Quick Answer

Food delivery to a hotel in China is usually possible, but you should not assume the rider will bring food to your room. Many hotels require deliveries to be left at the front desk, lobby shelf or designated pickup area. Use the Chinese hotel name, full address, phone number and a clear delivery note. Shanghai’s official food delivery guide explains the basic Meituan/Ele.me flow: account setup, menus, orders, payment and rider tracking.

If in doubt, ask the front desk where deliveries should be sent before placing the order.

Before You Order

Ask the hotel:

  1. Can food be delivered to the room?
  2. Should riders leave food at the front desk?
  3. Is there a delivery shelf or pickup cabinet?
  4. What Chinese address should I use?
  5. Should I include my room number?

Best Address Format

Hotel Chinese name: 上海某某酒店

Address: 上海市某区某路123号

Phone: 021-xxxx-xxxx

Note: 请送到酒店前台。

Room: only if the hotel allows it.

Step-by-Step Hotel Delivery

  1. Save your hotel address in Chinese.
  2. Open Meituan, Ele.me or a restaurant mini program.
  3. Set the delivery address to the hotel.
  4. Add front-desk delivery note.
  5. Choose food with clear photos and ratings.
  6. Pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay if supported.
  7. Watch rider tracking.
  8. Check lobby/front desk when the app says delivered.

Useful Chinese Delivery Notes

请送到酒店前台，谢谢。

Please deliver to the hotel front desk. Thank you.

我不会说中文，请发短信。

I do not speak Chinese. Please send a text message.

如果不能上楼，请放在大厅外卖架。

If you cannot go upstairs, please leave it on the lobby delivery shelf.

Common Problems

Rider calls you in Chinese

Send the prepared message. If still confused, ask hotel staff to speak with the rider.

Hotel refuses room delivery

Pick up from the lobby or shelf. This is common.

Food is marked delivered but you cannot find it

Check the front desk, delivery shelf, building entrance and app photo/message.

The app location points to the wrong entrance

Add a landmark note or call the hotel front desk.

Payment and Refunds

Payments usually happen before delivery. If the order fails or the rider cannot deliver, refund handling depends on the app and restaurant. Keep screenshots of order number, rider messages and delivery photo.

Sources Checked

Last source check: 2026-05-27

  • How to use food delivery apps Meituan and Ele.me — Shanghai Municipal Government

URL: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-UsefulApps/20240109/89844b5729d64b199463a156bc8ef43d.html

Supports: Guide for foreigners/tourists covering account creation, menus, orders, payment and delivery tracking on Meituan and Ele.me.

  • A guide to using AMap in English — Shanghai Municipal Government

URL: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-UsefulApps/20241213/59a549d4bdf1440c8e86251d5ac7d5a9.html

Supports: AMap/Gaode Map provides English support for overseas users and route planning for driving, public transit, walking and biking.

  • NIA announcement on accommodation registration for foreigners

URL: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147413/c196926/content.html

Supports: Hotels register foreigner accommodation with public security organs; non-hotel stays require registration within 24 hours, with online pilot channels described.

Disclaimer

App interfaces, payment rules, station practices, hotel policies and local procedures may change. Treat this guide as a source-checked practical guide, then verify important details with the official service, your hotel, transport staff or your card issuer before relying on it in an urgent situation.