Shanghai Bund Luxury: Mayson's Stunning Serviced Apartments Await!
Shanghai Bund Luxury: Mayson's Serviced Apartments - A Deep Dive (and My Occasional Rants)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, sometimes bewildering world of Mayson's Serviced Apartments on the Bund in Shanghai. This isn't just a review; it's a full-blown investigation fueled by caffeine, jet lag, and a healthy dose of opinion. And trust me, I have opinions.
SEO & Metadata, Because Apparently, That Matters (Ugh):
- Keywords: Shanghai Bund, Serviced Apartments, Luxury, Mayson's, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Spa, Restaurant, 24-hour Room Service, Cleanliness, Safety, Shanghai Hotel, Bund Accommodation, Shanghai Stay.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Mayson's Serviced Apartments on the Shanghai Bund. Accessibility, luxury, and the all-important Wi-Fi are put to the test, along with a deep dive into the dining, relaxation, and safety aspects. From the sublime to the slightly chaotic, get the real story.
First Impressions & the Grind (or Lack Thereof) of Getting In:
Okay, so the Bund. Wowza. It's stunning. Jaw-dropping. Makes you feel like a high-roller, even if your bank account whispers otherwise. The location of Mayson's is chef's kiss. Smack-dab in the middle of the action, with that iconic skyline practically begging to be Instagrammed. But… the check-in? Let's just say “express” check-in wasn’t exactly express. More like “moderately paced and slightly confusing, especially after you spent 20-hours on a metal tube.” They had a “contactless” option, which was cool, and there was a concierge on hand, bless their souls; I swear they were working double-time. This is where it went a little sideways-- they were helpful, but the system was a little opaque. I got that "lost in translation" feeling, despite the staff speaking relatively good English.
Accessibility: Can You Roll With It?
Now, this is where things get interesting, and frankly, vital. This is HUGE for me. While Mayson's claims to cater to guests with disabilities, it’s a mixed bag. There are facilities for disabled guests, plus an elevator. The common areas seem spacious and navigable. BUT, I wasn't able to personally investigate the fully accessible rooms since I didn't stay in one; this is a huge asterisk, and I'm withholding more specific opinion here because I can't personally vouch for the room's efficacy. You absolutely should call ahead and ask to see their accessibility and make sure it truly works for you. If anyone has stayed in one, please yell in the comments! Also, the entry process took longer than I'd like, so if you have accessibility needs… make sure you specifically prepare for that ahead of time.
Rooms: The Good, the Great, and the Missing Kettle
My room? Decent. Let’s start there. Air conditioning was a life-saver in the Shanghai humidity. Free Wi-Fi (all rooms!) was a MUST, and the speeds… whispers… surprisingly good. Air conditioning in the public areas was a big plus after a long day out and about. I loved the desk. Needed the desk because I had to do some work. sighs. Blackout curtains were clutch, as were the bathrobes and slippers. Major comfort points! The bed, as always, was a big deal, and it was comfortable enough. I even had an extra long bed, which helped me get more sleep.
Now, for the annoyances. First, where was the kettle? Am I the only one who requires an immediate cup of tea upon arrival? And the interconnecting rooms felt a little… intrusive. I could clearly hear my neighbors having a late night chat. I didn’t have problems with the complimentary tea… just needed a way to make said tea.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
Okay, HUGE points here. The pandemic has changed everything, right? Well, Mayson’s gets it. They've got anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. I saw hand sanitizer everywhere. I appreciated the individually-wrapped food options. They had staff trained in safety protocol. I also noticed smoke alarms and, of course, fire extinguishers. It felt safe, though there were some minor hiccups that I wasn't wholly happy about.
And now, a confession: I almost didn’t notice the safe in the room. I’m a worrier, so this was a massive relief.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (and the Occasional Miss)
Food, glorious food! This is where things went from good to fantastic. I'm a sucker for a well-executed Asian breakfast, and the buffet didn't disappoint. Seriously, the dim sum?! Heaven. There was a restaurant with Asian cuisine in restaurant and a Western cuisine in restaurant, so you can go with the best of both worlds. Buffet in restaurant was awesome. Huge variety. Breakfast service was solid. The coffee shop was a godsend for some caffeine. I also enjoyed the Happy hour.
But! The room service [24-hour] was a bit hit or miss. Ordered a salad one night, and it was a sad, wilted affair. Major disappointment.
Facilities for Fun: Relaxation, Fitness & Views!
Okay, so the fitness center was pretty standard. Not a gym rat, but the equipment looked up-to-date. There's a pool with a view, which is pure Shanghai decadence. I did not personally see a pool with view, but my imagination can run wild. The Spa has a sauna, and you can also get a massage.
Services: Help, I'm Lost (and Need My Laundry Done)
The staff, in general, are pretty darn awesome. Concierge was helpful as advertised (though they struggled to find me some authentic Shanghai noodles). Daily housekeeping, laundry service, and dry cleaning are a blessing when you're bouncing from meeting to meeting. Cash withdrawal and currency exchange are available. I made sure to check out the gift/souvenir shop.
I also got a kick out of the convenience store.
Areas for Improvement (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist):
- Accessibility Verification: Double-check the accessibility of the rooms and common areas. Don't just say it's accessible; prove it.
- Room Service Consistency: Get that room service up to par. My salad deserves better!
- Kettlegate: Where are the kettles?! Seriously.
- More Transparency: Improve the flow and communication during check-in, espcially if you have accessibility needs.
Final Verdict (aka My Gut Reaction):
Mayson's Serviced Apartments is a solid choice. The location is phenomenal, the rooms are comfortable (with some minor hiccups), and the service is generally friendly. It's not perfect – far from it – but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
Would I stay again? Absolutely. With some caveats. I'd call ahead, double-check the room's accessibility, and pack my own travel kettle. And maybe bring my own salad dressing. But hey, that's just me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a proper bowl of noodles…
Vienna Hotel Chengdu: Unbeatable Luxury Near the Expo Center!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this "itinerary" is less a meticulously planned adventure and more a chaotic love letter to Shanghai, written from the heart (and, admittedly, fueled by copious amounts of Shanghai-brewed beer). We're talking Mayson Shanghai Bund Serviced Apartment as our glorious base of operations, but let's be real, the best travel plans are the ones that unravel spectacularly.
Shanghai: My Head's Spinning, My Wallet's Empty, and I Wouldn't Trade It For Anything (Maybe a Haircut)
Day 1: Arrival and the Case of the Missing Chopsticks (and Sanity)
- (14:00) Arrival at PVG. The chaos begins. Okay, the airport, bless its heart, is a sensory overload. Smells of something vaguely floral and intensely fried food assault your nostrils. Getting through immigration? Think Olympic hurdles, but with frowning officials and a language barrier you could drive a truck through. Found the transfer to Mayson. Driving through a sea of honking scooters and flashing neon signs is a cultural baptism by fire.
- (16:00) Mayson Check-in. HALLELUJAH. The apartment is gorgeous. Seriously, Instagram-worthy. But I'm already a sweaty, frazzled mess from the journey. Delayed finding out what I have to offer in the apartment, but after a quick call and visit from staff, I got the hang of it.
- (17:00) The Quest for Dinner. And, uh, Chopsticks. So, I foolishly thought "Hey, I'll just pop downstairs for some noodles!" (Famous last words, that). Turns out, the little neighborhood noodle shop (which looked promising, I'll admit) only had menus in… well, not English. And my Mandarin? Let's just say my "Ni hao" sounds suspiciously like a dying cat. Gestured wildly, pointed at pictures, and somehow ended up with a bowl of something vaguely soupy and utterly delicious. The problem? No chopsticks. Had to resort to asking one of the waitresses to literally spoon-feed me. Embarrassing, but the noodles were worth it.
- (19:00) A Stroll Down the Bund. Jaw = Dropped. The Bund at night…holy. Freaking. Cow. The light show is insane. The buildings look like they're trying to out-dazzle each other. Took about a million blurry pictures (mostly of my own clumsy feet, of course). Watched some street performers and had a brief, awkward chat with a family trying to practice their English (I'm a terrible teacher). Ended the night with a beer on a rooftop bar, feeling incredibly overwhelmed and utterly, breathtakingly in awe.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Street Food, and a Near-Disaster Involving Stinky Tofu
- (09:00) Breakfast of Champions (and Regret): Tried the local breakfast at a nearby shop. Steamed buns stuffed with pork (delicious!), followed by a questionable, almost-sour-tasting soybean milk. My stomach's already performing the pre-flight check, but hey, YOLO!
- (10:00) Yu Garden: Lost in a Maze of Beauty (and Tourist Swarms). Okay, Yu Garden is stunning. The little ponds, the intricate architecture, the pagodas…it's like walking into a painting. But, it’s also packed to the gills with tourists, so, the serenity is slightly diluted. Managed to get lost in a bamboo forest, which was actually a moment of pure bliss, away from all the chatter, until I realized I had no idea how to get out. Finally, emerged into a bustling marketplace where I purchased a ridiculously oversized paper fan because, why not?
- (13:00) Street Food Adventure: The Stinky Tofu Incident. Okay, I'd heard about the "stinky tofu". And I'm usually game for anything. But, good lord, the smell… It's like a particularly pungent gym sock has been fermented in a dumpster. Tried a bite. Surprisingly, it didn't taste as bad as it smelled. But the visual of the vendor expertly frying it in a vat of bubbling oil? Traumatic. Ended up buying some sugar water for a palate cleanser.
- (15:00) Shanghai Museum: Overwhelmed by History (in a good way!). A fascinating, but mammoth museum. Gave myself a crash course in ancient Chinese artifacts. The sheer scale of the history in Shanghai is mind-boggling.
- (18:00) Dinner in a Local Dive (and Another Chopstick Fiasco). Found a tiny restaurant tucked away in a side street. No English menus again. Tried to order by pointing at a picture of a… well, whatever it was, it was delicious and had a lot of meat. My chopstick skills are still abysmal. Managed to spill half my meal down my shirt. Still, worth it.
- (20:00) The Bund Again (because, seriously, it's essential). Took a nighttime river cruise this time. The lights reflected in the water…pure magic, even though the narration was in Chinese I barely understood.
Day 3: The French Concession and a Moment of Zen (and a Terrible Karaoke Experience)
- (10:00) French Concession Exploration: Charm Overload. This neighborhood is simply delightful. Tree-lined streets, beautiful old buildings, and charming cafes. Wandered around aimlessly, soaking up the atmosphere. Felt like I'd stumbled into a movie set. Bought a ridiculous beret and pretended to be a sophisticated Parisian for a few hours.
- (12:00) Lunch in the French Concession: The Perfect Croissant (and a Minor Panic Attack). Found a tiny bakery with the perfect croissant. Took a bite, eyes rolled back in ecstasy. Suddenly, remembered I wasn't sure how I was getting to the next place.
- (14:00) Longhua Temple: Seek and You Shall Find (Peace… eventually). Visiting a temple in the hustle and bustle of Shanghai is a mind-bending experience. The sound of chanting monks, the smell of incense, the quiet reverence among all the chaos. Managed to briefly find a moment of peace. Then, some tourists started taking selfie sticks above the altar…
- (16:00) Karaoke Night: Where Dreams Go to Die (in Tune). Okay, so. My friends convinced me. Karaoke. In Chinese. My singing voice is best described as "unique". Let's just say the experience involved a lot of off-key warbling, mortifying dance moves, and the realization that I will never, ever, be a K-pop star. I wouldn't trade it though. The laughter and fun from that.
- (20:00) Packing, Planning, and Pondering. The inevitable end.. Packed my bags, knowing I will return.
Day 4: Departure (and a Vow to Return)
- (08:00) Goodbye Shanghai! Off to the airport!
- (09:00) More Chinese food, as is proper from my favourite little place. A few more bowls of noodles, and more coffee.
- (11:00) Airport departure.
- (14:00) Landing back home.
Reflections and Ramblings:
Shanghai is a whirlwind. It's a city that claws at your senses, challenges your expectations, and makes you feel simultaneously exhilarated and exhausted. It's beautiful, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. Did I stick to the itinerary? Absolutely not. Did I get lost, make a fool of myself, and eat things I couldn't identify? You betcha. But that's the magic of travel, right? Embrace the mess, the mishaps, and the moments that take your breath away. And Shanghai? Shanghai, you magnificent beast, I'll be back. Just… maybe with better chopstick skills. And some earplugs. And a translator app. And maybe a therapist. You know what? Maybe next time I'll just stay at Mayson the whole time. Best place to crash after my adventures.
Escape to Paradise: Sugar Bay's Luxury Awaits in St. Thomas!
Shanghai Bund Luxury: Mayson's... (And Maybe, Just Maybe, Mine?)
Okay, seriously, what's the deal with "luxury" in Shanghai? Is it just... shiny stuff?
Alright, let's get real. "Luxury" in Shanghai can be a bit of a minefield. I remember the first time I walked into a "luxury" hotel... felt like I'd accidentally stumbled into a gold-plated space station. Lots of chrome, a faint smell of expensive perfume, and people whispering. Frankly, a bit intimidating! Mayson's, from what I've seen (and mostly drooled over online, let’s be honest), *seems* different. They actually *talk* about the service being top-notch, not just the marble. Which, by the way, I *love* marble. Just the *idea* of it. The *reality*? Probably a fingerprint magnet. And is it just shiny stuff? Maybe. But hopefully, the *right* kind of shiny stuff, the kind that hides the fact you’ve been wearing the same travel-stained t-shirt for three days. Praying for the right kind of shiny.
What's the LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION fuss all about? Is the Bund really *that* special?
The Bund. Oh, the Bund! Okay, *now* my heart starts doing little flutter-kicks of excitement. Picture this: you’re on the Bund, the lights are sparkling on the Huangpu River, the old colonial buildings are standing tall, and... you're right in the thick of it. The location is EVERYTHING. I've been to Shanghai, and trust me, getting around can be a logistical nightmare if you’re not strategically positioned. Being *on* the Bund, or close to it, is like winning the location lottery. Think easy access to amazing restaurants, cultural attractions, and more shopping than you can shake a stick at (or, in my case, a credit card). It’s not just “a nice view.” It's a *vibe*. It’s the feeling of being *in* Shanghai, fully immersed. Now, if only I could afford a place with a balcony overlooking… okay, I'm dreaming again.
Serviced apartments sound... boring. What makes Mayson's "stunning"?
Okay, "stunning" is a loaded word, right? Like, does it have a waterfall feature? Because I'm easily impressed by a good waterfall. But seriously, the "stunning" factor *better* be more than just a fancy address. From the pictures (again, online lurking, my life!), Mayson's seem to focus on the details. That's what separates the "meh" from the "wow." Think: high-end finishes (marble!), designer furniture. But the real beauty, the thing that *actually* makes a place "stunning," is the little extras. I'm talking about the kind of attentive service that anticipates your needs *before* you even know you have them. That's where "stunning" goes from a marketing buzzword to a genuinely delightful experience. And honestly, after a few stressful travel days, a place offering even a *hint* of "delightful" sounds like heaven.
How are the amenities? Is there a gym? A pool? Because I need my pool time!
Honestly, amenities are *crucial*. I'm not one of those people who can happily exist on instant noodles and a hard couch. (Okay, maybe I *can*, but it's not ideal...). A gym is essential. I gotta sweat out all that delicious Shanghai street food. And a pool? A *pool* is life. Imagine, after a long day of exploring the city, you can just slip into a cool, refreshing oasis. Pure bliss. I really hope Mayson's has a pool that's not just a glorified puddle. I need a proper pool! A pool I can actually *swim* in, not just dip a toe. The website *hints* at things, but vague hints are the worst. I need specifics. Maybe I should just call and ask. But then I'd have to admit how obsessed I am!
Can I actually *live* there? Like, for more than a week? Is it designed for long-term stays?
This is a big one, isn't it? Serviced apartments, the whole point is usually, you can. I'm guessing Mayson's is geared towards longer stays. That's the whole *point* of a serviced apartment, right? I mean, you're not just plopping down for a weekend. The idea is to settle in, unpack (finally!), and truly *experience* Shanghai. I'd want a place that feels like *home*, a place where I can relax, work, and actually, you know, *live*. Think fully-equipped kitchen (because takeout gets old, even in Shanghai!), laundry facilities (a lifesaver!), and a comfortable workspace (because, sadly, work is still a thing). If it's truly designed for long-term stays, it's a game-changer. Because who wants to unpack and repack a suitcase every other… Well, you get it.
What kind of service are we talking about? Do they have a concierge? Dry cleaning? Help with Mandarin? (I'm... terrible.)
*Service*. Ah, the make-or-break factor. I'm picturing a concierge who can magically fix all my problems. Lost luggage? Boom, solved. Can't figure out the Metro? Problem eradicated. Need a restaurant reservation? Dinner is served! Dry cleaning is a must. I have a history of spilling things on myself. Frequently. And that Mandarin thing… yeah, I'm basically at the "Ni hao" level. So, a little help with navigating the language barrier would be a godsend. If Mayson's offers these kinds of services, they've practically won me over. A truly helpful, attentive staff is the difference between just another stay and a truly *effortless* experience. Plus, it would be nice to have someone to help me navigate the endless options of the city and make sure I don't miss out on anything absolutely amazing. Okay, I'm starting to sound like I *need* this place...
Real talk: Is it expensive? Because I have a ramen noodle budget...
Alright, the elephant in the room: the *price*. I have a ramen noodle budget. I'm not gonna lie. Luxury on the Bund? Probably not cheap. I cringed a little when looking, honestly. But hear me out...sometimes, you get what you pay for. And sometimes, the value is hidden. Maybe, *just maybe,* the exceptional service, the prime location, and the stunning apartments would actually be worth the investment. Maybe. It depends on how badly I want to experience Shanghai to the fullest. It's definitely a splurge, no question, but perhaps a worthwhile one. Okay, I'm going to go check the actual prices now. Deep breath…
