The first thing to know is that this is not a European type Novotel, it is managed by Accor but it is not a motel/budget hotel, it is a starred hotel, with 5 stars, huge lobby, etc. It is a modern hotel, built 2003, rooms a little small and a few 'software' bugs with the people but the hardware basically OK (except the swimming pool, you have to walk through an off-duty massage parlour to get to it in the adjoining 'entertainment centre', with pink-lit corridors and all, I guess they accepted this to get the 5-star rating). The breakfast fine, good balance of non-Chinese with some Wuhan specialities like the Mianwo and the fried noodles. The first floor bistro is good with french menu, excellent wine selection (the Grace Vineyard Cab Sav is not available in most Shanghai hotels) and a pool table in the bar area, you don't see that often in China. Staff friendly and much better than Wuhan Shangri-La which I actually walked out of because they wanted to charge me for the extra bed in my room for the 5 year old (free at Novotel). Would recommend.

Nice clean rooms, bathroom needed more light. Basic TV stations. The breakfast is ok but nothing special. Not much in the area around the hotel to walk to. Staff is very helpful with excellent English skills. On site store is minimal. OK for a short stay.