The staff apologised to keep me waiting when I took my envelope. And then there was a concierge staff waiting to help me with my luggage right away. I was WOW-ed and WOW-ed.
While it was generally a good experience in Kempinski, I would prefer Double Tree anytime. Not just for the Kris miles, but mainly for my convenience and sanity sake (due to lack of sleep). But then, Double Tree is different now, from when they were newly opened, they are not as customer oriented, do not feel the personal touch anymore.
Kempinski generally is a customer oriented hotel, I dare say.
