Shanghai Marriott Marquis: Your Luxury Shanghai Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously chaotic world of the Shanghai Marriott Marquis. "Your Luxury Shanghai Escape Awaits!" they say, and frankly, I, your weary travel-weary guide, have a lot to unpack about that promise. Let’s get messy, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Lobby's Sheer, Breathtaking…ness):
Okay, the lobby. The lobby. It’s like stepping onto the set of a James Bond movie, but with more…gold. Seriously, there’s gold everywhere. Chandeliers that could bankrupt a small nation, enough marble to build a small city. It's undeniably impressive. But here's the thing: impressive doesn't always equal welcoming, and I got a teeny bit lost in the sheer vastness for a hot minute. Found myself wandering, blinking, like a bewildered goldfish. But hey, it’s Shanghai. Expect opulence. I mean, come on, the doorman’s uniform alone probably costs more than my rent. So, a very Shanghai welcome.
Accessibility: The Good, the… Could-Be-Better:
Alright, let's be real. Accessibility is huge for me, as it should be for everyone! The Marriott Marquis scores some serious points here. It boasts Facilities for disabled guests that are notable. The elevator situation is top-notch, and I appreciate that. I didn't have any specific needs, but seeing those features put a smile on my face. However, while wheelchair access is mentioned, I'd love a specific breakdown – wide doorways, ramps, etc., especially for the On-site accessible restaurants / lounges. That kind of detail is everything. More granular info, people! Give us details! Please. Plus, shoutout to things like CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour]. Peace of mind is invaluable. The Check-in/out [express] did save me some time (though "express" can be a relative term, depending on the queue).
Rooms: Sleep Like a Pharaoh (Maybe):
My room? Oh man, it was legit. Think clean, comfortable, and really, really, really quiet. The soundproof rooms are a godsend in a city that never sleeps. Seriously, the blackout curtains? Absolute game-changer. I slept like the dead, which is a good thing, no? Oh yes, I also took the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! for granted. I should have been more grateful. And, hey! Air conditioning is a must, especially when you're melting from the Shanghai humidity. Daily housekeeping was impeccable – my room looked like it had never been lived in. The slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch and made me feel luxury. I am definitely going to make use of those features again, one day. The Extra long bed? Yes, please! I am not that tall but this is what I like!!!
On the downside? Well, let's just say my laptop almost made a dive off the desk (it’s a common fear, ok?). And the in-room coffee? Meh. I'm a coffee snob. But there's a Coffee shop downstairs, so I survived. And there was no Proposal spot. (kidding!)
Internet & Tech: Connected (Mostly):
Internet access – wireless [Free] was great. Internet access – LAN (for you old-school techies) was there as was Internet services,. So yeah, you're covered. But it's Shanghai, and sometimes the connection felt a little sluggish. But I'm nitpicking.
Dining, Drinking, and (Hopefully) Not Starving:
This is where things get interesting. The restaurants are seriously impressive. You have options galore! Breakfast [buffet]? Huge. Too much choice, honestly. I ended up just staring at the mountains of food like I was looking at a foreign language. Asian breakfast? Yep. Western breakfast? Double yep! Honestly, the sheer variety will make your head spin. Alternative meal arrangement? Good to know. I'm a sucker for a well-made salad in restaurant, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was good. I did try the Desserts in restaurant, can confirm, delicious. I did also have a Bottle of water from the Room service [24-hour] (thank god for that service as I was really hungry). On the downside? The Happy hour felt a little pricey. (I'm on a journalist's budget here, people!). The Poolside bar looks the part. I didn't try it out for myself.
Things To Do (Besides Eating Everything):
The Fitness center, is pretty darn good and yes, they do offer a Gym/fitness. But let me tell you, after all that food, the Spa/sauna and Spa were my saving grace. I indulged in the Body scrub and the Massage. Pure bliss. Seriously, I nearly fell asleep on the massage table. The Pool with view is stunning. And the Swimming pool [outdoor] is a great way to get a break from hustle and noise. The Steamroom was nice. But let's be honest, I spent most of my time just trying to relax.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (Which Matters):
Look, post-pandemic, cleanliness is king. And the Marriott Marquis delivers. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. The place felt immaculately clean. The Hand sanitizer stations are everywhere. I appreciated the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. It made me feel safe, and in a bustling city like Shanghai, that's huge. They even had Room sanitization opt-out available. Rooms sanitized between stays and they use Professional-grade sanitizing services. You get the idea. They take it seriously. And that matters a lot. All of that adds up to a feeling of being well-looked after. The Fire extinguisher was nice to see in the room.
Services and Conveniences: From Laundry to Luggage (They've Thought of Everything):
Concierge service? Solid. Dry cleaning? Excellent. Laundry service? Amazing. They have thought of pretty much everything. The convenience store in the hotel saved my hangry self on a few occasions. They also offer Food delivery. Now, that is a nice service to have!
For the Kids (If You Have Them):
They mention Family/child friendly accommodations and Babysitting service. I didn’t have any kids with me, but it seemed like they were geared for them.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly):
Airport transfer? Yep. Taxi service? Yep. Valet parking? Also yes! Getting around is a breeze.
Imperfections and Real Talk:
Okay, here's the messy, real-life stuff. The service, while generally good, wasn’t always consistent. One day a smiling face, the next a slight frown. It’s a big place, people. Mistakes happen. The sheer size of the place also means you're going to do a lot of walking. Like, a lot. Bring comfortable shoes. And be prepared to potentially wait for the elevator during peak times. The air conditioning in public area was nice.
The Verdict (And This Is Where I Get Personal):
The Shanghai Marriott Marquis is a luxury escape. It's not perfect, but it does a lot of things incredibly well. Is it worth the price? Depends. If you appreciate a certain level of elegance, impeccable cleanliness, and the convenience of having everything at your fingertips, then yes. If you're on an ultra-tight budget, maybe not. Is this a "Luxury Shanghai Escape"? Yes, I would classify it as such. It’s opulent, it's polished (most of the time), and it provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring this incredible city. My inner critic had plenty to say, but my tired traveler's heart was definitely happy.
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Shanghai Shenanigans: A Messy, Marvelous Meander Through Marriott Marquis & Beyond
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain’t a perfectly polished travelogue. This is raw. This is real. This is me, a slightly jet-lagged, perpetually peckish human trying to navigate the glorious, chaotic, and sometimes baffling city of Shanghai. My base of operations? The Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre. Let's see if I survive… or if the dim sum survives me.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Room Service, and the Quest for Karaoke (and Sanity)
- 14:00 - Arrival & Hotel Check-in: Landed at PVG, fought through the airport crowds (seriously, where does everyone go?), and finally, blessedly, arrived at the Marriott. The lobby is HUGE. Marble, chandeliers, the whole shebang. Felt a little underdressed in my slightly-creased travel outfit, but hey, I'm here, right? Check-in was smooth, bordering on robotic. The staff, bless their hearts, are impeccably polite. Almost too polite. Like they're expecting me to start demanding a gold-plated toothbrush.
- 15:00 - Hotel Room Reconnaissance: My room is…nice. Very beige. Perfectly arranged. The view… a wall of other beige buildings. Oof. Okay, deep breaths. First order of business: unpack. And then, I swear, I'm ordering room service. Because after that flight, I'm practically a walking, talking, hungry gremlin.
- 16:00 - Room Service Catastrophe (and Victory): Ordered some noodles. Simple enough, right? Wrong. They arrived 45 minutes later, cold, and with a side of something that looked suspiciously like… pickled jellyfish? (I'm making that up, probably.) I bravely ate half the noodles (cold ones are definitely a thing here) and chucked the mystery side dish. Victory: I survived. Defeat: My stomach's still slightly rumbling.
- 18:00 - Karaoke Attempts & General Flailing: Shanghai is supposed to be known for its karaoke, so naturally, that's on the agenda. Found a karaoke place nearby, but it's proving to be…challenging. The song selection is bonkers ("Yakety Sax" in Mandarin?!) and my Mandarin is, shall we say, rudimentary. My rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" probably offended everyone within a five-mile radius. But hey, I had fun… mostly. My voice, however, is now officially MIA.
- 21:00 - Bedtime & Jet Lag's Grip: Exhausted. Jet lag is kicking my butt. Trying to sleep, but my brain is pinging and ponging. Already missing home. Already thinking I'll never be able to pronounce anything around me.
Day 2: Yu Garden & the Accidental Purchase of a Fake Rolex (Maybe?)
- 09:00 – Breakfast & the Dim Sum Dilemma: The hotel breakfast buffet is a beast. So many choices! The dim sum looked amazing, but I’m terrified of accidentally ordering something with, well, questionable ingredients. Went for the safe option: scrambled eggs and toast. Boring, I know. But fear trumps culinary adventure in this instance.
- 10:00 - Yu Garden: Finally, culture. Yu Garden is absolutely stunning. A maze of pagodas, ponds, and winding paths. So much beauty, so many selfie sticks! The crowds were intense, but worth it. Lost myself in the tranquility for a good hour, even managed to avoid too many Instagram casualties.
- 12:00 - Lunch & Street Food Adventures (and Regret): Decided to be brave and try some street food. Found a vendor selling… something. It smelled amazing. Ate it. It was probably chicken. Or maybe duck. Or possibly…a small, unidentified animal. It was delicious at the time. Now, a few hours later, I'm starting to question my life choices. Pray for me.
- 14:00 - Fake Goods & Ethical Dilemmas: Took a stroll down Nanjing Road and, well… the "bargains" were everywhere. The lure of a "genuine" Rolex for a ridiculously low price was, admittedly, tempting. Walked away with… something. It might be a Rolex. It might be a fancy paperweight. I'm still not entirely sure. Feel a bit guilty about contributing to the fake goods economy, but hey, it's shiny!
- 16:00 - Back at the Marriott & Recovering Dignity: Needed a strong cup of coffee and a quiet moment to reflect on my day. The hotel bar is a welcome sanctuary. Ordered a strong espresso and watched the world go by. Still slightly queasy from lunch, but the coffee helps.
- 18:00 - Spa Treat & the Art of Doing Nothing: Booked myself into the spa for a massage. Needed it, desperately. The masseuse was incredible. Feel like a new person! Actually had a moment to reflect on being present. This hotel is something else.
- 20:00 - Dinner & the Steakhouse Debacle: Decided to treat myself to the hotel's steakhouse. Big mistake. The steak was okay, but the service was… let's just say they were trying really hard to be fancy. Felt like I was being judged for not knowing which fork to use. Overpriced and overdramatic. Lesson learned: sometimes, simplicity is best.
Day 3: Art, Tea, & Goodbyes (Maybe)
- 09:00 - More Breakfast & a Coffee-Fueled Plan: Okay, determined to have a proper breakfast today. Went bold: dim sum! Actually asked the waiter to explain what was in them. Success! They were delicious. And I didn't get sick (yet!). The power of communication!
- 10:00 - M50 Creative Park & Graffiti Vibes: Visited M50, the art district. Graffiti everywhere. Cool! Very modern, very Shanghai. Feeling inspired, even if I’m not sure what “art” actually is.
- 12:00 - Tea Ceremony & the Zen of Sipping: Took part in a traditional tea ceremony. The calm, the ritual, the taste… it was surprisingly soothing. Even managed to meditate for, like, five minutes. Feeling slightly more zen, slightly less likely to accidentally buy another fake watch.
- 14:00 - The Bund & the Panoramic Panic: The Bund. The Bund. The waterfront. Iconic. Beautiful. Overcrowded. Got some great photos, but also fought off a relentless barrage of selfie-stick-wielding tourists. The view from the Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre is much more relaxing.
- 17:00 - Back to the Room & Emotional Whims: Reflecting… Already feeling a bit melancholy about leaving. Shanghai is a crazy mix of things. Beauty, chaos, delicious food, baffling customs. It's been a wild ride, and I wouldn't trade it.
- 20:00 - The Farewell Feast (And Last-Minute Decisions): One last meal. One last glass of wine. One final attempt to navigate the hotel's confusing elevator system. I'm still here, right? Or I should be. Maybe.
- 21:00- Shanghai’s Farewell Kiss: A night night Shanghai.
- Day 4 will be written once it's happened.
Overall Impression: Shanghai is a whirlwind. The Marriott Marquis is a haven. This trip is a beautiful mess. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, where's that plane ticket home…?
Escape to Paradise: R Photo Hotel's Stunning Nakhon Phanom Getaway
So, you *actually* bought an old car? Why?! Were you dropped on your head as a child?
Alright, look, don't judge! It's not like it was a *rational* decision. I mean, I *knew* better. My brain was screaming, "RUN AWAY! This is a money pit! RUN!" But… there was a certain *charm*, you know? It was a 1978 [Make and Model of Your Choice - Let's Say: Datsun 280Z]. Gorgeous curves, rusty bits in all the right places (mostly). And the guy selling it? He looked like he hadn't showered since the Reagan administration. It was a vibe. Plus, I was broke. Logic? Out the window.
What's the *best* thing about owning a relic from the past?
Okay, hold on, let me think… *[Stares blankly into the middle distance, mumbling]*… Okay, okay. Best thing? When it *actually* starts. Seriously. After you've spent thirty minutes cranking the engine, sweating like you just ran a marathon, and praying to whatever deity handles internal combustion… the blissful *roar* of it coming to life is… well, it's almost orgasmic. It's a victory. Brief, but glorious. Also, people wave. They genuinely *care* about your car. It's a conversation starter. You suddenly become part of a secret club. Like, "Oh, you’ve got a problematic classic, too? Welcome, brother/sister/other!"
The *worst* thing? (You know, besides the obvious.)
Oh GOD, where do I even *begin*? Okay, okay, let's just pick something. Lemme tell you about the time… the time the *entire* exhaust system fell off, simultaneously, while I was driving on the freeway. At 70 miles an hour. It sounded like a thousand angry bees were trying to escape from the car's underbelly. The looks I got! The shame! The ensuing bill! The *fear* that every time I hit a bump, another vital piece would launch itself into oblivion. It was… a learning experience. And I learned I should keep a fire extinguisher handy. (And maybe a small army of mechanics.)
How often does it, you know, *break down*? Be honest.
Okay, real talk. "Break down" is a pretty *fluid* term, right? Let's say… it *presents challenges*. On average, I'd say it *attempts* to break down at least twice a week. Sometimes it's a minor inconvenience. Like, the turn signals deciding to only work when the wind is blowing from the east. Other times, it's more… dramatic. Like the time I was halfway across the desert and the fuel pump decided to take a permanent vacation. Note to self: always pack extra water, a survival kit, and a strong sense of denial.
Do you ever regret buying it?
Regret? Hmm... Okay, there are moments. Glaring, agonizing moments. Like, when I’m staring at another pile of greasy parts, or when the tow truck driver sighs as if he's seen it all before (he *has*). Or when the bank statement arrives and it’s mostly filled with "vintage car repair" charges. But then… I'll be cruising down the road (when it *actually* works), the sun setting, and this beautiful, ridiculous machine, is rumbling along. And then… yes, I love it, absolutely. It's like having a very demanding, occasionally spiteful, but ultimately charming, slightly eccentric, and extremely expensive *friend*. And isn’t that’s what truly matters?
What's the most annoying thing about keeping this old car running?
The *parts*. Finding the right parts. Waiting for the parts. Paying for the parts. Realizing the part you *thought* you ordered was not the one you needed. And then having to start again. The "part drama" as I like to call it, and you can bet, I have plenty of it. It's a logistical nightmare. Trust me, you will become intimately acquainted with every auto parts store within a fifty-mile radius. You'll learn the names of obscure part manufacturers and develop a deep, abiding hatred for shipping delays. And, let's not forget the sheer *cost*. It's like feeding a money-hungry beast... and the beast never gets full.
Is it even *safe*? Let's be honest.
"Safety" is a relative term, isn't it? Compared to a modern car with airbags, antilock brakes, and crumple zones? Probably not. Compared to walking? Maybe? The brakes work *most* of the time. The seatbelts are, well, present. The steering tends to be… a bit vague. It's like driving a very charming, slightly deranged, and potentially deadly, antique. Every journey is an adventure, a gamble. You're essentially playing a real-life version of Frogger, only with more rust and less pixelated visuals.
What advice would you give someone *considering* buying an old car?
RUN, Forrest, RUN! (Just kidding. Mostly.) Here's the deal: 1) Get a *thorough* pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in that era of car. Not just the guy down the street, you need someone who *knows* this stuff. 2) Be prepared to spend money. More money than you think. Seriously, double whatever you've budgeted. 3) Develop a thick skin. You will be judged. You will be pitied. You will hear things like, "Why would you buy *that*?" 4) Learn basic mechanic skills. Or at least befriend a good mechanic. You'll need them! 5) Embrace the chaos. It's part of the fun… and the frustration. And 6) Be patient. Oh, so, *so* patient. Also, have a good sense of humor. Because you're gonna need it.
Do you have a name for your car?
You betcha! Her name is [Name of Your CarBook a Stay
