Shanghai Gardenview Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Shanghai Gardenview Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Shanghai Gardenview Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Shanghai Gardenview Hotel. They bill it as "Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!" but let's be real, "Unforgettable" can mean a lot of things. I'm talking everything from "I'll never forget how long the elevator took" to "I'll never forget that massage!" So, here we go, a deep dive, warts and all, into this supposed haven of high-end living.
Accessibility: Navigating the Maze (Mostly Okay)
Okay, let's start with the practical stuff. Access? They say they're good. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, at least in theory. Elevator? Absolutely. And, thank heavens, because I’m not sure how many stairs I could manage after a particularly ambitious buffet attempt (more on that later). They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is always a plus. They're clearly trying, which is a good start. Just always double-check – you know how things can sometimes go sideways.
Rooms: Pretty, But… Is That Dust?
The rooms themselves? Generally, they’re gorgeous. They tick all the boxes: Air conditioning, a mini bar (essential!), coffee/tea maker (also essential!), free Wi-Fi (bless, it actually works!), bathrobes (hello, lounging!), and a desk (I managed to ignore that). I mean, who doesn't love a bathtub and separate shower/bathtub combo? The bathtub? Oh, it was dreamy. Seriously, a long, hot soak after a day of battling Shanghai traffic… pure bliss.
But here’s where things get real, you know? One of those tiny imperfections I sometimes feel ruins a perfectly good thing. The first room I was in? Looked pristine at first glance, but then I noticed a…a tiny speck of dust on the lamp. (Yes, I’m picky, I know). Did I ask for another room? No. Did it drive me crazy? Absolutely. Let's just say my inner OCD was slightly triggered. Also, the high floor was great for the view, but the blackout curtains were essential to getting a good sleep!
Internet Access? (Let’s Be Optimistic!)
They brag about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and, to their credit, it generally works. The Wi-Fi in public areas was also decent, which is always a relief when you're trying to Instagram your perfectly presented breakfast (more on how THAT went, later…). They also have Internet [LAN], so if you're a luddite with a cable (bless you), you're covered. The Internet services were pretty standard, nothing revolutionary.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, Maybe Overkill?!
Okay, this is where the Gardenview shines (or at least tries to!). The Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep. And, and, and… Staff trained in safety protocol? You betcha, those folks were masked up and ready for anything. The sheer abundance of hand sanitizer dispensers felt a touch overwhelming, like a slightly aggressive hygiene hug.
Rooms Sanitization Opt-Out? Nope.
The good news is that the Gardenview is clearly taking the whole cleanliness thing VERY seriously. The not-so-good news is that it sometimes felt like I was living in a laboratory.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure of Highs and Lows!
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? They've got Restaurants (plural!), a Bar, a Coffee shop, even a Poolside bar. Room service [24-hour]? Hallelujah! Perfect for those midnight snack cravings (or, let's be honest, full-blown existential crises).
They have a Breakfast [buffet], which is where my "ambitious attempt" mentioned earlier took place. Picture this: a glorious spread of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, everything from fluffy pancakes to dim sum. It was a feast for the senses! Then I ate too much and was rendered practically immobile for the next three hours. Worth it? Absolutely.
The Asian cuisine in restaurant? Delicious. I particularly loved the soup. The International cuisine in restaurant? Solid, if a bit…safe. I'd describe the dishes cooked with Vegetarian restaurants and alternative meal arrangement as pretty good.
And the Happy Hour? Well, let's just say it helped smooth over the bumps.
The Bottle of water was welcome (hydration is key, people!). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, the Desserts in restaurant were tempting, and the Salad in restaurant were good, but the Soup in restaurant was really good, and the Snack bar was not worth even getting out of bed for.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (With a Twist)
This is where the Gardenview almost blew me away. They've got EVERYTHING: Fitness center, a Pool with view, a Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor] and Swimming pool! They even have a Foot bath (luxury!), Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap!
I went for the works. I had a massage. It was… heavenly. Seriously, pure bliss. I almost fell asleep. Almost. Then I went to the sauna and the steam room. And for the last time, almost fell asleep, but I got out of the room and into the pool, for a swim with a view (which made me love the pool view more than once).
Services and Conveniences: All the Bells and Whistles (Plus Some)
Right, so they really do try to cover everything. Concierge? Yep. Doorman? Of course. Daily housekeeping? They were on it! Dry cleaning and Laundry service? Check and check. Meeting/banquet facilities? Yup, perfect if you need to impress clients or, well, have a fancy conference.
And then there are the little things. Cash withdrawal? Obviously. Currency exchange? Handy. Luggage storage? Indispensable. Baby sitting service? (For when you are with the kids in family/child friendly hotel). They even offer a Car park [free of charge] and valet parking!
For the Kids: Okay, family time! I liked the Family/child friendly vibes. While my inner child was in the Spa and sauna, others could have benefited from the facilities of the kids facilities or ordered a Kids meal.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer?
They do Airport transfer and Taxi service, which were both very convenient. Parking? car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site].
The Verdict: Unforgettable, But With a Grain of Salt!
Look, the Shanghai Gardenview is a good hotel. Really good. Does it live up to the "Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!" hype? Well, parts of it do. The Spa? Unforgettable. The breakfast buffet? Memorable (and not just because of the food coma). The rooms? Mostly lovely. Their safety and hygiene protocols? Impeccable.
But there were a few rough edges. The minor dust. The occasional slightly slow service. The feeling that it was all a little…over-the-top in the cleanliness department.
Would I go back? Yeah, probably. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives. Just maybe, before I book, I’ll ask about the room. And the dust. And the over-eagerness to disinfect.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Gardenview Hotel, Shanghai: A Hot Mess of a Trip (and I wouldn't have it any other way)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a lived itinerary, complete with jet lag, questionable food choices, and enough existential crises to fill a Shanghai skyscraper. We're at the Gardenview Hotel, folks. Prepare yourselves.
Day 1: Shanghai Shenanigans - Arrival, Anxiety, and Noodles of Bliss
- 14:00 - Arrival at Pudong International Airport (PVG). Okay, so first hurdle: the dreaded immigration lines. Let's just say my passport photo looks like a hostage situation, and the guy behind the counter seemed to agree. The air in Shanghai, even in a fancy airport, is thick with the scent of anticipation and… maybe a little exhaust. Found my pre-booked airport transfer. The driver clearly thought I was a clueless tourist; he was probably right.
- 15:30 - Transfer to Gardenview Hotel. (Pro Tip: Avoid the "scenic route" unless you enjoy a 90-minute tour of industrial estates. Stick to the highway!) The Gardenview…oh, the Gardenview. It's a little, well, vintage. Think faded grandeur, slightly creaky floorboards, and a lobby that smells faintly of old books and… hope? I'd seen the pictures online, and let's just say the reality was… charmingly different. But hey, the staff was friendly enough, and the porter (who, bless him, looked about 80) actually managed to lug my suitcase up the stairs. Good start.
- 16:30 - Check-in and Room Reconnaissance. My room? Cozy. By "cozy," I mean it could probably house a small family. The windows looked out at… another building. (Welcome to city living!) But the bed looked inviting, and that, my friends, is all that mattered at this point. Jet lag was starting to kick in like a mule.
- 17:00 - The Great Noodle Quest Begins. I'm starving. Absolutely RAVENOUS. Armed with a map and a vague desire for "authentic cuisine," I stumbled out of the hotel. My stomach decided for me. A tiny, seemingly hole-in-the-wall noodle shop. No English menu. Panic. Pointed at a steaming, fragrant bowl someone else was slurping with gusto. Best. Noodles. EVER. Seriously. Broth so rich it could win a Nobel Prize for deliciousness. The noodles themselves? Pure chewy perfection. I'm pretty sure I embarrassed myself with my enthusiastic slurping. Didn't care. Worth it.
- 18:00 - The "Lost in Translation" Shopping Fiasco. Decided I needed a snack. Went into a small shop. Attempted to buy… something. Ended up with a bag of what I think were dried plums. They tasted… interesting. Like sweet and sour with a hint of… old shoe? (Maybe I was tired.)
- 19:00 - Attempt at "Relaxation" (Failed Miserably). Back at the hotel. Planned to relax. Failed. Seriously, this jet lag is kicking my butt. Couldn't sleep, but couldn't think. Watched some truly awful Chinese TV (the subtitles were… a suggestion). Felt utterly adrift. Then, I had a sudden, overwhelming craving for another bowl of noodles.
- 20:00 - Second Noodle Intervention. Back to the noodle shop. Felt like I was on a mission. Another bowl. Glorious. This time, I managed to communicate "extra chili oil" with some frantic hand gestures. Victory!
- 21:00 - Bedtime (Maybe?) Still wide awake. Swore at the ceiling for a good hour. Contemplated the meaning of life, the proper way to peel an orange, and the existential dread of choosing between green tea or black tea. Finally fell asleep. Pretty sure I dreamt of noodles.
Day 2: Temple Tranquility, Street Food Shenanigans, and a Lesson in Bargaining (and Humility)
- 08:00 - Awkward Wake-Up. Woke up. Surprised. Refused to look at the sun or the clock.
- 09:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel (a mixed bag…). Breakfast at the Gardenview. The good: the coffee wasn't terrible. The bad: the "international buffet" was a slightly depressing collection of lukewarm scrambled eggs and questionable sausages. Tried the congee (rice porridge). Very… bland. Added some of those dried plums from yesterday. Mistake. Big mistake.
- 10:00 - Yu Garden and the City God Temple. Decided to embrace the tourist thing and head to the Yu Garden. Wow. Stunning. Absolutely beautiful, even if it was packed elbow-to-elbow with other tourists. The architecture was incredible, the gardens were serene, and the atmosphere was… well, chaotic. (But in a good way). The City God Temple, with its incense and bustling market, was a sensory overload. Absolutely loved it.
- 12:00 - Street Food Extravaganza! (and a mild case of food poisoning?!). Lunchtime! And time for another foray into the glorious, greasy, and potentially life-threatening world of Shanghai street food! Tried everything. Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) – heavenly! Jianbing (savory crepe) – delicious! Stinky tofu – well… interesting. Let’s just say it’s an acquired taste. Then, maybe… just maybe… I ate something that wasn’t quite right. My stomach started staging a revolt. (Oh, the irony).
- 13:30 - Panic and the Bathroom. Rushed back to the hotel. You know the rest.
- 15:00 - The Tea House Rescue. After a period of quiet suffering, I dragged myself out, determined to salvage the afternoon. Found a beautiful tea house near the hotel. Sipped calming tea, the only sound a gentle flute (the tea was amazing!). I watched the world go by, remembering why I love to travel
- 16:00 - The Bargaining Battle on Nanjing Road. Feeling slightly better, I ventured onto Nanjing Road, the famed shopping street. Saw a beautiful, ridiculously expensive silk scarf. Decided to try and haggle. This is where the "humility" part comes in. My bartering skills? Non-existent. Got completely played. Paid way too much. Still, the scarf is gorgeous. And a valuable lesson learned: know your limits.
- 18:00 - Dinner (Cautiously). Back to the noodle shop. Okay. The soup dumplings were worth every penny.
- 19:00 - Attempted Rooftop Bar Adventure (Cancelled). Planned to go to a rooftop bar to admire the Shanghai skyline. My stomach was still protesting. Instead, I retired to the hotel room.
- 20:00 - Bedtime (Early). Fell asleep.
Day 3: Art, Adventures, and Goodbye (for Now)
- 09:00 - Museum Morning. Decided to visit the Shanghai Museum. It was fantastic! The ceramics were stunning, the bronzes were mesmerising, and the history was palpable. Spent hours wandering through the exhibits, feeling a genuine sense of awe. Totally worth it.
- 12:00 - The Bund. After the museum, I walked along The Bund. The views of the Pudong skyline were incredible. Every bit as iconic as the pictures.
- 13:00 - Lunch and the Last Noodles. Last meal! Went back to the noodle shop. Said my goodbyes to the smiling staff. This was the start of my final day
- 14:00 - Hotel Check-Out (Bittersweet). Checked out of the Gardenview. Felt a strange mix of relief and sadness. Felt something of a pang of wanting to stay.
- 15:00 - Transfer to airport.
- 18:00 - Departure.
Reflections:
Shanghai. It's loud, it's chaotic, it's beautiful, and it's utterly captivating. The Gardenview Hotel? A character in its own right. This trip wasn't perfect, but it was real. And that's what made it special. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a translator – and a stronger stomach. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm dreaming of noodles…
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Okay, spill the tea: Is the Shanghai Gardenview REALLY as luxurious as it sounds? I'm talking 'diamond-encrusted toothbrush luxury' level?
Alright, let's be real. Diamond-encrusted toothbrush? Maybe not. They *might* frown upon that. But is it luxurious? Oh, honey, YES. Think less "shiny and new" and more "old-world charm drips from the chandeliers." My personal definition of luxury hinges heavily on the bathroom situation, you see. And the Gardenview? The marble in that bathroom made me *almost* cry. Seriously. I'm not even kidding – I think I actually gasped when I walked in. The shower pressure? Glorious. The gigantic fluffy towels? I could have built a fortress out of those things. The little details, like the fresh orchids... it's the kind of place where you accidentally spend an hour just staring at the details, thinking, "Damn, someone put a *lot* of love into this place." It’s luxurious, yeah, but it's not the in-your-face, nouveau riche kind. It's the quietly confident, "we know we're the best" kind.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually in a garden? And is it easy to get around?
Okay, so the "Gardenview" part... yeah, it's legit. There's this gorgeous courtyard. Honestly, I spent half an afternoon just wandering around it, pretending I was some sort of wealthy socialite reading a book (which, let's be honest, I probably looked ridiculous doing). And yes, it’s easy to get around, even if you're directionally challenged, like me. You've got the metro practically at the doorstep, and taxis are readily available. Finding the hotel itself? That's the easy part. Finding your way *back* after a night out… well, let's just say Google Maps became my best friend. And, uh, maybe the friendly bellhops, too. They always knew where I was trying to get back to… even if I didn't.
I'm a foodie. How's the dining situation? Are there good restaurants nearby?
Listen, if you're a foodie, you've come to the right city, let alone the hotel. The Gardenview's restaurant? Phenomenal. Seriously, the dim sum brunch... I'm still dreaming about it. I swear, there was a moment where I thought I'd accidentally eaten my way through the entire menu. Everything. Just. Melted. In. My. Mouth. But the best part? The concierge, who, bless their hearts. They know all the hidden gems. "Go to this hole-in-the-wall dumpling place," they said. "It doesn't look like much, but trust me." And oh, did I trust them. Best dumplings of my LIFE. The kind that you'll tell your grandkids about. (Assuming I ever have grandkids, of course. Currently, my biggest commitment is to my Netflix queue.) Plus, the hotel is smack-dab in the middle of... well, everything! Amazing restaurants are EVERYWHERE. Just be ready to embrace some food coma naps.
What about the service? Are the staff helpful and friendly? What if I have a problem?
Okay, here's where the Gardenview *really* shines. The staff? They're not just helpful, they're practically mind-readers. Seriously. I swear they knew I was running low on coffee before *I* did. The concierge? Absolute rockstars. Need a restaurant reservation? They're on it. Need to find a lost luggage? They’ve got you. The bellhops? Always a cheery greeting, which is important when you’ve just stumbled in after a long day of exploring. I had a small… incident… involving a broken vase (totally my fault, clumsy is my middle name). I was mortified! But the staff? Totally understanding. They fixed it without a fuss, and even gave me a little box of chocolates as a peace offering. (Which, let's be honest, was *brilliant* marketing.) Problem? They're on it. Seriously, the level of service is something else. Like, 5-star level, but without the stuffiness.
Is there a spa? And if so, is it any good? Because I need some serious pampering.
YES, THERE IS A SPA! And is it good? Honey, it's HEAVEN. Pure, unadulterated, fluffy-robe-and-cucumber-water heaven. I think I spent half my time there, basically moving between the sauna, the steam room, and the massage table. The massages? Don't even get me started. They’re pure bliss. I went in feeling like a crumpled piece of paper after a long flight, and came out feeling like I could conquer the world (or at least, successfully navigate the Shanghai metro without getting horribly lost). The atmosphere is all calming music and soft lighting. It's the kind of place where you can truly switch off and just… relax. Honestly, the whole experience was a total game-changer, and I’d go back just for the spa. No joke.
Okay, deep breath… because I need to gush about the spa *more*. It's not just the massages, although those are, *chef's kiss*, perfection. It's the whole vibe. The scent of the essential oils, the quiet whispers, the feeling of your muscles just *melting*. I remember one time, I was having a REALLY stressful week, you know those times where you feel like you're swimming in a sea of to-do lists? I spent a blissful afternoon there, getting a facial. I swear, the aesthetician worked some kind of magic. I legit think I looked ten years younger when I left. Okay, maybe not ten, but definitely five! And the best part? No one bothered me. No phone calls, no emails, just pure, uninterrupted bliss. I even managed to fall asleep during my massage (oops!). The spa is basically a portal to a world of pure relaxation. If you don't go, you're seriously missing out. Consider this your PSA. Go. Now.
Let's talk about rooms. Are they spacious? What can I expect?
The rooms are generally pretty spacious, yes. You aren't going to feel like you're crammed into a shoebox. You're not going to be doing any impromptu yoga classes in the room, but there's enough space to, you know, breathe. Some rooms are more spectacular than others, so try to get a good one if you can! (Ask politely when you check in, it goes a long way.) I remember walking into mine and feeling a little… underwhelmed at first. Was it because I'd just spent a week in a hostel? Possibly. But then I started to notice the little details. The plush armchair, the beautiful silk curtains, the view of the city... it all started to grow on me. And, of course, the massive bed. I’m a sucker for a good bed. And this one… oh, this one was heaven. I think I slept for about 12 hours straight the first night. Pure bliss.
Are there any downsides I should know about? Be brutally honest!
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