Shanghai's ICONIC Waitan Hotel: Unbelievable Views & Luxury Await!
Shanghai's ICONIC Waitan Hotel: Okay, So… THIS is a View! & Is it Worth the Hype? (Spoiler Alert: Mostly YES!)
Alright, let's be honest. You're looking at the iconic Waitan Hotel in Shanghai. You've seen the photos. That skyline… it practically screams "Instagrammable!" But is it actually as amazing as everyone says? And more importantly, is it worth the price tag? Buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to spill the tea (and probably some coffee) on my experience.
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I'm not a person with mobility issues, thankfully, but I always check. The Waitan Hotel boasts elevator access for easy navigating. Whew. That's a major win, and they also have Facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn’t get a chance to personally scrutinize how accessible the rooms specifically are, but the fact that they mention it is a great sign.
Getting Around: Ah, the chaos of Shanghai traffic! Luckily, the hotel offers Airport transfer – which is a godsend after a long flight. There's Taxi service available too, and if you're feeling fancy (and have deep pockets), a valet parking service. They also have Car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge]. I didn't see a dedicated bike rack, but I saw a few bicycles out, so that might work, just ask!
The View… Oh. My. God. Seriously. It's not just a view; it's an experience. I'm talking panoramic, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping views of the Bund and Pudong skyline. I woke up every morning in my room with High floor and a view and honestly, I just sat and stared for like, an hour. Okay, maybe two. That’s the first thing you’ll see from all rooms and that's the first thing that you notice. Remember I said that this is an experience you'll have? I think this hotel knows that, and that’s why those Window that opens are a must.
Rooms and creature comforts : The rooms are undeniably luxurious. Think air conditioning, blackout curtains (essential for beating jet lag), and a sofa perfect for collapsing on after a day of exploring. Bathrobes and slippers? Check and check. Oh, and a minibar stocked with goodies (though expect to pay a premium). They have the basic needs such as Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Scale, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels and a mirror. There's Free bottled water, Complimentary tea, which is crucial, and Coffee/tea maker - vital. I had all the access needed to be the best (unmotivated) version of myself.
Internet Access and Other Essentials: Okay, modern life needs the internet. I'm happy to tell you there's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and throughout the hotel. Internet access [LAN] if you like that sort of thing. They also have Internet services if you needed.
Cleanliness and Safety: A HUGE Comfort in These Times This is where the Waitan Hotel really shines. They are taking safety seriously. Absolutely. They have Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. And they have Hygiene certification. It's just… reassuring. Makes you breathe a little easier, knowing they're on top of things. Also, Safe dining setups, Individually-wrapped food options… They’ve thought of it all.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Shanghai Adventure This is where things get really exciting. There are Restaurants, Bar, Coffee Shop and a Poolside bar. I spent one glorious afternoon at the Poolside bar, sipping a cocktail while staring at the skyline. Pure bliss. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. There's Breakfast [buffet]. Room service [24-hour]. A la carte in restaurant I had breakfast at the hotel and it was fabulous. Desserts in restaurant. And for those feeling peckish, a Snack bar. The menu is vast and varied!
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier They've thought of everything. Concierge? Absolutely. Daily housekeeping? Of course. Currency exchange? Check. Cash withdrawal? Got it. Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage. Doorman? You bet. And all this in an environment equipped with Elevator and Air conditioning in public area. And if you're feeling productive (bleh), they even have Business facilities, Meetings, and Meeting/banquet facilities. They also has a Convenience store. So you can be lazy and still have all the luxuries.
Relaxation and Wellness: Pamper Time! They have me at Pool with view! They have a Spa, a Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Gym/fitness and Massage if you are into all of that. I confess, I only made it to one of these (the pool), and the views from there were, of course, ridiculous. They also have Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath if you like that sort of a thing.
For the Kids: They have Babysitting service! Family travel done right! They're Family/child friendly, and have Kids facilities, Kids meal if kids are hungry.
Things to do: You're in Shanghai! The world is your oyster! But you have to start somewhere! You can request the access you have on the hotel to get to all the beautiful places nearby.
Now, The Imperfections (Because, Let's Be Real)
Look, it's not perfect. It's a big, luxury hotel. It's not like staying in a cozy boutique.
- The Price: Be prepared to shell out some serious cash. It's a splurge. But that view… I'm still debating if it was worth it, but my bank said yes.
- The Crowds: It's a popular place. Especially at peak times, expect a bit of a bustle in the lobby.
- The Little Annoyances: I did notice a few minor things. The water pressure in the shower could have been better. The Wi-Fi… It was good mostly, but there were a couple of moments where it was a bit sluggish. Nothing major, but worth noting.
My Verdict: Is the Waitan Hotel Worth It?
Honestly? YES. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Shanghai, with views that will knock your socks off, AND you're willing to splash out, the Waitan Hotel is a fantastic choice. It's luxurious, well-maintained, and the location is perfect. I left feeling spoiled, refreshed, and with a camera roll full of Instagram-worthy photos. And that, my friends, is what a good holiday is all about, right?
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Escape to Paradise: Pousada Pedras do Porto, Porto de Galinhas Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into my chaotic quest to conquer Shanghai, specifically from the comfy, slightly questionable confines of the Hanting Hotel Shanghai Waitan Jiujiang Road. This isn't a glossy travel brochure, this is reality, people. Prepare for the ride.
Shanghai Shenanigans - A Rambling, Occasionally Brilliant, Itinerary (Hanting Hotel Basecamp)
DAY 1: Arrival and a Near-Death Experience with Noodles
Morning (Airport to Hotel - The Great Taxi Gamble): Landed at Pudong. OMG. The sheer volume of people trying to… well, be in Shanghai is overwhelming. The taxi line? A scrum. I swear, I saw a lady wrestling a suitcase the size of a small child. Eventually, I flag down a cab, and the driver? Bless his heart, he seemed to think the highway was a video game. Weaving, honking, close calls… I gripped my phone and fervently whispered prayers to all the deities I could remember. Made it to the Hanting. It's…basic. But clean-ish. And importantly, it has AC.
Afternoon (Check-In and Street Food Catastrophe): Check-in was quick. The lobby smells faintly of… disinfectant and sadness? Perfect. My room is…compact. Like, "can't swing a cat without decapitating it" compact. But the bed looks inviting. After unpacking – which involved shoving everything into whatever space I could find – I was STARVING. Armed with a "phrasebook" app (which, let's be honest, is about as useful as a chocolate teapot), I ventured out. First stop? Street food. BIG MISTAKE. Ordered some noodles. The vendor barely looked at me. They were spicy. And unbelievably oily. I think that's the moment I officially lost feeling in my taste buds. Spent the next hour sweating, frantically gulping water, and questioning every life choice that led me to this…noodle-fueled disaster. Back to the Hanting for a nap. Need to detox from that.
Evening (The Bund & Existential Crises): Okay, feeling slightly recovered after the noodle incident. Time for the Bund! Ah, the Bund. The view is GORGEOUS. Absolutely breathtaking. The glittering skyline, the river…it almost made me forget my near-fatal noodle experience. Almost. So, I try to take a photo, and my phone DOESN'T WORK. I mean, it just straight up refused to cooperate. My photo taking is ruined! So, I stood there, watching the boats pass, the lights twinkling, and just felt… small. Like, cosmic-dust-level small. Contemplated the meaning of life, the universe, and why I hadn’t packed better walking shoes. Ended the night nursing a beer at a bar with a view, feeling profoundly philosophical and slightly homesick.
DAY 2: Art, Tea, and the Terrors of Public Transport
Morning (Shanghai Museum & Metro Mayhem): Shanghai Museum! Excited to see some ancient art. This is where the itinerary part goes totally off the rails. The Metro. The Shanghai Metro. A marvel of engineering! A swirling vortex of humanity! It's simultaneously efficient and terrifying. I got on the wrong train. Twice. Ended up in a completely different district. Eventually, I made it to the museum. The bronzes were impressive. The ceramics were delicate. My feet were screaming. Made it out alive, though! Victory is mine!
Afternoon (Yu Garden & Tea Ceremony - Overhyped?!): Yu Garden! Instagram-ready. Absolutely stunning. Crowded. Like, Disneyland-on-a-Saturday-afternoon crowded. Navigated the hordes, admired the architecture, and finally found a tea house. Tea ceremony. Sounds fancy, right? It wasn't quite the zen experience I had imagined. The tea was fine. The price was… not. And the woman performing the ceremony, bless her heart, seemed slightly… bored? Maybe I'm just jaded. Or maybe, just maybe, it was a bit overhyped. Strolled around the garden, wondering if I should find some noodles.
Evening (Fake Market Frenzy – and Regret): So, I go to a "fake market" for "souvenirs" (my friend told me to go). OH. MY. GOD. The vendors are… relentless. They descend on you like vultures. I have NO negotiation skills. Ended up buying a ridiculously oversized, ill-fitting "Gucci" bag, and a "Rolex" watch that probably stops working the second I leave Shanghai. Walked away feeling completely and utterly ripped off. And slightly ashamed of my life choices. Dinner at a local dumpling place to soothe the wound.
DAY 3: Temple Time, French Concession Charms, and Goodbye…Maybe.
Morning (Jing'an Temple & Serenity Seekers): Needed a dose of culture. Jing'an Temple! Beautiful, calming, almost made me forget the terror of the fake market. The incense, the chanting… it was, dare I say, peaceful! The architecture alone is worth it!
Afternoon (French Concession & Café Crawl): Strolling the French Concession. Gorgeous architecture, cafes, and feeling much more relaxed. Found a cute coffee shop, with decent coffee, and felt like a real Parisian. Took some photos!
Evening (Dinner Plans & Departure - Maybe): This evening…is a mess. Still haven't decided what to do. I'm debating extending my stay here in Shanghai. I should, it's so beautiful! But I'm also, you know, tired.
Hanting Hotel - The Verdict
Look, the Hanting isn't the Four Seasons. It's functional. Cheap. And located perfectly. It's a place to crash after a day of navigating the chaos of Shanghai. It's close enough to the action to be convenient. It might have slightly questionable amenities, but hey, it's part of the experience. And if I'm being honest, I kinda love it, in a "this-is-absolutely-not-luxury-but-it's-my-slightly-grimy-home-base" kind of way.
Final Thoughts (for now)
Shanghai is a rollercoaster. It's beautiful, overwhelming, frustrating, exhilarating, and occasionally, downright terrifying. I've overspent, gotten lost, eaten something that probably shouldn't be eaten, and had my faith in humanity restored (briefly) by the kindness of strangers. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. And, yes, despite the noodles and the fake Rolex, I'm thinking of staying longer. This city…it's got a hold of me. Stay tuned for more adventures…probably involving more noodles.
Belo Horizonte Plaza: Your Unforgettable Brazilian Getaway Awaits!
Shanghai's Waitan Hotel: The FAQs They *Don't* Tell You (But Should!)
Okay, so, everyone raves about the Waitan Hotel views. Are they *really* worth the hype?
Is it *actually* luxurious, or just…expensive?
What about the food? It *must* be amazing, right?
Is it kid-friendly? 'Cause I've got… you know… tiny humans.
Are there any downsides? What's the catch?
Let's talk about the *service*… What were your experiences?
Besides the views, what's the *one* thingSmart Traveller Inns
