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A small, cozy hotel in the Jing'an District, on picturesque Julu Road. The hotel itself consists of two mansions built in the late 1920s by the Asian Petroleum Company, as you can read at the information board on the corner of Chang Shu Lu and Julu Roads. The hotel complex is located in a gated community, where the quiet of the park and the chirping of birds are so unusual in the heart of the vast city. The hotel reception is located in the mansion closest to the entrance, where we were warmly greeted and quickly checked in despite our limited English and complete lack of Chinese.
We rented two rooms as there were three of us traveling, and my wife and I lived on the second floor in a fairly spacious room with two windows. There are some minor inconveniences, such as the steep steps on the narrow staircase, which might be a bit difficult for older people, but we had no discomfort, and the hotel staff helped us carry our suitcases. The room was equipped with a TV, refrigerator, desk, safe, and a very, very large bathroom with a window. There was both cold and very hot water, which was perfect, and of course, there was a hairdryer. Our bathroom didn't have a bathtub, but that wasn't a problem for us; the hotel offers a wide range of rooms to suit every taste. The rooms were cleaned and the linens and towels were changed regularly, and we didn't notice it at all. It was very quiet at night; we didn't hear anything, although I've read reviews that the hotel has good soundproofing, but we couldn't say that. Generally, staying at this hotel, you have a very strong sense of privacy, as if the entire mansion were yours, but in the morning, at breakfast, seeing your neighbors, you realize that's not the case. It's also a special pleasure to open the windows early in the morning and let in the sun, fresh air, and birdsong.
The hotel is remarkable for its undeniable historical value. You immerse yourself in the unhurried silence of a measured existence amidst a small park with its living inhabitants, such as birds and squirrels, where nothing disturbs your peace, either in your room or beyond. You undoubtedly enjoy the history as you admire the magnificent staircases, old mirrors, and Art Nouveau hallways, as well as the manicured lawns and trees in the courtyard, where you can sip your morning coffee and enjoy the peace and sunshine.
The hotel offers a small breakfast and excellent coffee. There are very decent restaurants in the neighboring buildings, and several coffee shops are within a three-minute walk, making it very convenient. The metro is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and when I called a taxi through the DIdi app, the drivers always arrived.
And all this is surrounded by quiet, cozy historic streets shaded by old plane trees, a pleasant place to stroll at any time. There are many restaurants, including Mediterranean cuisine, bakeries, bars, and wine bars within walking distance. Nanjing Road is about a 10-minute taxi ride away, and the main attractions are easily reached on foot, so it's best to enjoy the surrounding beauty. I really regret not having visited Sun Yat-sen's residence, which is also within walking distance.
All in all, if you love the spirit of good old Shanghai and appreciate peace and quiet amidst the vast modern metropolis, you should definitely check out this stunning hotel, which I'll definitely be eager to visit again!
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