Shanghai's BEST Hotel? Novotel Qingpu's Luxury Secret Revealed!
Shanghai's BEST Hotel? Novotel Qingpu's Luxury Secret… Kind Of Revealed (My Unfiltered Take!)
Alright, alright, listen up! You want the real deal on the Novotel Qingpu in Shanghai? Forget the PR fluff. I'm about to spill the tea, the lukewarm, slightly-too-sweet tea they probably serve at the buffet. (Spoiler alert: the buffet is… something). Prepare for a bumpy ride, because this review is less "polished travel blog" and more "drunken friend recounting a wild weekend."
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Let's dive in, shall we?
Arrival and First Impressions: Accessibility &… Anticipation?
Finding the Novotel Qingpu was shockingly easy. And the first hurdle, accessibility-wise? Smoothed over. Wheelchair access? Check. Elevators? Plenty. The lobby? Spacious, bright, and… well, a little generic hotel-y. You know the vibe: lots of polished surfaces, a slightly intimidating smile from the front desk staff (who, by the way, were generally efficient and friendly, but not ALWAYS overflowing with warmth - more on that later).
Accessibility - The Good, The Okay, and the "Almost There"
Okay, let's get specific. Wheelchair access was generally excellent. Ramps were plentiful, and doorways were wide. I'm not a dedicated wheel-chair user, but I did put my "injured-ankle" card to use, and the hotel really delivered. Elevators were easy to use and seemed to be everywhere (crucial for a multi-story hotel). Facilities for disabled guests are available and I made sure to test them (but not in detail, you know, just to satisfy my curiosity).
But here's the thing. While the public areas were great, I didn't stay in a dedicated accessible room. So whilst they do offer them, I can't personally vouch for their particulars. This is a slight caveat, it's a hotel, and I'm going to need to sleep in a hotel room. So, I'm going to need to make the leap of faith they've really got it right.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi and the Eternal Struggle
Free Wi-Fi? Hallelujah! Yes, folks, we're talking free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And you know how crucial that is these days. I mean, can you even function without Instagramming your overly-priced cocktail by the pool? (Yes, I did that. Judge me.) Anyway, the Wi-Fi in public areas was also decent. Speeds were… okay, I guess. Nothing to write home about. Fine for checking emails, maybe a little laggy for streaming. I felt a bit like a digital caveman.
Rooms & In-Room Amenities: A Mix of Practical and… Pleasant?
My room was… well-appointed. Air conditioning blasted cold air on command, which was a lifesaver in the Shanghai humidity. Blackout curtains were glorious – perfect for sleeping off that jet lag (or that late-night snack buffet indulgence). The bed was super comfortable. Bathrobes were fluffy. The mini bar was stocked (albeit with things I probably shouldn't buy), and the complimentary bottled water was a godsend.
But here's where things got… less perfect. The decor was a blend of "modern corporate" and "slightly dated." The bathroom was clean, but the shower pressure was a bit… anemic. And the walls? Well, let's just say I heard the neighbor's phone alarm. Every. Single. Morning. So Soundproofing is… an issue. A big one.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet Blues (And Some Surprises)
Oh, the buffet. The infamous buffet. The beating heart of the Novotel experience. The Breakfast [buffet] was… HUGE. A sprawling landscape of… stuff. Western? Check. Asian? Check. Things I couldn't identify? Also check. The pastries were okay. The coffee was weak. The soup was a surprise highlight (don't ask). Buffet in restaurant is the norm if you dare to venture there!
The Asian cuisine in restaurant was decent. I had some delicious noodles there. And the coffee shop was a lifesaver. I was a hot mess without my caffeine fix. There were restaurants and a bar for various dining options. The Poolside bar was okay, but it closed too early.
Pool and Relaxation: Finding Your Zen (Maybe)
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous. Seriously. That view! The View from the pool was worth the price of admission alone. Big, blue, inviting. I spent a good chunk of time there. Sunbathing, people-watching, getting my daily dose of vitamin D. Bliss.
They also have a spa! I didn't indulge, because, well, budget. But I caught a glimpse of the Spa and the Spa/sauna and it looked nice. And I kept meaning to get a massage. But I kept finding reasons to just hang out by the pool.
Things to Do: Beyond the Buffet (and the Pool)
Okay, what else is there? Well, a Fitness center exists. I glanced in. You know, for accountability. The Gym/fitness looked well-equipped. I did not attempt to enter. Also there is a Sauna and a Steamroom to try out.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Era… and Beyond!
This is crucial. The Novotel Qingpu seemed to take hygiene seriously. Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol were on-hand (I assume, I saw the masks). Room sanitization opt-out available. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products. I felt relatively safe. But, let's be real, this is still a hotel. And I'm still a germaphobe. But things seemed pretty good.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The Concierge was helpful, although sometimes a bit… robotic. The Doorman was always there with a smile. Daily housekeeping was efficient. Luggage storage was available. All the usual suspects.
Family Friendly: The Kids Will Be Alright (Probably)
They have Kids facilities. And a Babysitting service, I'm told. I don't have kids, so I'm going on hearsay here… but it seemed well set up.
Getting Around: Navigating Shanghai
Airport transfer was available. (Take it! It's easier). Car park [on-site], but I didn't have a car. Taxi service was easy to come by.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, The "Realness"
Okay, here's the real, unfiltered truth. The Novotel Qingpu is… a solid choice. It's not perfect. It's not groundbreaking. It's a reliable, comfortable, and fairly accessible hotel. But it's also… kind of bland? It lacks a unique personality. It's like the perfectly average friend who is always pleasant but never truly excites.
The staff, while generally efficient, sometimes came off as a bit detached. There was a slight lack of warmth, a hint of "corporate politeness" that kept things feeling a little… impersonal.
My Strongest Emotions/Feelings: The Final Verdict?
So, would I recommend the Novotel Qingpu? Yes. If you need a clean, comfortable, accessible hotel in Qingpu, it's a good bet. It's reliable. It's safe. The pool alone is worth it. I wish it had more personality, more oomph. And a better coffee machine.
Overall Score: 7.5/10 (Could do better, but not bad!)
One Last Anecdote: I swear I once saw a pigeon (or maybe it was a particularly bold sparrow) trying to sneak into the breakfast buffet. That pretty much sums up my experience.
Chez Nous Taipei: The BEST French Restaurant in Taiwan? (You Decide!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my glorious, chaotic, and hopefully not-completely-embarrassing adventure at the Novotel Shanghai Qingpu Excellence. Think less "polished travel brochure" and more "brain vomit, documented live." Here we go…
Day 1: Shanghai Shenanigans (and Jet Lag)
7:00 AM (Shanghai Time) - The Arrival Debacle: Landed at Pudong International Airport. So. Many. People. Seriously, it was like a human river flowing into the immigration hall. Got through, eventually, thanks to a particularly nice customs officer who seemed amused by my bewildered face. He probably sees it a hundred times a day. Whew! Took a pre-booked shuttle to the hotel, which, naturally, was a slightly terrifying experience involving whizzing through traffic and me gripping the armrests like my life depended on it (which, momentarily, it felt like it did).
9:00 AM - Hotel Check-In & The Great Room Hunt: Ah, Novotel Qingpu. It looks fancier in the photos, I'm not going to lie. The lobby is grand though, super modern and minimalist with these huge, abstract art pieces. Check-in was smooth, thank goodness, and the staff were genuinely friendly. Then the room search began. My pre-booked room with a view? Apparently not available. "Full occupancy," they chirped. After a mildly-passive-aggressive conversation with the front desk (which, I'm sure, they've heard a million times before) I ended up with a room overlooking… the carpark. Sigh. Jet lag is already kicking in.
10:00 AM - The Nap Attempt and the Squirrel Conspiracy: Tried to nap, failed. The bed was comfy, sure, but my brain, a caffeinated squirrel trapped in a cage, was bouncing off the walls. Every noise – a door slamming, a distant car horn, the elevator music – felt like a personal affront. I swear I heard squirrels chattering outside my window. Realizing the hotel is a little out of the center is a bummer, but I am sure that it is for the best.
1:00 PM - Lunch: The Noodles, The Chopsticks, and My Inability to Be Graceful: Found a little noodle place near the hotel. Ordering took a bit: lots of pointing and gesturing, but managed to get a bowl of something (I think it was beef, maybe pork… hard to say). The chopsticks, though. Oh, the chopsticks. Let's just say I looked like a newborn giraffe trying to eat spaghetti. Noodles everywhere. In my hair. Down my shirt. The other diners seemed (mostly) amused. The food, by the way, was amazing. This is the kind of experience I am searching for.
3:00 PM - Mini-Adventure: Exploring the Hotel Perimeter Okay, time to get a grip. I wander the hotel perimeter, I was looking for some snacks but did not find anything I wanted, the hotel's "convenience store" only offered Pringles so I was a little sad. I go back to my room and try to get through some work.
6:00 PM - Dinner: The Hotel Restaurant (and My Quest to Understand Mandarin): Decided to eat dinner at the hotel because, honestly, I'm beat. The menu was in Chinese and English – thankfully! – but my Mandarin skills are strictly limited to "Ni hao" and "Xie xie." Ordered the chicken with mango. The waiter was incredibly patient as I butchered my attempt to say "more rice, please." The chicken was lovely, by the way. Definitely a win. After the dinner, I was in bed and ready to sleep.
8:00 PM - Bed and Sleep: I am so exhausted. I need to rest for tomorrow so that I can start exploring.
Day 2: Shanghai Sojourn & Shopping Spree
8:00 AM: Breakfast, Back to the Real World! The hotel breakfast buffet was a glorious, chaotic feast. So many choices! From dim sum to congee to the usual Western fare. I went for a bit of everything, of course. The coffee was strong - just how I like it.
9:00 AM - The Subway Saga: Shanghai's metro system is legendary. Clean, efficient, and utterly massive. Navigating it was a bit of a challenge, but I managed to buy a ticket (again, lots of pointing) and eventually found the right train.
10:00 AM - The Bund & The "Wow" Factor: OMG, The Bund. Absolutely breathtaking. The iconic skyline, the historic buildings… it's even more stunning in person. Spent an hour just wandering and staring. Took a million photos, of course. A truly "insta-worthy" experience, if you will. There was a slight mishap with a selfie stick (almost decked a tourist), but otherwise, a perfect experience.
1:00 PM- Lunch in a local place I was looking for an interesting restaurant, a small place with locals. After a little exploration, I found this small restaurant, and the food was great.
3:00 PM - Shopping Time! Got lost in a shopping street, it was amazing. I even found a bargain!
6:00 PM - Dinner at Hotel The restaurant was amazing. The food was delicious, I am so glad that I chose this!
8:00 PM - Sleep! I need to rest for tomorrow!
Day 3: Qingpu Exploration and Departure Prep
8:00 AM - More Breakfast, More Caffeine: Repeat breakfast from yesterday. Needed the fuel. Also, am I the only one who feels a strange kinship with the breakfast buffet staff? We’re all just trying to make it through until lunchtime.
9:00 AM: The Unexpected Temple Visit: Today, I will explore a temple near the hotel. It was so quiet and peaceful. It was the perfect way to start my day.
1:00 PM: Packing Fiasco & the Lost Sock Mystery OK, time to pack. This is a true test of my organizational skills. Spoiler alert: I have very few. Everything I own now seems to be strewn across the room. Where did the socks go? One disappears every time. A true mystery, I tell you.
3:00 PM - Checking Out! Check out went well. I had a great time!
4:00 PM - The Airport Run & Farewell Shanghai: Back on the shuttle, feeling bittersweet. Shanghai, you crazy, vibrant city, I loved it. I will be back!
So, there you have it. My messy, wonderful, sometimes slightly disastrous adventure in Shanghai. The Novotel Qingpu was a good base. The food was fantastic. The people were friendly. The city was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells. And yeah, I'm exhausted. But in the best possible way. Now, off to catch that flight and start planning the next adventure… or at least, try to remember where I packed my socks.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Viceroy Inn Guntur - You WON'T Believe This Hotel!
Novotel Qingpu: Shanghai's "Best"? (I'm Already Skeptical...) - Your Messy, Real-Life Guide!
(Prepare for opinions, rambling, and probably a few rogue exclamation points.)
Is the Novotel Qingpu *really* the "best" hotel in Shanghai? Like, seriously? Don't they all say that?
Okay, let's get this out of the way immediately. "Best" is a loaded term. Depends what you're after! Luxury? Location? A pool that isn't suspiciously green? (Ugh, I hate those.) The Novotel Qingpu *claims* to be. I've seen the ads. They're shiny, they're slick, they're full of people who probably haven't actually *slept* in a budget hotel in their lives. It's… suspect. I'm leaning towards "maybe for *certain* things." Which things? We'll get there. But prepare your expectations accordingly. I'm thinking… good, but not *perfect*. Because perfection? It's boring. And expensive.
What's the location like? Is it… you know… *in* Shanghai?
Alright, here's the deal. Qingpu district is… *ahem*… *outside* of the immediate, bustling heart of Shanghai. You're not stumbling out of the hotel and into the chaos of Nanjing Road. You're probably going to need a taxi or a subway ride to get to the "action." Now, depending on *your* idea of "action," this could be a good thing or a bad thing. If you're after a quiet escape, some lush greenery, maybe a lake view… this could be your jam. If you want to be in the thick of things, well, prepare to commute. I, personally, love being *slightly* removed. Less sensory overload, you know? But just be warned. This isn't downtown. Think… a more suburban vibe. Which, frankly, can be a *relief* after a few days of intense city life.
Anecdote Alert! When I arrived, after a truly horrendous flight (delayed, turbulence, screaming babies – the works!), the *peace* of Qingpu was actually… heavenly. I needed that breathing room. Needed it badly. It felt like entering a calm oasis after the hurricane that was my travel day!
What's the actual *hotel* like? Rooms, amenities, that jazz? Dish the dirt!
Okay, okay, here's where things get interesting. The rooms? Generally, they're *nice*. Clean, modern, what you'd expect from a Novotel. Emphasis on 'modern', Sometimes, a little *too* modern, if you know what I mean. (Cold, sterile… needs a splash of personality!) The beds… ah, the beds! Comfortable! Seriously, after that flight, I collapsed into that bed and didn't move for twelve glorious hours. The bathroom? Well-equipped. Decent shower pressure (a HUGE win in my book – I *hate* a dribbly shower!).
Warning: The "lake view" rooms *can* be stunning. But I've heard reports of some rooms overlooking… a parking lot. Double-check before you book. Don't be a parking lot victim. Especially if you are paying extra for the view. That's a huge bummer, let me tell you!
Now, the amenities… the pool is usually pretty fantastic. (I say "usually" because I've heard things on the internet. Some reviews are… mixed. Some are… *disasterous*!) The gym? Decent. The spa? Haven't tried it, but I'm tempted... who am I kidding? I *need* a spa day! If all else fails, there's a decent restaurant or two. The food… varies. Sometimes amazing, Sometimes… bland. But that's life, right? Not every meal can be a Michelin-star experience.
About that food… what's the dining situation? Tell me EVERYTHING. I'm a picky eater!
Okay, food is important. Crucial, even! Breakfast buffet? A mixed bag. You've got your Western staples – eggs, bacon (fingers crossed it's crispy!), sausages… blah, blah, blah. But the *real* gems? The Chinese options. This is where it gets good. Noodles, dumplings, congee… Get adventurous! Don't be scared! Experiment! Just… avoid the mystery meat. Trust me. (I learned that the hard way.)
Rambling Time! One morning, they had these *amazing* little pork buns. Steaming hot, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. I ate, like, ten. I felt incredibly guilty, but also utterly content. That one experience… it almost made the whole hotel, the commute, EVERYTHING, worthwhile. That's the power of a good bun. I swear, I’d go back for just that one bun!
Lunch and dinner? The main restaurant can be… hit or miss. They try to cater to both Western and Chinese palates, which can sometimes lead to culinary compromises. The "steak" I ordered? Well, let's just say it wasn't exactly prime cut. But! The local dishes? Often excellent. And affordable. So, stick to what they do best. That's my pro-tip. And always, ALWAYS try the local beer. Because… you know… vacation.
Is there anything *really* bad about the Novotel Qingpu? C'mon, spill the tea! Nobody's perfect.
Alright, deep breaths. *Nothing* is perfect. The biggest potential issue? The location if you're after constant city buzz. That's the trade-off. If you need to be in central Shanghai *every* day, this probably isn't your hotel. The service? Generally good, but with the occasional… *hiccup*. Language barriers can happen. Smile, be patient, and you'll be fine. (Also learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Trust me, it helps.)
The biggest disappointment… I remember once finding a hair (that wasn’t mine!) in the shower. Gross. Made me question the overall cleanliness. So… while generally clean, I’d say, keep your eyes open. It's not the Ritz-Carlton, folks. We're realistic here, and frankly, that *is* a concern for me! A big one, because for me I want a clean hotel!
Okay, final verdict. Should I stay at the Novotel Qingpu? Is it worth it?
It depends! Are you looking for a quiet(ish) escape, with decent amenities and reasonably reliable service? Then, yeah, it's a strong contender. Especially if you snag a good deal. If you’re after a taste of the “high life,” it is not. For those focusedHotel Finder Reviews
