Shanghai Luxury: Unforgettable Stay at Holiday Inn Nanjing Road
Shanghai Luxury: Unforgettable Stay at Holiday Inn Nanjing Road
Shanghai Luxury: Holiday Inn Nanjing Road - My Rollercoaster Ride (and it's a Long One!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea, the oolong, and maybe a little bit of my own emotional luggage regarding my stay at the Holiday Inn Nanjing Road in Shanghai. Forget the glossy brochures; this is the real deal, warts and all, punctuated with my own personal brand of chaotic charm. And trust me, there's a LOT to unpack.
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Right, so… Accessibility. Important stuff, right? Crucially so. Honestly, I'm a bit of a butterfingers klutz (don't judge!), but the hotel claimed to be accessible, offering facilities for disabled guests. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but seeing well-thought-out accessibility is always a plus in my book. The elevator? Yep. Big, functional, got me up and down without a hitch. Corridors were wide… didn't feel cramped. So, brownie points there. However, I didn't get the chance to really dig into the details. Maybe I should have, just to test things out, but I'm honestly a little afraid to do that sometimes.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Hmm. I didn't notice anything specifically labelled accessible. But listen, everything felt easy enough for me to get around – which, in a city like Shanghai, is a win in itself!
Wheelchair accessible: I'd assume so, given the elevator and wide corridors but, again, didn't personally test it. I’d recommend anyone with specific accessibility requirements contact the hotel directly and get the lowdown. (And then, if you're feeling brave, tell me what you found!)
Let's talk Internet. Oh, the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! This is a must for a digital nomad like me, especially when I’m halfway across the world. And surprisingly, it actually worked. Perfectly. Not one buffering issue. Okay, maybe occasionally a slow load, but I'm being super-critical here. The Internet [LAN] was also available, but let's be honest, who’s still using those dinosaurs? Internet services seemed standard fair from a hotel -- you could even order those little room service menus online I suppose, but I just couldn't be bothered.
And speaking of the rooms…
Available in all rooms: I could go on, right? Okay, okay.
- Additional toilet: Nice. Important for a late-night snack and a movie.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Shanghai's humidity. It worked, but I can never quite get the temperature right. Too cold, then too hot. Repeat cycle.
- Alarm clock: Still use my phone, but always good to have a backup.
- Bathrobes: YES! Hugely important for that "I'm on vacation" feeling.
- Bathtub: Ooh, a real bathtub? I'll take it!
- Blackout curtains: Necessary for combatting jet lag. I was out like a light.
- Carpeting: Fine. Not my favourite.
- Closet: Plenty of space for my – ahem – extensive wardrobe.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial for those early mornings.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless. They must have cleaned it the minute I was out. Slightly spooky.
- Desk: Good for laptop work.
- Extra long bed: Praise be! (I'm tallish)
- Free bottled water: Refreshing.
- Hair dryer: The one in my room worked but frankly, left my hair a frizzy mess.
- High floor: I got a lovely view.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Not needed for me, but great for families.
- Internet access – LAN: See above.
- Internet access – wireless: See above.
- Ironing facilities: Essential for business travelers. I'm not sure I even know how to iron.
- Laptop workspace: Desk, again.
- Linens: Clean.
- Mini bar: Okay, I had to.
- Mirror: Multiple.
- Non-smoking: Always a good option.
- On-demand movies: I'm always up for this.
- Private bathroom: Yep.
- Reading light: Good.
- Refrigerator: For the mini-bar and your own stuff.
- Safety/security feature: See below.
- Satellite/cable channels: Good options.
- Scale: Because, you know, vacation.
- Seating area: Nice to lounge and relax.
- Separate shower/bathtub: I loved this feature.
- Shower: Yep.
- Slippers: Nice touch again.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Socket near the bed: Crucial for phone charging.
- Sofa: Roomy.
- Soundproofing: Yes! (Very important in a busy city.)
- Telephone: A thing of the past, I think.
- Toiletries: Fine. Nothing special.
- Towels: Soft and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Necessary in Shanghai!
- Visual alarm: I didn't need it but it's a great feature.
- Wake-up service: Did not need.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Again, a lifesaver.
- Window that opens: Breathing fresh air!
Right, onwards and upwards. Let's tackle the Things to Do/Ways to Relax situation. This is where things got… interesting.
Ways to Relax:
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Yeah, no. I'm bad at spas. I get awkward.
- Fitness center: Functional, but nothing to write home about. I prefer to explore the city on foot.
- Gym/fitness: See above.
- Massage: Tempting. Next time, maybe.
- Pool with view: Oh. My. God. The highlight. The rooftop pool was stunning. Seriously, picture this: shimmering water, the Shanghai skyline stretched out before you, a cocktail in hand… bliss. I spent far too much time here. I have zero regrets.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: See "I'm bad at spas."
- Swimming pool: Indoor and amazing outdoor option.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: See above.
Cleanliness and Safety: Here's where the Holiday Inn really shone, especially given the current climate.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Always a good sign.
- Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: Excellent.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Peace of mind.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Standard.
- Hygiene certification: Check.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Sensible.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Observed.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Yes.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent.
- Safe dining setup: Felt safe.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yep.
- Shared stationery removed: Smart.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed competent.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good to know.
I felt incredibly safe. This was a massive plus.
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: Okay, so I ate. A lot.
- The breakfast buffet was… a spectacle. A glorious, slightly overwhelming spectacle. Everything from congee to sausages, dim sum to croissants. I started with the Asian and then completely lost control and ended up with a weird combo of everything! It was a truly gluttonous experience. Good food quality, despite its size. *
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-packaged travel guide. This is me, unedited, freshly off the plane from… well, hoping to be off the plane in Shanghai. Here’s what might happen, based on me booking myself into the Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road. Lord help me.
Shanghai Shenanigans: A Totally Unreliable Itinerary (Because let's be honest, nothing ever goes to plan.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Shanghai Shuffle (aka Jetlagged Chaos)
- Morning (ish) - ARRIVAL! (Probably.) Okay, so the flight. Let's just say I’m not sure I’ll ever trust airplane food again. That thing they called "chicken" tasted suspiciously like recycled cardboard. But, hey, we made it. Now, the adrenaline is pumping. I think I remember how customs works. Fingers crossed. Then, the glorious, humid embrace of Shanghai air. Ah, yes. Welcome to my new home for a few days.
- Afternoon - Check-in Debacle and Nanjing Road First Impressions: First, find my way to the hotel. I think I’ve got the address right on my phone. (Secretly, I'm praying to the navigation gods.) Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road, here I come! Check-in? Always a gamble. Praying for a smiling face, a fast line, and a room not facing a construction site. Once settled in, a quick walk down Nanjing Road is in order. It's supposed to be the place to be, and I need to fight the jetlag before it crushes me. Expect wide-eyed wonder. Maybe a near-miss with a rogue rickshaw.
- Evening - Food, Glorious Food! (And, Possibly, Instant Regret): Okay, this is the moment of truth. Gotta find some authentic Shanghai food! I'm thinking dumplings. So many dumplings. Probably gonna order everything. This is where I'll fully embrace the "try everything once" philosophy. This could go brilliantly, ending with me becoming a dumpling connoisseur. Or it could go sideways, ending with me needing an emergency antacid. Stay tuned. I’m also on the lookout for a local market. Wish me luck with the bartering. (I'm terrible at haggling.)
Day 2: Lost in the City of Lights (and Possibly, My Own Thoughts)
- Morning - The Bund and Riverside Ramblings: So, The Bund. Iconic, picturesque, all that jazz. I'm expecting to feel a sense of awe at the skyline. And possibly a little claustrophobic with all the tourists. I'll try to channel my inner photographer, but my skills are, let's say, developing. This should be a good spot for early morning light, and early morning light means fewer crowds. I feel like a local already!
- Afternoon - A Deep Dive into the French Concession (and Possibly, a Shopping Spree) : Okay, this is where things get interesting. I'm picturing cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and a whole lot of personality. I want to wander aimlessly, getting lost in the atmosphere. Maybe. Absolutely no shopping… yeah right. Will the credit card survive? Hmm. I'm actually a little scared of trying to navigate the Metro. Fingers crossed I don't end up on the wrong line and end up in… well, somewhere I can't pronounce.
- Evening - A Dinner Dilemma and Maybe a Show? Trying to decide what I want to eat is always harder than it looks. Do I try fine dining, or go super local? More dumplings? Maybe a cooking class? Or, maybe, just maybe, a nap. The jetlag is starting to bite. And a fun, cultural show. Whatever the option, I'm sure whatever I choose it won't be perfect.
Day 3: Jade Buddha Temple and Potential Melodrama
- Morning - Contemplation at the Jade Buddha Temple: This is supposed to be a beautiful and serene place. I feel an obligation to try and be Zen, but honestly, my brain's a bit more "squirrel" than "Buddha". Will I find inner peace? Or will I just be distracted by the incense and the chanting? (Probably the latter). Either way, I'm hoping for a moment of… well, something. Quiet. Maybe a deep breath.
- Afternoon - A Riverside Cruise (and Dramatic Reflections): Okay, the cruise on the Huangpu River. More skyline views! And the chance to pretend I'm in a movie. (Dramatic music, please.) I'm picturing myself, dramatically gazing at the buildings, pondering life's great mysteries. Or, more likely, debating whether I need a snack.
- Evening - Last Supper (and Last-Minute Panic Buying): The end is Nigh! Time for a final food adventure. I'm thinking, something unforgettable. Maybe. And the dreaded souvenir shopping. I have a feeling I’ll be running around like a headless chicken trying to buy gifts. The airport? It’s a whole other level of chaos, I’m sure. I'm absolutely positive I'll discover something cool on my last day and totally regret it.
Day 4: Adios, Shanghai!
- Morning - The Great Packing Panic and Departure: Packing! The true test of a traveler. Will I be able to close my suitcase? Will I have forgotten anything vital? Will I have space to carry on all my souvenirs? Probably not. Quick last-minute breakfast. Check. Farewell to the Holiday Inn. I hope they liked me. Then, off to the airport! The final countdown.
The Imperfect Human Touch:
I know this isn't perfect. It's messy. There will be missed trains, wrong turns, and moments of pure, unadulterated exhaustion. I’ll probably get lost, misunderstand some basic Chinese, and maybe even cry from sheer overwhelm. (I'm a crier.) But that’s part of the adventure, right? It's about the experience, the unexpected moments, and the stories that will be remembered long after the dumplings are digested. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Wish me luck, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll have some decent stories to tell when I get back. I'll try to keep you posted (via social media when I can get the wifi working).
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Okay, Holiday Inn Nanjing Road, REALLY luxury? Or just… kinda fancy?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" is a *big* word. And Shanghai? Can be a rollercoaster. So, is the Holiday Inn Nanjing Road *actually* dripping in gold-plated faucets and caviar for breakfast luxury? Nah, probably not. More like, *elevated* comfort. Think of it as... a really, REALLY good upgrade. The kind where you're not afraid to touch the furniture (looking at you, some of those "luxury" options that feel like the Queen's guest room). You got the fluffy towels, the decent (though not mind-blowing) views, and a staff that tries *really* hard. Which, in Shanghai, is honestly a luxury in itself. I remember once, I ordered room service at like, 3 AM because my internal clock was *completely* wrecked. They weren't thrilled. But they delivered! And the noodles were surprisingly delicious. That's a win in my book.
What *actually* makes it "better" than a regular Holiday Inn? Spill the tea!
Okay, so, the LOCATION. Boom. Nanjing Road is insane. Think flashing lights, street food smells (the good ones and the... less good ones), and shoppers galore. Being right there means you can stumble out of bed, grab a steamed bun, and be in the middle of the action. That's a HUGE plus. Then there's the slightly more...polite?....service. Not the robotic "welcome to the hotel sir!" kind. More like a, "oh, you look terribly lost, let me try and explain *again* how to get to the Bund" helpfulness. (Seriously, the directions can be a challenge on their own!) Also, the rooms are generally bigger and more stylish. And the breakfast buffet? Okay, it's not Michelin-starred, but the dim sum is usually pretty decent. And let's not forget the gym! (I say that like I *actually* used it. I didn't. But it looked shiny!)
Okay, let's talk about the *rooms*. Give me the dirt! Are they clean? Are the beds…sleepable?
Cleanliness is KEY in Shanghai (and anywhere really!). And thankfully, the rooms are generally well-maintained. No hidden surprises lurking in the corners (at least, I didn't *find* any). The beds? Yes! Sleepable! Possibly even *too* sleepable. I swear, I fell asleep fully clothed one night after a particularly intense dumpling adventure. The pillows are fluffy, the sheets are crisp... it's a haven after a day of dodging scooters and navigating the subway. My one *minor* gripe? The air conditioning can sometimes be a bit… temperamental. One minute you’re freezing, the next you're a sweaty mess. So pack layers. Trust me on this.
Is the location *actually* good, or are you just saying that? Because Nanjing Road sounds... intense.
Okay. Intense is… accurate. Think Times Square, but with more neon, more people, and a slightly stronger smell of fried dough. It's *amazing* for access to everything. The Bund is a brisk walk away. The subway is practically on your doorstep. Shopping? Forget about it, you're *in* it. Seriously. Like, you could literally roll out of the hotel and buy a knock-off handbag before breakfast (don't judge me!). But, it *is* noisy. The constant hum of traffic, the chattering crowds... if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Seriously, bring *all* the earplugs. And maybe a noise machine. Or just embrace the chaos! I did. It's part of the experience, right?
The breakfast buffet. Break it down. Is it worth waking up for?
Alright. The breakfast buffet. This is where the "luxury" label starts to wobble a bit. It's…fine. There are the usual suspects – eggs, bacon, toast, pastries that are sometimes suspiciously stale. But then there's the *good* stuff. The dim sum is usually a highlight. The little bao buns are perfect for a quick bite. They *usually* have congee, which is a breakfast savior if the night before involved questionable street food decisions. The coffee? Let's just say it's not going to win any awards. But there’s juice, yogurt, and the *option* of a very enthusiastic omelet chef. So, is it worth waking up for? If you're a breakfast person, yes. If you're a "grab and go" type of person, probably not. Honestly, I'd probably go back just for the bao buns. They are little pockets of fluffy happiness.
Speaking of food… any recommendations for nearby eats? You know, for the adventurous (and hungry) traveler?
Oh, my friend, Shanghai is a *foodie* paradise. And right around the Holiday Inn? GOLDMINE. Okay, step one: get yourself to a *xiaolongbao* (soup dumpling) place. Seriously, these are life-changing. They're everywhere. Just look for the long queues and the steaming baskets. Don't be afraid to point and grunt (I'm fluent in the language of "point and grunt"). Step two: explore the side streets! You'll find noodles, skewers, and all sorts of deliciousness that you probably can't even pronounce. *Embrace* the unknown! Then, for a slightly more "civilized" meal, there's a great Sichuan restaurant (the name escapes me, but it’s easy to find on Google Maps) a few blocks away with food so spicy it'll make you cry tears of joy (and maybe a little regret). But mostly joy. And if you're craving Western food, there are also plenty of options to be found, but why would you? (Just kidding. Kind of.)
Is there a difference between the "hotel rooms" and the "club rooms" or "suites". Do I need to spring for an upgrade?
Okay, the eternal question of the upgrade. In general, yes, there *is* a difference. Club rooms and suites usually give you extra space (a HUGE plus in Shanghai), access to a lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks (hello, free wine!), and sometimes even better views (that’s always a gamble). But, do you *need* it? Probably not. Honestly? The standard rooms are perfectly comfortable. You’ll be spending most of your time out exploring, right? Unless you're planning on throwing a full-blown party in your room (which, hey, I'm not judging), the standard room is perfectly fine. The upgrade is nice-to-have, but not essential. Plus, all that money saved can be spent on… more dumplings! Priorities, people!
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