Kerry Hotel Pudong: Shanghai's Hidden Luxury Oasis (Unbeatable Deals Inside!)
Kerry Hotel Pudong: Shanghai - More Than Just a Pretty Face (And Those Deals…Woah!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. I'm diving deep into the Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, and let me tell you, it's a ride. Forget those sterile, perfectly polished reviews. I'm here to tell you the real story, the good, the… well, mostly good. And yes, those "Unbeatable Deals Inside!" are legit. I snuck a peek, and my bank account is quietly weeping with joy.
First Impressions & Getting There: The Accessibility Tango
Right, first things first. Shanghai is INTENSE. Getting to the Kerry Hotel is thankfully, relatively painless. Airport transfer (they offer it! Score!) is smooth, and the entrance is grand – a proper "wow" moment. Now, for the accessibility crowd (and honestly, for anyone pushing luggage), the hotel seems pretty darned good. Elevators everywhere, ramps where they should be, and the public areas are spacious. I'm not a wheelchair user myself, but I observed, and it looked accessible. Plus, no treacherous cobblestones to navigate – a win! They've got facilities for disabled guests clearly in place, which is a huge sigh of relief.
Rooms: My Castle (With Seriously Comfy Slippers)
Finally, the room! Ah, the room… Free WiFi in all rooms! - yes, finally! I'm all about the essentials, right? My room was a haven. Spacious, clean, and with a view that literally made me gasp (high floor, baby!). Blackout curtains? Check. Seriously, the kind that could block out a supernova. Bathtub? Double-check. Perfect for soaking away the Shanghai hustle. And the slippers. Oh, the slippers! Fluffy clouds for my tired feet. I'm a sucker for the little things, like complimentary tea and plenty of space to sprawl.
But… the Internet. Wait. Was it LAN? My Memory is Shaky. While I'm pretty sure there was also Internet access – LAN, but let's get real… who really uses LAN these days? Still, they covered both, which is a nice touch. And the Wi-Fi [free] was indeed free and blessedly strong. (I needed to upload loads of selfies, obviously.)
Food, Glorious Food (and Occasional Regret)
Okay, food. Where do I even begin? The Kerry Hotel Pudong is a foodie's paradise. And a diabetic's dilemma (I'm looking at you, buffet!).
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet is legendary. Seriously. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it, it has it. Dim sum, pastries, noodles, eggs cooked a million ways. I may have overindulged a tiny bit. I mean, who could resist those tiny pork buns? Guilty. The coffee shop is great for a quick caffeine fix, and the restaurants offer everything from Asian cuisine to international cuisine. I hit up the vegetarian restaurant one evening – I am not a vegetarian but needed a detox from the pork buns! Good food, but I missed my pork buns…
- The Restaurants: Speaking of which, the a la carte in restaurant is a treat. The poolside bar is essential for sundowners. The salad in restaurant was surprisingly good, a welcome respite from the rich dishes.
- Room Service: The room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you're battling jet lag at 3 AM and craving a burger. The bottle of water is thoughtful.
- Snack Bar: The snack bar came in handy for a pre-spa nibble!.
The biggest regret? Not trying the dessert!
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pools, and Inner Peace (Maybe)
Okay, let's talk relaxation. The Spa/sauna is a sanctuary. Need I say more? Probably not, but I will. The Body scrub was divine. I truly felt I was floating on a cloud, the foot bath… oh god the foot bath. It was just what I needed after pounding the city streets. The Body wrap… well I didn't try it, but I heard whispers of it.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The Pool with view is glorious. I'm not usually a pool person, but I spent a good hour or two just floating and staring at the Shanghai skyline. Pure bliss. The Steamroom and sauna were also great. I never could quite manage to get into the Fitness center, though. I just wanted to be relaxed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe as Houses
In this post-pandemic world, this is HUGE. The Kerry Hotel Pudong nails it. Seeing things like Daily disinfection in common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol and the ubiquitous hand sanitizer made me feel so much more at ease. The fact that they had Individual-wrapped food options made me feel safe as well. It's reassuring. They even have Safe dining setup!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
I'm a sucker for good service, and the Kerry delivers. The concierge was super helpful, from booking taxis to recommending hidden gems. The doorman was always friendly. The daily housekeeping kept my room spotless (and away from the evidence of my afternoon snack binges!). They have cash withdrawal, currency exchange to make your life even easier. The laundry service was a lifesaver after a particularly sweaty day of sightseeing.
For the Kids (And the Big Kids at Heart)
They seem to really have family/child friendly down pat, with everything from a babysitting service to kids facilities to kids meal. My inner child was fully engaged.
Things to do in Shanghai: More Than Just Skyscrapers
The Kerry Hotel is well-placed to explore Shanghai. They offer an airport transfer, taxi service, so you are well connected. Don't miss the Bund (iconic!), the French Concession (charming!), and the vibrant street food scene (delicious!).
My Rating? 4.5 Stars (and a Pork Bun-Induced Coma)
The Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, is a fantastic choice. The rooms are beautiful, the food is incredible, the service is top-notch, and they prioritize your safety and peace of mind. Yes, it's a luxury hotel, but the deals… oh, the deals! Seriously, check them out. And if you go, get me a pork bun. Seriously. I'm already planning my return.
Hyatt Place Houston Northwest: Vintage Park's Luxury Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's sterile travel itinerary. We're going to SHANGHAI, baby! Specifically, the Kerry Hotel Pudong. And honestly, the thought of trying to be organized in this city is probably setting me up for failure, but hey, let's roll with it.
The Kerry Hotel Pudong: Shanghai Shenanigans - A Totally Unrealistic Schedule (that I'll probably fail to stick to)
Day 1: Arrival and a Delusional Sense of Control
Morning (ish) - Arrival & Hotel Jaw-Dropping-ness:
- Okay, first things first. Fly. Breathe. Survive the flight. Land in Shanghai. The sheer scale of Pudong Airport always makes me slightly giddy. It’s like landing in a futuristic cityscape, not just a terminal. (Side note: this is where my meticulous planning often crumbles. I intend to have my phone charger ready, my international plug adapter in hand, and all immigration forms pre-filled. We’ll see how that goes.)
- Then! The Kerry Hotel. Supposedly, it's beautiful. Based on the photos, I'm expecting some serious hotel envy. I need a good room. One with a proper view. I want to feel like I've actually arrived somewhere. I'm talking floor-to-ceiling windows where I can watch the city hum. I'm already mentally picturing myself there, sipping on overpriced but delicious hotel coffee. Hopefully, the check-in process is painless. I hate waiting.
- Potential Pitfall: Jet lag. It will hit. It always does. I envision arriving and wanting to conquer the world… only to collapse into a puddle of exhaustion on the plush hotel bed.
Afternoon - Street Food Fiascos and False Starts:
- Alright, the plan is simple: Dump the bags, get cleaned up, and hit the streets. But really, this is where things start unraveling.
- The Food Quest: My mission is to find legitimate Shanghai street food. Xiao long bao (soup dumplings)? YES. Scallion pancakes? ABSOLUTELY. I have my (highly unreliable) Google Maps pre-loaded with suggested eateries. I'm picturing myself navigating the bustling streets with the confidence of a seasoned traveler, but the reality… well, let's just say I'm likely to end up lost and bewildered while unsuccessfully trying to point at things I want to eat.
- The Reality: Picture me, squinting at a menu in Mandarin, completely clueless. I’ll probably order something I can’t even identify but feel like I can't back down from. Then comes the eating. Trying to master chopsticks while trying not to spill broth down my front. This whole meal will be a chaotic, but delicious, adventure, I guarantee it.
- Rambles: Oh, and the smells! The intoxicating mix of cooking oils, spices, and mystery… It's sensory overload.
Evening - Skyscraper Dreams and Rooftop Bars (or Bedtime, depending):
- The Goal: Ascend to dizzying heights. Shanghai's skyline is legendary. I demand to check it out. The plan is to go to a rooftop bar (if my budget holds out), drink something fancy with a view, and feel ridiculously sophisticated.
- The Messy Truth: I'm more of a "comfy clothes and early bedtime" person when I'm sleep-deprived, but the hotel supposedly has a bar with an incredible view. Maybe I will try to be sophisticated this time? Then again, maybe I'll just conk out. My decision will depend entirely on my jet lag tolerance. If I do make it, it’s because the jet lag has worn off, and the bar will be a great experience.
- Possible Disaster: If I do go to a bar, I'll probably end up chatting with someone for hours and forgetting that I was supposed to eat some proper food.
Day 2: Exploring the Bund, History, and a Complete Shopping Meltdown
Morning: The Bund and History Time
- The Plan: Explore the iconic Bund. This is a must-do, right? Majestic colonial buildings on one side, the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other. I'll walk along the river, soak it all in, maybe try to take some decent photos (which I always fail at).
- The Likely Outcome: I’ll probably get overwhelmed by the crowds. The air quality might get to me. I'll probably start to feel like I should have taken the hotel's shuttle, or maybe just stayed in bed. I can feel the touristy vibe already.
- The Historical Touch: I’ll try to learn a tiny bit about the history of the area. I have a vague plan to look up the history of the building. But after half an hour, my brain will probably be fried.
Afternoon: Shopping Mayhem (and a Potential Regretful Purchase)
- The Goal: Okay, I will try to resist the tourist traps and the fake designer bags. Yeah. I'd like to stroll through some interesting shops. I heard there are some quirky boutiques, traditional crafts, and hidden gems.
- The Truth: I will absolutely succumb to the lure of a bargain. I guarantee it. I'll stumble into a shop, get mesmerized by something shiny, and then find myself debating whether to get it or not.
- Rambles: And the bargaining. I’m terrible at it. I will probably overpay for something, or get scammed, or both. It'll be a comical mixture of excitement and buyer's remorse. It’s a real gamble.
Evening: Dinner Dilemmas and a Show (Maybe?)
- The Food Predicament: Fine dining or street food round two? A fancy restaurant with white tablecloths, or find something more casual? Shanghai has a culinary scene that's an absolute embarrassment of riches.
- My Weakness: Deciding where to eat is the hardest part. It involves hours of online research, reading reviews, and still ending up unsure, and with regret, until the very last minute.
- The Entertainment Predicament: I’ve heard amazing things about Shanghai's shows and performances. There are acrobatic shows, traditional dances.
- The Truth: The chances of me actually going to a show? Slim. I'll probably be full, tired, and content to just enjoy the simple pleasure of a delicious dinner and a quiet evening.
Day 3: The "Actually Do Something Cultural" Morning (and a Departure Hangover)
Morning: Temples, Terracotta and a Spiritual Awakening (maybe)
- The Resolution: Today, I will do something cultural. Visit a temple or a museum. Connect with the "real" Shanghai, not the touristy one.
- The Reality: The Longhua temple is on my list. It's beautiful, and the incense smoke, chanting monks, and inner peace that's what I'm hoping for. I'll light some incense, and try to forget all my worries and focus on the present moment.
- The Truth: It's more likely I'll get distracted by a vendor selling souvenirs or get completely lost in translation with a local. And the inner peace? Probably interrupted by a loud tour group. But hey, I'll try.
Afternoon: Packing Panic, Hotel Love, and the Lingering Sadness of Leaving
- The Task: Pack. Ugh. The worst. I'll inevitably be over budget, bringing more things back than I brought. I'll find myself with too many beautiful things, and no room for them.
- The Observation: I'll take one last look at my hotel room. Damn, it was expensive, but it was perfect. I'm going to be sad to leave. The bed was so comfortable, the view so amazing, the shower so perfect.
- The Emotion: The bittersweetness. I'm leaving but I'm going back home. I will be both sad to leave, but also longing for the comforts of my own life. The last minute moments are often the most touching.
Evening: Departure, Reflection, and the Promise of a Return
- The Journey: From the hotel to the airport. The whole experience will be a whirlwind of memories and a little bit of wistfulness.
- The Final Note: So, there you have it. My probably-doomed-from-the-start itinerary for Shanghai. It will be messy, imperfect, and totally un-Instagrammable. But it will also be full of delicious food, unlikely adventures, and lots of laughs. And hopefully, I'll come back with some great stories (and maybe a few souvenirs).
- (Post-Trip Reflection): After I get back home, I'll probably collapse. My body will be screaming for sleep. But I'll have a thousand photos to sort through, and a million memories to replay. And, inevitably, I'
1. So, like, parrots. Are they *actually* as annoying as they look? The YouTube videos are pretty intense.
Annoying? Honey, 'annoying' doesn't even *begin* to cover it. Think of the wail of a fire alarm, but personalized to shout "PEE-KAY-BOO" at 3 AM. Yeah, they're cute… for about the first *five minutes*. After that, it's a constant barrage of squawks, screeches that could shatter glass, and the relentless, unwavering stare of a creature that *knows* you have that last cookie in your pocket. My friend Brenda (who, by the way, should *never* have been allowed to own a bird) has this African Grey named Winston who mimics her laugh. It's… unsettling. Truly unsettling. It gets worse if you're ever late with a food dish. The psychological warfare is *real*. But… and this is the messy part… sometimes, when Winston's quiet, and he's just preening his feathers, or maybe he’s trying to say hello, well, it's like a tiny, feathered, misunderstood genius. It’s complicated, okay? Don't judge.
2. What's the absolute WORST thing about owning a parrot? Be honest!
The. Mess. Oh, the glorious, unending, inescapable mess. Imagine someone took a blender, filled it with birdseed, fruit, and a healthy dose of pure, unadulterated *malice*, and then… exploded it. In your house. Every. Single. Goddamn. Day. You find it in the strangest places. Dust bunnies are one thing; parrot shrapnel? Entirely another beast. It rains down on your clean clothes, fills the air with a fine, gritty powder that makes you constantly feel like you're eating sand, and stains your walls the color of… well, let's just say it involves a lot of vivid greens, reds, and a disturbing amount of what I’m pretty sure is pure parrot vomit (don't ask). I’m talking about the stuff that sticks. You'll be brushing dried mango off your forehead at 2 in the afternoon, wondering where the hell it came from. And don’t even get me started on the whole “they chew on EVERYTHING” situation.
3. Alright, alright, mess understood. But do they actually *talk*? Like, real conversations?
Some. Some talk a blue streak. Some are… selective. Remember Brenda and Winston? Well, Winston once perfectly recited the entire opening sequence of *Law & Order*. Word-for-word. He’d even do the little courtroom finger-pointy thing. It was genuinely impressive… and also a bit terrifying, especially when he’d do it at 2:30 AM, again. But, full conversations? Nah. More like strategically deployed phrases. "Hello!" "Step up!" "Want a cracker?" Maybe a few choice swear words learned from the mailman (thanks, Brenda!). Mostly, it's a lot of mimicking. If you say something enough, they'll pick it up. Think of it as a very demanding, brilliantly designed echo chamber.
4. So, I'm thinking of getting a parrot. What breed is "easiest" or best for a beginner?
Oh, bless your heart. "Easiest?" Ha! There's no such thing. Different breeds have different issues. Budgies are small, but can be a constant chirping annoyance. Cockatiels are… okay. But they get very needy and can be very loud and destructive. Parrots, in general, are emotionally demanding, time-consuming, and require a commitment levels of attention you need to prepare yourself for. And don't even get me started on the potential for biting. Honestly? Think long and hard. Really long and hard. And then maybe consider a goldfish. They're quiet.
5. What about the health stuff? Are they prone to illness, complicated to care for?
Oh, god, the vet bills. Yes. They're prone to illness. And yes, it's complicated. You're dealing with a creature that can’t tell you what's wrong. You're looking for subtle cues, changes in their droppings, their appetite, their… mood (yes, birds have moods, and they can be *dramatic*). You need an avian vet. (And by need, I mean, you'll become best friends with yours because you're going to be seeing them *a lot*). The food is specific. The environment needs to be perfect. Things like drafts and toxic household products are instant death sentences. It's a lot.
6. Okay, I'm hearing all the cons... but there *has* to be something good, right? Why *would* anyone willingly live like this?
Yeah. There is. Those fleeting moments of connection. Watching them learn something new. When they perch on your shoulder and let you stroke their head. (Then… they poop on you. But hey… it's a package deal!). One moment, there’s absolute, utter frustration. Then, they say something hilarious, or do something totally unexpected, and you’re… hooked. You’re a goner. It's a love that’s mixed with equal parts exasperation and… well, love. That’s the only way I can describe it. It's a chaotic, messy, beautiful, frustrating love.
7. And what about the smell? I have sensitive nostrils.
The smell. Okay. Imagine the scent profile of a zoo. But… in your house. Bird poop. Wet bird seed. The vaguely musty aroma that develops when you have a constant source of organic matter decomposing. And a faint hint of… well, sometimes it’s floral, depending on what they’ve been eating. Sometimes it’s… not. You get used to it. Eventually. Or, you go nose-blind. Either way, the air fresheners are your friend… your *very* good friend. (And you’ll become an expert in air purification systems, trust me).
8. Do Parrots form a bond with their owners?
Yes. Absolutely. They will, and it's intense. They choose their person, and will favor them. If they choose you, then you'll have a friend for life. Like any relationship, there are ups and downs. Some days, they'll be clingy and sweet, wanting to beWeb Hotel Search Site
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