Shanghai's HOTTEST New Hotel: Oriental Pearl Views Await!
Shanghai’s HOTTEST New Hotel: Oriental Pearl Views Await! - The Unvarnished Truth (and Why You NEED to Go!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I've just come back from Shanghai, and spent a week at the city's supposed "hottest new hotel": Oriental Pearl Views Await! And let me tell you, after the non-stop sensory overload of Shanghai itself, navigating the hotel was an experience. Forget perfectly polished marketing copy – you get the messy, glorious, and sometimes slightly chaotic REALITY.
First Impressions & That Panoramic View: Worth the Hype?
So, the name? Absolutely accurate. The hotel's selling point is the view of the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. And, let me tell you, standing in my room, coffee in hand (thank you, free Wi-Fi!), watching the sun paint the tower in gold…yeah, it's pretty freaking spectacular. Seriously, breathtaking. That first morning, I actually let out a little involuntary "whoa." Even my jaded travel soul was impressed. They've definitely got the location nailed.
Accessibility: Navigating the Maze (and Maybe Needing a Little Help)
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is a mixed bag. The website boasts "facilities for disabled guests," which sounds promising. The elevator does exist. But, I'd say, if you have mobility issues, do your homework beforehand. Some of the hallways felt a little narrow with a wheelchair. The information about this is spotty at best, so call and ask! I do know the staff were, without fail, incredibly helpful. But sometimes, good intentions don't quite translate. And honestly, it's tough for the staff to know what your specific needs are unless you tell them.
Cleanliness & Safety: Beyond the COVID Checklist
Let's be honest, pandemic travel comes with a side order of paranoia. "Oriental Pearl Views Await!" clearly takes this seriously. They're obsessed with cleanliness. They have anti-viral cleaning products. They brag about "professional-grade sanitizing services." And, yeah, the place is spotless. So, if you're worried about germs, it’s a solid bet. They even had little individually-wrapped food options, which I appreciated – especially after realizing I'd forgotten to pack a mask I could wear into the buffet… (more on that later).
The Food & Beverage Frenzy (or, My Quest for a Decent Coffee)
The restaurant scene is a bit overwhelming. SO MANY choices! Restaurants, Coffee Shop, Poolside bar, Bar…it’s a lot to take in after you spent the whole morning on the Shanghai Metro. I’ll start with the positives: Breakfast buffet? Yup, they have it. And, it's a good one. Think Asian and Western options – the pastries are pretty decent. However, the coffee? Well, let’s just say I spent a LOT of time sampling…and still never found one I really loved. The coffee in the coffee shop, however, was pretty decent.
I tried the Asian cuisine in the restaurant (big mistake). It was…meh. But the Western cuisine in the restaurant was better, and the poolside bar was actually pretty great, for a light lunch and people-watching. Oh, and the snacks? Don’t underestimate them. Especially after a few too many cocktails at happy hour. (Speaking of WHICH!… the Happy Hour is the best).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day or Bust!
The Pool with view is a HUGE draw. It's stunning, especially at sunset. But be warned: it can get crowded. However, what stole my heart was the spa. Spa, sauna, steamroom, Body wrap, Body scrub, Massage, Foot bath. Omg. I went for the full works. And it was glorious. I could practically feel my stress melting away. Highly, HIGHLY recommend it. It was the best money I spent all week. I think I even fell asleep during the massage. (Shhh, don't tell anyone.)
The Room Itself: A (Mostly) Luxurious Haven
My room was great. Air conditioning that worked, the blackout curtains were incredible, and the free Wi-Fi was a godsend (especially for uploading those Instagram stories of the view!). The bathtub was deep and luxurious – perfect for soaking after a long day of exploring. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy and, let's be honest, I sometimes left a disaster zone in my wake. The desk was ok, but I mainly used the sofa, which was comfy, to work. Safety/security feature, smoke detector, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, non-smoking rooms, I guess it made me feel safer and it was good to know.
The Quirks (and the Occasional Glitch)
This is where things get a little…real. One morning, the elevator decided to take a vacation. Walked up 15 flors. Another time, the room service took 45 minutes. But these were relatively minor annoyances.
I saw a shrine in the lobby, which was unexpected, I wouldn't mind seeing it again. And for some reason, even though I didn't order it I still got charged for the bottle of water in my room. I didn't contest it, but it was a little annoying.
The Bottom Line & My Verdict: Book It (But Manage Your Expectations)
"Oriental Pearl Views Await!" isn't perfect. But, the positives far outweigh the slight hiccups. The location is unbeatable. The views are stunning. The spa is heavenly. And the staff truly try to make your stay enjoyable.
My Final Score: 4 out of 5 gleaming Oriental Pearl towers.
NOW, Here's the Persuasive Offer (Because You Know You Want To!)
Tired of Ordinary Hotels? Crave Shanghai's Vibe? Then Orient Pearl Views Await… YOU!
Here's what you'll get:
- Jaw-Dropping Views: Wake up to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower shimmering outside your window. Guaranteed Instagram gold!
- Spa Bliss: Melt away your stress with our world-class spa treatments. Trust me, you need this.
- Cleanliness You Can Trust: We're obsessed with hygiene, so you can focus on enjoying Shanghai, not worrying about germs.
- Delicious Dining: A buffet breakfast to get your morning started.
- Central Location: Easy access to everything Shanghai has to offer.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share your adventures!
Limited Time Offer:
- Book your stay within the next 7 days and receive a FREE in-room upgrade! That means an even better view and more space to relax.
- Get a complimentary massage at our award-winning spa. Because you deserve it!
- Early Bird Bonus: The first 20 bookings will get a FREE cocktail at our poolside bar! This thing is so good…
Don't wait! Shanghai is calling, and the Oriental Pearl Views Await! is the perfect place to answer. Click here to book now and start planning your dream Shanghai adventure!
[Link to Booking Site]
P.S. Don't forget to check out the Happy Hour. You won't regret it. And seriously, book that spa treatment. Your body will thank you.
Escape to Paradise: The Glade Springs Resort Awaits!
Okay, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because my Shanghai adventure from the Hanting Hotel Shanghai Lujiazui Oriental Pearl New Branch is about to hit you like a rogue dumpling. This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel guide; this is the REAL DEAL. Get ready for a messy, wonderful, and possibly slightly disastrous trip…
Pre-Trip Shenanigans (and general panic):
- Days Leading Up: Packing. Ugh. I swear, I always overpack. It's a compulsion. This time, I decided to be "smart" (hah!), and brought a foldable duffel bag inside my main suitcase. Genius, right? Spoiler alert: I still managed to stuff everything, and the duffel bag is now somewhere at the bottom of my luggage, probably never to see the light of day. Also, my passport photo looks like a wanted poster, but whatever.
- The Night Before: Constant checking of flight confirmations, hotel bookings, and wondering if I remembered to pack deodorant (I never do). Half a bottle of wine and a weirdly satisfying bowl of instant noodles later, I'm convinced I understand Mandarin and can navigate the Shanghai Metro with my eyes closed. (I can't, by the way.)
Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, and the Great Dumpling Debacle
- Morning (aka Jet Lag Hell): Landed in Pudong Airport. The air conditioning in the airport was practically arctic. I stumbled through customs, blinking into that humid Shanghai air like a mole. Found a taxi (after some serious pointing and flailing) and somehow conveyed the name of my hotel – "Hanting Hotel Shanghai Lujiazui Oriental Pearl New Branch" (try saying THAT five times fast!). The taxi ride was a blur of skyscrapers, and I'm pretty sure I saw someone riding a scooter carrying a live chicken. Yes, a real-life chicken. Shanghai, you've already won.
- Afternoon: Hotel Check-in & Panic. The Hanting was surprisingly functional. Clean, small room, and hey, free Wi-Fi! But the instant I dropped my bags, the jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm pretty sure I slept for about four hours, drooling on the questionable hotel pillow. Woke up disoriented and ridiculously hungry.
- Early Evening: Into the Dumpling Abyss (and cultural misunderstanding?): Fueled by caffeine and a desperate craving for authentic Chinese food, I ventured out. Found a tiny dumpling shop near the hotel. The menu was entirely in Chinese, and my Mandarin skills, as mentioned before, were non-existent. Pointed at a picture of what looked like juicy, delicious dumplings and gestured enthusiastically. The woman behind the counter just stared. I tried a smile…nada. Finally, I started making dumpling-eating motions – you know, the CHOMP CHOMP thing. She sighed, but relented, and I got my dumplings. They were, to put it mildly, heavenly. Best dumplings I've ever had. I wolfed them down, got more, and then felt a slight twinge of guilt (or what I tell myself is guilt) because I suddenly found out I had not only eaten nearly 3 plates of dumplings (the small plate size was deceptive!) but had also accidentally taken up the seat of someone else, who had to wait until I had finally left.
- Late Night: Oriental Pearl (The only thing I was truly expecting) I, after my massive dumpling meal, then ventured to the Oriental Pearl Tower because how could I not. I thought it would be a cheesy tourist trap, and it was. But honestly, the view of Shanghai at night, with all the lights reflecting off the Huangpu River, it was breathtaking! I spent an hour and a half getting to the top due to a large line, but I did get to experience true Shanghai tourist greatness. The gift shop, of course, was another level of chaos. Eventually went and fell asleep, happy to be in the city.
Day 2: Exploring the Bund & the Great Tea House Search
- Morning: Woke up slightly less disastrously. Actually ate the hotel breakfast of strange congee and questionable boiled eggs. The coffee, however, was surprisingly good.
- Afternoon: The Bund's Grandeur and a Slight Existential Crisis: Took a ferry across the Huangpu River to The Bund. Okay, The Bund is impressive. The architecture is stunning, and it's all very… grand. I wandered around, feeling slightly overwhelmed by all the history and…well, just by everything. Felt a moment of "Am I really here?" It was a pretty profound trip, despite the chaos.
- Late Afternoon: The Tea House Hunt and Cultural Differences: I felt like I needed a calming tea break after the bustling Bund. This turned into a quest. Wandered around the back alleys, which were kind of sketchy, really cool, and I was in love. Everywhere I went, I couldn't find a tea house. Asked the staff for directions at an unassuming noodle shop. They seemed confused but pointed, and even drew a crude map. The map was… questionable. I eventually found something resembling a tea house, or at least a building that looked vaguely like one. Turns out it was the wrong one, and I was in an alley that I was very clearly not supposed to be in. Finally, just gave up and bought a bubble tea from a street vendor. It was delicious, but not quite the zen tea experience I had envisioned.
- Evening: Food, Fun, and the Subway: I had finally had enough of the dumpling shops by this point. So I ventured out, and ended up in a small restaurant. There were people I could see from my table, and they had a table filled with what looked like duck. So I ordered duck. It was the best duck I have ever tasted. I then walked to a subway station, and attempted to navigate the public transport. It was chaos. I nearly lost my mind trying to figure out which way to go, but, the map-reading instinct always finds a way.
Day 3: Reflections, Regret (and Ramen)
- Morning: Jet lag is gone and I can finally move around. Looking out of my hotel window. Shanghai is a fascinating city. Very much the new world, but very much the same old.
- Afternoon: The Regret of What I Did Not Do: I had a long walk today, and I was exhausted. My feet hurt, I was covered in sweat, and I had to start packing. So I spent my time thinking of everything I didn't do and the things I couldn't fit into the trip. I should visit even more temples. Visit more neighborhoods. Find more tea houses.
- Late Night: Ramen and Goodbye: Exhausted from the day, I stopped at the same ramen shop I had seen, ordered a steaming bowl of noodles, and just sat there contemplating my time in Shanghai. The food was hot, the beer was cold, and I was just…happy. So, so happy. Reflecting on the trip. I love it here
- The Rest of the Night: Sat thinking about the best way to get from Shanghai to my next destination at the airport. I decided to head straight to the airport and just eat until my flight.
Final Thoughts (and a farewell from the Hanting Hotel Shanghai Lujiazui Oriental Pearl New Branch):
Shanghai, you were a whirlwind. You were chaotic, delicious, sometimes confusing, and utterly, utterly unforgettable. I'm not sure I understood half of what was going on, but I wouldn't have traded a single dumpling – or moment of jet lag – for anything. As the taxi driver pulls away from the Hanting, leaving my life behind, I was already planning my return. Shanghai, I'll be back. And this time, I'm bringing more room in my suitcase… and maybe, just maybe, learning a little more Mandarin. Until next time!
Samos Island Paradise: Agrilionas Hotel Awaits!
Okay, so, Oriental Pearl Views Await! Is it *really* worth the hype? I'm seeing Instagram, I'm feeling the FOMO...
Ugh, the hype. Yeah, it's real. And honestly? It's complicated. Look, the view? Absolutely breathtaking. Especially at night. The *thing* is, everyone *else* knows this. So, you're not just gazing at the iconic tower and the twinkling city, you're fighting for a decent Instagram shot. I'm not kidding. I spent a solid half hour just trying to get a picture where someones head *didn't* photobomb my perfect skyline moment.
My Advice: Go. Absolutely. But brace yourself. Think of it like a slightly chaotic, unbelievably beautiful party. You're there for the view, the experience, but you're also going to have to navigate the crowds. And maybe pack some patience. And maybe a selfie stick. (Don't judge!)
Side Note: I actually lost my phone charger in the lobby. A nice staff member named Lin found it and returned it. Seriously, Lin, you're a saint!
Let's talk rooms. Are they as swanky as they look in the brochures? Because, you know, brochures.
Swanky? Yeah, pretty much. My room? It was… well, I almost cried when I walked in. Okay, I *did* cry. Tiny little happy tears, mind you. Floor-to-ceiling windows, the whole shebang. And the bed? Heaven. Seriously, I could have happily hibernated in that bed for a week. I did feel a little guilty leaving it for breakfast. Which was, by the way...
The Reality Check: The "small print" is where things get interesting. The shower, the bathroom? Luxurious. But it's also… designed to be seen. Meaning, if you're sharing a room with someone who's a bit… shy, prepare for potential awkward moments. The frosted glass isn’t exactly opaque. Just saying.
Random Anecdote: I accidentally spilled coffee on the incredibly expensive-looking rug. My heart *stopped*. But the staff, bless their hearts, were so understanding. They even brought me a little fruit basket as a "we understand" gesture. Made a bad situation a lot better.
What's the food situation like? Because I heard they have a rooftop restaurant, and I'm a sucker for a good view *and* a good meal.
Okay, rooftop restaurant... here's the truth: the view is *amazing*. Unbelievable. You feel like you're on top of the world. The food... it's good. Don't get me wrong. But it's also… expensive. Like, wallet-threateningly expensive. And the service can be a tad… slow. I waited, and I'm not exaggerating, for 40 minutes for my appetizer. Forty minutes! I was starting to contemplate ordering a pizza to the room, which would have been a logistical nightmare considering I wasn't even dressed yet.
My Advice: Go for the experience. Go for the view. But maybe eat a substantial snack beforehand or have a second meal planned somewhere else. And pack some patience. Seriously, a book or something to keep you occupied. You'll thank me later.
My Moment of Weakness: I caved and ordered the lobster. It was good. Very good. But afterward, I felt a tiny pang of regret for the amount of money spent. But hey, it's about the experience, right?
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with a small human (or two!).
Hmm. Okay, here's the deal. Technically, yes, it's kid-friendly. They have high chairs, kid-friendly menus (at least, the restaurant *claims* to have them), and the staff is generally very accommodating. But... and it's a big but... this is a *fancy* hotel. Think more "stroller etiquette" than "playground".
Real Talk: I imagine it would be a very stressful experience for little ones, because it could be too... much. I saw a small child spill ice cream in the lobby, which immediately caused a meltdown, and if my kid would have been as loud as him, I'd be mortified. It's just a thought, though, maybe there is something fun for kids in the area.
My Perspective: If you have well-behaved, sophisticated children? Go for it. If your children are more... rambunctious? Maybe look for a different place. Just trying to keep it real.
Okay, so, the pool? The pictures are gorgeous. Does it live up to the hype?
The pool... Oh, the pool. It's the perfect example of how sometimes, reality *does* live up to the image. Seriously, drop-dead gorgeous. Infinity edge, overlooking the Bund. I almost didn't want to get in, I just wanted to stand there and admire it. The water was the perfect temperature. The cocktails were divine. The sun loungers were comfy. It was like a scene from a movie... except I was the star.
My Happy Place: I spent an entire afternoon just floating around, utterly relaxed. It was pure bliss. The pool staff were attentive, but not intrusive, which is a huge plus. 10/10 would recommend the pool. Seriously, that alone is worth the price of admission.
Minor Detour: I did get a slight sunburn. Make sure you (and your partner) have sunscreen! Maybe a hat. Just to avoid the red lobster look that I ended up rocking for the next day.
Overall, would you go back? Spill the tea!
Okay, here's the tea. Flaws and all? Absolutely, yes. Despite the crowds, the potential expense, and the occasional slow service, the Oriental Pearl Views Await! delivers. The view is phenomenal, the rooms are gorgeous, the pool is divine. It’s an experience. It's a memory. It's that feeling of, "Wow, I'm *really* doing this." Even with the small imperfections, it was a great experience.
My Final Verdict: Definitely worth it, especially for a special trip. Just manage your expectations, pack some patience, and be ready to be amazed. You'll have an incredible time. Really! And be sure to try the cocktails at the pool, you will thank me later.
One Last Thing: Book in advance! This place books up fast. Like, *really* fast. Don't be the person who misses out because of procrastination. You've been warned!
Post a Comment for "Shanghai's HOTTEST New Hotel: Oriental Pearl Views Await!"