This was a decent, though very Chinese hotel, a striking contrast from the Hotel Indigo, where I stayed in Shanghai, which had a very international feel to it. Most of the staff speak very little English. It is supposed to be considered a high end hotel (the main building, anyway--I don't know about this Block B that I see other reviewers posting about), but I don't know if that distinction is deserved. It has a homespun vibe and is certainly a local favorite, but it doesn't manage to attain international standards for service. The elevators are exasperatingly slow. A building this size needs more than two elevators! It needs multiple elevator banks, in fact. At peak times, I could wait upwards of seven or eight minutes for an elevator. The rooms were spacious enough but were a bit dusty and worn. Also, the thermostat was not functional--it was about 80 F in our rooms the entire time and we couldn't even open the windows. Staff couldn't do anything about the temperature. The location is convenient--right next to the subway. The service was not remarkable. One time I called housekeeping to ask for water, and they couldn't decide whether to charge me for it or not (I spoke English, because if you speak accented Chinese, they pay you even less heed, so stick with English if possible). The other time, their ATM machine ate my ATM card and the front desk couldn't be bothered to help with that. I ended up spending a frustrating hour on the phone with the Chinese bank until I just gave up and called my own US bank and had them just cancel the card.

The one really positive thing is the breakfast: good service, a large selection, with both Chinese and western options.

Overall, this place was adequate with some rough spots.

Poly Plaza Block B - Good-valued budget accommodation close to the subway station. Was apparently refurbished not long ago. Clean, new, good hot shower with internet connection. Did not find the beds hard as read from other travellers' comments (perhaps they have changed the mattress during the renovation). Only alert is for old folks who may not be good with stairs, as this four-storey building is not fitted with lifts.

We stayed at the Poly for 2+ weeks during our adoption visit. Yes the beds are like a rock but we requested a foam pad upon checkin and the staff installed it immediately--it did help! The staff was very helpful and went out of their way to assist. The in-house restaurants are good. The hotel is centrally located and quite convenient for many business and sightseeing destinations. The Poly Theatre is co-located and quite popular with the locals. The lobby has a cafe for drinks and light meals and their coffee is excellent--Starbucks is across the street but you don't need it with the lobby cafe!

Very comfortable room, generous breakfast, the room was clean and basic, staff friendlyand lovely position. Enjoyed my stay at this hotel.