Shanghai's Hidden Gem: AT HOUSE Xujiahui - You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on AT HOUSE Xujiahui. Forget your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experiences. This place… this place is something else. Let's get messy, real, and totally honest, because that's how we roll, right?
Accessibility: More Than Just Ramps (Thank Goodness!)
Alright, first things first, the basics: Accessibility. They do have ramps, and elevators (thank the heavens!), meaning Facilities for disabled guests. They seem to be making an effort. (Check those boxes!)
Internet: Because We Can't Live Offline.
Okay, let’s be basic: Yes, Internet is included. But look closer. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, and then the bonus: Wi-Fi in public areas! Look, I need to be wired, to be connected. This is a must-have and they’ve nailed it.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Breath of Fresh, Sanitized Air
Okay, the world we live in. We need to talk about Cleanliness and safety. And AT HOUSE… well, they get it. They've got the works: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. They even have Sterilizing equipment. And even better? Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit. Phew. You feel a little safer, right? I do. Less paranoid, more… relaxed? Yay!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach is Already Rumbling!
Dining is… abundant. Seriously. Look the sheer amount of choices. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Yes, even Breakfast takeaway service! Oh, and I'm pretty sure I spotted a Vegetarian restaurant which is essential nowadays. Also, with Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please.
Things To Do… and Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (YES, PLEASE!)
Okay, real talk: the Spa/sauna situation at AT HOUSE? It's… well, it's why I'm starting to seriously consider moving in. Beyond the usual Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa, Foot bath, they've got a Pool with view. I need that. And… drumroll please… Body scrub, Body wrap. O.M.G. I may have to book a whole week just to work through all the options. (That’s my “me time” planned!) They have a Fitness center too, if you're feeling virtuous. I'm not. But it's there! They also have a Swimming pool [outdoor] and Swimming pool.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything!
The list of Services and conveniences goes on forever! Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Facilities for disabled guests. Okay, they have everything.
For the Kids: Babysitting, Score!
Yep, Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service and Kids meal. Good for families, that's for sure.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer? Airport transfer. Car park? Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]! Taxi? Taxi service. That's all the things I need to know.
Available in All Rooms: Pillow Fight Ready!
The Available in all rooms list? It's exhaustive! Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. If you can't find what you need here, you're doing it wrong.
My AT HOUSE Xujiahui Anecdote: The Poolside Bar Revelation
Okay, I'm going to get real personal for a sec. I needed a break. Needed to escape. So, I booked a few days at AT HOUSE. Let me tell you, the Poolside bar… yeah, that made the trip. The sun, the cocktails, the view… pure bliss. I mean, I ordered, what was it, a few too many cocktails? Fine. That’s what vacations are for! That day, I even attempted a (very brief) swim. But the whole experience? It was a whole different level of relaxation. I walked away feeling genuinely, genuinely renewed. And let me tell you, that’s hard to find.
The Quirks and Imperfections: Real Life, Baby!
Look, no place is perfect. They forgot to bring me extra towels one morning. Minor. The espresso machine in my room sputtered, but IT DID get me a decent coffee. It’s the little things. But, overall, the staff are friendly and helpful, the rooms are clean, and honestly, the good vibes outweigh the imperfections. I’m being honest, in all things, because, you know, this is life.
Why You NEED to Book AT HOUSE Xujiahui NOW! (Seriously!)
Because, let's be real, you’ve earned a break. You’ve earned some pampering. You deserve a place that understands that travel should be an experience, not just a transaction.
Here's My Offer – the one you've been WAITING for!
Book a stay at the AT HOUSE Xujiahui with the link below and get:
- A complimentary spa treatment (pick your poison: body scrub, massage, or whatever floats your boat!)
- Free access to the happy hour
- A guaranteed upgrade to a room with a view! (Trust me, you want this.)
Click Here to Book Your Escape to AT HOUSE Xujiahui! [Insert Booking Link Here]
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever. Treat yourself. Book it! You deserve it. And you'll thank me later. Trust me.
Unveiling Varanasi's Royal Secret: Dwivedi Hotels - Palace on Steps
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is me, about to drop a truth bomb about my time at A.T. HOUSE Xujiahui, Shanghai, China. Prepare for a rollercoaster of ramen, regrets, and reflections.
Day 1: Shanghai, You Beautiful, Chaotic Beast! (And My Bed… God, My Bed)
- Morning (or, What Time Did I Actually Wake Up?): Landed at Pudong International Airport. Jet lag? More like "jet-lag + the existential dread of being alone in a city of 26 million people." Taxi to A.T. HOUSE. Seriously, the taxi driver, bless him, used about 10 words of English and mostly just honked. Pretty sure he was trying to communicate in Morse code. Found the place. Looks pretty slick online - "boutique hotel, effortlessly chic…" The reality? A tiny, immaculate lobby with a scent that could either be "calming spa" or "slightly menacing cleaning product." My room was…well, I'd describe it as cozy. Emphasis on cozy. Tiny, but CLEAN. Thank God for that.
- Afternoon: First Bites and Bewilderment: Xujiahui is massive. Wandered out, stomach rumbling like a grumpy dragon. Found a noodle shop. Pointed frantically at a picture. Got the noodles (thank god, they were delicious), but also a side order of…something that looked like chicken feet. Nope. Hard pass. My first solo meal in China was a culinary adventure, to put it mildly. Felt simultaneously exhilarated and completely lost. This is Shanghai.
- Evening: The Majestic Bund & Holy Crap, These Lights!: Made the pilgrimage to The Bund. Seriously, the skyline? Jaw-dropping. Seriously, the crowds? Like a human ocean. Spent at least an hour just staring, mesmerized. Took a million photos, all slightly blurry because I was trying to capture it all and my hands are apparently not as steady as I thought. Tried to find a decent bar for a drink, got overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, and ended up back at A.T. HOUSE. The bed. Oh, glorious, sweet bed. I flopped down, exhausted, but buzzing with a mix of awe and sheer bewilderment.
Day 2: The Temple, The Tea, and The Terrible Translator App
- Morning: The Jade Buddha Temple & The Art of Inner Peace (or, My Attempt at It): Took a subway that was more crowded than a Black Friday sale. Got to the Jade Buddha Temple. Gorgeous. Seriously, the craftsmanship, the serenity, the… the sheer overwhelming beauty of it all. Tried to meditate. Failed. My brain kept screaming, "IS THAT A REAL BUDDHA? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? WHAT'S THAT SMELL?" Bought a tiny jade pendant, convinced it would bring me immense fortune. Probably just some fancy stone, but hey, hope springs eternal.
- Afternoon: Tea Ceremony Trauma & The Translator That Betrayed Me: Booked a tea ceremony. Sounds classy, right? The tea was fine. The ceremony? Less "Zen Master" and more "awkward mime show." The tea master (bless her heart) spoke about 10 words of English. My translator app? Mostly gave me gibberish. Ended up saying something about my "love for pineapples." I don't, actually like pineapples. She looked confused. I just smiled and nodded, because what else could I do? This whole experience felt like a surreal dream.
- Evening: Back to the Noodles… (and Possibly Chicken Feet?) Needed comfort food. Found a noodle place. The same one, actually. Ordered the same noodles. This time, I avoided the chicken feet (I think….). Wandered back to the room, feeling strangely at peace. The city was still a blur of lights and noise, but I was starting to feel like I wasn't quite as completely out of my depth as yesterday.
Day 3: The Shanghai Museum & The Souvenir Shopping Spree of Shame (Seriously, I Need to Stop)
- Morning: Art & Overwhelm. The Shanghai Museum Devoured Me: Seriously, the Shanghai Museum is HUGE. I got lost. Saw some amazing things (ancient bronzes, calligraphy, jade that made my tiny pendant look pathetic). Got sensory overload approximately 15 minutes in. Saw a beautiful porcelain vase, briefly considered stealing it but reminded myself that "jail" ruins the travel vibe.
- Afternoon: The Chaos of Shopping. Buy All The Things! Went to the fake market. Needed souvenirs. So many fake bags. So many pushy vendors. Haggled like my life depended on it, got a "deal" on a silk scarf that I'm now fairly sure is made of plastic. Probably overpaid, probably got scammed, but it was FUN. Embraced the chaos. Bought a ridiculous amount of stuff. Seriously, I'm probably gonna be unpacking suitcases of “stuff” for a year. Why do I do this?
- Evening: Dinner Disaster and the Quiet of A.T. HOUSE (Finally, Some Peace): Thought I'd be adventurous and try a restaurant. Ended up at a dim sum place. Ordered way too much. Couldn’t finish half of it. The waiter looked at me with the pity of a thousand suns. He probably guessed I was going to leave the next day. Retreated to the tiny solace of my A.T. HOUSE room, consumed a bag of chips, and devoured a book. Actually, I was feeling a sense of sadness and joy - because I was leaving the next day, but also knowing that I didn't just feel bad about my trip. I actually learned something.
Day 4: Farewell, Shanghai. (I’ll Be Back, Eventually, Probably…)
- Morning: The Last Breakfast, The Sad Farewell: Last breakfast at A.T. HOUSE. The little pastries were actually really good. Packed. Said goodbye to my tiny, cozy room. Checked out. A slight pang of sadness. Shanghai had been a challenge, a sensory overload, a glorious mess.
- Afternoon: Pudong Airport & The Final Honk: Taxi back to Pudong. The driver, bless his heart, honked the entire way. Said goodbye to China. Boarded the plane, already dreaming of a hot shower and my own bed. The jet lag was starting to creep in. Shanghai, you crazy, beautiful, chaotic beast. I'll be back. Eventually. Probably. Maybe.
Overall Thoughts on A.T. HOUSE:
- Pros: Cleanliness (essential!), good location (Xujiahui is lively!), the bed was a literal lifesaver. Free internet (a must!). Polite staff (though, language barriers!).
- Cons: Rooms are small. Soundproofing could be better. The scent of “clean” in the lobby… still not sure about that. Limited English-speaking staff. Okay, I realize I'm complaining about language barriers in China. I did not learn any Mandarin before hand.
Final Verdict: Would I recommend A.T. HOUSE? Absolutely. It's a solid, clean, well-located base for exploring a city that will both thrill you and completely overwhelm you. Just be prepared for the culture shock, the language barriers, and the occasional urge to eat an entire bag of chips in your tiny little room. And embrace the chaos. That's the best advice anyone can offer you, anywhere. Now, where did I put that jade pendant….
Escape to Paradise: Econo Lodge North Fort Myers Awaits!
AT HOUSE Xujiahui: Shanghai's "Hidden Gem" – REALLY? (Let's Be Honest)
Okay, First Things First: What *IS* AT HOUSE? Is this even worth my time?
Alright, alright, let's get down to brass tacks. AT HOUSE in Xujiahui is... well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Officially, it's a curated space, showcasing art, design, and fashion (which, let's be real, is what *everyone* in Shanghai seems to be doing these days). Think cool pop-up shops, exhibitions, maybe a cafe... the whole shebang. And yes, it *can* be worth your time.
I showed up expecting some super-hyped "immersive" experience and honestly, I was a little underwhelmed at first. The entrance isn’t exactly plastered with neon signs screaming "COME IN!" It’s hidden away, giving off this air of "if you know, you know" exclusivity that I, frankly, find a little pretentious. But, then… well, then things got interesting. So yeah, worth your time? Maybe… if you’re willing to embrace the potential for slight disappointment and the hope for a little spark of magic.
How do I actually *get* to this elusive place? The address feels… vague.
God, the address! It’s like they *want* you to get lost. It's in Xujiahui, that much is true. Finding the *exact* entrance, though, is a character-building exercise. My advice? Use a map app (like Amap – your best friend in Shanghai!) and look for the specific building (I'm not going to give it away, part of the charm, right?*rolls eyes*). It's often tucked away in a side street or behind a nondescript building. Keep your eyes peeled for subtle signage. Because, honestly, if you find it on your first try, consider yourself a master explorer.
I spent a good 20 minutes wandering around, feeling like a total idiot, before I finally stumbled upon it. And THAT walk, that feeling of desperation and near-defeat... it was *part* of the experience, I kid you not.
What kind of stuff is actually *inside* AT HOUSE? Is it all the same?
This, my friends, is where things get interesting! The "stuff" inside varies wildly. That's the whole point, I think. I've seen everything from minimalist art installations that I *pretended* to understand (but probably didn't) to pop-up shops selling ridiculously overpriced designer bags. Sometimes there are fashion shows, live music, or even just… quiet corners for contemplation. Like, actually quiet. I saw someone reading a book in one of those corners. *A BOOK*! In Shanghai! It was a miracle!
One time, I went specifically for a designer perfume pop-up. The perfumes were *insane*. Like, scent profiles that were so bizarre and unique, I’m pretty sure one smelled exclusively of wet pavement and existential dread. I bought it. No regrets. Other times, it's been a bit…underwhelming. You might stroll through and find only overpriced knick-knacks. It's a gamble, honestly.
Is it tourist-filled? Should I avoid if I hate crowds?
Honestly? It's *way* less touristy than, say, the Bund. Which is a MAJOR plus, in my book. You'll see a mix of locals, hipsters, and expats. You know, the usual cool Shanghai crowd. However, if there's a big event going on, expect a crowd. I went to a fashion show there once, and it was utter chaos. People bumping into each other, Instagrammers vying for the perfect shot… pure madness. If crowds give you hives, check their website (if they *have* one, which is a big "if") before you go to see if anything special is planned. Otherwise, you should be relatively safe. Except from the temptation to buy an overpriced, yet strangely intriguing, bottle of perfume.
Speaking of overpriced designer items… Is it expensive? Will I break the bank?
LET'S BE REAL. Yes. Probably. The prices are generally on the higher side. This isn't a "budget friendly" kind of place. That said, you can absolutely go and *not* buy anything. It’s free to enter, usually. Browse, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the sensory overload. You can admire the art, the design, the clothes… and maybe, just maybe, avoid touching anything that looks like it costs more than your monthly rent. The cafe prices are… not cheap either. But the coffee is good, I will give them that.
But! Consider that perfume I mentioned? I dropped a *small* fortune on that, but I'm still thinking about it a year later, so. Maybe it was worth it? *Sighs* See? It’s a slippery slope of tempting overpriced luxury!
Got Any Tips for Maximizing My AT HOUSE Experience? What should I do *and* what should I avoid?
Okay, buckle up. Here's the unvarnished truth:
- **Do:** Go with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Don't expect it to be perfect. Expect… something else. Something you didn't know you wanted to find.
- **Do:** Check their social media (if they have it!) to see if there's a specific event happening that appeals to you. But also… don’t trust *everything* you see online. The photos are always better than real life!
- **Do:** Bring a friend. Someone to share the experience with, someone to judge the art with, someone to commiserate with when you realize you accidentally spent too much on a scented candle. The camaraderie is essential.
- **Do:** Wander. Explore. Get lost for a bit. That's how you find the hidden gems.
- **Avoid:** Going when you're in a rush. This isn't a quick in-and-out kind of place.
- **Avoid:** Expecting the experience to be the same every time. It *won't* be. Embrace the variety.
- **Avoid:** Being afraid to try new things. You might discover your favourite new scent, a fantastic artist, or your next life obsession. Or, you might just buy a piece of overpriced art you'll secretly regret owning. The point is, *try*.
- **Avoid:** Getting hung up on the "hidden gem" hype. It's not a life-altering experience, folks. Just… interesting.
So... Would You Go Again? Really?
