I finally found Shanghai's coolest hotel

Shanghai Luneng JW Marriott Marquis Hotel 🏛️ Lobby & First Impressions Walking in, I was greeted warmly with a "Good afternoon" from the welcoming staff on the first floor—small touches that instantly made me feel at home. The lobby soars about seven stories high, exuding grandeur with design inspiration akin to Dubai's Burj Khalifa. The gym is fully equipped with Life Fitness machines, including a newly added stair climber for diverse workout needs. The 25-meter-long, 7-meter-wide pool bathed in afternoon sunlight streaming through the glass makes for an utterly relaxing swim. Check-in at 2:30 PM was a breeze with five counters open, completed efficiently in ten minutes. As a Titanium member, I was lucky to get upgraded to a high-floor corner room with river views and even received a chocolate mousse cake for my birthday—exclusive perks that added a special touch. 🛏️ Room: A 45㎡ "Urban Oasis" With features like an electric toilet, a spacious circular bathtub, a lounge-worthy sofa, and a vanity mirror framing the cityscape, the 2019-renovated modern design of Luneng JW completely breaks away from the stuffiness of traditional luxury hotels. The real showstopper? The "hidden photo spot" at the end of the north corridor—no specific room needed to snap a shot with both the historic Bund buildings and Lujiazui's iconic trio in one frame. This "no-barrier river view" is arguably Shanghai's hotel scenery at its finest. 🍽️ Dining: From Casual Bites to Crafted Delights Despite its 515 rooms, the hotel shines in personalized service for members. On May 31, with only 200 Platinum and above guests, the evening happy hour at 6 PM was seamless—no wait, and manager Hannah escorted me to my seat with concierge-level care. The casual dining area served up perfectly crispy-skinned sea bass, golden fried pork cutlets, and a fresh sashimi platter, but the star was a humble yet soul-satisfying bowl of fried rice, wok-hei perfection. The lounge's craft cocktails are the "hidden gem": five creative drinks available in alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions. Mixologist Kelly patiently customized my order, and after sampling 12 cocktails (compared to 17 on my last visit), the nuanced flavors stood out even more. Sipping by the river view, the vibe was pure bliss. 🧹 Soundproofing & Cleanliness: Devil in the Details The room's soundproofing is impeccable—close the window, and it's a serene retreat. The central AC runs silently, and cleanliness is top-tier, with no dust in even the hardest-to-reach corners like the bathtub or sofa crevices. Linens and amenities meet the benchmark of luxury hotels, ensuring a worry-free stay. 🏘️ Room Types & Layout: Function Meets Aesthetics Whether it's the standard or corner room, the layout maximizes views—the sofa faces floor-to-ceiling windows, and the bathtub and vanity areas are smartly zoned. The 45㎡ space feels anything but cramped. Smart touches like electric curtains and lighting systems enable a "lazy vacation" mode, perfect for both efficiency-seeking business travelers and leisure guests. 💰 Cost: Luxury with "Value for Money" Recent rates show standard rooms at around ¥1,500–2,000/night, but the ones with lounge access offer even better value—the lounge's dinner and craft cocktails alone justify part of the cost. Compared to other river-view hotels in the area, Luneng JW's modern hardware and heartfelt service make it a "big views, smart spend" standout. 💗 Pro Tips: - "View Hack": The window at the north corridor’s end is the official "photo spot"—no special room required to capture the Bund and Lujiazui skyline together. Instant social media fame guaranteed! - "Lounge Secret": Share your cocktail preferences (e.g., "fruity/tangy") with the mixologist in advance for a bespoke drink that elevates the experience. The Verdict: A Flawless Luxury Escape From the warm welcome to the smart room tech and personalized cocktails, Pudong’s Luneng JW Marriott Marquis redefines luxury with "modernity meets heart." It sheds the aloofness of old-school JWs, replacing it with an intuitive "we get you" vibe. Whether for business, a city getaway, or river-view bragging rights, this "view-sational, service-savvy, design-forward" hotel belongs on every "Must-Stay in Shanghai" list. Just book it—no regrets, only wow.