Alila Shanghai | Urban Oasis of Tranquility

| A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. From check-in at the front desk to the elevator ride to the room, there's a sense of journey. Stepping out of the elevator reveals a sky garden surrounded by restaurants, bars, a library, and more. The hotel has its own custom essential oils – I loved their fragrance, and the manager kindly gifted us two small bottles. The only downside was the dim lighting in public areas, especially noticeable since we arrived at night, making it somewhat hard to see. 🛏 The room design is generally soothing, with a spacious living area and a bathroom featuring extensive black accents. The amenities are excellent, including full Alila Living toiletries, natural mountain spring water, French LEBON toothpaste, a cushion comb, and a SMEG kettle… Thoughtful touches like a spray, earplugs, and an eye mask were placed by the bedside. The complimentary minibar was well-stocked with juices, soft drinks, and beer. The suite offers stunning high-rise views, and with the curtains open during the day, the space feels incredibly bright and airy – a rare sense of openness in a high-rise setting. 🍸 From 18:00-19:00, the hotel offers free unlimited cocktails for guests. We tried the "Shencheng," a light coffee-flavored drink with cream, very easy to enjoy. The bar has both indoor and terrace seating – perfect for catching the sunset, sipping cocktails, and chatting with friends as the sky darkens. 🍪 Breakfast is semi-buffet style, with à la carte main dishes (Chinese or Western sets) and a wide selection of self-serve drinks and desserts. I particularly loved the oatmeal bowl – healthy, filling, and delicious! Fresh fruits like blueberries and raspberries were available in abundance!