Shangrao's BEST Hotel? Wanda Plaza Starway Hotel Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Shangrao's BEST Hotel? Wanda Plaza Starway – Hold On To Your Slippers, Folks! (Seriously, They're Amazing)
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to unleash a review of the Wanda Plaza Starway Hotel in Shangrao that’s less "objective travel blogger" and more "your chatty, slightly-obsessed friend who just spent a weekend there." Spoiler alert: I'm still dreaming of those slippers.
The Setup: Finding Shangrao & the Search for Sanity
Let's be real, Shangrao isn't exactly on everyone's bucket list. I was there for a work trip (blah, travel for work, am I right?). Finding a decent hotel felt like searching for a unicorn in a rice paddy. Then, the Wanda Plaza Starway Hotel popped up, promising… well, something. And let me tell you, after navigating the chaos of the train station (CCTV watching EVERYWHERE – you've been warned!), finding this place was like stumbling into an oasis.
First Impressions & the Slippers Incident (It's Important, I Swear!)
The hotel is, well, big. Lots of shiny surfaces, helpful staff (more on them later), and that air-conditioned blast of perfectness that hits you the second you walk in. But the real star? The slippers. I’m not kidding. These aren’t your flimsy, single-use motel slippers. These are plush, fluffy, cloud-like… slipper sculptures. I may or may not have snuck a pair extra back into my suitcase. (Don't judge. You'll understand.)
Accessibility & Ease of Movement (Because We All Need a Break Sometimes)
Okay, now that the shoe (slipper) has dropped, let's get down to brass tacks. For those with mobility issues, excellent is the word. Wheelchair accessibility is evident throughout. The lobby, elevators, and hallways are spacious and easy to navigate. I didn’t check specific room layouts for adapted bathrooms, but the overall design suggests a strong focus on making things easy. The elevator is a big deal, especially considering the hotel's size and the potential for a long walk. The facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, a detail that is important.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (and Wi-Fi Woes)
My room (a non-smoking sanctuary, thank goodness) was a haven of air conditioning bliss. Let me tell you, after fighting the Shangrao humidity all day, that's gold. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in (which I definitely did, multiple times). Extra-long bed? Yes, please! The bedding was fresh and comfortable.
Now, about the internet access: While Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a major point in its favor, it sometimes felt a bit… temperamental. There was Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, but I did end up relying mostly on my mobile hotspot for reliable connection. Frustrating, to be honest, because getting work done was the primary reason for the trip. They tried to fix it, but it was a minor blip in an otherwise great experience. (Note: there's a lack of detailed rating about Internet itself, but given the above, it's probably a good idea to come prepared in case there are issues.)
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Protected (and Germ-Free!)
Alright, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this is crucial. The Wanda Plaza Starway gets top marks here. Cleanliness was impeccable. I mean, seriously, spotless. I saw staff visibly cleaning and disinfecting all the time. Rooms sanitized between stays, daily disinfection in common areas, and they even offered room sanitization opt-out available (super thoughtful!). They tout Anti-viral cleaning products, and professional-grade sanitizing services are also noted. Even better, Staff trained in safety protocol, and they all wore masks when I was there. I saw the team using Sterilizing equipment and providing Hand sanitizer in multiple locations. I can’t say definitively they were using all the things I listed, but based on my visual experience, their COVID-19 precautions seem to be taken seriously. I felt safe. Did I feel a little too safe? Maybe. But I'd take that any day. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property put my mind at ease. There were also fire extinguisher and smoke alarms (I didn't test them!).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Culinary Adventures (and My Waistband's Woes)
Okay, let's get to the good stuff: food! They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and breakfast buffet, and coffee or tea. I dove headfirst into the breakfast buffet. It was a glorious explosion of flavors and choices. I ate so much that I nearly had to loosen my belt. (And, you know, the waistbands of those slippers are pretty forgiving). There were also restaurants on site (I saw both Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant listed in their offerings), a coffee shop, and even a snack bar. I also availed myself of the 24-hour room service more than once, mostly for a late-night dessert indulgence. I think I saw salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant, and Happy hour.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa… and Maybe a Swim?
Sadly, I didn't have much time for leisure, but the Wanda Plaza Starway has some killer options. There’s a fitness center (which I, sadly, didn't visit), a pool with view (I was too busy working!), a sauna, spa, and steamroom. The thought of a massage after a long flight sounds AMAZING! I really wanted to try the spa but alas, work called.
Services & Conveniences: Beyond the Basics (and the Unexpected Perks)
The hotel is packed with useful amenities. The Concierge was super helpful with directions and local recommendations. They offer Currency exchange for your convenience. There's a convenience store (perfect for late-night snacks!), and Dry cleaning and Laundry service. They even have a Doctor/nurse on call (thankfully, I’m not a doctor!). They have Meeting/banquet facilities and Audio-visual equipment for special events, too.
For the Kids (and Those Who Are Kids at Heart)
While I didn't travel with kids, I noticed they had Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. Wanda Plaza tends to go all out for "family friendly" so the offerings here would likely be satisfactory.
Getting Around: Easy Access (and the Parking Situation)
The hotel offers Airport transfer and Taxi service. There’s a Car park [free of charge], which is a huge plus if you're driving. I didn't use a car, but it's good to know!
The Downside (Because Nothing's Perfect, Sadly)
Okay, the downsides are minor, but I'm all about honesty. The Wi-Fi hiccups were annoying. And while the staff were generally amazing, communicating in English was sometimes a challenge (Google Translate became my best friend). Speaking of language… I did notice some confusion about extra requests (like a toothbrush). Also, the area immediately around the hotel isn't the most exciting. You need to walk (or take a taxi) to get to the more interesting parts of Shangrao.
The Verdict: Shangrao's Savior (and Those Slippers!)
Despite the minor issues, the Wanda Plaza Starway Hotel is a winner. It's clean, comfortable, safe, and packed with amenities. It's a great base for exploring Shangrao (or, you know, just enduring a business trip). The staff are friendly, the food is good, and the slippers… oh, those slippers.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Minus half a star for the Wi-Fi and minor language barrier)
Compelling Offer: Escape the Ordinary with the Wanda Plaza Starway Hotel!
Tired of the same old hotel experience? Craving comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury? Then book your stay at the Wanda Plaza Starway Hotel in Shangrao!
Here’s what you get:
- Immaculately Clean Rooms: Rest easy knowing your space is spotless and sanitized.
- Plush, Cloud-Like Slippers: Seriously, you’ll never want to take them off. (I’m still wearing mine.)
- Delicious Dining Options: From the breakfast buffet to room service, you'll be well-fed and happy.
- Relax and Rejuvenate: Spa, sauna, fitness center – all the tools you need to unwind.
- Unbeatable Value: Get all this and more at a price that won't break the bank.
Book now and receive:
- Complimentary Upgrade: Subject to availability
- Free Wi-Fi: (We’re working on the kinks!)
- 10% Discount on Spa Treatments: Indulge!
**Don'
Escape to Paradise: Hanting Premium Hotel, Qinghai Lake's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the chaotic, beautiful, and frankly, slightly questionable experience that was my adventure at the Starway Hotel Shangrao Wanda Plaza in Shangrao, China. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-curated travel blog, friends. This is… well, this is me trying to remember what the hell happened.
The Itinerary (or, "Survived Shangrao: A Memoir in Fragments")
Day 1: Arrival – Confusion, Noodles, and the Search for Wifi
09:00 – 11:00 AM: Travel Day! Ugh. Flights. Trains. The usual soul-crushing slog. Arrive in some airport, I think. Was it Shanghai? Beijing? Honestly, the memory is fuzzier than a bad phone photo of the Great Wall. Eventually, I made it to Shangrao. Or at least, the vicinity of the Starway Hotel.
- Anecdote: I swear, navigating Chinese train stations feels like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded, while being chased by a flock of angry pigeons. The sheer volume of people! The announcements in… well, not English. The constant, dizzying motion. Pure chaos!
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Check-in to the Starway Hotel. Ah, the sweet, sweet embrace of… well, let's be honest, a slightly tired-looking hotel room. But hey, it had a bed, which was all that mattered after the travel marathon.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch! Found a little noodle shop nearby. The menu was entirely in Chinese. I pointed at a picture of what looked like something edible and crossed my fingers. Turns out, it was DELICIOUS. Spicy, slurpable heaven. I devoured it like I hadn’t eaten in weeks.
- Quirky Observation: Chinese noodle shops use chopsticks that are almost always too long for the bowls. I nearly poked my eye out trying to get the last noodles.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: The Wifi Quest. The hotel wifi, bless its heart, was about as reliable as a politician's promise. Spent a solid two hours wrestling with passwords, connection drops, and the general existential dread of being offline in a foreign land. Eventually, I gave up and just stared out the window, contemplating the meaning of life, pizza, and the absence of decent internet.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Wandering around Wanda Plaza. Standard mall stuff, but with enough unique shops and a bewildering array of snacks that I felt like I could actually be entertained for a while.
- Emotional Reaction: The sheer scale of Wanda Plaza was a little overwhelming. So many options! So many people! I felt like a tiny boat tossed around in a raging sea of consumerism. And I loved it.
Day 2: The Wuyuan Scenic Area – Beauty and Bison
- 7:00 AM: Woke up to the sound of… well, something loud. Maybe construction. Maybe chickens. Pretty sure it wasn't a gentle bird song. Whatever.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Pretty sure the "American-style" breakfast was just slightly burnt toast and watery coffee. But again, food is food, and I was hungry.
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: The Wuyuan Scenic Area. Okay, here’s where things got interesting. We’re talking about picture-perfect scenery, all classic Chinese style.
- Rambles: I’m talking like, ancient villages with white walls, black-tiled roofs, and perfectly manicured canals. The whole place just oozed history and "Instagram-ability" (that’s a word, right?). It’s like stepping into a painting. The scale of everything was…wow.
- Double Down: The highlight? The rapeseed fields. Bright, blinding yellow, stretching as far as the eye could see. Seriously, I felt like I was swimming in sunshine. I took a million photos (which probably all look the same). But I don't care.
- Anecdote: I had an encounter with a local that I found hilarious. It was like, the language barrier, or the fact that I was clearly a tourist, or maybe it was all the facial gestures and body language we were using, anyway, it all resulted in a moment of joyful confusion when I was trying to buy a soda. Oh, and I have no idea what happened to my water bottle.
- Imperfections: I did get a little lost, wandered for what felt like hours, and almost face-planted into a pond trying to take a selfie. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner! In the Wuyuan area. I went for the local flavor, and it was so, so good.
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Travel. (Ugh). Back to the hotel to get some rest.
Day 3: Back to Reality (aka, Leaving China)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Pack. Say goodbye to the hotel room and the mysterious sounds from outside.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast. Toast and coffee again, unfortunately.
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Shopping. Wanda Plaza, one last time. Gotta get the souvenirs, right?
- 1:00 PM: Travel to the airport, train station, whateveer.
- The Aftermath: The journey home wasn’t quite as eventful as going. Just a matter of connections. I got home.
Final Thoughts:
Shangrao, you beautiful, bewildering, sometimes frustrating place. I loved you. I hated you. I’m still not entirely sure what the hell happened. But I'd go back. Maybe with better wifi. And a really good phrasebook for the noodle shops. And some insect repellent. And a… well, you get the idea. It may have been messy, but it was my mess, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
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Shangrao's Wanda Plaza Starway Hotel: FAQ (You Won't Believe This!) - My Honest Take! (Brace Yourself)
Okay, So... Is This Place REALLY "The BEST" in Shangrao? (Because, Really?)
The Rooms! What Were They REALLY Like? (Because the online photos... well...)
The Breakfast. Did I Even *Dare*?
Location, Location, Location! Is the Wanda Plaza REALLY that close?
The Staff: Were They Helpful or Did They Speak *Any* English? (Please tell me they spoke *some* English!)
OK, The Elevator. Really. What Was That Like? (I've seen the reviews...)
Would You Stay There AGAIN?! (Be Honest!)
Any Hidden Gems or Things That REALLY Surprised You?
Any Tips for Surviving the Starway Experience?
- Bring earplugs. Just do it.
- Pack your own coffee (and maybe tea).
- Download a translation app. Seriously.
- Embrace the WandaHotel WhispererStarway Hotel Shangrao Wanda Plaza Shangrao China
Starway Hotel Shangrao Wanda Plaza Shangrao China
