I really disliked staying here. It was a boutique hotel without the usual things you'd expect from a big name hotel like the Peninsula or Hyatt but it also didn't have a sufficient amount of charm to make up for it. The lobby was entirely unimpressive and very small. Breakfast was like a meal in North Korea (i.e., very little to eat). The decorations inside the room was full of Maoist totalitarian chic and it was just not at all interesting or well done. It was not offensive but just mediocre and uninspiring.

The bed was very comfortable and the room was spacious and included everything you'd need. Service was fine too, but that just isn't good enough. What made this place feel like JIA (which means home in Chinese) is that it wasn't grand in any way.

Also, the hotel is on a tiny side street, so a lot of taxi drivers don't know exactly where it is. Even after you tell them the address, they'd usually miss the turn. I speak Chinese and can direct the cabbies but it's a bit less convenient for those who don't speak the language.

Our last night in Shanghai, we checked out of the Langham Yangtze because we were able to get Jia for a pretty reasonable rate. Also want to check out another boutique in town. Location. Almost as good as the Langham Yangtze. Even though it's in an another art deco building/landmark, it's right next to a mall and 3 minutes walk to subway station.

Amenity. Jia has their own signature scent. However, they pull it off very well...love that Jasmine/Ginseng stuff. Taking some home for sure. Also give this cute little black panda note book...very nice.

Room. Pretty okay size actually. I stay at the smallest room but do not feel it to be cramped at all. Design. As mentioned, very cutting edge design. Unlike many 'boutique hotels' that tend to be more 80s Las Vegas garish...this one is truly cutting edge. Every little details seem to be thought out...in regard to design element. I especially love their AV system. You can plug your iPod (or other MP3 players) into provide socket/cable. The room actually has a NAD integrated amp driving the whole thing...and the sound comes out of pretty good in-wall speakers...very good sound actually.

Service. This is where things just went awry. The male staff during daytime...just act like those people you see in artsy fartsy gallery...all clad in black and act like they're too cool for you. Get off your high horse guys...your job is to make the guess feel welcomed and comfortable...not like they're in some friggin overpriced art gallery. It didn't help that I tried to get to Xintiandi...and somehow...not sure how you can even mess this up...the staff downstair gave completely wrong direction...thank goodness I somewhat learned to recognize direction in Shanghai...and alerted the taxi before more damage done (I had a flight to catch shortly after). There are some good service offer too...just mixed in with what I mentioned above...so I will say I'm very disappointed in this aspect...and it's the BIG reason why I give it a 3 stars as opposed to 4

Shopping Tip : Very close to subway. Many people mentioned that it's hard to find...but not as hard as you think. I would say, use Uniqlo as your landmark...the hotel is almost right behind it.

Stayed in a Studio Plus and found the experience rather interesting. Arrived at the hotel and took us a while to figure out where's the door. It's dark, almost everywhere and most esp when you step out of the lift on the room floors. Interesting decor. I especially like the resturant, it has a old Shanghai feel to it. The room is not huge, but adequate. The little kitchenette is quite well equipped.
Rooms are not very well sound-proof. Doors opening and closing kept us awake on the first 2 nights.

Good location, very convenient with resturants right at the door step.

Did not dine in the hotel, except for breakfast. Nothing special, service was not the best. Staff didn't seem helpful and rather slow. I repeatedly requested for something and was still not served at the end of the meal.

Will be nice if management can put some seats at the entrance, so guests can sit while waiting for a taxi.

Everything is fine until my taxi arrangement by bell boy to airport. I request for a big taxi, he just arranged a taxi he know and can get commission from (I saw driver pass him money), by the time I did not take that taxi and want to get another taxi, he dragged my luggage ignored all steps, make me feel that he throw temper on my luggage. It really ruined my whole experience here, the first time, and will be the only time. I could not give terrible rating, since other people give a pleasant service.