The Best Hotel at Dishui Lake—InterContinental Shanghai Dishui Lake

InterContinental Shanghai Dishui Lake is located right on Dishui Lake and is the only hotel "in" Dishui Lake, offering an unbeatable location! 🌊 1. Core Highlights: Design, Location, and Privacy 1. The rare experience of "one island, one hotel" The hotel exclusively occupies the southern island of Dishui Lake, accessible only via a private bridge, ensuring excellent privacy. The architectural design was crafted by ATKINS, the same team behind Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, with an exterior resembling a five-petal peach blossom blooming on the lake, highly recognizable. Inside, the theme is "Ocean Palace," featuring a 20-meter-high lobby ceiling that brings in natural light, with gilded wave lines and shell elements echoing the lake’s reflections, creating a strong immersive experience. 2. Full lake-view rooms + smart details - Standard rooms start at 45㎡ (originally three Crowne Plaza rooms combined into two), all equipped with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and viewing balconies; some room types have double balconies, with the best views in zones D and C. - Smart features: electric curtains, lift-up TVs, Byredo toiletries, capsule coffee machine (Lor brand), and the minibar’s first round is free. - Family-friendly: In collaboration with Shanghai Astronomy Museum, themed "Galaxy/Solar System" rooms are offered, equipped with star projectors, LEGO walls, and telescopes. 3. Two swimming pools + water activities - Outdoor infinity pool: heated year-round, visually seamless with the lake surface, the fan-shaped area is a popular photo spot. - Indoor pool: open all year, connected to changing rooms and sauna. - Water activities: sailboat and kayak rentals available by appointment, or lake tours via the yacht club (extra charge). ⚠️ 2. Controversies and Shortcomings 1. The dual nature of the location - Advantages: private island environment, unique experiences like lake cycling and strolling through the Su-style garden of Xingyuan Elegant Gathering. - Disadvantages: over 60 km from downtown, connected by Metro Line 16 terminus plus a shuttle bus (about 9 minutes), driving is more convenient; surrounding commercial facilities are insufficient, dining heavily relies on the hotel. 2. Price and value controversy - Off-season standard rooms start at ¥1500+/night, peak season (such as holidays) can soar to ¥4000+, considered "high" by some guests. - Dining prices are noticeably premium: buffet dinner ¥398/person, Caifenglou Chinese restaurant averages ¥300+ per person, but taste reviews are mixed (e.g., Nandao Shiji breakfast praised, Korean restaurant MOOWOO criticized for low cost-performance). 3. Facility maintenance and details - Some areas (like outdoor wooden walkways) show wear, lower-floor rooms occasionally have mosquito issues. - Children’s playground facilities are basic, falling short of the advertised "Ocean Imagination" theme. 🍽️ 3. Dining Experience: Lake Views and Flavors Combined - Caifenglou (Chinese restaurant): specializes in Cantonese fusion cuisine, signature dishes include river shrimp with fish head and handmade rice cakes with yellow croaker, elegant environment suitable for banquets. - Nandao Shiji (all-day dining): lakeside floor-to-ceiling windows, breakfast includes local specialties (scallion oil noodles, pan-fried buns), weekend seafood buffet replenished quickly. - Lobby Bar × Peet's Coffee: co-branded lake-view afternoon tea (¥288/set), paired with Peet’s coffee, highly photogenic. 🎪 4. Family and Special Activities 1. Child-friendly facilities - Ocean Imagination Club: cruise ship-themed playground with climbing nets, sandpit, and interactive projections. - Happy Farm: feed peacocks and rabbits, accessible through the A zone conference hall. - Heated pool: children’s shallow area (0.6m) plus water slide, usable even in winter. 2. Nearby linked experiences - 10 minutes to Shanghai Astronomy Museum: the world’s largest planetarium, guests get priority ticket access (in-museum activities require secondary booking). - Haichang Ocean Park: 15-minute drive, includes Ultraman-themed pavilion, hotel offers package deals. - Nanhui Mouth Seaview Park: one of Shanghai’s best sunrise viewing spots, about 20 minutes by car. 📌 6. Tips for Optimizing Your Stay 1. Transportation strategy - Driving preferred: free parking, navigate to "Dishui Lake South Island No.1"; - Metro travel: choose express or direct trains on Line 16 (30 minutes faster than regular trains), then a 9-minute taxi ride from Dishui Lake station to the hotel. 2. Room type and experience optimization - Families with children → choose high-floor lake-view rooms in zone D (good view + quiet) or astronomy-themed rooms; - Couples → book double balcony rooms to enjoy drinks on the terrace at sunset; - Off-peak stays: weekdays + off-season (Nov-Mar) improve cost performance by 30%. 3. Suggested itinerary Day 1: Check-in → infinity pool photo spot → dinner at Caifenglou → night session at Astronomy Museum; Day 2: Lake cycling → afternoon tea at Xingyuan Elegant Gathering → Haichang Ocean Park Ultraman theater.