Shanghai's HOTTEST Hotel: Wanda Plaza Luxury Awaits!
Wanda Plaza Luxury: Shanghai's Shiniest Sparkly Box of Expectations… Did It Live Up? (A Messy Review)
Okay, listen, Shanghai. You’re a beast. A gleaming, chaotic, utterly seductive beast. And Wanda Plaza Luxury? It’s supposed to be the crème de la crème, the shining beacon of pampered perfection in a city that already screams "luxury." So, did it deliver? Well… strap in, because this review is gonna get a little… messy. Just like my suitcase after a week of Shanghai shenanigans.
Metadata First (because Google, duh!):
Keywords: Wanda Plaza Luxury Shanghai, luxury hotel Shanghai, accessible hotel Shanghai, spa hotel Shanghai, best hotel Shanghai, Shanghai hotel review, Wanda Plaza review, five-star hotel Shanghai, family-friendly hotel Shanghai, pool with a view Shanghai, Asian cuisine Shanghai, wheelchair accessible hotel, free wifi hotel Shanghai, business hotel Shanghai, airport transfer Shanghai
Meta Description: A raw and honest review of Shanghai's Wanda Plaza Luxury! We delve into accessibility, amenities (spa, dining, pools!), cleanliness, and more. Find out if this hotel really lives up to the hype! (Spoiler: it ain't always perfect, but the views are something…)
Accessibility… My Knee-Jerk Reaction: Ugh, Really?
Let's be brutally honest. Accessibility is always a concern for me, and honestly, it can make or break a stay. Wanda Plaza gets… a mixed bag here. The elevator situation was blessedly consistent (phew!), and the lobby was wide and welcoming. They definitely seem to try with facilities for disabled guests, that's a big plus.
But… I remember seeing a ramp that looked a bit… steep to get to the outdoor pool, which made me kinda wince. Nothing definitive, but if you have mobility issues, I'd recommend confirming the actual grades and paths before you book. I'll give them a pass… but I wish they’d put as much thought into accessibility as they clearly do into the gold leaf in the lobby.
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Slightly Less Glorious Bits):
Okay, the dining situation? This is where things get interesting. Let’s start with the good stuff. The Asian breakfast buffet? Seriously impressive. Think mountains of dim sum, noodle stations, and enough exotic fruits to make your Instagram followers weep with envy. The Western breakfast options were… fine. Standard. Predictable. But the Asian stuff? Chef’s kiss.
The restaurants themselves were a mixed bag. I had a truly memorable meal at the Asian cuisine in restaurant – the Peking duck was, without exaggeration, the best I've ever tasted. Crisp skin, succulent meat, perfect pancakes… I'm drooling just remembering it. Seriously, go there.
But there were also service speed bumps. I tried to order room service late one night (because jet lag is an animal), and let's just say the efficiency wasn't quite five-star level. The order took forever, and when it finally arrived, the soup was lukewarm. Minor gripe, I know, but when you're paying top dollar, you expect… well, more.
Speaking of that… They had all the usual suspects: coffee shop, snack bar, poolside bar, [restaurants, bar] You can even get breakfast in room… But if I were to do it over again? I'd stick with the in-house Asian fare. 100% worth it, believe me.
A Little Bit of "Me Time": The Spa, the Pool, the… Well, Everything Else
The Spa/sauna situation was, without a doubt, the highlight. It was… bliss. Seriously, I spent a solid three hours there, and I have zero regrets. The pool with a view was incredible, that classic Shanghai skyline backdrop. I took a body scrub and body wrap, it was a total pamper session designed to transport you far from the madness of the city. They had everything: Steamroom, swimming pool (outdoor) the Fitness center was well-equipped, and the massage was next level.
I had a truly special massage. I got there a little stressed from the sheer intensity of Shanghai, and the masseuse, bless her, knew exactly what to do. I think she could feel the tension radiating from my shoulders. I drifted off, woke up feeling like I'd been reborn. It was that good. I'm now a massage convert.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-19 Tango
Okay, let's get real. COVID-19 changes everything. Wanda Plaza seems to try hard here. They had all the usual precautions: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, individually-wrapped food options, staff trained in safety protocol, etc. They even offered room sanitization opt-out. So big points for that!
But – and this is the honest part – you could tell they were trying. The feeling was more of a 'controlled' environment, and just had a feeling of trying too hard and still not being quite as good as you would like.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary, or just a Fancy Box?
The rooms are… well, they're what you'd expect at this price point. Air conditioning [is] in all rooms, of course. Non-smoking rooms are readily available. The bathrobes, bath, mini bar I was happy I was supplied with was wonderful. The blackout curtains are a godsend after a long flight.
But it wasn't perfect. The Wi-Fi? Generally strong, but it did cut out once or twice, and I got a little frustrated about it. You expect constant connectivity when you're paying this much, right? My room had amazing soundproofing, but I could still hear a little bit of noise from the hallway – nothing that ruined my sleep, but still…
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Sometimes Don't)
They had the usual. The 24-hour front desk, the concierge, the laundry and dry cleaning services. The daily housekeeping was impeccable. But there were moments where service felt… a little impersonal. I had to ask for an extra towel, which seemed odd.
I was traveling for work, and the business facilities seemed pretty good. They had meeting/banquet facilities. They catered to seminars and offered audio-visual equipment.
For the Kids: If You Have Them, Bless You!
I didn't bring kids, but the babysitting service and presence of kids facilities suggest it's a strong consideration for those traveling with a family.
Getting Around: How to Escape (or at Least Try To!)
The Airport transfer was smooth, and the taxis were readily available. car park [free of charge] was a plus.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype? Maybe, But…
Wanda Plaza Luxury? It's a strong contender for Shanghai's best. The spa is sublime, the Asian food is divine, and the views are killer. It's got the basics covered, and then some.
But… it’s not perfect. The service can be hit-or-miss, the accessibility needs work, and the overall feeling leans more towards "polished" than truly "warm."
Would I stay there again? Absolutely. It was a luxurious experience, yes, but I would set my expectations accordingly. And, seriously… go eat the duck.
Osaka Luxury Near Namba: Arashi 2F Stylish Apartment (8-min Walk to Subway!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into my utterly chaotic Shanghai adventure, specifically the Hanting Hotel at Chongming Wanda Plaza. This ain't your polished travel blog, promise. This is the real, slightly stained-with-soy-sauce deal.
Shanghai Shenanigans: Hanting Hotel & Beyond – A Messy Itinerary
(Pre-Trip Ramblings - aka, the "Why Did I Book This?" Phase)
Alright, so Shanghai. Why Shanghai? Honestly? Jet lag, a craving for dumplings, and a desperate need to feel… something. I'd seen pictures, read articles, and convinced myself this vibrant metropolis was exactly what I needed to shake off the existential blahs. And Chongming Island? Okay, that one's a story in itself. My friend, bless her heart, convinced me it was "the authentic Shanghai experience." Authentic, like, "you'll eat things you can't identify" authentic. Yikes.
(Day 1: Arrival – Jet Lag & Wanda Plaza Whispers)
- Morning (5:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Flight from (Redacted - Let's just say, a long flight). Landing. The air hits you like a warm, humid hug. Or a particularly sticky hand, depending on your mood. Collect luggage. Visa stamp (that felt SO official!) The airport is HUGE. Like, I'm pretty sure I saw a whole separate terminal dedicated to lost luggage – that's my kind of place.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Taxi to Hanting Hotel, Chongming. The taxi driver… well, let's just say he had a very enthusiastic driving style. I clutched the seatbelt and prayed to the gods of traffic. The city itself… Wow. Concrete jungle, neon lights, and enough scooters to make my head spin.
- Mid-day (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Check-in at Hanting. The lobby was… functional. The check-in process involved a lot of pointing, gesturing, and a very confused front desk staff member. My Mandarin? Non-existent. Her English? Also, non-existent. Eventually, after much pantomime, and a few bewildered glances from other guests, I got my key card. Victory!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Settle into the room. It was… clean. Small, but clean. And thankfully, I had a window! That's a win. Stumbled into bed and immediately crashed. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Wandering Wanda Plaza: Emerging from my nap, slightly disoriented, I decide to explore the immediate vicinity, which meant a trip to the gargantuan Wanda Plaza. My initial impression? This place is like a city within a city. Food, shopping, more food, and a dazzling array of things I couldn't even begin to comprehend. Lost in the chaos. Grabbed some street food. The "mystery meat" skewer? I ate it. The taste was… interesting.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner: Restaurant Selection Disaster. I attempted to navigate a noodle house. The menu was entirely in Chinese. I pointed at a picture of something that looked vaguely appealing. It arrived. It was orange, greasy, and I'm still not entirely sure what it was. But hey, I survived, and I'm pretty sure it was an adventure in itself!
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Crash again. Exhaustion levels: Maximum. The first day was a blur of sleep, food, and utter bewilderment. This jet lag is brutal!
(Day 2: Chongming Island Exploration – Or, "Why Am I Here?" Debacle)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up. Feeling slightly less like a zombie. Realize I'm in Shanghai, on an island I barely know anything about. A sense of mild panic sets in.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Public Transport Adventure: The only way to see the highlights of Chongming Island is by public transport. The bus ride itself was an experience. Loud conversations, people pushing, and I was pretty sure I was the only foreigner on board. Embrace the cultural immersion, they said!
- Mid-day (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Forest Park: Visit a local park and discover that nature exists in Shanghai. Tried to take a scenic stroll, but hordes of people and selfie sticks are the norm.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch and Wanderings: Found a restaurant with picture menus… and more weirdness. I ordered something with a lot of greens. It may have been a mistake. Wandered aimlessly through the city.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Market Visit: The evening market with lots of interesting and unusual foods. Tried fried scorpions. They tasted like… crispy nothingness.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Back to the Hanting. Honestly, the best part of the day was getting back to the relatively familiar comfort of my tiny hotel room.
(Day 3: Shanghai City – A Glimpse of Glamour (and More Confusion))
- Morning (8:00 AM): Catch the metro to the city center. It felt like a logistical puzzle, but I managed to get there.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The Bund: The iconic waterfront. Absolutely breathtaking! The skyscrapers were incredible, and the atmosphere was buzzing. That said, it was crowded. Very crowded.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Shopping and food: Walked along Nanjing Road, the shopping street. Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to buy.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and a Show: Found a small, family-run restaurant. The food was incredible. Realized I should have come here first. Afterwards, took in the Chinese Acrobatic show, a jaw-dropping display of human talent.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Back to the Hanting. Exhausted, but with a slight feeling of accomplishment.
(Day 4: Farewell… For Now)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Final breakfast at the hotel. It was a sad affair.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Quick last-minute shopping at the Wanda Plaza.
- Mid-day (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Check-out - Smooth and easy!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Ferry trip back to the airport, reflect on my travel.
- Late Afternoon - Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Flight home. Already planning my return… or maybe a detox retreat.
Observations & Ramblings:
- Food: Shanghai's food is a wild ride. Be brave, try everything, and pack antacids.
- People: The locals were (mostly) incredibly friendly and helpful, despite my lack of Chinese.
- Language Barrier: Learn basic Mandarin phrases. It’ll make your life easier, and people will appreciate the effort (even if you butcher the pronunciation, like me).
- Hanting Hotel: Perfectly adequate. It did the job. Don't expect luxury, but it's clean and convenient to the Wanda Plaza. The WiFi was… patchy. But hey, it forced me to disconnect and experience the world.
Final Thoughts:
Shanghai was a whirlwind. At times, it was overwhelming, confusing, and a little bit terrifying. But it was also utterly captivating, vibrant, and delicious (even the mystery meat!). I didn't get everything right. I got lost. A lot. I ate things I couldn't identify. I probably offended someone without realizing it. But I survived. And I'm already itching to go back… maybe next time, I'll learn some Mandarin. Probably. Probably not. We'll see.
Uncover Ranakpur's Hidden Gem: Maharani Bagh's Orchard Paradise
So, Wanda Plaza... Luxury Awaits, huh? Is it REALLY all that glamorous?
Alright, here's the deal. "Luxury" is a word they throw around like confetti at a wedding. Sometimes it feels right, like when I sank into that giant, fluffy bed after a 15-hour flight. Pure heaven. Other times...well, let's just say the "luxury" of waiting 20 minutes for an elevator felt more like enforced meditation. There are moments of gloriousness, sure. Think plush robes, seriously delicious (and endless!) breakfast buffets, and a view that literally takes your breath away (especially if you peek over the edge of your balcony, which I definitely *didn't* do...ahem). But then you notice the slightly chipped paint in the hallway, the slightly temperamental Wi-Fi that cuts out at the most inopportune moments (think, you know, while you're trying to order room service), and the lingering smell of…well, I'm not quite sure, but let's call it "industrial cleaning product meets faint dumpling." So, yes, and no. It's a mixed bag. Like a bag of, oh, let's say, the most expensive and the cheapest chocolates mixed together. You'll get good ones!
The room service...is it worth it? I'm picturing heaven on a tray.
Okay, room service. This is where things get…interesting. The menu is like a literary masterpiece – gorgeous descriptions that promise culinary nirvana. The reality? Well, my first experience involved ordering a "delicate seafood risotto." What arrived was, and this is putting it kindly, a beige, vaguely unsettling mound of…something. The seafood was definitely *present*, but it seemed to have taken a very long swim in a stockpot of sadness. Let's just say I sent it back, which, bless their hearts, the staff handled with graceful efficiency. The next order, however, was a triumph! A perfectly cooked steak. Tender, flavorful, and delivered with a smile. So, it's a gamble. A beautiful, expensive, potential-culinary-rollercoaster gamble. My advice? Order something easy, like a burger... or five. Just in case. And ALWAYS double-check the delivery to ensure it is what you ordered.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they, you know, *actually* helpful?
They mean well, bless their little cotton socks. There's a LOT of staff, which is, let's say, efficient. They’re always bustling around, very eager to please. Some are fantastic - truly going above and beyond. There was a lovely gentleman who remembered my coffee order after the *first* day. That, my friends, is the kind of service that makes a person feel like royalty. On the other hand, there were some... "Lost in Translation" moments. Attempts at clarifying directions, dealing with the Wi-Fi issues (that blasted Wi-Fi!), or just, you know, *understanding* my rapidly-deteriorating Mandarin after a few too many cocktails, sometimes led to a comical dance of frustrated gesturing and bewildered smiles. Overall? They're trying. Really, really trying. And that counts for a lot.
The location - Convenient or a total nightmare?
Okay, this is a big one. The Wanda Plaza *is* literally in a massive mall complex. Like, ridiculously huge. Which means… shop 'til you drop is readily available. Designer stores, all the usual suspects. Food courts galore! You're practically connected to a metro station, so getting around Shanghai is surprisingly painless. BUT… it's also a bit overwhelming. You could EASILY get lost in the shopping labyrinth. And the sheer *volume* of people? Prepare for a sensory overload. Also, you might find yourself emerging from the hotel at 3 AM to the sound of upbeat pop music emanating from a karaoke bar downstairs. So, convenient? Absolutely. Will it sometimes feel like living in a concrete jungle? Definitely. It is what it says on the tin, it's a Plaza, which is a bustling busy environment.
Let’s talk about the pool & spa. Worth the splurge?
THIS. The pool and spa are where the Wanda Plaza REALLY shines. The pool I'd like to start off with in the case that the previous categories weren't impressive. The views from the indoor pool were incredible. You get this view of Shanghai from a warm pool which is a good way to start off the day. The sauna felt relaxing, and they're both pristine. And the spa? Sigh. I had one of the best massages of my life. The therapists are skilled, the setting is tranquil, and for a glorious hour, the chaotic symphony of Shanghai melts away. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, you'll probably end up spending more than you planned. But honestly? Treat yourself. You're in Shanghai! You deserve it! It's the one thing that really earns the "Luxury Awaits" title, in MY opinion. Seriously- book a massage. Now. Don't wait.
Is there a "best" time to visit, any insider tips?
Definitely avoid the major holidays – the crowds will be insane, and even luxury can be tested when you're crammed shoulder-to-shoulder with a thousand other tourists. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. My biggest tip? Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Even a simple "Ni hao" and "Xie Xie" will go a long way. And pack an adapter, of course. And bring earplugs, just in case that karaoke bar decides to crank things up to eleven at 4 AM. Also, make sure to take advantage of nearby food such as the restaurants and cafes and make sure to explore the area too!
Would you stay there again? (Be honest!)
Honestly? Yes. Despite the minor hiccups (the Wi-Fi, the questionable risotto, the occasional existential crisis caused by the sheer scale of the place), the Wanda Plaza Luxury Awaits offers a unique experience. It's a whirlwind of extravagance, a bit rough around the edges, and sometimes maddening. But it's also…memorable. It's the kind of place you'll be telling stories about for years to come. And that pool and spa? Yeah, I'd go back for that any day. Especially if they promise to get the risotto right this time. Or at least offer a distraction of the delicious food!
