Lonely Planet Review

Renovated in 2005 and distinguished by the tall cupola of its slender, white clock overlooking East Nanjing Rd, the East Asia Hotel is a popular old-timer and long-standing fixture on the cheap Shanghai room circuit.

Located in the former Shanghai Sincere Department Store (which opened in 1917), the hotel today is clean and in tip-top condition. Double rooms - which have recently gone up in price, reflecting renovations - are decent (with kettle) and staff are both polite and used to dealing with Western travellers. Some double rooms overlook East Nanjing Rd and a restaurant can be found on the third floor. Spotting the hotel's clock tower is easy enough, but you will have to rummage around a bit to find the entrance: access is via a clothes store on East Nanjing Rd. Follow the signs to the hotel up to the 2nd floor either by the lift or stairs.