Shanghai's BEST Business Hotel? Magnotel's Stunning New Center!
Shanghai's "Magnotel's Stunning New Center": A Review (with a Side of My Own Exhaustion)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Magnotel's Stunning New Center in Shanghai, and frankly, I’m still trying to unpack the experience – and my suitcase, for that matter. My brain feels like it's been through a buffet of international cuisine (more on that later) and a particularly enthusiastic spin cycle. This isn't going to be your standard, sterile review. This is my review, complete with all the messy, honest, and maybe slightly unhinged observations that entails.
First, the Basics (and Let's Get Real, They Matter):
- Accessibility: Let's applaud Magnotel for actually trying. I saw ramps, elevators, and what looked like accessible rooms (though I didn’t stay in one myself). This is a massive plus in a city that can be a bit of a concrete jungle for those with mobility challenges. Rating: Solid B+ (because, always room for improvement, right?).
- Cleanliness & Safety: The Pandemic Edition: Okay, this is where Magnotel absolutely shines. They were practically obsessed with cleanliness. Obsessed! Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Sanitized kitchen and tableware? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double-check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? You could practically bathe in the stuff. Seriously, I felt like I was living in a sterile bubble, which, honestly, during these times, isn't the worst thing. The staff was relentlessly cheerful (perhaps too cheerful?) about enforcing the safety protocols. I even saw a guy in full hazmat gear scrubbing down the elevator buttons. It was… intense. But also comforting. Rating: A+ (and a deep sigh of relief).
- Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes! But… it wasn't always blazing fast. Sometimes I felt like I was back in dial-up. Internet [LAN]? Didn't try it. Wi-Fi in public areas? Fine, but nothing to write home about. Overall, it was serviceable, which is the best I can say. Rating: B- (room for improvement, again!)
Now for the Juicy Stuff (Where Things Get…Interesting):
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Coma Experience: This is where things get gloriously, hilariously muddled. The restaurants! There are several – a buffet, a la carte options which I've decided to lump them all in under one umbrella of "the eating experience". The Asian breakfast was… well, it was Asian. I bravely tried the congee (rice porridge), which, as a Western palette holder, I'm not sure I'll ever be truly able to appreciate. The Western breakfast, however, was a different story. The eggs were decent (though a touch overcooked on one particularly sleep-deprived morning), the bacon was crispy, and the coffee was… coffee. My stomach could do much better…
- The Buffet: A Tale of Two Plates (and Possibly a Third): The buffet was…an event. It was a sprawling panorama of culinary possibilities. I started strong, feeling adventurous and hungry. I got to see multiple desserts in restaurant and the salad in restaurant was actually pretty good. I even sampled a few items from what looked like the vegetarian restaurant. Then came the inevitable food coma. Then, the moment of weakness where I went back for seconds (and maybe a sneaky third plate of something I can't quite identify to this day). Let's just say my waistline took a serious hit.
- The Room Service, and My Lonely Late Night Salad: Now, room service… This was a lifesaver. Jet lag is a cruel mistress, and sometimes, all you want at 2 AM is a green salad and a bottle of water. They delivered admirably. The salad was surprisingly fresh. (I'm still not sure how they managed that). Rating: A for availability, B for the actual taste.
- Things to Do / Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Hopes: This is where Magnotel really wants to impress. They have the whole shebang: Pool with a View (yes!), a Spa, a Fitness Center, a Sauna, a Steamroom, even a Foot Bath! In theory, this sounds incredible. In reality, I only dreamt of using most of it.
- The Pool with a View: The pool, oh, the pool. I actually did see the pool. It's on the top floor, overlooking the dazzling Shanghai cityscape. It looked divine. But, between work meetings and exhaustion, I never actually got in it. This is a personal failing, I confess. I pictured myself lounging in the sun but… well, there's always next time.
- The Spa: A Missed Opportunity: I really wanted a massage. But, alas, time (and my own terrible planning skills) got the better of me. Next time, I will block out serious Spa time. I will get a body scrub and a body wrap. I will emerge feeling like a revitalized human being. (I hope). Rating: Inconclusive (because I didn't experience it, but the possibilities are tantalizing).
- Services and Conveniences: Business-y and Beyond! They had everything. From Air conditioning in public area, to concierge service, to currency exchange, to banquet facilities, a gift/souvenir shop, and even a shrine. Seriously, a SHRINE! (I didn't see any worshipers, but hey, Shanghai is full of surprises.)
- The Business Center: The Work Zone I needed to print some documents, and the Xerox/fax in business center was my salvation. Efficient, professional, and thankfully, not too crowded. This is excellent for the business traveler.
- The Concierge: The Savior of Lost Souls: Honestly, the concierge was worth their weight in gold. They helped me with everything, from booking taxis to recommending restaurants. Rating: A+ (for going above and beyond.)
- For the Kids: Family-Friendly, Indeed: They mention Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, even Kids meal. This is great for families!
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly):
My room was… well, it was a room. Comfortable enough. The bed was comfortable, the blackout curtains were essential (jetlag, remember?). The desk was functional (I got some work done, eventually). The bathroom was clean and well-appointed, with a separate shower/bathtub. Free bottled water was a nice touch.
- The Imperfection: Now, remember how I said this wasn't a sterile review? Here's the imperfection: One morning, I woke up to find a rogue hair on my pillow. I'm not sure how it got there; I immediately felt like it was an invasion of my privacy. The horror!
Getting Around: Exploring Shanghai from the Doorstep:
- Airport transfer: Easy peazy, they made it as simple as possible. The hotel organised transport to and from the airport, which was a godsend.
- Bicycle Parking: They had it!
- Car Park [free of charge]: Yup.
- Car Park [on-site]: Double Yup.
- Taxi service: Available at every turn.
Overall Impression:
The Magnotel’s Stunning New Center is a solid, if slightly overwhelming, choice for a business trip to Shanghai. They excel at cleanliness and safety, offer a wide array of services and facilities, and seem genuinely committed to catering to all kinds of guests. It has its flaws – the slightly spotty Wi-Fi and the sheer scale of it all could be a bit daunting. But overall, it's a good option. Just… remember to pace yourself at the buffet. And maybe bring a good book for your downtime. You'll need it. I definitely will next time.
Final Rating: A- (with a bonus point for the hazmat suit guy). It ticks most of the boxes, just not all of them. And hey, that's life, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a massage. And maybe finally try that pool. Wish me luck.
Sapporo Hello Kitty Dreamland: 5 Mins from Subway & Airport!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is me, navigating the Magnotel Business Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (and frankly, just Shanghai itself) like a caffeinated, slightly bewildered tourist. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, tangents, and the occasional existential crisis while navigating the glittering beast of a conference center.
Operation: Shanghai Surprise! (aka, My Attempt at Conquering the Conference) – A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, "Did I Pack Enough Snacks?")
- 8:00 AM (Maybe): Arrive at Pudong International Airport (PVG). Or, well, attempt to arrive. Let's be honest, flying always feels like a mildly traumatizing experience, especially for a klutz like me. The jostling, the recycled air, the waiting. My first emotional reaction? Mild panic, followed by the burning need to find a decent coffee.
- 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Immigration. Pray I don't do anything wildly embarrassing, like accidentally declare my hoard of emergency chocolate bars to the customs officials as illegal contraband. (Spoiler: I might).
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Taxi to the Magnotel Business Shanghai New International Exhibition Center. Finally! After what felt like a lifetime of sardine-packed airplanes, let's hope the driver speaks some English. I'll be mentally prepping my basic Mandarin, which consists entirely of "Ni hao," "Xie xie," and "Wo bu dong." Wish me luck.
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Check in and drop off luggage. I'm hoping this hotel isn't a total labyrinth. I swear, I could get lost in a phone booth. My brain is already spinning with the thought of all the networking, presentations, and potential for awkward small talk. Shudders
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch! Food, glorious food. I've heard Shanghai's a culinary paradise, and I'm here for it. My inner foodie is doing a happy dance. Hopefully, it's not just mountains of overly-spiced noodles.
- 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: The Conference Begins! (Panic Intensifies!) Okay, so I'll try to attend some sessions – the ones that seem interesting, anyway. Let's be honest, some of those sessions will leave my eyes glaze over. I'm a terrible conference goer. Socially awkward, easily distracted, and secretly longing to be curled up with a book.
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Wander around, Get lost, and try to find the bathroom. I swear, the conference center layouts are designed to foil even the most seasoned navigators. This will involve some wandering, which could become problematic.
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Drinks and Networking. This is where the real torture begins. I'll put on my "professional" face, mingle, and try not to accidentally reveal how much I'd rather be in my hotel room, watching Netflix. I'll try to make it to the after-party, try to engage in a decent business conversation, and try not to spill my drink on anyone (or myself). Wish me luck, I'll need it.
- 7:00 PM onwards: Dinner. I've heard some restaurant recommendations. Let them begin. Then, crash and sleep!
Day 2: Deep Dive (or, "I Think I Saw a Dragon")
- 9:00 AM: Conference! I plan on attending the sessions of interest. Let the conference begin.
- 12:00 PM: lunch! I'm craving something specific. Hopefully, something that isn't just some rice.
- 1:00 PM: Explore the exhibits. I bet this will involve a lot of walking around aimlessly, and probably running into some random sales pitches.
- 2:00 PM: I see a familiar person at the conference. I can hardly remember their name, so I'll have to pretend I'm busy.
- 3:00 PM: I decide to take a break from the conference and explore a local park. I'll be on the lookout for some cool new restaurants.
- 4:00 PM: I get back to the hotel. What a long day. I'm going to relax, eat some snacks, and have a drink.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner! I'm going to head over to one of the recommended restaurants.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I'm going to make plans for tomorrow.
Day 3: Escape to Shanghai (or, "Am I Really Doing This?")
- Morning: Okay, the conference is winding down, and my brain is starting to feel like scrambled eggs. Time to actually see Shanghai. First stop? The Bund, because, touristy, but iconic. I'll try to snap some decent photos, even though I'm terrible at photography and always end up with a blurry shot of a building.
- Midday: Explore the French Concession which should be lovely. Take pics of all the pretty sights.
- Afternoon: Shopping! I just have to get something, anything.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant I have been wanting to go. I'll take some photos and have a drink.
Day 4: Departure (or, "I Survived!")
- Morning: Last breakfast in Shanghai. I'll try to savor it, even though I'll probably be rushing.
- Mid-morning: A last-minute dash for souvenirs (because I always leave things to the last minute).
- Afternoon: Head to the airport, navigate the chaos, and try to avoid any last-minute shopping impulse buys.
- Evening: Fly home, exhausted but strangely exhilarated. Reflect on the experience.
The Imperfections & Ramblings:
- Snack Strategy: My emergency snack supply is non-negotiable. Granola bars, trail mix, a family-size bag of chips. These will be my emotional support lifeline throughout the conference. I'll probably sneak them into the sessions because, let's be real, conference food can be… suspect.
- Language Barrier: I will, inevitably, get lost, order the wrong thing in a restaurant, and accidentally offend someone with my terrible Mandarin. It's part of the charm, right?
- The "Awkward Encounter" Factor: There's a high probability of running into someone I know, and then immediately forgetting their name. I'll deploy the classic "Hey, you!" greeting and hope for the best.
- Lost in Translation: I fully expect to misunderstand cultural norms and make a complete fool of myself at least once. I'll embrace the awkwardness.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: There will be moments of wonder, frustration, exhaustion, and pure joy. I'll probably cry at some point. It's all part of the experience.
- The "What Did I Just Eat?" Moment: I will, undoubtedly, try something exotic and end up with a confused expression on my face. I'm already bracing myself.
- My biggest fear is that I'm going to get stuck in a boring lecture – and end up drawing pictures of cats in my notebook.
Final Thoughts:
This isn't a perfect itinerary. It's not even remotely organized. But it's mine. And it's a reflection of my chaotic, slightly neurotic, and ultimately, hopefully, adventurous self. Shanghai, here I come! Wish me luck, and maybe send chocolate. I'll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Unnamed Nandi Hills Property - Kenya's Hidden Gem
So, is Magnotel's New Center in Shanghai ACTUALLY the "BEST" business hotel? Seriously?
Okay, hold on a sec. "BEST"? That's a big word. Look, I've stayed in some hotel rooms that were basically glorified cardboard boxes with a flickering lightbulb. Others, well… let's just say champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true. Magnotel's New Center? It gets *close* to the "best" label, but definitely not perfect. I mean, the lobby is gorgeous, a total "wow" moment. Think sleek, modern, maybe a touch too much polished chrome for my taste (reminds me of my dentist’s office a little too much, if I’m honest). But yes, the overall vibe is impressive. They're *trying* to be the best, and for most things, succeed fabulously. But that title… “best” is subjective. It depends on what you prioritize, right? For pure glitz and a killer location, it's up there.
What's the deal with the location? Is it convenient for business travelers?
Convenient? Oh honey, it's *ridiculously* convenient. Seriously. I had a meeting at some tech firm, and it was a practically a hop, skip, and a jump. Like, I woke up, panicked about being late, and then realized I was a five-minute taxi ride away. Saved my butt big time! That alone is worth its weight in gold when you're dealing with Shanghai traffic. Plus, it's near a decent metro station, so you're not totally beholden to taxis, which is a major plus.
Okay, but what about the rooms? Are they, you know, *functional*? I need a desk, decent Wi-Fi, and a place that *isn't* cramped.
Alright, the rooms. This is where Magnotel really shines… MOSTLY. The desk is *amazing*. Seriously, big, sturdy, with all sorts of outlets in convenient places. Thank goodness for the outlets, because between my laptop, my phone, and my, you know, life-support system (aka my portable charger), I'm a walking power drain. The Wi-Fi? Mostly good. There *was* that one time where it dropped out during a crucial video conference (mortifying!). But otherwise, pretty solid. And the size? Excellent. They aren't stingy with the space. Plenty of room to spread out your papers, your clothes, your existential dread (we all carry some baggage, let's be real). The bed? Heavenly. I slept like a rock. Seriously considered just moving in permanently.
Tell me about the food. Is it... edible? Because I've had some truly horrific hotel breakfasts in my time.
The food! Okay, the breakfast buffet… Let's just say I have complicated feelings. They *try* really hard. There's a vast array of options, from the usual Western suspects (eggs, bacon, pastries, blah blah blah) to some more adventurous Chinese choices. And honestly? Sometimes it's brilliant. The dim sum was surprisingly good. The coffee? Hit or miss, depending on who's making it. But then… oh man, the pastries. One morning, I bit into a croissant that tasted like it had been baked a week ago. A *week*! It was like chewing cardboard, seriously. That really harsh, and I'd been looking forward to it all morning!
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Because I've dealt with some hotel staff who seemed to actively dislike me.
The staff... generally, they're lovely. Really. They speak excellent English, which is a godsend. They’re efficient, polite, and always seem ready to help – which is a massive, massive plus. I had a minor crisis (lost my passport – panic stations!) and they went above and beyond to help me. Seriously, they probably saved my trip (and my sanity). Of course, there’s the occasional hiccup. One time, I asked for extra towels, and it took a good hour and three phone calls to actually get them. But overall? Excellent. The staff is one of the hotel’s biggest assets for sure.
Any quirky observations or weird things I should know before I go?
Okay, quirky things... Hmmm... The elevators are *fast*. Like, *really* fast. Prepare for some serious ear popping. Oh, and the air conditioning is intense. Seriously, pack a sweater, even if it's summer. I swear, I nearly froze to death in my room one night. Also, the mini-bar is *expensive*. Like, "consider selling a kidney" expensive. Sneak in your own snacks and drinks! And finally, the gym. It's pretty good, but it's always packed with people who look *way* more ripped than me. Made me feel a bit inadequate, if I’m honest! Then make them not, maybe bring a gym buddy!
Okay, so, would you *actually* recommend staying there? Or is it all hype?
Look, despite the croissant incident and the slightly-too-intense air conditioning, I’d recommend it. For business in Shanghai, Magnotel is one of the best options, no question. The location is stellar. The rooms are great. Mostly. The staff is amazing. The food… well, I'd grab breakfast elsewhere if you can. But overall? Yes. Go. Just pack a sweater and bring your own snacks. You'll probably have a good experience! And if not? Complain in the reviews! That's what I do!
Post a Comment for "Shanghai's BEST Business Hotel? Magnotel's Stunning New Center!"