How I wish I could have stayed in such a fun hotel when I was a kid
When I was little, the hotels I stayed in were mostly hot spring resorts or local hotels in Conghua, Qingyuan. After my sophomore year, I became a frequent hotel guest, staying in many excellent hotels. But this "good" is relative to adulthood. I often wonder: If I could go back to the past, what kind of hotel would make me happy?
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Last month, I went to Shanghai to see YE. I bought the wrong flight on the return trip and ended up in Pudong, so I decided to stay there for a night. I'd stayed at a Voco Hongqiao before, so I figured this one would be just as good. But upon arriving, I found it a bit different from my impressions of other Voco hotels. Perhaps this is what a Voco should be: fun, engaging, and with great food and accommodations. Stuff and figures are everywhere, and the fish tank in the center of the lobby bar looks like a miniature aquarium. A whole wall of matrices constantly changes images, occasionally revealing the Voco logo. The entire hotel's public areas are as cheerful as an amusement park.
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My room was a loft suite, which continued the fun style of the public areas but with a more cozy feel. Large floor-to-ceiling windows create a spacious atmosphere. The lighting and furniture are minimal, but all are interestingly designed. There's a capsule coffee machine, British ELEMIS body lotion, and toiletries. The natural, pleasant aroma of thyme, basil, and neroli oil is quite appealing. The hotel also has bathrooms on both floors, making it a great choice for families.
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The breakfast is plentiful, and I'd also like to praise their all-day restaurant's late-night noodles (Figure 15). Choose between Yangchun noodle soup or scallion oil noodles, and enjoy six toppings: pork ribs, edamame, pickled mustard greens, eight-treasure chili sauce, fried gluten, or a braised egg. Six side dishes are also available. Perfect for a satisfying late-night snack.
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There's a small courtyard outside the restaurant where you can enjoy coffee from the lobby bar. Iced Americanos and other coffees are only 19 yuan with a coupon, and come with a small biscuit. The food is excellent, and the service is attentive. I spent most of my time in the hotel; I didn't want to leave until I had to catch my flight.
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After returning from Shanghai, I've been trying to figure out how to describe this hotel. I loved it, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why. Only today did I realize it was because it was so "fun." Now I'm thinking, "I wish I could have stayed in a hotel this fun when I was a kid." This hotel is only 15 minutes from Disneyland and 25 minutes from Pudong Airport. I think I'll be back, because it makes me so happy.