Shanghai Staycation｜A Tranquil Escape in the Heart of the City

I used to visit the Garden Hotel for its outdoor fountain and vintage architecture, but this stay truly revealed its refined charm. The room features understated retro decor, with details exuding the elegance of old Shanghai. Outside the window, plane trees line Maoming Road, while just a wall away lies the bustle of Huaihai Road. A delightful surprise was the terrace garden on the hotel’s third floor—worth lingering in. At the "Night-Blooming Jasmine Main Bar," the afternoon sun spills over wicker chairs and hydrangeas. Order a white chocolate matcha cake paired with a pot of black tea, and time seems to slow down. At night, it gets even more stunning! Sip a signature cocktail on the terrace, savoring the city’s evening breeze. For dinner, I chose the hotel’s long-standing Japanese restaurant, open for over 20 years, where ingredients and craftsmanship remain impeccable. The weekend kaiseki set is a great deal—I especially loved the sea urchin and salmon claypot rice and grilled black cod, simple yet masterfully prepared. Staying here feels like holding a key to switch the city’s rhythm—bustle and serenity are just a thought apart.