The Best Hotel at Dishui Lake — InterContinental Dishui Lake

InterContinental Dishui Lake is located right on Dishui Lake and is the only hotel "in" Dishui Lake, boasting an unbeatable location! 🌊 1. Core Highlights: Design, Location, and Privacy 1. The rare "one island, one hotel" experience The hotel exclusively occupies the southern island of Dishui Lake, accessible only via a dedicated bridge, ensuring excellent privacy. The architectural design was crafted by the same team behind Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, ATKINS, 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 atmosphere. 2. Full lake-view rooms + smart details - Standard rooms start at 45㎡ (combining 2 of the original 3 Crowne Plaza rooms), all equipped with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and viewing balconies; some room types have double balconies. Zones D and C offer the best views. - Smart features: electric curtains, lift-up TVs, Byredo toiletries, capsule coffee machines (Lor brand), and the minibar’s first round is free. - Family-friendly: In collaboration with Shanghai Astronomy Museum, themed "Galaxy/Solar System" rooms come with star projectors, LEGO walls, and telescopes. 3. Two pools + water activities - Outdoor infinity pool: heated year-round, visually seamless with the lake, 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, or lake tours via yacht club (extra charge). ⚠️ 2. Controversies and Shortcomings 1. The double-edged nature of the location - Advantages: private island environment, unique experiences like lake cycling and strolling through the Su-style garden of Xingyuan Yaji. - Disadvantages: over 60 km from downtown, accessible by Metro Line 16 terminus plus a shuttle bus (about 9 minutes), driving is more convenient; surrounding commercial facilities are limited, dining heavily relies on the hotel. 2. Price and value debates - Off-season standard rooms start at ¥1500+/night, peak season (holidays) can soar to ¥4000+, considered "high" by some guests. - Dining is noticeably overpriced: 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 value). 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 Flavor Fusion - Caifenglou (Chinese restaurant): focuses on Cantonese fusion cuisine, signature dishes include river shrimp with grilled 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 restocked 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, 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 direct to Shanghai Astronomy Museum: the world’s largest planetarium, guests get priority ticket access (museum activities require a second reservation). - 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. Optimized Stay Suggestions 1. Transportation strategy - Driving preferred: free parking, navigate to "Dishui Lake South Island No.1"; - Metro travel: choose Line 16 express or direct trains (30 minutes faster than regular), then a 9-minute taxi from Dishui Lake station to the hotel. 2. Room type and experience optimization - Families → choose high-floor lake-view rooms in Zone D (good view + quiet) or astronomy-themed rooms; - Couples → book double balcony rooms, enjoy drinks on the terrace at sunset; - Off-peak stays: weekdays + off-season (Nov-Mar) improve value by 30%. 3. Itinerary pairing Day 1: check-in → infinity pool photo op → dinner at Caifenglou → night session at Astronomy Museum; Day 2: lake cycling → afternoon tea at Xingyuan Yaji → Haichang Ocean Park Ultraman theater.