The Only Hotel in Shanghai I'd Gladly Revisit – Meets All My Needs
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel
This trip to Shanghai led me straight to the Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel! I initially thought it was just a well-located business hotel, but from check-in to check-out, every moment was a delightful surprise, completely redefining my expectations for downtown hotels!
📍 Prime Location in the Old Town
The hotel sits right next to Yu Garden—open the window, and you’ll see the upturned eaves of the City God Temple. A mere 3-minute walk immerses you in the lively atmosphere of Yu Garden’s zigzag bridge. After exploring Yu Garden, you can easily head to the Bund for night views, just a short taxi ride away. Even better, the hotel is right above Line 10 of the subway, making trips to Xintiandi or Disneyland incredibly convenient—a true blessing for travelers!
🌆 Modern Jiangnan Awaits Behind the Door
The lobby took my breath away! A massive glass chandelier resembling upside-down magnolia flowers cast shimmering light onto ink-painted screens, blending modern design with the subtle elegance of Jiangnan. During check-in, the staff handed me a warm glass of sour plum tea, instantly melting away my travel fatigue. Even the elevator area was adorned with vintage Shanghai calendar posters—details that won over this perfectionist’s heart!
🛏️ Sleeping in a Cloud-High Garden
The Yu Garden View Room was worth every penny! Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a panoramic view of Yu Garden’s pavilions and towers. At night, the golden rooftops reflected on the lake, creating a living ink painting. The room featured bamboo-woven decor, and a Shanghai-style gramophone-shaped bedside lamp added charm. Sipping on the provided Jiuqu Red Plum tea while lounging on the sofa, I was too cozy to leave.
🍜 A Taste of Shanghai on the Tongue
Breakfast at Flame Restaurant was a feast! The local-style pan-fried buns had crispy bottoms and juicy fillings, bursting with flavor at first bite. The freshly made wontons, with their thin wrappers and generous fillings, had me going back for thirds. Before leaving, I made sure to visit Wan Li Xuan Chinese Restaurant for their crab roe soup dumplings—one sip, and the umami sent shivers down my spine. Even as someone who usually avoids sweets, I fell for their osmanthus rice cakes!
🏊♀️ A Serene Oasis in the Bustling City
Who knew a downtown hotel could have such amazing wellness facilities? The gym was fully equipped, with Yu Garden views through floor-to-ceiling windows—working out became a pleasure with such scenery. The 25-meter heated pool under a starry ceiling was divine, and a post-swim sauna session left me completely refreshed.
🤩 A Heartwarming Surprise
At checkout, I accidentally left my charger in the room, but before I even reached the lobby, the hotel called. Not only did they retrieve it, but they also handed me two packs of Shanghai-style pear candy for the road—such thoughtful service truly touched my heart!
💡 Real Stay Tips:
- Highly recommend the Yu Garden View Room! The day and night views are entirely different, perfect for photos.
- The hotel partners with Yu Garden, offering discounted tickets for guests—don’t forget to ask the front desk.
- The rooftop bar has stunning night views; reserve a window seat in advance.
This stay was nothing short of legendary! Next time I’m in Shanghai, I’m definitely coming back. Here, you get the charm of old Shanghai alongside the comfort of a star-rated hotel—who wouldn’t love that?