Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre ~ located in the heart of Shanghai, this beautiful hotel is convenient to the Metro, shopping, and many of the most popular tourist attractions.
On our recent adventure in Shanghai, we were thrilled to stay this unique and beautiful hotel in the center of Shanghai. We traveled with our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter so adjoining rooms made our stay even better. We did not personally select this hotel so we were a little unsure what to expect. Our son won the trip to Shanghai to compete in a Spartan Race so we just tagged along. Their travel agency made all the arrangements so needless to say, we were very happy when we arrived and found the hotel immaculate.
Clean, comfortable and quiet was my first impression of the entire hotel.
Traveling halfway across the world is a major task no matter how you look at it. After 24 hours in planes, trains and automobiles we finally arrived in Shanghai, ravenously hungry, tired and ready for clean clothes and a shower. The rooms were spotless and well equipped with everything we could possibly need.
With a 12 hour time difference, we were already messed up with a serious case of jet lag. Thank goodness the beds are incredibly comfortable because we needed a good nights sleep!
Our 17th floor room provided beautiful views of this bustling city. The hotel is conveniently located making it easy to get around by walking or metro.
The bathroom set up was a little unusual with a window looking out into the room. No worries though, there are power operated blinds that close for privacy.
This beautiful Marriott property is very generous with their “extras” such as toothbrushes, tooth paste, etc. They even have a bathroom scale in case you want to see if you’ve eaten too much on the trip.
The rooms and bathrooms were both spotless and beautifully decorated. The hotel cleaning staff was very friendly, hard working and efficient. We could not have asked for a better experience.
The hotel has numerous restaurants on site. A small deli is located just off the lobby with sandwiches, fruit and bottled drinks. The Lounge is located in a beautiful glass atrium with an adjacent bar serving breakfast, lunch or dinner. There’s also a lovely Japanese restaurant, a Bistro with buffet breakfast and dinner, another restaurant with a fantastic buffet breakfast and a Chinese restaurant. The hotel’s indoor swimming pool is gorgeous and perfectly clean. To round out the services, they also have a fully equipped fitness room, sauna and an amazing spa. One evening during our stay, our son and daughter-in-law enjoyed a couples massage while we babysat for granddaughter Jayden. They said it was incredible beyond words.
One of the things that really stood out to me, was the care and concern the entire staff showed during our stay. There was always someone available to help, and you didn’t have to look very far to find someone. We enjoyed an amazing dinner at the Chinese restaurant and at one point counted 4 people that were waiting on us. All the hotel staff is very helpful and most speak English, which is a lifesaver!
Yes the marble shower is amazing!
Our granddaughter Jayden turned 14 months old while we were in Shanghai. Her mom and dad came well prepared with children’s Tylenol and other medicines just in case. As luck would have it, Jayden started teething again the day after we arrived. We can tell she’s cutting teeth because she runs a low grade fever, has a clear runny nose and a dry cough. They were afraid they’d run out of children’s Tylenol before the teeth came in, so they went out searching for a drug store or pharmacy. Unfortunately, the Chinese have a very different health care system and drug stores apparently don’t exist like they do in the United States. You can’t pop in a CVS or Walgreen’s and grab a bottle of Tylenol. After several outings looking for the medicine, Patrick and Callie asked the concierge for help.
The concierge immediately assigned one of his staff to take them to a pharmacy and assist in any way he could. Frank (not his Chinese name – seen above) is a friendly young man who’s working at the hotel and hopes to be a manager one day. They walked 5 or 6 blocks to a pharmacy and were finally able to convince the pharmacy staff that Jayden did not need to go to the hospital, and that they knew what was wrong. The pharmacy was not going to sell them the Tylenol but with Frank’s help, they finally agreed. Patrick is a fireman and an EMT so I think they mentioned he’s a trained emergency medical professional. Lesson learned, take a big bottle of medicine when traveling in a foreign country. I think it was the very next day that Jayden cut two new teeth and immediately was back to her normal fun self.
As we were leaving the hotel, Patrick and Callie asked Frank for a photo. He inquired as to how Jayden was feeling and gave Patrick his contact information in case he ever needed anything in Shanghai. They gave Frank a nice tip for his help, which he did not want to accept. But they insisted and Frank was so thrilled, he hugged Patrick. It was a wonderful moment! American Chinese relations were good! We don’t believe tipping is a common practice in China.
The hotel rates were very reasonable, and affordable, and well worth every penny, or Yuan 🙂 If you get the chance to stay at the hotel, be sure to sign up for the buffet breakfast – the food was outstanding! I don’t know what I was expecting when we arrived at this hotel, but needless to say, it exceeded our expectations in every way.
If we ever find ourselves in Shanghai again, we would not have to think twice about staying at this Marriott property. We’ve received a lot of questions about our trip so we wanted to be sure and share our wonderful experience with the hotel too.
If you’re interested in checking out some of the other posts about our big fat adventure in Shanghai, click on the following links:
Check out the hotel’s website for more information about things to do in the area too! Ask for Frank if you go for a visit 🙂
So … where should we go next? I’m ready to start planning another trip, as we are addicted to travel adventures! Have you ever been to Costa Rica? I hear the hikes through the rainforest are amazing, along with the beaches and historic areas. I’ve always wanted to spend some time in the Pacific Northwest, or Alaska and any part of Canada. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever had – I’d love to hear your recommendations. Have a terrific weekend and thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
What a spectacular trip Tricia! So glad your little granddaughter was only teething.. what a relief! Beautiful hotel – the Marriott is one of our favorite hotels to stay at anywhere in the world. Glad you all had a great experience….. xo
Thank you so much. It was a fantastic adventure 🙂
I love reading about your trip to China. I always like to go back to Europe because of my family. I really miss them now that I don’t go as often as I used to when my mother was alive. I love Switzerland and Alsace Lorraine in France. My husband and I are going to France in a month.
How exciting Gerlinde! We had hoped Spartan would send our son to France, that was his first pick. Be we loved the experience and he didn’t have to run up the alps 🙂 Hope you have a fantastic time – and I can’t wait to read all about it. Take loads of photos please!
Though I often lean toward “authentic” experiences when traveling (staying in rented apartments in non-touristy neighborhoods when possible), there are some places where the availability of someone who speaks your language is essential. For me, China would be such a place. But even when traveling in Italy, I once got sick and was so thankful for a front desk who could get me an English speaking doctor! How wonderful that your hotel turned out to be beautiful, well located, and helpful! I traveled quite a bit with my kids when they were little, and I know how much prep that takes. I bet Ms Jayden had a whole suitcase full of diapers. (Though that does leave room for souvenirs on the way home. 😉 As you look into all of the amazing locations in Canada, take a look at Alberta and Nova Scotia too, for stunning and diverse scenery (with a million Tom Horton’s inbetween 😉 )
Thank you very much Wendy! Canada seems to be winning and very popular too. I’ve never been so it truly appeals to me. Love the outdoors and can’t get enough of their gorgeous scenery. Thanks again 🙂
Fabulous hotel, Tricia. Love that glass between the room and bathroom – it makes everything so light and airy. Such a great trip you had!
And I have to echo, Jennifer’s idea. I have a home and boat on Vancouver Island, and in my opinion, it is the most beautiful place on the planet. Given your love of wildlife, you’d be in heaven – eagles, orcas, and sea lions are common. I even had a cougar run through my backyard one time, lol.
Have a great weekend!
Wow Robyn – did you say you have a guest room?!? It sounds beautiful and perfect for a relaxing vacation. You must be in heaven 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend and thanks!
We had many bathrooms open to the room-with curtains of course! There are some lovely Chinese hotels-not just American chains, too. Just make sure to stay in the newest ones as they tend to let the properties get run down very fast. This sounds like a wonderful place to stay Tricia! Costa Rica is awesome and I know you love to explore. We had an awesome trip there if you need suggestions-I also love Mexico and South Africa and right now I’d love o explore Italy. There is certainly no lack of places to choose. Yellowstone, Santa Fe and Taos are also tops on my list. Damn! You got me started!
You are the best vacation planner Abbe. Costa Rica holds so much appeal, I’ll have to go back and read your posts again. Thanks for the reminder! South Africa is on top of my bucket list, but it is so expensive. Never been to Mexico – and would not mind going there for sure. I can drink a few cold beers anytime. Thanks Abbe!
Looks fabulous, Tricia. I’m such a homebody but seeing this makes me look forward to our vacation. I love the occasional luxury of a marble bath when vacationing. : ) Hope you have lots of amazing adventures in your future.
It’s always hard to know what to expect when traveling so we were thrilled when we checked into this gorgeous hotel. I’m just back from a few days at Myrtle Beach – and the hotel really left you wanting something a little nicer. You just never know what you’ll get!
Looks like you had an amazing adventure, come to the PNW you will love it!!!!
I know I would love it Cheri. I keep coming back to the PNW as one of my top choices. Just trying to convince my husband now 🙂
That is indeed a lovely hotel, Tricia! I’m glad the bathroom has blinds 🙂 I really enjoyed the Costa del Sol in Spain but it’s been a long while ago and I’m sure things have changed and I’d have no recommendations. I’ve heard Barcelona is a very popular place to visit.
Oh yes Susan – Spain does have so much appeal. So many beautiful places, so little time and resources to enjoy them all. Thank you!
What a spectacular place, Tricia, and it’s definitely not what I would have expected ~ we’re so cut off from everything about China that this kind of up close and personal experience is so eye-opening! As for where I want to go, there’s no question…the Irish countryside 🙂
I can’t wait until you go to Ireland one day Sue. I have so much information I’d love to share 🙂 Thank you!
What a lovely hotel! It’s always great to have a great home base when travelling 🙂 As for where you should go next, I have to recommend Canada 😉 There are so many places, but one of my favourites are Vancouver Island (great driving trip from Victoria around the island to Tofino). Easy to do Vancouver from there as well, with the ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver. You can also do a short high speed ferry ride from Victoria to Seattle, a city which I loved visiting. And of course, the Canadian dollar is a bargain right now, so you US $ goes further. That’s my 2 cents!
Thank you very much Jennifer. Between you and Robyn – I am convinced Canada needs to move to the top of the list 🙂