Shanghai Luxury: Ji Hotel's Unbelievable Meilong Views!
Shanghai Luxury: Ji Hotel's Unbelievable Meilong Views! - A Rambling, Honest Review (and Why You NEED to Stay Here)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, the coffee, and maybe even a little soy sauce on my experience at the Ji Hotel Shanghai Meilong Views. Forget those polished, sterile hotel reviews. This is gonna be real, raw, and probably riddled with typos (sorry, not sorry!). Because let's face it, who actually has time to perfect their prose when they're trying to absorb the sheer Shanghai-ness of a place?
First Impression: The "Wow" Factor (and the Slight Panic)
Okay, so first things first: "Unbelievable Meilong Views!" They're not kidding. Seriously. I arrived utterly knackered from a flight that felt like it lasted a geological epoch. The lobby? Sleek, modern, and immediately made me feel underdressed. (Important note: I packed for comfort, not for Shanghai chic. Lesson learned.) But then, the elevator doors opened on my floor… and WHOA. The panoramic vista of the city legit took my breath away. It was that classic "ooh, ahh, and slightly terrified I'm going to fall out the window" kind of experience. The views are undeniably the selling point. Seriously, Instagram gold.
Accessibility & the Nitty-Gritty (Because Real Life Needs to Be Considered)
Let's get down to brass tacks. Accessibility! Important! I didn't have any specific accessibility needs this trip, but I noticed several things. The hotel boasts wheelchair accessibility with an elevator that’s speedy and reliable (thank god, because those views…). I saw no explicit mentions of accessible rooms on the website, but if you have needs, contact the hotel directly before booking to clarify. They definitely have a 24-hour front desk so that should simplify things.
Rooms & Amenities: Luxury, but with a Few Hiccups (Just Being Honest)
My room was… well, it was a room. A damn good room, mind you. The air conditioning worked like a charm (a must in Shanghai humidity), and the blackout curtains were a godsend after those long travel days. They have all the basics: air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, a nice desk, a hair dryer (thank goodness!), in-room safe box, internet access – wireless (and it’s free Wi-Fi!), minibar, private bathroom, a refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, a seating area, shower, slippers, smoke detector, soundproofing (bless), and toiletries.
But! And there's always a but. The bathtub looked inviting, but the water pressure was… let’s just say a gentle drizzle. The internet access – LAN was available but I honestly didn’t even bother looking. Also, the room decorations were a tad… minimalist. They're going for modern, I think, but it felt a little sterile. But hey, you're there for the view, right?
Food, Glorious Food (and the Accidental Carb Overload)
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. The Asian breakfast was a glorious, carb-laden adventure. Dim sum! Noodles! More noodles! My diet went straight out the window. There's also a Western breakfast option with the usual suspects (toast, eggs, whatever). Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant are all available
The restaurants themselves are pretty decent. I ate at the in-house restaurant a few times, and the a la carte in restaurant options were pretty good. I didn’t partake in many buffet in restaurant but I did see a decent selection. The coffee/tea in restaurant was good, the coffee shop looked cute. They also offer room service [24-hour] which is a lifesaver when you're battling jet lag and a craving for late-night noodles.
Ways to Relax (or, My Failed Spa Attempt)
The spa? I didn’t go. (I’m still kicking myself!). I'm a sucker for a good massage, but I just didn't have the time. However, there is a fitness center and a swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with a view. So, plenty of opportunities to get your zen on (or at least pretend to). I did see a sauna.
Safety & Cleanliness: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
The Ji Hotel seems to take safety seriously, which is reassuring. Plenty of CCTV in common areas, 24-hour security, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, safety/security features in the room. I also saw evidence of anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. Overall, I felt safe and secure during my stay.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
Okay, let's get real. No hotel is perfect. I had a few “moments”:
- My attempted use of the ironing facilities resulted in a singed sleeve. I’m blaming jet lag.
- Navigating the city… well, let’s just say Google Translate quickly became my BFF.
The "Things to Do" and "Getting Around" Rundown
They offer the usual suspects: airport transfer, car parking [free of charge], car park [on-site], and taxi service. Honestly, the best way to get around is to embrace Didi (China's version of Uber). Super easy, surprisingly cheap.
The "For the Kids" Section
I didn’t travel with kids, but they have babysitting service and are generally considered family/child friendly. See the online listing for kid-friendly ameneties, there may be a kids meal option.
Overall: Should You Stay Here? (Absolutely, with a Few Reservations!)
Look, if you want a stunning view, a comfortable stay, and a good location (meilong views!), the Ji Hotel Shanghai Meilong Views is a solid choice. The view alone almost justifies the price. It’s not perfect, but it's good. Just remember to pack your sense of humor, embrace the carb overload, and don't try to iron your favorite shirt before your business meeting. You'll be fine.
My Offer for You (Because I'm Basically a Travel Agent Now!)
Thinking about booking? Here's the deal:
Book the Ji Hotel Shanghai Meilong Views RIGHT NOW and get a FREE upgrade to a higher-floor room for the best possible view! (Subject to availability, naturally. Because, life.) PLUS, I'm throwing in a complimentary bottle of local wine to enjoy while you soak in those city lights, because, let's face it, you deserve it after that flight! Use code "MEILONGVIEW" when you check in (or when you book… I haven't quite mastered getting the code fully functional. But I'm trying!). (Offer valid for stays booked within the next month. Seriously, DO IT! You won't regret it.)
(Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, fueled by copious amounts of coffee and a love for Shanghai. I am not affiliated with the Ji Hotel. And please, for the love of god, check the water pressure before you get your hopes up.)
Now, go forth and conquer Shanghai!
Chiang Mai's Chicest Loft: Modern Home Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-crafted travel itinerary. This is life, Shanghai-style, and it's gonna be messy, hilarious, and probably involve me losing my mind at least once. And it all starts at the Ji Hotel Shanghai Meilong Wanhui International Plaza. God, what a mouthful. Let's dive in, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Dim Sum Debacle (and an existential crisis)
14:00 - 15:00: Arrival & Check-In - Yay, I'm in a Hotel!
Okay, first things first: getting to the hotel. Pray for a cooperative taxi driver. They love to "misunderstand" your destination. Once I stumble in – jet-lagged and smelling faintly of airplane pretzels – the lobby smells strangely of air freshener and… anxiety? It's possibly my own. Checking in, I realize I forgot my phone charger. Classic. The guy at the front desk seems unfazed. He's probably seen it all. He hands me a room key, I find my door, and then… BAM! The room is tiny, the bed is hard, and the view is… a brick wall. My first thought? This is EXACTLY what I was expecting.
15:00 - 16:00: Room Reconnaissance and the Search for Coffee (A Quest, Basically)
So, the room is small, BUT, it's clean-ish. And the real test: does the air conditioning work? (It does! Victory!). I start unpacking, and immediately realize I brought way too many sweaters. Shanghai in October? Apparently, the weather is doing a real impression of a fickle ex. I go on a hunt for coffee. The hotel "cafe" is basically a sad vending machine. I swear, getting decent coffee is going to be my primary mission in Shanghai.
16:00 - 17:30: Dim Sum Disaster: Panda-monium… and a meltdown
Right, dim sum. It’s the thing everyone raves about. My guidebook, bless its soul, recommended a place near the hotel, so I decided to take the risk. After a truly terrifying ride on the metro, I get there. The smell of delicious, steamy dumplings hits me, but there's no English menu. Cue panic. I point and nod, hoping for the best. I get a basket of these dumplings that are either delicious or horrible. I think I got both. The soup dumplings explode like tiny, scalding bombs. I'm covered in soy sauce. I'm pretty sure I made eye contact with a particularly judgemental child. The whole experience becomes a metaphor for my life and my ability to adult in general. (Note to self: learn some basic Mandarin.) I am definitely not a dumpling person. Then, I get back to my hotel room and cry. At least this place has free wifi.
18:00 - 19:00: Recovery and Reconnaissance
I return to my room, wash up in the bathroom and then get back to being a tourist. I feel my second wind. I go out and find a convenience store for emergency supplies - snacks and a bottle of water. I feel better. The convenience stores here are also crazy.
19:00 - 21:00: The Night Market Gambit… or, My Attempts to Find Dinner
Okay, so my hotel is located near an International Plaza. So, I figured, “night market! Food! Excitement!" I'm picturing sizzling skewers, fragrant spices, and the joyous chaos of a bustling market. Reality? I'm pretty sure I walked into a giant shopping mall that just happened to be open late. I wander past the same shops I see at home for what feels like hours, desperately trying to find something that isn't a chain restaurant or a Gucci handbag. Then, finally, I find a place with delicious looking noodles with chili oil. I devour the noodles. I love it. The night market is a lie, the noodles, are the truth.
21:00 - Bedtime: Attempted Relaxation… Failed.
Back in my tiny room, I try to relax. Watch some TV, read my book… but my brain is still buzzing from the dim sum incident. The city noises are getting loud, I realize I forgot my ear plugs. I vow to buy some tomorrow.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Terrible Karaoke (Oh, the Humanity!)
8:00 - 9:00: The Great Coffee Quest, Part Deux
Okay, new day, new mission: coffee. I venture out, armed with a Google Maps search, and discover a tiny, independent coffee shop a fifteen-minute walk away. The coffee is AMAZING. I feel like I’ve entered a new dimension. This tiny cup of joe gives me actual hope for the day.
9:00-12:00: Temple of the Jade Buddha: Zen, or just Zen-adjacent?
I decided to visit the Temple of the Jade Buddha. Pictures don't do this place justice. The intricate carvings, the smell of incense, and the quiet murmur of monks chanting… it’s beautiful. I walk slowly, taking in the atmosphere and feeling a little bit calmer. I actually feel a sense of peace. Then, a toddler starts screaming, and I’m yanked back to reality. Zen is fleeting, I find.
12:00 - 13:00: The Tea Ceremony Experience (Attempted Elegance)
Shanghai is known for Tea ceremonies. I sign up for a tea ceremony. I was expecting elegant ritual. Instead, I find myself struggling not to slurp, spill, and generally make a fool of myself. The tea itself is delicious, though, and after a while, I manage to relax and enjoy the experience.
13:00 - 14:00: Lunch - A Second Chance with Noodles
I had a second chance for lunch. I get myself a big plate of noodles. Life is so simple.
16:00 - 18:00: Karaoke Chaos: My Voice (and Ego) Takes a Beating
Okay, this was a terrible idea, but it was irresistible. Karaoke. Everyone does it in Shanghai, right? We get a private room. My friends, who are mostly Chinese sing like professional vocalists. I choose a song I think I know… and proceed to butcher it. My voice cracks. The lyrics are a blur. I’m pretty sure I lost a vocal chord. It’s gloriously awful, and I laugh hysterically.
18:00 - 20:00: Evening Wanderings and Reflections
After Karaoke, I wander around the city. I end up near the Bund, and I sit on a bench. I watch tourists mill about. I think about how exhausted I am. I start to feel the kind of awe and wonder that all tourists feel watching the world go by, and I appreciate my trip here in Shanghai. Then, I get back to my room, and I collapse onto my bed.
Day 3: Departure & The Lingering Taste of Hope
8:00 - 9:00: Coffee and the Hunt for a Decent Breakfast
The coffee shop remains a beacon of hope. I grab a coffee and manage to find a bakery nearby. I eat some pastries. I feel full of delicious carbs.
9:00 - 11:00: Final Souvenir Scramble
I need to get some souvenirs, so I make a dash to the markets. It's a madhouse, but I find a few last-minute trinkets.
11:00 - 12:00: Farewell, Shanghai
I head back to the hotel, check out. It's time to go. As I head to the airport, with jet lag, food poisoning, and the crushing knowledge that I'll only see 1% of what Shanghai has to offer, I start planning my next trip.
Ji Hotel's Meilong Views: Expectation vs. Reality (and My Sanity!)
Okay, spill it. Are these *Meilong Views* at the Ji Hotel actually as good as people say? Or is it just hype?
Alright, fine, I'll be honest. My first thought when I saw the pictures was, "Photoshop." Seriously. Gleaming skyscrapers, perfectly manicured lawns... it felt too good to be true. And... *sigh*... in the right conditions, yes. They *are* stunning. Especially at sunset. I swear, I nearly choked on my (admittedly overpriced) cocktail the first time I saw the golden light hitting those buildings. The entire city just... *shimmers*. But look, let's get real. Shanghai isn’t always sunset-friendly. Some days are a smog bowl, and you're lucky to see the building *directly across* the street, let alone any fancy views. I stayed there for a week, and I saw both ends of the spectrum. One day, I felt like I was watching a sci-fi movie; the next, I was staring at a grey blob. So, it's a gamble. A beautiful, potentially breathtaking gamble.
What kind of rooms should I book to get the best view? Is there a specific floor or wing I should aim for?
THIS is where things get a little… territorial. Apparently, everyone wants the Meilong view. Seriously. I'd recommend aiming for higher floors, *obviously*. But even then, it's not foolproof. I'd call the hotel directly and specifically ask about the room numbers with the best unobstructed views. Don't just trust the online photos. I made that mistake once, and ended up staring at... well, a fire escape. Not quite the postcard material I was hoping for. And here's a pro-tip: If you're staying for multiple nights, try to negotiate. See if they can move you if your first room isn't up to snuff. The front desk staff can be surprisingly accommodating, especially if you're smiling and armed with a small, somewhat pathetic, apology for inconveniencing them. (It worked on me, alright?!)
So, what *exactly* am I looking at with this "Meilong View"?
Okay, picture this (when you can see it, that is). You're looking at the Meilong area, a modern residential and commercial district. It's a mix of gleaming skyscrapers, some really cool green spaces, and the general hustle and bustle of a thriving Shanghai neighborhood. The hotels often have these amazing, panoramic views of the Shanghai skyline. Seriously, go prepared to be wowed. Just... you know... check the weather forecast first. And temper your expectations a little. I once went there in winter, it was so cold that I barely enjoyed staring at anything other than the heater.
Is there *really* anything special about this view compared to other city views in Shanghai?
Look, Shanghai has *tons* of amazing views. The Bund is iconic, the Oriental Pearl Tower is... well, it's a giant metal ball. BUT. The Meilong view, when it's on, just has a certain… *je ne sais quoi*. Maybe it's the newer architecture. Maybe it's the strategic placement of the buildings. Maybe it's the way the sunlight hits them. Whatever it is, it feels like a more modern, less "touristy" slice of Shanghai. It's the kind of view that makes you actually *feel* like you're living in the future, even if your flight here got heavily delayed due to unexpected rain. It just has this… futuristic vibe. But hey, that's just me!
Does the Ji Hotel have anything else besides the view going for it? What about the rooms and services?
Yes! Okay, so the view is the star of the show, but the Ji Hotel typically offers some pretty decent stuff. The rooms are generally modern and well-appointed, although I’ve heard some complaints about the soundproofing… which, let’s be honest, is a common issue in many Shanghai hotels. The service is, in my experience, generally quite good – helpful and efficient. The breakfast, well… let’s just say it’s not Michelin-star quality, but it does the job. I did have a hilarious incident where I requested extra coffee and practically got a whole pot delivered to my room - it was like a caffeinated apocalypse! In short, the hotel is a decent package overall, that is, if you are not a picky client.
Are there any downsides to staying at the Ji Hotel, besides the potential for a cloudy view?
Yes! Okay, so the view is the star of the show, but the Ji Hotel does have its quirks. Sometimes you can hear the neighbors, it’s not the best soundproofing, but you get used to it, or not. Then there's the location. It's not *centrally* located. You’ll likely need to take a taxi or the metro to get to the more famous tourist spots, which is just a thing in Shanghai. And traffic can be brutal. Also, it is worth mentioning that the price, at least for the view, can be on the higher side, especially during peak season. But you’re paying for that view, and if it’s a clear day, it might just be worth it. And personally, I was once absolutely mortified when I accidentally walked in on someone’s private meeting! Bad. Very bad.
Is it noisy there? (I'm a light sleeper!)
This is a tricky one. It really depends on your room, the floor you're on, and the general level of Shanghai noise. I've heard some complaints about soundproofing, especially if you're facing the street. If you're a light sleeper, request a room on a higher floor away from the street. Pack earplugs! I swear by them. Also, consider investing in a white noise machine. I bring mine everywhere, and it’s saved my sanity countless times.
Tell me about your *actual* experience! What was it *REALLY* like?
Alright, buckle up. My first experience? I booked a room, super excited. Sun was shining, promising a spectacular sunset. I envisioned myself sipping wine, gazing at the glittering skyline. The reality? I got stuck in the slowest elevator EVER. I'm talking, the kind of elevator that makes you question your life choices while you wait. When I *finally* got to my room, I discovered the view was... partially obscured by some construction. Construction! I called customer service (eventually, after I finished a full-blown internal meltdown) and got switched to another roomRooms And Vibes
