Shanghai Shangri-La? Nope! Ramada Songjiang's Secret Luxury Awaits!
Ramada Songjiang: My Chaotic Love Affair with a "Secret Luxury" in Shanghai
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the lukewarm green tea from the room service, more on that later) on the Ramada Songjiang, a place that dares to call itself a "Secret Luxury" escape in Shanghai. Let me tell you, it's less secret, more… unexpected. And the luxury? Well, let's just say it’s a bit… unique.
(Metadata Dump - just for the SEO gods, bless their algorithmic hearts!)
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- Meta Description: Exploring the Ramada Songjiang in Shanghai: A brutally honest review of accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, and dining!), and overall experience. Is it really a "Secret Luxury" gem? Find out!
Accessibility: The Slightly Bumpy Road
Okay, let's start with the necessities, shall we? Accessibility. This is important, people! The Ramada Songjiang does try. They have wheelchair-accessible rooms, which is a big plus in my book. They also boast facilities for disabled guests. But and there’s always a "but," isn't there? Navigating the hallways felt a tad… labyrinthine at times. I swear, I almost ended up in the service elevator three times! And the ramps? Some were a bit steep, requiring some serious arm strength (or a friendly porter, which, thankfully, they usually had). My experience, if I am honest with myself, was a bit bumpy. The truth is, the accessibility felt more "compliant" than truly inclusive and well-planned, but I give them points for trying.
Internet Access: The Wi-Fi Whisperer
Good news, digital nomads and social media addicts! They have the holy grail: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And, yes, Internet and Internet [LAN]) A lifesaver! Seriously, the internet was pretty reliable, a must-have for me, seeing as I work remotely. The Wi-Fi in public areas was decent too. I managed those all too important Zoom meetings, though occasionally, the connection would hiccup, and I'd be left staring blankly at a frozen screen, questioning my life choices. The very definition of a work and life balance.
Things to Do: Pools and Possibilities
Alright, let's get to the fun stuff. Swimming pool? Check! A lovely Swimming pool [outdoor]! Well, ok, well, in the pictures. And a Pool with a view in the pictures. I'll be honest, it looked inviting. I was SO excited, imagining serene laps and sun-drenched relaxation. But… and here's where the "messy" part kicks in… the weather didn't cooperate. It was a beautiful day, but a few clouds. Still, I decided to persevere, and I went to the pool, but it was too cold to get into, and I didn't want to. I did check out the Fitness center and the Gym/fitness and they were ok. They had the equipment.
Ways to Relax: Spa Shenanigans
Now, the Spa/sauna. This is where things got… interesting. They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and offer a whole host of treatments: Body scrub (yes, please!), Body wrap (tempting!), and Massage (a must). I booked myself a massage, envisioning pure bliss. The spa itself was lovely, all hushed tones and calming aromas. My therapist, bless her heart, was clearly skilled but not entirely sure what to do with my clumsy English. I got to my room afterwards and didn't know what to think or feel.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Kitchens and… Quirks?
In these post-pandemic times, Cleanliness and safety are paramount, and I was cautiously optimistic. They've clearly invested in procedures: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated. They have Hand sanitizer stations galore. I was relieved. It did feel safe.
However… this is where a memory hits me. I’d forgotten. I had a little giggle when walking past one elevator. I walked past it again and I didn't giggle. The little things. I had to remind myself. The important parts…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffet Battles and Unexpected Delights
Alright, let's talk food! This is where the Ramada Songjiang really shines… or, more accurately, where it throws a few curveballs. From the Asian breakfast to the Western breakfast, on to the Buffet in restaurant, and the A la carte in restaurant, they’re throwing a bunch of options at you. The restaurant had Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant option (yay!). The Poolside bar beckoned, and I got a Bottle of water, (essential!). I got to take drinks. They serve Coffee/tea in restaurant and I took advantage of it.
The Room service [24-hour]? Hit or miss. One time, my soup arrived lukewarm (a culinary sin, I tell you!) and another time, I can remember ordering a delicious dessert. Services and Conveniences: Business, Babysitters, and… Shrines?
They have all the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge (super helpful!), Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery (major win!), Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and even a Convenience store.
BUT… (there's always a BUT, isn't there?). There was a tiny Shrine inside the room. Was it a business? Or a shrine? What? They don't even have Pets allowed, what? At least there was a Smoking area.
For the Kids: Family Fun Factor
Are you traveling with a brood? Family/child friendly is the name of the game here. They offer a Babysitting service (thank the heavens!), Kids meal, and Kids facilities. I didn’t have any kids with me, but I did see a few families, and they all seemed happy.
Available in all rooms: The Room, The Bed, and the… Slippers?
The rooms themselves were… functional. The best word I can think to describe it. They have Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free].
The Bed was comfortable enough, the Blackout curtains worked a treat, and the Slippers were a nice touch. But the décor was, shall we say, a bit corporate. I felt like I was in a well-appointed… office, repurposed as a hotel room.
Getting Around: Transportation Tango
They offer Airport transfer (score!), Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]. So you can drive your own car or get someone to drive you.
My Final Verdict: Embrace the Unexpected
So, is the Ramada Songjiang a "Secret Luxury" escape? Well, not quite. But is it a comfortable, convenient, and at times, utterly charming hotel? Absolutely. It's got its quirks, its imperfections, and its moments of unexpected delight. You have got to go there. If you're looking for a polished, predictable experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're up for an adventure, a little chaos, and the thrill of the unknown, then pack your bags and check in. And be sure to tell me about your experience! In my chaotic, not perfect, review, I'm giving it a solid 7.5/10. I'll be back for the adventure.
Uncover Weimar's Secrets: Hotel Schwartze's Hidden Gem Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my Ramada Shanghai Songjiang, China, survival guide. And trust me, it's a survival guide, especially when you consider my track record with jet lag and chopsticks.
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious (and Slightly Confusing) Embrace of Shanghai
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Pudong International Airport: The Great Disorientation. Landed. Hallelujah! My legs feel like overcooked spaghetti. The immigration line? A slow-motion ballet of tired faces and fumbling passports. I'm pretty sure the guy in front of me was trying to build a small house with his luggage. Finally, freedom… and a tidal wave of Mandarin that makes my brain short-circuit. Found the Ramada shuttle. Victory! Though, mentally preparing for a potential bus ride into the Twilight Zone.
- 12:00 PM (ish) - Ramada Shanghai Songjiang Check-In: The Room… and a Moment of Panic. Okay, the lobby is swanky. Shiny. I’m praying the room matches. And it does! Kind of. It's clean, which is a win. But… the air conditioner sounds like a dying walrus. Note to self: Invest in earplugs. The real panic kicked in when I saw the power outlets. Literal alien faces! I'm staring at the plugs I brought, they look like a bunch of useless, plastic toys. Luckily, the front desk had adapters. God bless ‘em.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: The Noodle Debacle. I'm starving. Found a little noodle place around the corner. My Mandarin consists of "hello," "thank you," and "I am allergic to peanuts" (learned that lesson the hard way in Thailand). Pointing helped. I think. The noodles arrived. They looked… interesting. I have no idea what I ate… but it was delicious. And a tiny bit spicy. And I think I burned my tongue with a chili. It was a good day already.
- 2:30 PM - Exploratory Walk: The Perils of Google Maps (and Sidewalks). Armed with Google Maps (which is already betraying me), I ventured forth. The sidewalks? A beautiful disaster. Cracked pavement, rogue flower pots, and the occasional cyclist who thinks pedestrians are just… decorations. I swear I almost got run over by a rickshaw, then my phone went dead. Lost. Completely lost. I’m just walking hoping something will look familiar.
- 5:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: The Sweet Relief of Air Conditioning. Found my way back! Praise the gods of technology! After a shower I need to be in the AC. I'll need food again soon. I think tomorrow is gonna be a mess.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Finding Comfort in Familiar Food. Room service! (Yes, I succumbed. I’m exhausted.) Burgers and fries. And then, a long shower.
Day 2: Culture Shock and the Quest for Authentic Dim Sum (Plus a Marathon of Misunderstandings)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast (and a Mild Existential Crisis): The hotel buffet. A land of questionable pastries and a coffee machine that sounds like a frustrated robot. The real problem? A table full of locals slurping down congee with alarming gusto. I opt for a bowl of cereal and a deep internal debate about the meaning of life.
- 10:00 AM - Tianma Mountain: Hiking! This was the plan! Got on a bus with the Google translate, it was working wonders. I'm surrounded by the other tourist, and the local folks. The hike was brutal. I nearly died from heatstroke (and also a complete lack of fitness), the views were worth it. The tiny buddhist temple on top was beautiful. The air was… thick. And for some reason, I kept getting the feeling someone was watching me.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: Dim Sum Discovery (and Disaster): I WANTED dim sum. Authentic dim sum. Found a place that looked… promising. The menu, obviously, was in Mandarin. I pointed, I smiled, I held up my hands to gesture the amount. I ordered some of everything. It was an experience. Some things were amazing, some were… puzzling. There was a dish that tasted like… well, I'm not sure what it tasted like, but my face has a permanent “what the heck was that” expression. Oh, and I accidentally ordered fermented tofu. The smell alone almost knocked me out. I think I’ll pass.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: The Power of Downtime. Spent some time there and after a nap it was already time to think about dinner.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: The Night Market Conundrum. The night market! I was excited! It was supposed to be an awesome experience! I got lost immediately. I battled crowds. I was offered skewers of things I couldn't identify. I saw some crazy food. And bought some trinkets. I don't think I’d go back again.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime.
- I'm tired. I'm full. I think I'm even acclimatizing to the general chaos. Sort of. Tomorrow, I'm going to try and find a decent cup of coffee. Wish me luck.
- Side Note: Found a vending machine! That was a victory!
Day 3: Zen Gardens, Tea, and a Final, Glorious Meal (With a Twist)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: The Coffee Quest. The hotel coffee is still horrific. Managed to find a Starbucks a few blocks away. Ahhhh, the sweet nectar of caffeine! I think my brain is rebooting.
- 10:00 AM - Songjiang Square Pagoda: The Peaceful Escape… and a Near Collapse. The Pagoda. The gardens. The koi pond. Serenity. Until I nearly tripped over a rogue water fountain! I swear, my coordination is the first thing to go when I travel. I blame the jet lag. And the excitement. Mostly the excitement. The pagoda itself was beautiful. The views were amazing.
- 12:00 PM - Tea Ceremony: A Moment of Calm (Maybe): Found a traditional tea house. The ceremony was… well, an experience. The tea master was incredibly elegant, and the tea? Delicious. I might have asked more questions than I should have, and I’m pretty sure I committed some serious tea etiquette fouls. But I enjoyed it, even after my first bowl of tea being spilt on the table.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch and Shopping: The Last-Minute Panic. I walked in a store, thinking I would get a gift. I saw my wallet was empty when I payed. Oh well. Time to eat!
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: The Grand Finale (and a Surprise!). Tonight, I'm going big. I found a restaurant with amazing reviews. Found it. It lived up to the hype. But… the surprise? The chef was a former colleague of my mother's! Small world! We had a great time. This turned into my best experience I have ever had!
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Scent of Shanghai's Embrace
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast. A final, slightly less terrifying buffet experience.
- 9:00 AM - Check-Out and Shuttle to Airport. The goodbyes.
- 12:00 PM - Flight Back. Oh, back to the real world again.
- Overall Impression: Shanghai Songjiang? Messy. Wonderful. Exhausting. I loved it. I hated it. I'll be back. Probably with a better phrase book and a stronger constitution. And maybe a pair of shoes that actually fit.
Is the Ramada Songjiang actually... *luxurious*? Because, you know, it's a Ramada. My expectations are low.
What's the deal with the breakfast buffet? I'm a breakfast person. A VERY serious breakfast person.
Songjiang itself – is there anything to *do* there? Or am I just trapped in a hotel?
The pool. Is it… swimmable? Because hotel pools can be a minefield of disappointment.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because, you know, the internet is essential.
Is there a gym? Because I like to at least *pretend* I exercise.
Okay, so the rooms – what are they REALLY like? Because hotel room descriptions can be a total lie.
Let's talk about *service*. Is it helpful? Is there a language barrier? What should I expect?
