Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Dishui Lake - Unbelievable Luxury!
Holiday Inn Dishui Lake: My Shanghai Surprise! (Spoiler: It's Stunning)
Okay, so I've been to Shanghai. I've seen the Bund, I've ridden the Maglev, I've battled the crowds on Nanjing Road… and I thought I knew what Shanghai was all about. WRONG. Then I discovered the Holiday Inn Dishui Lake. And let me tell you, this place is not your grandma’s Holiday Inn. This is Shanghai's Hidden Gem, a total game-changer, and I'm still buzzing!
Let's be clear: this isn't your average concrete jungle hotel. This place is designed to be a luxury escape, and it totally delivers. From the moment I pulled up, I knew I was in for a treat.
Accessibility and Safety (Because, Hello, 2024!)
First off, and I really appreciate this, the accessibility is fantastic. Wide hallways, elevators everywhere, and I saw ramps where they’re needed. They’ve really thought about it. And the safety measures are top-notch. Like, seriously, they're not messing around. CCTV in common areas and outside, 24-hour security, fire extinguishers everywhere (thankfully, I didn't need one!), smoke alarms, and a doctor/nurse on call. Plus, they're on top of the whole COVID situation with anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. They even had individually-wrapped food options and hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Made me feel a lot more relaxed, which is saying something given the whole travel thing.
Getting Around & Convenience - Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy:
Getting to the hotel at first felt like a trek, but the airport transfer was seamless. The car park is free of charge, which is a massive bonus in Shanghai. And they've got car power charging stations if you're into that electric car thing. You can even get a taxi service or valet parking if you're feeling fancy. Inside, the elevator is a life-saver, especially with luggage. And for those late-night cravings? A convenience store on-site is clutch. Seriously, small things like this make the whole experience so much easier.
Rooms - My Personal Oasis (Seriously, I Didn't Want to Leave)
Right, the rooms. Hold on to your hats. They're… gorgeous. I had a high floor and the view of Dishui Lake was breathtaking. I mean, seriously breathtaking! The blackout curtains are a godsend (hello, jet lag!), and the air conditioning was a lifesaver in that Shanghai humidity. They have all the usuals, of course: **free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!), *bathrobes*, *slippers*, *coffee/tea maker*, *complimentary tea,* safe box, hair dryer etc, but it actually felt luxurious. The bed? Heaven. The extra long bed was perfect for sprawling after a long day. And the soundproofing! Bliss. You could be in a rock concert next door, and you wouldn’t know it. It would be a good idea to check the availability of interconnecting rooms if you are traveling with family.
And let's talk about the little details: fresh flowers, chocolates on the pillow, a bottle of water waiting for you… Little touches like that elevate the experience. (And the fact that my room did have a window that opens, was a big plus for making me feel less trapped).
Food, Glorious Food (And the Pool Bar is a MUST!)
Okay, food. This is where things get really interesting. The Asian and International cuisine options are fantastic. There's a buffet, multiple restaurants, a poolside bar (don’t miss this!), and a snack bar. The breakfast [buffet] was a feast for the eyes and the stomach. I'm talking everything from Asian breakfast delights to a Western breakfast spread that would make any American drool. The coffee was surprisingly good, too! They even offer breakfast in room which is amazing for a lazy morning. The a la carte options in the restaurant were also divine. And for those late-night cravings, 24-hour room service is your best friend. I might have ordered a pizza at 3 am. Don't judge me.
The poolside bar, right? I spent a LOT of time here. It was the perfect spot for a cocktail and a light snack. The happy hour was fantastic. They have coffee/tea in the restaurant – the little things! And for those wanting something a bit more, there is a vegetarian restaurant, and a salad in the restaurant is a good, healthy option. They even have desserts in the restaurant if you want to enjoy some treats!
And one more thing: the staff was unbelievably accommodating with my [alternative meal arrangement] request as I have dietary restrictions.
Ways to Relax and Unwind: Spa Days and Poolside Bliss
This is where the Holiday Inn Dishui Lake REALLY shines. The spa is fabulous. I’m talking massage, body scrub, body wrap, the works. And the foot bath was pure heaven after pounding the city streets. Plus, the Pool with view is GORGEOUS. Just stunning. They also have a sauna, a steamroom, and a fitness center if you’re feeling energetic (I wasn't, but it's there!).
For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart):
The hotel is family/child friendly, so you can bring the whole gang with you! They have babysitting service if you need a night out. And there are kids facilities, so your little ones are kept entertained. Plus, a kids menu in the restaurant means even the fussiest eaters will find something they love.
Services and Conveniences - Beyond Expectations:
The concierge was incredibly helpful, helping me arrange tours and offering tips. They offer dry cleaning, laundry service, and ironing service. And because these things matter, there is a cash withdrawal and currency exchange, plus a gift/souvenir shop. The daily housekeeping was immaculate. And if you're planning an event, they have business facilities, meeting/banquet facilities, and audio-visual equipment for special events.
Internet Access - Staying Connected (and Loving it!)
The free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a huge win. Plus, they have Internet access – LAN if you need a wired connection. They also offer Wi-Fi for special events. The Internet services were reliable and fast. I could work, stream movies, and stay connected without any issues.
A Personal Anecdote - And That Poolside Moment…
Okay, so picture this: I'd just spent the day exploring the beautiful Dishui Lake (which is RIGHT there next to the hotel, by the way!), and feeling a bit frazzled from the Shanghai crowds. I stumbled back to the Holiday Inn, and after my room, I made my way down to the outdoor swimming pool [outdoor]. The view was simply stunning. I ordered a cocktail from the poolside bar, and just sat there, watching the sunset. It was one of those moments where you just think, "Wow. This is perfect." Total, utter, bliss. I even went back down later, and did a late-night swim. Unbelievable. The hotel is a perfect proposal spot!
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because No Place is Perfect, Right?)
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. The signage could be a little clearer, and it took me a minute the first day to get my bearings. And the coffee shop could stay open a bit later. But honestly, those are minor quibbles.
Overall Impression - Go. Just Go. Now!
Seriously, the Holiday Inn Dishui Lake is not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a haven of luxury and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. It's the perfect base for exploring the area or simply relaxing. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable Shanghai experience, book this now. You won’t regret it.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned itinerary. Consider this more of a… battle plan… for surviving (and hopefully enjoying) a trip to the Holiday Inn Shanghai Dishui Lake. And look, I'm not promising Hemingway-level prose. This is just me, trying to remember where I put my passport, while simultaneously mentally planning my escape.
Holiday Inn Shanghai Dishui Lake - The Chaotic Chronicle
(Pre-Travel Panic - Let's Be Real)
- Day 0: The Pre-Trip Freakout (and the Great Sock Search)
- Morning: 6 AM. Alarm blares. Body rebels. Coffee is life. Check flight details for the tenth time. Am I even going? I swear, I've had dreams about forgetting my passport.
- Afternoon: The Great Packing Purge. Every suitcase resembles a small, black hole of questionable clothing choices. Where are my comfy socks?! The ones without holes! Found them. Victory!
- Evening: Final checklist. Triple-check passport. Download offline maps because, let's be honest, I'm going to get lost. Google Translate loaded. Pray for a smooth flight.
(Arrival - Shanghai Shenanigans Begin!)
- Day 1: Landing (and the Airport Shuffle)
- 6:00 AM: Flight is miraculously on time. I feel like I've aged five years during this flight. My brain has a distinct aversion to being in the air for long periods, so I'm happy to be alive.
- 7:00 AM: Immigration – The Great Stare-Down. Smile. Be polite. Don't say anything stupid. Success! (I think…)
- 8:00 AM: The train ride to Dishui Lake. Admire the sheer scale of Shanghai. Everything is so… massive. The buildings pierce the sky, and the traffic is a ballet of horns and near-misses.
- 9:00 AM: Check-in at the Holiday Inn. The lobby is clean and modern. Breathe. I need a shower and sleep. My hair feels like it has its own zip code.
- 10:00 AM: My room! Finally. Luggage is unceremoniously dumped. The bed is calling my name.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Nap-tastic. I may have drooled a little. Don't judge. Jet lag is a beast.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. The hotel restaurant for convenience. Try the local food. I feel like I'm making a tactical mistake. I'm so tired.
- 1:00 PM-4:00 PM: Explore the area around the lake. There are swans! At least, I think they're swans. They look… very swan-like. The air is fresh, and the scenery is calming. I'm starting to de-stress.
- 5:00 PM: A minor, yet irritating, language barrier-related incident at a local shop. I point, gesture wildly, and pray that they understand what I'm trying to buy. Somehow it works! I have snacks!
- 6:00 PM: Early dinner. Still fighting jet lag. The food is delicious! I feel a little guilty about not knowing if I'm eating the whole animal.
- 7:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Lights out. Dream of… sleep.
(Days 2-3: Dishui Lake Delight (and Minor Disasters))
Day 2: Lake Life and Culinary Adventures
- Morning: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Overeat. Regret it immediately. But that dim sum was calling my name!
- Morning - Noon: Stroll around Dishui Lake. It's beautiful! The wind is a little cold. The fresh air is rejuvenating. Take pictures. Realize I'm taking too many pictures of the same stuff.
- Afternoon: Attempt to visit the Shanghai Astronomy Museum. Get hopelessly lost. Give up. Eat ice cream instead. It was a worthwhile trade.
- Evening: Dinner. A restaurant I find on Trip Advisor. The reviews were great! The actual experience, however, involved a lot of pointing and gesturing at the menu. The food was… interesting. Let's just say it was an experience.
- Night: Watch TV. The Chinese version of my favorite movies is weirdly entertaining!
Day 3: The Day I Embraced My Inner Tourist
- Morning: Sleep until the sun says "Hello, are you alive?"
- Mid-morning: Decided to be a "real" tourist and try the local public transport. The metro is an efficient, although somewhat confusing, labyrinth.
- Noon: Visit a local temple and attempt to meditate. Realize I'm terrible at meditation. My brain won’t turn off. Start people-watching.
- Afternoon: Shopping! Souvenirs! The usual tourist traps. I end up buying things I don't really need, of course. That's half the fun, right?
- Evening: Karaoke night in the hotel bar. I sang badly, but I didn’t die from mortification. The drinks were a bit watered down, but the memories are priceless.
(Day 4: Farewell, Shanghai!)
- Morning: Breakfast buffet. One last dim sum feast before my time is up. Reluctantly pack. The suitcase always seems more full on the way back.
- Mid-morning: Sigh, check out. Final walk around Dishui Lake. A moment of peace. Reflect on the things I did, and the things I didn't.
- Afternoon: Train ride to the airport. My brain is in "vacation-over" mode.
- Departure: Flight. Feel a pang of sadness. I'm ready to go home, but also, kind of bummed to leave. This might actually be a good trip, once I've had a few days to recover from it. And I'm bringing home the perfect gift for the office!
(Post-Trip Reflections - aka The Rambling Aftermath)
Okay, so, that's it. The chaotic chronicles. This isn't a polished travelogue. It's real life. It's me, stumbling through a new country, making mistakes, and eating too much dim sum. And, honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. It'll save you some awkward pointing-and-smiling situations.
- Embrace the unexpected. That's where the best stories come from.
- Don't be afraid to get lost. The detours are often more fascinating than the planned route.
- Take lots of pictures. You'll need them to remember the trip (and to prove you actually went.)
- And most importantly: Pack comfy socks. Seriously.
Holiday Inn Dishui Lake: Hidden Gem or Just a Shiny Pebble? My Rambling FAQs
Okay, Dishui Lake? Where even IS that?! And is this "Hidden Gem" hype REAL?
Alright, buckle up, because Dishui Lake is… a journey. It's in Pudong's outer ring, like, way out there. Think further than you probably *think* Shanghai is. It's a bit of a trek, honest confession time. But, is the "Hidden Gem" thing legit? Look, it's not the Ritz. It's not going to blow your mind with dazzling city views. But... (and this is a HUGE but)... for the price, and the sheer, unadulterated peace? Yeah, maybe. Especially if you’re craving a break from the constant city hum. Let me put it this way, finding it is like finding a really good, slightly-burnt piece of toast - oddly, satisfying.
It's a solid "yes, with caveats."
What's the vibe like at the Holiday Inn Dishui Lake? Is it… actually luxurious? That's the claim, right?
Luxurious? Well, depends on your definition. It certainly *aims* for luxurious. Think expansive lobbies, a lot of marble (always a good sign, right?), and rooms that are… well, they're BIG. Seriously, you could probably do laps in some of those rooms. The view of the lake is stunning, especially at sunset - don't miss it! (Unless it's cloudy, which, let's be honest, is common in Shanghai.)
But, here's the thing: it’s not the blinding, chandelier-swinging luxury. It's more… comfortable, modern, and quite frankly, a bit… sleepy. It's luxurious *for the price*. And that price, by the way... my bank account LOVED it. You can definitely feel like you've had a treat, even if the champagne isn't exactly Dom Pérignon.
The pool! I want to know about the pool! Was it Instagrammable?
Oh, the pool. Okay, so the pool is… a bit of a mixed bag. The pictures online are, shall we say, *generous*. It's nice! It's big! It *does* have a swim-up bar, which is always a bonus, especially after a long day of… well, not much action at Dishui Lake.
But. The lighting's a little… harsh. The music can be questionable (think elevator music meets generic pop). And on a busy day? It's less "gorgeous pool" and more "slightly overcrowded kiddie pool adjacent to a swim-up bar where the cocktails aren't quite strong enough." Did I mention the water was FREEZING when I went in October? I'm a wimp, okay. But I think it was, like, 20 degrees Celsius. But hey, good for the complexion, right?
Instagrammable? Erm… you can MAKE it instagrammable. Use a good filter. Angle your body *just so*. Pretend you're having the time of your life. Nobody needs to know about the slightly-too-bright lights.
Okay, beyond the pool and the rooms, what is there TO DO?! Is it just... lake-gazing?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly? Yes, a *lot* of lake-gazing. The lake is the star here. You can walk around it (it's a long walk, FYI), rent a bike, or just… sit. There are a few restaurants around the lake, but don't expect Michelin-star dining. Simple fare, mostly.
There's the Shanghai Astronomy Museum nearby, which is actually really cool. Good for a day trip. And the hotel has some activities – a kids' club (if you're traveling with little people and want some peace), a spa, a gym (that I, admittedly, did not use). But the key is... relax. Embrace the slower pace. This isn't a whirlwind city trip.
If you're looking for action, nightlife, and excitement... go somewhere else. This is all about gentle vibes.
The food! Don't forget about the food! Is it any good? Or just... hotel food?
Okay, the food. This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast buffet is… well, it's a buffet. Expect your usual suspects: eggs, bacon, pastries, some Chinese offerings. The quality? Generally, fine. Nothing mind-blowing, but you won't starve. I'm a sucker for the congee and the fresh fruit!
The hotel's restaurants? Again, decent. One serves Chinese food, another serves Western fare. The prices are, of course, inflated. I'd recommend venturing out for some local options. There *are* a few restaurants scattered around the lake. I had some perfectly acceptable dumplings one evening and was happy! It was just good, solid food. The kind that makes you feel content rather than ecstatic.
I will say this though: I ordered room service one night (because... holiday!) and it was actually pretty good. The burger was surprisingly tasty. Maybe I was just hungry. Maybe I was relaxed. Either way, I'm not complaining!
What about the service? Is it friendly? Do they speak English?
The service! Ah, the eternal question. Generally, the service is quite good! The staff is friendly and helpful, but there can be language barriers. Most people speak some English, but don't expect fluent conversations. Be patient! A smile and a little effort to speak some basic Mandarin goes a long way.
Here's a little anecdote for you: I once tried to order a taxi using the hotel's app. The app was in Mandarin only (my fault, I should've switched it!). I was flustered and trying to convey that I just needed a taxi. A sweet young lady at the front desk saw my struggle. She didn't speak much English but she took charge. She made the call, showed me the code for the car to come to the hotel through a translator on her phone, and patiently waited with me. It wasn't perfect, but the effort and kindness made all the difference. It made me feel like the service was actually...genuine.
So, yes, friendly. Helpful. A little patience goes a long way.
Okay, the BIG question: Would you recommend it? And for whom?
Would I recommend it? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Here's the deal: If you're lookingHospitality Trails
