Shanghai Expo Center Hotel: Unbeatable Views & Metro Access!
Shanghai Expo Center Hotel: Views to Die For (and a Metro That's a Lifesaver!) - A Review from the Trenches
Okay, let's be real. I've just returned from a whirlwind trip to Shanghai, and my feet are screaming, my bank account is whimpering, but my Instagram feed? Fire. And a huge part of that fire is thanks to the Shanghai Expo Center Hotel. Seriously, this place? It's got views that'll make you choke on your morning coffee (in a good way, mostly). But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this review is gonna be less corporate brochure and more, well, me.
First Impressions & the View: Oh. My. Gawd.
Accessibility: (Not my primary concern, but important!) The hotel is generally pretty accessible. I saw elevators, ramps, and what looked like decent facilities for disabled guests. They have 'Facilities for disabled guests' listed.
The moment you walk into the lobby… BAM. That view. Seriously, it's like they installed a panoramic window just to blow your mind. I mean, the view is the star of the show here. You're talking iconic Shanghai skyline, the gleaming buildings, the Bund… it's breathtaking. I was so floored, I nearly tripped over my own suitcase. (Okay, I did trip. Twice. Clumsy me!)
The check-in process was smooth. They have this 'Contactless check in/out', which is good for the germaphobes. It was quick, efficient, and the staff were friendly enough. They have a 24/7 front desk, which is always a plus when you're jet-lagged and feeling like a zombie.
The Room: Comfort and… Slightly Less Glamorous Realities
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room? Pretty standard, honestly. They have 'Non-smoking' rooms available, which is good for my lungs. The bed was comfy (extra long, even!), and the blackout curtains were a godsend for beating jet lag. The internet (Wi-Fi [free], and some LAN option; for the old-schoolers) was decent – no buffering during my Netflix binge, which is a crucial test of any hotel's worth, in my book. And the daily housekeeping? Spot on. Always fresh towels, always tidy.
Now, the slightly less glamorous realities? Well, the decor was a little… corporate. Think "modern minimalist" with a touch of, well, "bland." It wasn't ugly, just not particularly memorable. The bathroom was fine, but the shower pressure was a little… anemic. (First world problems, I know, I know.)
But here’s a funny story. I was trying to adjust the AC one night (Air conditioning!) and accidentally hit the "emergency call" button. It wasn't an emergency! I was flustered, sleep-deprived, and suddenly a staff member popped up at my door in minutes! That’s a testament to their responsiveness, but it’s also a solid reminder to be careful with random buttons! Moral of the story? Double-check before pushing things!
Location, Location, Location (and That Glorious Metro!)
Okay, this is where the hotel truly shines. The metro access is fantastic. I mean, right there. So easy to get around. It's basically right outside the door. This is a massive plus in a city as sprawling as Shanghai. I was zipping around like a local in no time, hitting up the Bund, the shopping districts, the street food stalls… all without breaking a sweat (or my budget on taxis!)
Getting Around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. They also offer airport transfer.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag, But That Poolside Bar…!
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The hotel has a few restaurants and a coffee shop. The breakfast buffet was decent – Asian and Western options, everything you’d expect. The coffee was… well, it got me going. The real winner, though? The poolside bar. (Swimming pool [outdoor].) It's open until late. Sipping a cocktail with that incredible view? Pure bliss. This is the hotel's secret weapon. I spent one afternoon there, watching the sunset over the city, and felt like I was living in a movie.
A funny anecdote, I was at the poolside bar and I went out by the pool (Pool with view) and was so engrossed in the view and my drink (a fancy martini!) that I nearly walked into the pool. I was a split second from disaster. Thankfully, I caught myself but definitely spilled some of my drink. But even that couldn't ruin the moment.
Room service? 24 Hours! Useful for those late-night snack attacks.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Spa Dreams and Fitness Fantasies
Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Okay, I didn't indulge in much of this, but the hotel does have a spa and a fitness center. The spa looked lovely (though I didn't have time to try it). The gym looked decent, too. (I peeked through the window, mostly.) If relaxation is your thing, this place has you covered. The Pool with view will do wonders.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe & Sound
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
This is important, guys! I felt safe and secure the entire time. The hotel seemed super diligent about cleanliness. They were using anti-viral cleaning products. The staff were wearing masks, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. I saw them disinfecting common areas. It definitely helped ease my mind.
They also have 'Smoke alarms' and 'Fire extinguisher' in place. 'Security [24-hour]' is in place too.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was helpful (though I didn't need to use them much). They had a convenience store, which is always handy. Luggage storage. A doorman! (Always makes you feel fancy). They really thought of everything.
The 'Currency exchange' was a definite plus, as was the 'Cash withdrawal'.
The Verdict (and My Over-the-Top Recommendation!)
Look, the Shanghai Expo Center Hotel isn't perfect. But it's pretty darn close. The view alone is worth the price of admission. The location is unbeatable, especially with the metro access. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the amenities are solid.
But here's the kicker: If you're looking for a hotel that will make you feel like a movie star (even if you're just a clumsy, coffee
Alicante's Hidden Gem: Eurostars Portico's Unbeatable Luxury!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip, we're building a freakin' epic memory. And by epic, I mean probably chaotic, definitely messy, and possibly involving me crying from laughter at some point. Welcome to my totally unprofessional, gloriously flawed travel itinerary for Atour Hotel Shanghai New International Expo Center (blah, blah, blah…) and the Yanggao South Road Metro Station (let's hope I don't get lost!).
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Shanghai Orientation (Or, Me Versus the Subway)
Morning (or whenever the heck the plane lands): Arrive at Pudong International Airport. Now, logically, I should just grab a taxi, right? NOPE. We're doing this the authentic way. The Maglev. Because I saw it on some YouTube video once and it looked insane. Okay, so Maglev is cool, but it cost my budget like a whole day food.
- Anecdote: Okay, and here's where things get real. I'm notoriously directionally challenged. My sense of direction is basically a suggestion. Pray for me as I attempt to navigate the Shanghai Metro. My phone is already screaming "battery low" and I haven't even left the bloody airport.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer volume of people. It's like all of China decided to show up at the same time. I swear, I think I just saw a guy juggling dumplings while riding an escalator. Only in China, right?
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Check into the Atour Hotel. Hopefully, it's as sleek and modern as the pictures promised. I'm picturing crisp white sheets and a mini-fridge full of delicious things. I'm also picturing me accidentally dropping my suitcase on my foot. Let's hope for the best.
- Emotional Reaction: I am slightly overwhelmed by this whole "big city" thing. But also, ridiculously excited. This is Shanghai! I'm in CHINA!
Afternoon: The Yanggao South Road Metro Station exploration. I need to figure out the subway. Pray that I don't end up screaming in Mandarin at a vending machine. My plan is to find my way back eventually.
- Messier Structure: I'll probably need to eat something. I'm a hangry traveler. Probably a baozi. If I see a baozi vendor, I'm going to descend on them like a horde of hungry tourists.
Evening: Dinner somewhere near the hotel. I'm thinking some kind of noodle soup. I'm also thinking, maybe I'll attempt to say a few phrases in Mandarin - I've been practicing "xièxiè" (thank you) and "wǒ bù zhīdào" (I don't know). Here's hoping I don't make a complete fool of myself.
Night: Collapse in bed. Probably still wired from the jet lag and the sheer sensory overload.
Day 2: Culture Clash! (Or, A Deep Dive into The Bund & The French Concession)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel (hopefully). Then, the Bund! Pictures, pictures, pictures!
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, the Bund is supposed to be breathtaking. I expect nothing less than awesomeness. If it's not awesome, I'm going to sulk. A lot.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Exploring the French concession.
- Anecdote: I heard the French Concession is all charming little cafes and tree-lined streets. Basically, my ideal aesthetic. I'm picturing myself sipping coffee like a pretentious Parisian. Okay, maybe not that pretentious.
- Imperfections: I'm probably going to get hopelessly lost. Again. And the language barrier? Ugh. My Mandarin is basically non-existent.
- Afternoon: Street food! I'm going to try all the things. The weird, the wonderful, the potentially stomach-churning. Bring on the dumplings, the skewers, the everything!
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, I'm officially slightly terrified and completely thrilled. The unknown is always a little scary, right? But the potential for amazing food and experiences is too tempting to resist.
- Evening: Dinner. Maybe a restaurant? Or maybe just more street food. I'm making a list of the things I absolutely must try. Also, I need to learn to use chopsticks properly. The struggle is real.
- Night: Walk along the Bund at night, see the dazzling lights. Hopefully I'll be less lost by this stage and ready to get a good night's sleep.
Day 3: The Museum & The Metro (Again!)
- Morning: Visit a museum. I'm torn between the Shanghai Museum and the Propaganda Poster Art Centre. I'll probably just flip a coin.
- Stream-of-consciousness: Okay, Museum. Art. History. I should be into this. But I also really just want to go eat more noodles. Decisions, decisions…
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The Metro, Attempt #2. I'm starting to think of myself as a seasoned pro! (Okay, maybe a slightly less lost newbie.)
- Afternoon: Double down on the food. Seriously, all the food. Today will be dedicated to finding the "best" xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
- Doubling Down: Okay, here's the thing. I've become obsessed with xiao long bao. I've watched videos, read articles, and I'm now on a mission to find the perfect ones. I'm going to eat so many that my stomach will probably cry uncle.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner. I'm thinking a fancy restaurant. I might even wear something other than my travel-worn jeans and the same t-shirt I've been wearing for the last three days.
- Night: Pack (or attempt to pack). Realize I've bought way too much stuff. Wonder how I'm going to fit it all in my suitcase. Start mentally calculating the overweight baggage fee. Sigh.
Day 4: Departure (Or, The Last Hurrah & The Airport Escape)
- Morning: Sigh. Last breakfast. One final attempt at a delicious Chinese breakfast. Maybe try some congee?
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Struggle through the language barrier to haggle down prices.
- Afternoon: Back to the airport. The Maglev… again!
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Fly home. Reflect on the amazing, chaotic, and slightly stressful adventure.
- Night: Probably dream about dumplings.
Important considerations:
- Flexibility: Stuff happens. The itinerary is a guideline. I'm embracing spontaneity. If something sounds amazing, I'm doing it. If I get lost, I'll laugh it off.
- Budget: I'm not going broke, but I'm also not traveling on a shoestring. Street food is key.
- Sanity: I'm taking breaks. Getting some sleep. Remembering to breathe. (Maybe)
- Embrace the Mess: Seriously. It's going to be messy. And that's perfectly okay.
So, that's the plan! Wish me luck. And maybe send me some extra chargers. And maybe a translator. And maybe a therapist. Just kidding (mostly). Wish me luck!
Manila Getaway: Netflix, WiFi, & Cozy Heat! (Macks Awesome Place)
Shanghai Expo Center Hotel: Unbeatable Views & Metro Access! (Or Is It?) - Ask Me Anything!
Okay, so like, the view... is it *really* as good as they say? Because Instagram is full of lies, you know?
Alright, let's get real. The view? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Like, *jaw-dropping* good if you get the right room. I mean, I paid extra for the "Bund View Suite" (sucker, I know). But honestly? The first night, I was absolutely *wrecked* from jet lag. Didn't even notice the Pudong skyline shimmering. Just sprawled on the bed, snoring, dreaming of cheese. The next morning though... *woah*. That was the money shot. The Pearl Tower, the skyscrapers, the river – it was all there, just *glowing* in the morning light. So, yes, the view is fantastic. But don't bank on it fixing your sleep schedule. And check the weather beforehand! One day the smog was so thick I could practically *taste* it. Not so picturesque then.
Is the Metro access *really* convenient? Or is it a "convenient" walk through a construction zone and a dodgy market?
Okay, this is where it gets… complicated. "Convenient" depends on your definition. There's a station nearby, that's true. Like, a five-minute walk. *Maybe*. The first time I did it, I ended up taking a wrong turn and wandering through a side street that looked like something out of a cyberpunk movie. Seriously, neon signs flashing, people hawking… things… it was an experience. Another time, there was some serious road construction going on, and I ended up dodging dump trucks. So, yeah, *technically* convenient. Practically? Could be a mini-adventure. But I’ll let you in on a pro tip: Use Didi (the local Uber) for those times you're just desperate and/or feeling lazy. It's dirt cheap. You'll thank me later.
What's the food situation like in the hotel itself? Are we talking overpriced, bland buffet hell?
Ugh, buffet hell. I *hate* hotel buffets. Okay, so there *is* a buffet. And yes, it's… well, it's a buffet. The breakfast was okay, a decent effort. They had congee, which is always a win in my book. But the coffee was genuinely awful. Like, instant-coffee-from-a-desert-island-level awful. The other restaurants? Ehhh, they were okay. Nothing to write home about. But there were options. The best bet is probably to venture out. There are some amazing little places nearby, if you're brave enough to experiment. I had some noodles from a street vendor that were *life-changing*. Seriously. Don’t be afraid to explore! Hotel food gets old fast.
The room itself... Any quirks? Bad smells? Broken things? Gimme the dirt!
Okay, here's the thing: The rooms are… fine. Clean-ish. But, yeah, the "quirks." Let's start with the air conditioning. It’s either freezing or a humid swamp. No in-between. I spent one entire afternoon wrestling with the thermostat, convinced I'd finally cracked the code. Nope. Just sweating. The bathroom was okay, until the third day when the shower drain decided to become a black hole. I reported it. They ‘fixed’ it. The next day, it was like a mini-fountain of questionable bath water, again. The room safe? Mysterious. I think I locked myself in there, for a brief moment. Don’t ask. And the… well, there was a strange, slightly musty smell. Could be my imagination…or it could have been my socks decaying under the bed. Who knows? Just bring your own air freshener, okay?
I'm terrible at Mandarin. Is communication a nightmare?
Look, I speak approximately zero Mandarin. And I survived. They *do* speak English at the front desk, albeit with varying degrees of fluency. My go-to phrase was "Ni hao!" and then point frantically at things. Sometimes it worked. Google Translate is your friend. Download it *before* you go. Learn a few basic phrases. The staff are generally helpful, even if there's a language barrier. And honestly, sometimes the miscommunications are part of the fun. I ordered a bottle of water and ended up with… something else, entirely. Still not sure what it was. But I *did* survive! Embrace the chaos! And download Pleco, the Chinese dictionary app. It's life-saving.
Is the hotel noisy? I need my beauty sleep!
Okay, noise levels. This is a mixed bag, honestly. The actual rooms seemed reasonably well-soundproofed, that’s a plus. But... the *hallways*? They could get a little rowdy. I think I heard a karaoke session one night. Seriously. And another night… okay, I'm pretty sure there was a full-blown argument happening outside my door, complete with yelling and slamming. I peeked through the peephole. I think I saw a robe flying. So, bring earplugs. Definitely bring earplugs. And maybe a sleep mask if you’re super sensitive. Or, y'know, join the karaoke. You might as well. Embrace the chaos.
Okay, final verdict: Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Hmm. That's a tough one. Honestly? Probably. Despite the shower issues, the dodgy coffee, and the potential for hallway karaoke, the view is just… *that good*. And the location, when you can actually *get* to the Metro, is pretty decent. It's not perfect. It’s a little rough around the edges. But that's part of its charm, I guess? It's definitely an experience. If you're looking for flawless luxury, this ain't it. If you're looking for a memorable trip with a killer view, and you don't mind a few minor… *adventures*… then yeah, go for it. But bring your own coffee. And earplugs. Seriously, the earplugs. You'll thank me later. Now if you excuse me, I'm suddenly craving noodles...
One last thing... What about the elevators? Are they fast? Slow? Do they eat people?
