Hangzhou's Hidden Paradise: Unveiling the Midtown Shangri-La Luxury
My Chaotic Love Affair with Hangzhou's Hidden Paradise: A Midtown Shangri-La Review (Prepare for Rambling…)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from a stay at the Midtown Shangri-La in Hangzhou, and my brain feels like it's been through a spa day… followed by a very, very long flight. This isn’t your perfectly polished hotel review; this is the messy, the glorious, and the slightly insane truth of it all.
Accessibility: The Good, the Really Good, and the "Needs Improvement"
Let's get the logistical stuff out of the way. First, the Accessibility is mostly solid. Elevators are plentiful (thank god, because I hauled my luggage, like, a lot) and I saw ramps everywhere. The Shangri-La is generally known for being thoughtful about this, which is a huge plus.
On-site restaurants/lounges: Plenty to choose from, and I'll get to them.
However, I have to offer a slight gulp and say, I didn't see a specific section for Wheelchair accessibility on the website, but i'm sure the hotel can accommodate. Also it’s a BIG hotel, so while getting to your room isn’t a problem, getting around the entire place from one end to the other would take a while, especially if you’re feeling less than mobile. Something to keep in mind!
Internet Access: Praise be the Wi-Fi Gods! (and the LAN Gods too!)
Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously, in our hyper-connected world, this should be mandatory, and the Shangri-La gets it. The Internet itself was fast and reliable. I was able to stream my (admittedly embarrassing) shows without a hitch. And for those who like the ol’ Internet [LAN], they haven’t forgotten it… good solid connections! Internet services overall? Ace. Wi-Fi in public areas? Also excellent. No complaints here. I mean, being able to send embarrassing selfies to all my friends without buffering? That's a luxury worth its weight in gold.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams Fulfilled?
Alright, this is where things get interesting.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Steamroom, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Massage: YES, YES, YES, and OH MY GOD, YES. The spa. The spa. The spa. I could write a novella about the spa. I got a massage that literally melted my stress away – and let me tell you, I had a lot of stress going on (long story, involving spilled coffee and a very important phone call). The Pool with view was stunning, particularly at sunset. Seriously, if you can snag a massage before a dip in that pool, your life is going to change. The steam room was… steamy! Good. The sauna was… HOT! Awesome. The Fitness center, Gym/fitness looks well equipped and there is a Swimming pool [outdoor].
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief
During my stay I was constantly reassured. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere… I felt safe, like I could actually breathe during the last few years. The staff were incredible and I watched them following protocols to the letter. Rooms sanitized between stays. The Safe dining setup, with Sanitized kitchen and tableware items made me feel comfortable and protected. Rooms sanitized between stays and the fact that Staff trained in safety protocol reinforced that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Eat Your Heart Out (Literally!)
This is where the Shangri-La truly shines. I'm a foodie, and I have zero shame.
- Restaurants: Several to choose from! And they are worth the visit.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Massive. Overwhelming in the best possible way. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and everything in between. I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds just from looking at the pastries.
- Restaurants: Well, they are good.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The coffee shop was dangerous! I wanted one of everything.
- Poolside bar: For cocktails and snacks!
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh my god, the desserts. My weakness.
- Happy hour: Yes!
- Snack bar: Perfect for poolside grazing.
- Room service [24-hour]: Brilliant. Perfect for those late-night cravings.
- Bottle of water: Replenished daily, thank goodness!
- Breakfast takeaway service: Convenient for early departures.
- Breakfast service
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant
- Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant
- Bar
I need therapy, and a few weeks to work it all off.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (that make a big difference)
- Air conditioning in public area.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: They seem prepared for everything!
- Business facilities: Well equipped.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Concierge: Super helpful, even when I was being completely indecisive.
- Contactless check-in/out.
- Convenience store: For those late-night munchies.
- Currency exchange: A lifesaver.
- Daily housekeeping: Pristine.
- Doorman: Always a friendly face.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service.
- Elevator: Vital.
- Essential condiments: Available.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Appeared to be accommodating.
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Ironing service
- Invoice provided
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars
- Safety deposit boxes
- Shrine, A lovely touch.
- Smoking area
- Terrace: Perfect for afternoon tea.
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
- Cashless payment service, Invoice provided
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
While I don't have mini-me's of my own, I did see families enjoying the Kids facilities. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal
Access: I didn't have any real problems.
In-Room Features: My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly)
- Additional toilet: Always a bonus.
- Air conditioning: Essential!
- Alarm clock: The bane of my existence, but necessary.
- Bathrobes: Luxurious.
- Bathroom phone: Weird, but hey, why not?
- Bathtub: Yes!
- Blackout curtains: I basically went into hibernation mode.
- Closet: Ample space.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Needed, desperately.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Perfect for pretending to work.
- Extra long bed: Heavenly.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key.
- Hair dryer: Powerful enough to tame my mane.
- High floor: Great views.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless: Fantastic.
- Ironing facilities: Useful, but I lived in the bathrobes most of the time.
- Linens: Luxurious.
- Mini bar: Tempting.
- Mirror: Plentiful.
- Non-smoking: Appreciated.
- On-demand movies: Yes please!
- Private bathroom: Of course!
- Reading light: Perfect for curling up with a book (if I'd actually brought one…)
- Refrigerator: Essential for snacks.
- Safety/security feature.
- Satellite/cable channels: The usual suspects.
- Scale: (I tried not to look…)
- Seating area: Comfortable.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Fancy!
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Slippers: Nice touch.
- Smoke detector: Safety first.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. We're going to Hangzhou, staying at the Midtown Shangri-La, and frankly, I'm already picturing myself sprawled on a chaise lounge, judging wealthy people's shoes. Here we go, the messy, authentic, and probably slightly deranged account of my Hangzhou adventure:
Day 1: Arrival, Tea Dreams, and Potential Meltdown (Probably involving dumplings)
12:00 PM: Arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH). Okay, first hurdle. Let's hope the customs line isn't a soul-crushing abyss of paperwork and judgmental stares. I'm always a little terrified of immigration. I swear I look guilty even when I'm doing nothing wrong.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Taxi/Didi to Midtown Shangri-La. Pray for a driver who speaks at least a smattering of English. My Mandarin is limited to "Ni hao" and "Wo yao baozi" (Dumplings, please!). I'm already envisioning myself waving my arms frantically, trying to convey the hotel address while the driver just gives me a blank stare. Good times.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in, gawking at the lobby. Shangri-La, right? Expecting a certain level of opulence. Gonna assess the lobby for its plushness, the size of the chandeliers, and most importantly, the available supply of complimentary bottled water. Hydration is key, people.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Room reveal. Will my room have a view? More importantly, will it have a bathtub big enough for me to properly soak in? I have high standards. This is, after all, travel.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Afternoon Tea at the hotel. This is the point where I expect my inner princess to emerge. Delicate sandwiches, tiny cakes, and tea that probably costs more than my rent. I have a weakness for this sort of thing. I will absolutely spill crumbs, I'm sure.
- Anecdote: Once, at a fancy afternoon tea in London, a waiter sneered at my attempt to eat a scone. I still have nightmares about it. Let's hope Hangzhou provides a friendlier tea experience.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Stroll around the hotel, explore its various restaurants (I'm already eyeing that Chinese restaurant), and take a few awkward selfies. Gotta document the trip.
6:00 PM: The HUNT for Dumplings. I'm not kidding, I'm obsessed. I've been researching local dumpling hotspots. This is a non-negotiable part of the trip. Expect a stream-of-consciousness dumpling review later tonight.
- (Rambling): The anticipation is already killing me. I could eat a hundred dumplings. Okay, maybe not a hundred, but a decent amount. I need a place with a good chilli oil!
7:00 PM: Dinner. Assuming I haven't passed out from dumpling-induced bliss, I'll try one of the hotel restaurants. Or maybe I'll brave the local food scene. The possibilities are endless, which frankly, makes me a little anxious.
8:00 PM: Evening. Explore. Maybe the bar. Maybe the fitness centre (HAHAHAHA). Depends on mood, energy, and the severity of my dumpling-induced food coma.
9:00 PM: First impressions, journal entry, and maybe a bit of TV. I'm already exhausted just thinking about all this, but it's a good exhaustion. I should sleep okay tonight. No promises, though.
- Reaction: Overall, I'm cautiously optimistic. Hangzhou looks stunning, but I'm most excited to see if the dumplings live up to the hype.
Day 2: West Lake Wonders, Pagoda Problems, and Potential Spiritual Awakening (or just more food)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. I will eat everything. I will regret nothing.
- 10:00 AM: Taxi to West Lake. This is where the actual cultural experience begins. Boat ride on the lake, hopefully no seasickness. I'm picturing mist, willows, and picturesque bridges. This is where I need some photos for the 'gram… and perhaps a moment of zen.
- (Quirky Observation): I bet the Instagrammers swarm this place. I'll probably join them, but with far less grace. I am not photogenic.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the West Lake area. Learn about the history, admire the scenery, and maybe get slightly lost. I'm amazing at getting lost.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch near West Lake. Should be delicious, hopefully.
- 2:00 PM: Leifeng Pagoda. Climbing the pagoda. Probably taking a LOT of breaks. I am not known for my fitness.
- (Emotional Reaction): I'm hoping for a truly breathtaking view. This is the sort of thing that makes travel worth it. (If I don't fall over on the way up).
- 3:00 PM: Back to hotel, recover from climbing. Maybe I take another nap. I hope this is a "nap" hotel.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Shopping. I have no clue where to start. I'll venture out and see what treasures I can find. If I find a silk scarf, I'll buy it.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner.
- 8:00 PM: Evening stroll. Hangzhou at night? Should be beautiful.
- (Opinionated Language): I expect magic.
Day 3: Tea Gardens, More Dumplings (obviously), Farewell
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Stacking my plate again
- 10:00 AM: Visit a tea plantation. This is the classic Hangzhou experience. I like tea. We'll take a tour, learn about the process, and hopefully, sample some incredible green tea.
- (Stream-of-consciousness): I wonder if they'll give me tea-flavored dumplings? Okay, maybe not. But I can dream. Okay, I will actively search for tea flavored dumplings.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the tea gardens. More photos. Stroll about.
- 1:00 PM: lunch. Possibly at a restaurant near the tea gardens
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Last chance dumpling run! I'm determined to find the perfect Hangzhou dumpling. I'm willing to go to great lengths to find these.
- Anecdote: Once I did a street food tour in… somewhere. I can't remember. All I know is that I ate 12 different types of food. This dumpling search could be the same.
- 4:00 PM: Pack. Deep sigh. Gotta face reality.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. One last fantastic meal, and all.
- 6:00 PM: Depart to airport. Farewell, Hangzhou. You were (mostly) a delight.
- …and on the plane…
- (Food Review): The dumplings, oh, the dumplings! One place served them with peanut sauce that was an angel.
- (Emotional Reaction): I'll be back, Hangzhou. Next time I will go longer, and eat better. And I will find those tea flavored dumplings, even if it kills me. (End of itinerary)
There you have it. My brutally honest, slightly chaotic, and hopefully entertaining itinerary for Hangzhou. Wish me luck… and send dumplings.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Auwas Island Norfolk Holiday Home Awaits!
Hangzhou's Midtown Shangri-La: My Slightly-Dramatic, Mostly-Glamorous, Kinda-Humbling Breakdown
So, is the Midtown Shangri-La REALLY as luxurious as the brochures make out? Like, *really*?
Okay, dim sum! Spill the tea (or, you know, the *chá*). Was it worth the hype?
The location... is it actually "midtown" and convenient? Or just fancy marketing?
What about the spa? Worth a splurge or a skip?
Any downsides? Be honest!
What's the vibe? Is it all stuffy luxury or is there a bit of fun?
