Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Xujiahui - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Xujiahui - Or, Why You Should Probably Book This Place (and Maybe Skip That Other One You Were Eyeing)
Okay, so, Shanghai. A city that assaults your senses in the best way possible. Neon lights, delicious smells, a general hum of controlled chaos. And then… you need a place to sleep. Let me tell you, I've stared down my share of hotel options. And then I stumbled upon the Courtyard Xujiahui. And now I'm pretty much legally obligated to tell you about it.
Forget the generic "luxury" brochures. This place… it's got something real. This isn't just about fancy towels and a boring breakfast buffet. It's about a vibe. And trust me, a good vibe in Shanghai is worth its weight in… well, probably gold, considering the prices.
Let's Talk About Accessibility, Because Honestly, It Matters:
First off, the basics. Accessibility: Good. They know what's up. I mean, duh, it's 2024. They've got facilities for disabled guests, an elevator (thank god!), and I think they even thought about the important stuff, like where to park your car park [free of charge] - (they have a car park [on-site], too, just in case you like paying). The details matter. And I'm pretty sure they've got it covered, especially considering the Facilities for disabled guests.
Getting Around: From the Airport to Your Bed (and Beyond):
Alright, arriving in Shanghai can be an adventure. Let's be real. But the airport transfer service here is a lifesaver. Seriously. After a long flight, the thought of navigating the metro is enough to make me cry. So, big win. Taxi service is, of course, available, but again, after a long flight… You get it. And the valet parking made me feel like a VIP. (I’m not, but I can pretend.)
Internet: Because, You Know, Life:
Okay, internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be. Seriously, I cannot function without it. The signal was strong (important for those Insta stories), and they even have Internet Access [LAN] if you're old school and need to plug in. There are also Internet Services, which I assume is stuff that is on the internet, but in the hotel. Wi-Fi in public areas is strong, too, so you can lurk in the lobby and judge people (I didn't do that… much).
Okay, The Rooms: Are We Talking Bliss, or Basic?
Seriously, the rooms hit that sweet spot between sleek and actually comfortable. It wasn't just the air conditioning (thank you, sweet baby Jesus), but all the thoughtful details. Blackout curtains? Crucial for beating jet lag. An in-room safe box for your passport/secret stash of chocolate (I didn't do that… either). They even had a complimentary tea and coffee maker! Crucial for my morning rituals. And some rooms have extra long bed, not that I needed it, but anyway…
Things to Do (and Ways to De-Stress): It's More Than Just a Bed!
Okay, don't come to Shanghai and just stay in your room (unless you're ill, then stay in your room!). But the Courtyard Xujiahui makes it tempting. The swimming pool [outdoor] is a must. Seriously, after a day of battling crowds and street food, sinking into that water with a poolside bar nearby? Pure bliss. The fitness center, the gym/fitness are there, and there’s also sauna and steamroom, or the full spa experience that will pamper you. (I confess, I totally indulged in a massage – needed it after that shopping spree!).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Shanghai Adventure
Okay, so food. In Shanghai, food is everything. The Courtyard Xujiahui doesn’t disappoint. Breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]. Need. It. It’s a solid offering, with Asian Breakfast and Western Breakfast. Honestly, I went for the buffet every morning. They have a Coffee Shop, a Snack bar, and Restaurants. They have Bars. If you have an event to host, you can have Meeting/banquet facilities. Even if you're having a meeting with yourself, you can do it here. They deliver room service [24-hour], and there's even a Vegetarian Restaurant!
Let's Talk Cleanliness and Safety: Because, Well, Germs
Look, I'm a germaphobe. I admit it. But I felt safe here. They are certified for hygiene. Hygiene certification. They're doing the professional-grade sanitizing services, and everything feels spic-and-span. Anti-viral cleaning products used, you see. This is important. Hand sanitizer is everywhere. Safety/security feature is up, of course. So, A+ for peace of mind.
The Extras (Because It's the Little Things):
- Contactless check-in/out: Winning.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless. Like, ridiculously spotless.
- Concierge: Helpful as hell, with all the info you need so your trip is an experience.
- Cashless payment service: Genius.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for last-minute presents. I'm not saying I bought something there, but let's just say I did.
For the Kids:
They're family/child friendly. They have babysitting service. They've also got kids meal.
The Bottom Line: This Hotel Gets It
This isn't just a place to sleep. It's an experience. It gets Shanghai. It gets you. The Courtyard Xujiahui manages to balance luxury with genuine comfort, convenience with a touch of local flair.
My (Slightly Biased) Verdict: Book it. Seriously. Unless you want to be stuck in some sterile, soul-crushing hotel chain, and you want to miss out on what makes Shanghai, Shanghai.
Grab an AMAZING Shanghai Adventure! Book Your Stay at Courtyard Xujiahui TODAY!
Here's Why You NEED to Book NOW:
- Unbeatable Location: Explore the vibrant Xujiahui district with ease, surrounded by world-class shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
- Luxury Redefined: Experience the ultimate comfort in our beautifully appointed rooms, complete with all the amenities you need for a perfect stay.
- Relax & Rejuvenate: Unwind in our stunning outdoor pool, pamper yourself at our spa, and keep fit in our fully equipped fitness center.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in exceptional dining experiences at our diverse restaurants and bars, offering everything from authentic Asian cuisine to international favorites.
- Unmatched Convenience: Enjoy seamless travel with our airport transfer service and easy access to public transportation.
Limited-Time Offer!
- Book now and receive 15% off your stay!
- Complimentary breakfast for two!
- Free upgrade to a room with a city view (subject to availability)!
Don't miss out on the ultimate Shanghai experience! Click here to book your stay at the Courtyard Xujiahui now!
Escape to Paradise: LaRachelle Guesthouse, South Africa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a chaotic, emotional, ramen-stained adventure…Courtyard Shanghai Xujiahui edition. Let's GO.
Courtyard Shanghai Xujiahui: A Messy Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread in the Lobby
- 14:00 - Arrival at Pudong International Airport (PVG). Ugh. Flights. My least favorite form of transportation this side of a rickety unicycle. Landed. Passport control. Breathe. Honestly, I’m pretty sure I aged a year in that line. Found my pre-booked car (thank god for pre-booking, else I'd probably still be at the airport.)
- 15:30 - Check-in at the Courtyard Shanghai Xujiahui. The lobby…it’s…fine. Standard hotel lobby. Gleaming floors, some aggressively modern art that I’m pretty sure is meant to be intellectual but just looks like brightly colored squiggles. I got my room, went up, took a look, and a giant sigh escaped me. Traveling solo is simultaneously freeing and incredibly isolating, you know?
- 16:00 - Room Reconnaissance & Inner Monologue. Okay, unpacked (minimally, I’m not that type of traveler). The room is…beige. It's the color of a slightly over-ripe banana. The view…well, it's of other buildings. Shanghai. It’s here. Am I ready for this? Probably not. Bathroom: Clean. Amenities: Sufficient. Now: Nap time. Because jet lag is a beast, and also because I'm pretty sure I needed a nap anyway. I may, or may not, have spent a solid hour just staring at the ceiling, feeling simultaneously excited and terrified. It’s a feeling I am very familiar with, but always struggle to name.
- 18:00 - Dinner & Disaster at a Nearby Restaurant. Found a little place down the street. Looked promising. Pictures! Pictures are your friend in China, my friends. Ordered something that looked amazing. Turns out, it was spicy. Like, blow-your-face-off spicy. I’m talking tears-streaming-down-my-face spicy. And I don’t do well with spicy. Ended up chugging water like a desert nomad. Learn from my mistakes, people. Learn them.
- 19:30 - Trying Seriously Hard to Relax. Back at the hotel. Tried to watch TV. Couldn’t find anything in English that didn’t involve a really aggressive dubbing job. Decided to attempt meditation. Spoiler alert: I failed. My brain just kept replaying the spicy food incident. Damn.
- 21:00 - Bedtime. Sleep is essential. Goodnight world.
Day 2: The Bund, Dim Sum, and a Public Meltdown
- 08:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel. Buffet time! Eggs. Bacon (maybe, it was…suspect). Some kind of mystery meat I bravely avoided. Coffee. Coffee is good. Coffee is my friend.
- 09:00 - The Bund: Beauty and the Beast. Took a taxi to The Bund. Holy moly. The skyline! It really is breathtakingly beautiful, like something off a postcard. I walked along the promenade, taking about a million photos (you know, for the gram…or whatever). I even managed to dodge the selfie stick onslaught, which I consider a major victory. But I'm afraid the glamour didn't really last, and soon I was overwhelmed. The crowds were bonkers, the air was thick with exhaust fumes, and a small child started screaming directly in my ear. I honestly started to feel a panic rising.
- 11:00 - Dim Sum Delight (and potential blood sugar drop). Found a dim sum place that was highly recommended. The dumplings! Yes. The soup dumplings! Oh. My. God. Heaven. Absolute, unadulterated heaven. I ate until I felt like I might explode. Maybe I went a little overboard. Perhaps the sugar in the tea had worn off? The shakes started. Maybe I skipped a meal…or three.
- 13:00 - Public Meltdown in a Park. Okay, my blood sugar crashed. HARD. Started feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and generally incapable of staying upright. Went to a nearby park to sit down. Apparently, my low blood sugar also made me incredibly emotional, because suddenly I was sobbing over a particularly beautiful flower. I'm pretty sure some elderly Chinese ladies thought I was completely bonkers. Which, in that moment, I probably was.
- 14:00 - Sugar Fix Found a little place that had a sugary drink. After my emotional meltdown, I recovered and spent the afternoon wandering and finding peace.
- 17:00 - Back to the Hotel and Reflection. Back at the hotel. Reflecting on my day. It was a rollercoaster. The highs were high, the lows…well, you know. But that's travel, right? Sometimes you cry in public over a flower. It's all part of the process.
- 19:00 - Dinner. Delivery. Something easy. Probably noodles. I need comfort food after a day like that.
Day 3: Temple, Tea, and Impending Doom
- 09:00 - Temple of the Jade Buddha. Took a taxi. The temple itself was gorgeous. So peaceful and calming. The intricate carvings, the smell of incense…it washed over me. The monks were incredibly serene, the atmosphere so still.
- 11:00 - Tea Ceremony. A tea ceremony. It was fascinating. The ritual, the precision, the different types of tea – all interesting. But let's face it, eventually, I needed something with caffeine. No judgement.
- 13:00 - Lunch and Doom at a Local Restaurant. More spice. A new flavour, a new location. I learned, the hard way, that the restaurant was too good, too popular, and packed with people. I spent a long chunk of time looking for a restroom.
- 15:00 - The Wait. I felt something coming. I'd felt it before, but the sheer number of people, and the sheer lack of restrooms. It was a test of mettle. At first I was able to find some peace in a quiet garden.
- 16:00 - The Verdict. I survived!
- 17:00 - Shopping and Despair. Oh man. I don’t know how to shop like this. The stores were SO CROWDED. Too many people, I just wanted to buy and leave.
- 19:00 - Final Dinner. Tried to find something nearby. I got the wrong order. I just gave up and went to bed.
- 21:00 - Bedtime.
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter Sweet Feeling of Leaving
- 08:00 - Breakfast One more hotel buffet.
- 09:00 - Check Out. Easy check out. Smooth, uneventful.
- 10:00 - Final Taxi. The goodbyes were hard.
- 11:00 - Flight.
- 13:00 - Goodbye, Shanghai!
Notes:
- Transportation: Taxis are your friend. Learn a few basic Chinese phrases (hello, thank you, where is…?) The metro is cheap, but can be incredibly crowded (especially during rush hour.)
- Food: Be adventurous, but be smart. Ask for "not spicy" if you are like me, and you are not used to it. Carry snacks. Always.
- Language: Learn some basics. Download a translation app. Point and hope for the best.
- Embrace the Chaos: Things will go wrong. You will get lost. You will probably cry over a flower (or your inability to find a decent cup of coffee). It’s okay. It’s part of the adventure. Breathe. Laugh. And keep going. You’ll have stories to tell later, I promise.
- Most Importantly: Have fun. Or don't. Whatever. Just be honest with yourself. And maybe pack some Pepto-Bismol. Just in case.
Cheers to you!
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Courtyard Xujiahui: Shanghai's Secret Weapon - Or Is It? (The Truth, Rambles, and Possibly Some Regrets...)
Seriously, what *is* so special about Courtyard Xujiahui? Everyone's raving, but is it just hype?
Okay, so here's the thing. "Hidden Gem" is a strong term. And honestly? Sometimes I roll my eyes when I hear it. But with Courtyard Xujiahui... yeah, it kind of fits. It's not like, the Shangri-La situation, dazzling everyone right off the bat. It’s more like… stumbling upon a secret, tucked away from the sheer chaos of Xujiahui. Trust it. It hides perfectly, and that's half the charm. You *feel* like you've uncovered something. Is it just hype? Maybe a little. But it’s hype backed up with seriously good service and, frankly, a seriously comfortable bed. I mean, I literally considered *moving* into the room. For like, a week. Don't judge. Shanghai can do that to you.
Is this place actually *luxurious* like they say? I'm on a budget!
Luxury? Okay, this is where it gets tricky. It's not *palace* luxurious, you know? No gold faucets dripping into swan-shaped bathtubs. But… the rooms? They are CLEAN. Spotless. Like, my OCD went into overdrive in a GOOD way. The decor is modern, understated, and... *peaceful*. Which, in Shanghai, is rarer than finding decent coffee after 8 pm. The bedding is heavenly. I legitimately slept like the dead. And the little touches! Fresh fruit, a welcome note, the staff who actually seem to *care*...It is, in a word, comfortable. Okay, maybe two words: very comfortable. And definitely a step up from a hostel. Now, if you're *super* budget conscious, maybe not. But if you’re looking for a nice splurge? Absolutely.
Alright, alright, you've got me interested. What about the location? Is Xujiahui even a good area?
Xujiahui. Okay, I have to be honest. At first, I was skeptical. It's known for being a major shopping hub, and honestly, can be a bit of a concrete jungle, full of people-packed streets and flashing lights. But the Courtyard sits on a slightly quieter side street, shielded from the worst of it. Literally, it's right by a massive mall, so shopping and food are *everywhere*. And the metro station? Just a hop, skip, and a jump away. That means you can zoom all over Shanghai in minutes! The location is fantastic for getting around and exploring. But… the area *itself* isn't the prettiest. Think functional, not picturesque. It is, however, safe and incredibly convenient.
Tell me about the food! Is the hotel restaurant any good?
Okay, so the food. This is a mixed bag. The breakfast buffet? Decent. Standard hotel fare. Nothing mind-blowing. But the coffee was strong, which is a win in my book. I had a *moment* with the fresh fruit (again, the OCD thing, I guess). And the little dim sum selections? Pretty darn tasty. I will say, and this is important, the bar? Great cocktails. Possibly too great. I distinctly remember ordering three… and the next thing I knew, I was trying to order a taxi in very broken Mandarin. My advice? Stick to one or two, and then explore the restaurants *outside* the hotel. There are a myriad of options in Xujiahui and beyond. Don't rely on the restaurant for your entire dining experience – explore!
What's the vibe like at the hotel? Is it all stuffy and formal?
Nope! Not stuffy at all. The staff is super friendly, actually *genuinely* friendly, which is a huge deal in large hotels. Not that forced, plastic smile, you know? They’re helpful, they speak English (mostly!), and they go the extra mile. I, for one, was completely hopeless, and had a complete moment when I had to hail a cab. The concierge, though, was my guardian angel. He spent a solid ten minutes explaining the Shanghai taxi situation to me (spoiler alert: it involves waving frantically), and eventually, managed to flag one down. The vibe is relaxed, welcoming, kind of upscale-casual. It's not a place where you feel like you have to dress up, which is a *huge* relief after a day of sightseeing. You can actually *relax*.
Okay, I'm starting to be sold. What amenities does it have? Like a pool?
Pool? Nope. That's a big miss for me. I could actually kill for a decent pool sometimes. But, there's a decent gym. Small, but effective. Clean too. The hotel also has a business center and meeting rooms, which is good if you need to work. And the WiFi? Surprisingly good! It's also a fantastic place to order a takeaway, sit by your window, and watch the world go by. Think of it less as a resort and more as a comfortable, quiet base of operations for exploring Shanghai. Okay, maybe I needed that pool… Still, the quality of the room makes you forget the lack of extra things, such as a pool or spa.
What's the best way to book your stay? Any tips for getting a good deal?
ALWAYS check multiple sites! (I'm looking at you, Booking.com, and you, *other* booking websites…). Compare prices. Especially in the off-season. And...if you can, book in advance. The best deals disappear fast. Check the hotel website itself, too, sometimes they have promotions you won't find anywhere else. Try to book midweek, if possible. Weekends are when the prices jump. Oh, and sign up for the hotel's loyalty program! Even if you don't stay there *that* often, every little discount helps, doesn't it? And don’t be afraid to call the hotel directly! Sometimes, you get a better rate that way. Trust me on this one - it has worked many times.
Alright, final verdict. Would you recommend it?
Look, honestly? Yes. Absolutely. It's not perfect. It doesn't have a pool *or* a spa, and Xujiahui itself isn't the most charming area. But the service is top-notch, the rooms are gorgeous and the location is excellent for getting around Shanghai. I'd go back in a heartbeat. That bed alone is worth the price of admission. Seriously. Go. Just… maybe bring earplugs for the traffic noise (Shanghai is loud!), and don't judge me if you see me there, ordering my third cocktail at the bar. And for the love of God, please don't tell *everyone* about it. Let's keep this a little bit of a secret, yeah?
