Shanghai Charm: 2-Bed CityWalk Cottage w/ Private Courtyard!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Let's talk SHANGHAI CHARM: 2-BED CITYWALK COTTAGE W/ PRIVATE COURTYARD! (SEO-friendly, right? I'm trying!) Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews you're used to. This is gonna be… real. Because after staying there, I feel things.
First Impressions: The Courtyard Whisperer
Okay, so the name, "Shanghai Charm," is on point. It’s not some soulless modern box; it's a cottage. I'm already picturing myself, sipping something chilled in that private courtyard… which, frankly, is the whole damn reason I booked this place. I NEEDED some green, some quiet, some… escape. (More on that courtyard later. It's a character in this story, trust me.)
Accessibility (Sigh… the Fine Print):
Let's Rip the Band-Aid off the Accessibility. There are Facilities for disabled guests, but the website is somewhat… vague. Not great. This is something I’d really need to investigate further; I haven't got a wheel chair, but if I did, I’d call the hotel directly (or, you know, email) and get the real scoop. No sugar-coating here.
Inside the Charm: Rooms & Amenities (The Good, the Meh, and the "Oh My God, I Need a Nap"):
Oh. My. Goodness. Okay, so they're rocking the Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!, which is not exactly headline news in 2024 but necessary. Also: Internet access – wireless – good to know. Internet access – LAN – seriously? Is this 1998? Still, options are good, right?
The rooms are stuffed with… Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes - not exactly luxurious, just…there, Bathroom phone (lol, is this a joke?!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains- a lifesaver in Shanghai's lights, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker- essential, Complimentary tea- a nice touch, Daily housekeeping- thank God!, Desk, Extra long bed- nice after a long flight, Free bottled water- appreciated, Hair dryer- essential, High floor- not sure I care, In-room safe box- vital, Interconnecting room(s) available- good for families, Ironing facilities- yay!, Laptop workspace- useful, Linens, Mini bar- expensive, Mirror, Non-smoking- YES!, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature- (smoke detector, for example), Satellite/cable channels- who watches TV anymore?, Scale- I'm definitely not using that!, Seating area- always a bonus, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed- genius!, Sofa- Soundproofing- essential, Telephone, Toiletries- are they any good?, Towels- always need more towels, Umbrella- hope I don’t need it, Visual alarm, Wake-up service- I'll wake up anyway, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens- that’s a must.
The Courtyard: My Sanity Savior.
Back to the courtyard. This thing… saved me. Seriously. After traipsing around Shanghai’s glorious chaos all day, coming back to that little oasis was… heaven. I spent hours there, just… breathing. It’s enclosed, so it feels private and secure, which is a huge plus. I drank my coffee there, I ate the (delicious, from the nearby bakery) pastries there, I even did some (shhh!) yoga stretches there. That courtyard, my friends, is worth the price of admission alone. It's just… magical.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Germaphobe's Checklist (Yes, I'm Judgey):
They advertise a LOT of safety features. Anti-viral cleaning products? Good. Breakfast takeaway service? Smart. Cashless payment service? Essential. Daily disinfection in common areas? YES! Doctor/nurse on call? Reassuring. First aid kit? Standard. Hand sanitizer? Always a plus. Hot water linen and laundry washing? Good. Hygiene certification? Love it. Individually-wrapped food options? Excellent. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Please. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Good! Room sanitization opt-out available? Hmmm… Rooms sanitized between stays? Yay. Safe dining setup? Necessary. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Great. Shared stationery removed? Smart. Staff trained in safety protocol? Makes me feel better. Sterilizing equipment? Good. This is a place that takes cleanliness seriously, and that's majorly comforting, especially in a bustling city.
Food & Drink (Gimme the Noodles!):
Breakfast in Room? I'd love it, I did not have this service. Alternative meal arrangement? Good to know. Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant? YES! Bar? Yes! Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop? A good start. Poolside bar? Not really in my mind. I don't actually know, I didn't use the pool. Restaurants, Room service [24-hour]? Fantastic. Snack bar? Good. Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant? Very useful. This is pretty solid, with a decent spread of choices. The 24-hour room service alone is a selling point for me.
The "Stuff To Do" (and How to Relax):
Okay, I'm gonna call it: the Things to do section here is a bit thin. They mention a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Ok, that's better. I didn’t use any of these. But, I did relax in the courtyard. And that’s all that really matters!
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things):
Air conditioning in public area? Obviously. Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center. Basically, everything you could need from a hotel, all in one place.
For the Kids (If You Have 'Em):
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. Seems like a pretty good place to bring the kids, though I didn’t see any.
Getting Around (Navigating the Chaos):
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Getting around Shanghai is a beast, so having options is key. The free car park is a big plus.
The Verdict?
Look, "Shanghai Charm" isn't perfect. But it's charming. That courtyard alone is a game-changer. The location is fantastic, the cleanliness is reassuring, and the amenities are solid. If you're looking for a boutique, slightly quirky, and genuinely relaxing place to stay in Shanghai, this is it. It’s not a cookie-cutter hotel; it’s got character, it’s got charm, and it genuinely feels like a little haven amidst the city’s craziness.
My Personal Anecdote (Because You Deserve the Real Story):
One evening, after a particularly exhausting day of navigating the Shanghai Metro (which, let me tell you, is an experience), I stumbled back to the cottage absolutely shattered. I'd forgotten to buy any essentials (like, coffee), the rain was pouring, and I was basically a melted puddle of human. I threw open the courtyard door, collapsed onto the little stone bench, and… just… breathed. The quiet, the green, the little fairy lights someone had strung up… it was instant therapy. I ordered room service (thanks, 24-hour!), ate noodles under the shelter of the courtyard, and felt… human again. That's the magic of this place. It's not just a hotel; it's a sanctuary.
The Offer! (Book Now, You Crazy Kids!):
ARE YOU READY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH SHANGHAI?
Book your stay at Shanghai Charm: 2-Bed CityWalk Cottage w/ Private Courtyard NOW and get these EXCLUSIVE perks:
- FREE UPGRADE to a room
- Complimentary Bottle of Wine
- 10% OFF all spa treatments
- And, most importantly: Access to YOUR OWN PRIVATE COURTYARD SANCTUARY!
**Book directly through the website
Luxury Villa C8 Vung Tau: Your Dream Vietnam Getaway Awaits!
Shanghai Showdown: Me, Myself, & CityWalk's Courtyard (Pray for Me)
Alright, world. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel diary. This is the raw, unfiltered, possibly-slightly-drunken chronicle of yours truly navigating Shanghai, armed with a questionable grasp of Mandarin, a suitcase full of questionable fashion choices, and a burning desire to find the best damn xiao long bao this side of the Huangpu River. My base camp? That CityWalk Cottage with Two Beds and a Courtyard. Sounds idyllic, right? Don't get your hopes up.
Day 1: Shanghai Shuffle & Courtyard Contemplation (Or, How I Got Lost Immediately)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrival! (Finally! After a flight that felt longer than the Ming Dynasty.) Airport chaos. The struggle was REAL. Finding a taxi felt like participating in a high-stakes scavenger hunt, complete with frantic hand gestures and bewildered stares. Apparently, my pronunciation of "CityWalk" sounded suspiciously like a curse word. Oops. Eventually, a kind soul (bless him) pointed me in the right direction.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check-in. The cottage! It’s… charming. In a slightly dusty, "lived-in" sort of way. The beds? Definitely beds. The courtyard? Smaller than I imagined, but hey, it's a start. My initial impression? Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief. I'm here.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Great Food Quest Begins! Armed with a Google Maps approximation and a craving the size of a Shanghai skyscraper, I ventured out in search of lunch. Big mistake. I got lost almost immediately. Wandered down a narrow alleyway that smelled vaguely of dumplings and something unidentified (and perhaps best not identified). Spotted a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place overflowing with locals - Jackpot! Pointed at a steaming basket, nodded enthusiastically and crossed my fingers. The resulting pork buns were absolutely heavenly.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Courtyard Meditation/Panic Session. The courtyard. I plunked myself down on the rickety chair, poured myself a celebratory lukewarm beer, and attempted some pre-trip yoga. Emphasis on attempted. My inner dialogue went something like this: "Breathe… Relax… Oh God, did I pack enough socks? Did I actually remember to tell my cat-sitter I'd be gone for a week? Is that a cockroach?" (It was a leaf. I think.)
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a nearby "trendy" restaurant (according to the internet). Felt out of place, over-dressed, and slightly intimidated by the menu. Ordered something exotic, which turned out to be… well, let's just say it wasn’t for me. Ended the night with a desperate search for ice cream, which, thankfully, was successful. I'm a simple woman.
Day 2: Temples, Tears, and a Taxi Tantrum
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Temple Time. Visited a beautiful temple. Genuinely stunning. The intricate carvings, the vibrant colours, the wafting incense… it was all so overwhelming and beautiful that I almost cried. (Okay, I did cry. Just a little.) Felt a pang of sadness, thinking about all the people I would have wanted to share this experience with. Then I got distracted by the souvenir shop. Priorities, people.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Back to the alleyway for more of those magical pork buns. Comfort food is key, especially when you're navigating a chaotic city.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Bund and the Pudong skyline. Classic. The views were incredible, even through the smog haze. However, my phone DIED. So no pictures. So tragic. Cue the existential crisis. My phone is my lifeline, my photo album, my translator, my… well, everything.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Taxi Troubles. Attempted to flag down a taxi. Failed miserably. The struggle was real. Every taxi passed me by. Eventually, after about 20 minutes of increasingly frantic waving, I resorted to full-on begging. The driver finally relented, presumably out of pity. He then proceeded to drive in a manner that made me question my life choices.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Retail Therapy. Found a mall. Spent way too much money on a ridiculously fluffy scarf and a questionable pair of platform shoes. No regrets!
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a street stall, devoured some deliciously spicy noodles while watching the city lights twinkle. Got slightly food-poisoned.
Day 3: The Dumpling Dynasty and Courtyard Confessions
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Dumpling Masterclass! This was the highlight of the trip. I learned how to make xiao long bao from a real, live, smiling dumpling master. Got flour everywhere. Burnt my fingers (multiple times). Proved to be incredibly bad at it. But, oh my god, the taste! The juicy, flavorful perfection! It was worth every singe burnt finger. I actually brought home a few to the Cottage and ate them in the courtyard. Absolute bliss.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Wandered aimlessly. Found a delightful little park. Sat on a bench, people-watched, and ate a custard tart. Pure zen. Until a pigeon pooped on my head. Really.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Courtyard time - reflection and planning. The courtyard, despite its flaws, has become my refuge. Sitting there, I reviewed my trip, the things I'd done, the things I missed. I wrote down my feelings and plans.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Found a local restaurant and ate delicious food.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Back in the cottage! I write as the rain falls. I am the happiest I had been in my entire trip.
Day 4: Farewell Shanghai (and Hello, Laundry?)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping (because I'd apparently left all my shopping to the very last day).
- Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Packing. The most dreaded travel activity. Wondering how I managed to accumulate so much stuff in such a short time.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Farewell lunch at the alleyway dumpling place. Again.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Taxi to the airport. Prayed to all the travel gods for a smooth journey.
- Evening (4:00 PM onwards): Departure. Reflecting on a trip that was messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable. Would I come back? Absolutely.
The Verdict: The CityWalk Cottage? Not perfect, but it was mine. Shanghai? A vibrant, chaotic, beautiful beast. Did I find the perfect xiao long bao? Still searching, but I got close. Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat. Just maybe, next time, I'll pack more socks. And a translator.
Escape to Paradise: Mountain Creek Motel, Tawonga, Australia Awaits!
Okay, spill. Is this Shanghai Charm CityWalk Cottage actually *charming*? Or is it just marketing fluff?
How easy is it to book Shanghai Charm? I don't want to spend HOURS wrestling with the internet.
So, is it *actually* in a good location for exploring Shanghai? I don't want to spend my whole trip commuting.
What about noise? Is it a quiet, relaxing retreat, or am I going to be listening to traffic all night?
Tell me about the inside of the cottage! Is it modern and sleek, or something more… *rustic*?
The listing mentions a private courtyard. Is it any good? Does it feel truly private?
Two bedrooms? Is it really big enough to comfortably fit four adults?
What about the kitchen? Is it actually usable, or just decorative?
Is there Wi-Fi? And is it any good? Because… you know… travel life.
