No wonder this is the top-tier riverside hotel in Shanghai, the experience is truly different!

Shanghai JW Marriott Marquis Hotel

📍Location: Step outside and you’re at the “Shanghai Cover” — who wouldn’t get it!

Staying here really makes the word “convenience” stick to your face. It’s right by the Huangpu River, just about a 10-minute walk to the Bund, perfect for an evening stroll to enjoy the river breeze. Next to it is Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street; if you want to try famous old-brand restaurants or shop in malls, just go downstairs and turn a corner. One morning I woke up late and wanted to go to Yuyuan Garden for Nanxiang soup dumplings; a taxi ride only took about 20 minutes, so no long time wasted on the road. The biggest surprise was the river view from the room — waking up to sunlight shining on the river instantly wiped away any morning grumpiness.

🏨Hotel Lobby: You’re impressed the moment you walk in!

The high ceiling and crystal chandelier in the lobby amazed me right away. It’s not a tacky sparkle but a very textured glow, perfect for photos without any filter. Once while waiting for a friend in the lobby, the staff proactively offered me a glass of lemon water and even asked if I wanted ice — such thoughtful details. There’s a small lounge area next to the lobby with many art pieces; sitting there playing on my phone felt very comfortable and not noisy at all.

🛏️Room Experience: The details really touched my heart!

I booked a river view room, and it was bigger than I expected, with plenty of space to open my suitcase without feeling cramped. The bedding was soft, and there were two pillow firmness options. Since I have neck issues, I chose the firmer one and slept two nights without any neck pain. The bathroom had a dry and wet separation and even a bathtub. Soaking in the tub and doing a face mask at night washed away all the day’s fatigue. What really impressed me was the small makeup mirror with lights next to the washbasin — no more makeup mistakes due to poor lighting, so thoughtful for women!

🍽️Dining: Breakfast was so filling I couldn’t eat anymore!

Breakfast was on the 2nd floor with so many options it was hard to choose. There were freshly made noodles and wontons; the chef asked what toppings I wanted, and I added pickled mustard greens and shredded pork — the taste was just like the famous old brands outside. There was also freshly squeezed juice; I drank orange juice every day, pure juice with no added water, very fresh. One day I woke up late near the end of breakfast time, but the staff didn’t rush me and even asked if I wanted to get more food — really considerate.

💡A few final tips:

If you want to book a river view room, it’s best to tell the hotel in advance that you want a higher floor for a better view. At night, you can see the lights of the Bund, which is especially beautiful.
The hotel has a free gym and swimming pool. The pool water is very clean and not crowded. If you have time during your stay, swimming there is great.
Not far from the hotel is the Peace Hotel, within walking distance. If you like old Shanghai architecture, it’s worth a visit for a stroll and some great photo opportunities.
When checking out, you can ask the staff to call a car for you so you don’t have to wait on the street, especially during rush hours, which can save a lot of time.