In a positive review for The Hollywood Reporter, Duane Byrge wrote, "Director Peter Patzak has fashioned a roiling entertainment, nicely transposing this sprawling story to a tight, filmic dimension. Technically, it's marvelous with its teeming visuals and captivating marches through old Shanghai. Highest praise to cinematographer Martin Stingl for the panoramic scopings, and particular praise to art director Qin Baisong for evoking the passions and terrors of the times."[2]
In a negative review for Variety, Angela Baldassarre wrote, "Considering the large number of subplots, there is little room in Hotel Shanghai for character development; none of the personalities gets beyond mere introduction. The performances, thus, come across as incomplete and mediocre."[3]
^Byrge, Duane (7 October 1997). "War of the Worldly: Nine diverse characters brace for imminent Japanese attack in Durniok's 'Hotel Shanghai'". The Hollywood Reporter. Vol. 349, no. 27. p. 19. ProQuest2469203575.
