Shenzhen's Hidden Gem: Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Shenzhen's Hidden Gem: Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan - My (Almost) Believable Experience! (Seriously, Though…)
Okay, people, buckle up! I just got back from a stay at the Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan, and honestly? It was… an experience. Let's just say it wasn't the picture-perfect, Instagram-filtered vacation. There were moments. But before I dive headfirst into the glorious mess of it all, let's get the boring stuff out of the way, because, you know, SEO gotta SEO:
Keywords, Keywords, Keywords! (And Why You NEED to Know About This Place):
This review is all about the Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan, a hidden gem (yes, I used the cliché, sue me!) in Shenzhen. We're talking accessibility, cleanliness and safety (critical in today's world, right?), and a whole heap of things to do, dining, and services. We'll even touch on the all-important Wi-Fi situation, because let's be real, are you really on vacation if you can't humblebrag on social media? 😉 This place caters to everyone, from business travelers to families, and even has features like facilities for disabled guests. So, if you're searching for a hotel in Shenzhen, or looking for a place with pool and spa, keep reading!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… But Mostly Okay
First up? Accessibility. The hotel itself seemed pretty decent in this area, with an elevator and plenty of facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally need them, but I did notice ramps and generally good navigation. The exterior corridor setup also helps with visibility, which is always a plus. Now, getting to the hotel… well, that's where things get typically Shenzhen. Traffic can be a beast. Consider using their airport transfer service, or if driving, make sure you've mastered the art of navigating Chinese roads. The car park [free of charge] is a definite win, though!
Cleanliness and Safety: Seriously, They're Trying
Listen, post-pandemic travel has made me a bit of a germaphobe. Luckily, the Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan seems to get it. They've got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and even rooms sanitized between stays. I even noticed individually-wrapped food options in the breakfast buffet, a big win in my book! They've got the staff trained in safety protocol, and professional-grade sanitizing services. Plus, the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property give you a sense of security. You can also request room sanitization opt-out available (though honestly, why would you?).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Sort Of)
Okay, let's talk food. The Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan offers a pretty diverse range of options. You've got your standard Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and buffet in restaurant. I dove headfirst into the Asian breakfast, expecting… well, I'm not sure what I expected, but it involved a lot of noodles and questionable things in gelatin. (A la carte in restaurant is also available, thank goodness).
They have a bar, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. The Poolside bar was… well, it was a poolside bar. Think lukewarm beer, and questionable cocktails. The Happy hour was the highlight, mainly because it had the strongest drinks I'd had in a while. There are also restaurants, including vegetarian restaurant, with options of international cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. You can also get room service [24-hour] and breakfast in room. They have options for alternative meal arrangement if you need them, salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant, and desserts in restaurant.
The Pool: My Personal Redemption
Now, for the good stuff. The swimming pool [outdoor] with pool with view? THAT was the highlight. It was stunning. Seriously, the view from the pool was insane. The water was a perfect temperature, and I could have easily spent the entire day there. I even managed to snag a sun lounger (a feat in itself!). I might have spent way too much time floating around, contemplating the meaning of life, and ordering questionable cocktails, but hey, that's what vacations are for, right? The spa was also pretty good, with a sauna and steamroom.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Pool
Beyond the pool, the fitness center was decent, and I managed to drag myself there once (thank you, jet lag!). They also have a spa/sauna. I didn't venture into the body scrub, body wrap, or foot bath territory, but hey, I did see them there. The gym/fitness room has all the equipment you need.
Rooms: Comfortable Enough (and Yes, FREE Wi-Fi!)
The rooms themselves were pretty standard. The Wi-Fi [free] was actually reliable, thank goodness. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a must-have in this day and age. They are non-smoking rooms, which is a plus. The air conditioning worked like a charm. They had a desk and laptop workspace for those who need to, you know, work. I'm more of a "Netflix and chill" type of person, so the on-demand movies were a welcome addition. My room had a window that opens which is a great feature. Plus, the blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in. They also have air conditioning in public area. The room had a coffee/tea maker, a mirror, a refrigerator, and a hair dryer, and daily housekeeping.
Internet Access: A Lifesaver (and a Must-Have)
Let's be honest: Wi-Fi is a dealbreaker these days. The Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan totally gets it. They offer Internet access – wireless and, of course, Wi-Fi [free]. You can even get Wi-Fi for special events. Internet [LAN] if you really need a hard line (I didn't). The Internet services were pretty reliable across the board. No buffering during my epic Netflix binges? Sold!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offer a ton of services: 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning. Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, and a convenience store came in handy more than once. They also have luggage storage, safe deposit boxes, and a concierge. The doorman was helpful. Contactless check-in/out is also available which is a nice touch.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun!
Families, rejoice! The Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan is family/child friendly. They offer babysitting service, kids meal, and kids facilities.
The Downside… Let's Just Say It Wasn't All Sunshine and Roses…:
Okay, let's get real. There were some moments that weren't exactly picture-perfect. The service at the restaurant was sometimes… a bit slow. And on my second night, the fire alarm went off at 3 AM. Turns out, someone was smoking in their room. (Seriously, people?!) But hey, every hotel has its quirks, right?
Overall Verdict: Worth It? (Mostly!)
Despite the minor hiccups, I'd say the Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan is definitely worth a stay. It's a solid choice for a Shenzhen trip, especially if you're looking for a good pool, a clean and safe environment, and a decent value for your money. It's not perfect, but if you're looking for a hidden gem in Shenzhen, I'd say you won't be disappointed. Especially if you like questionable cocktails, fire alarms at 3 AM, and a killer pool view. 😉
Shenzhen's Hidden Gem: Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan - Your Escape Awaits!
Ready to experience a Shenzhen adventure you won't forget?
Here's the Deal:
- Unwind in Style: Discover a hotel that offers both comfort and adventure. From the refreshing outdoor pool to the well-equipped fitness center, and the relaxing spa.
- Safety First: Rest easy with state-of-the-art safety protocols, including in-room sanitization, sanitized breakfast options, and dedicated staff trained in safety procedures.
- Connected & Convenient: Stay connected with lightning-fast FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms and take advantage of convenient amenities like 24-hour room service.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Bring the kids along! The hotel offers kids facilities, babysitting services, and delicious kids' meals.
Special Offer:
Unbelievable Mount Snow Deals: Dover, VT Lodging You WON'T Believe!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's perfectly-packaged travel itinerary. Nope, this is the Fairfield by Marriott Shenzhen Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone, Shanwei, China, as seen (and probably smelled) through the slightly-dazed eyes of Yours Truly. Prepare for a bumpy ride… and maybe some spicy noodles.
Day 1: Arrival… or, The Lost Luggage Lament (and the Search for Decent Coffee)
Morning (Let's Just Say "Whenever I Crawled Out of Bed"): Arrive at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. Ugh. Long flight. Tired. Already sweating in places I didn't know I could sweat. The plan was a seamless transfer. The reality? My suitcase, bless its inanimate heart, decided to take a scenic route. Apparently, it's currently sunbathing in Dubai. Fantastic.
Afternoon (The "Hotel Hunting" Hustle): Taxi it to the Fairfield. Pretty straightforward, thankfully. First impressions of the hotel? Clean, efficient, and… beige. So much beige. It's like living in a giant, well-appointed paper bag. Checking in was a breeze. Seriously, the staff were lovely, even if I looked like a drowned rat. The small lobby area is not exciting, but it is what it is.
Late Afternoon (The Caffeine Quest and Cultural Confusion): Okay, deep breaths. I need coffee. Desperately. The hotel's coffee situation is questionable but adequate. But the quest for REAL coffee. I wandered out, armed with Google Translate and a prayer. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place a few blocks away. The owner, a sweet lady who looked utterly bewildered by my frantic pointing at the espresso machine "Is this coffee?!" I managed to convey my desperate needs. One passable (but expensive) latte later, and world was starting to… well, it still wasn't great, but it wasn't a total disaster.
Evening (Food Fiascos and Neon Nightmares): Dinner! I’d read a review about a popular restaurant, a local place that served traditional hot pot, but was unsure. I headed out anyway, unsure what to expect. The place was BUSY. And loud. Like, ear-splittingly loud. No English menu. My Mandarin is embarrassing (think "two words and a lot of hand gestures"). After a lot of pointing, nodding, and maybe accidentally offending the waiter by trying to eat a steamed bun with chopsticks, I got food! It was… an experience. The spicy broth nearly melted my face off, and there were things in the pot that I think were vegetables, but honestly, who knows. The city at night is alive with neon lights and the cacophony of life. It was quite a sensory overload, to say the least.
Day 2: Sea, Sand, and Soul-Searching (and My Luggage's Unexplained Absence)
Morning (The Beach Beckons, Maybe): Today, the plan was to get to the beach. I set my alarm, determined to be a productive tourist! The sun, when it finally decided to show up, just made me feel even more tired. I packed my meager backpack (thanks, lost luggage!) and walked to the coastal area. The beach was nice, warm sand, a bit of garbage on the shore that I tried to ignore. I watched the waves. It was just… okay. The wind picked up, and I realized, that this was exactly the kind of moment that I needed. A blank canvas. The opportunity to just be. Then the stomach rumbled and decided to remind me that I haven’t had anything to eat yet. So it’s back to the hotel for some food. I'm just grateful for the break.
Afternoon (Back to the Hotel): The hotel. I am really just so, so tired. I spent the afternoon in the hotel, in my beige room. Just relaxing, watching some TV. I was bored. The more I thought about it, maybe going outside was not what I needed. The hotel was comfortable. Maybe I needed a day by myself, to think, to organize my thoughts, to make a plan.
Evening (The Karaoke Catastrophe and the Deep Fried Dough Twist): I was feeling restless. I was thinking about what I was going to do. Karaoke. The only thing that came to mind. I decided to go to Karaoke. The experience was… memorable, to say the least. Let's just say, my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was less Freddie Mercury and more "dying whale." The local bar was pretty empty after getting in there, it wasn't that fun. After that, my stomach begged me to go to the food street. I got some deep-fried stuff that was pretty good, but by now it was just an amalgamation of exhaustion and everything that was happening.
Day 3: Shenzhen Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone - The Grand Finale or the "Thank God I'm Going Home Soon" Phase
- Morning (The Shopping Spree (or, My Bank Account's Descent into Depths of Financial Ruin)): This was supposed to be the day I really SAW the city. The "Cooperation Zone" thing is, apparently, a big deal. But first, shopping! I found a market and decided to go. There were some deals, and I didn't buy much. I got some things. I don't know why I tried to do it. You can't buy experience. After almost spending everything in one place, I had to turn back.
- Afternoon (Local Delights and Tourist Traps): I took a tour, which was nice. It was very beautiful. It reminded me that I needed to be more mindful of my thoughts and actions. I did a lot of thinking. At some point. I was getting tired. My legs hurt. I was thinking about leaving.
- Evening (The Farewell Feast (and the Desperate Prayer for Luggage)): Time for a proper farewell dinner -- hopefully this time without the eyebrow searing spice! I wanted something different. I found a little local place. They gave me something pretty gross, but I pretended to like it. After that I had to leave. I was going home.
The Verdict: A Trip That's More "Character Building" Than "Instagram-Worthy"
The Fairfield by Marriott in Shenzhen Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone? Fine. The city? Definitely not what I expected. But despite the lost luggage, the questionable food, and the near-constant sensory overload, I had some good moments. I stumbled across moments of wonder, both large and small, and that's what matters. Would I go back? Probably. But next time, I'm packing extra coffee, a phrasebook, and a hazmat suit for the hot pot. And I'm praying my suitcase gets its act together. This trip was real, raw, and utterly me. And that, in itself, is an experience worth remembering.
Tangerang's BEST Studio? Sky House BSD AEON Mall Gem!
Shenzhen's Secret Playground: Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan - You HAVE to Hear This! (My Chaotic Review)
Okay, Seriously, Where IS Shenshan? I'm Asking for a Friend... (Who's Me)
Alright, buckle up, because finding Shenshan is like a treasure hunt – a slightly confusing, potentially poorly-signposted treasure hunt. It's basically out in the sticks, my friends. Like, *really* out. Think Shenzhen, then think, "Okay, even *further*." You'll probably need a car or a long (and I mean LONG) public transport journey. I took a Didi (Chinese Uber) because frankly, the thought of battling the bus system after a day of work made me want to curl up and die. Plan on at least an hour, maybe an hour and a half, from central Shenzhen. Trust me, the adventure begins *before* you even check in.
Honestly, I didn't even know Shenshan *existed* before this trip. My friend, let's call her "Needs a Break," suggested it, and honestly, I was mostly in it for the potential escape. I was SO. OVER. Shenzhen traffic. Turns out, Shenshan is a relatively new eco-industrial park. "Eco." Right. We'll get to THAT. Anyway, prepare for… well, prepare to be a little surprised. Definitely not Times Square. (Thank god.)
The Hotel Itself: Is It Actually… *Good*? (Or Just Cheap?)
Okay, here’s the honest truth: it's a Fairfield. Let’s not pretend we’re talking about the Four Seasons here. Think clean, comfortable, and a touch… basic. But, and this is a big BUT, the *vibe*? Unexpectedly charming! The lobby felt modern and airy, with those comfy chairs you just want to sink into. The staff were lovely, super friendly, and really tried their best with my terrible Mandarin. They were *genuinely* nice. That makes a HUGE difference, trust me. I mean, I've stayed in places where the front desk staff seemed personally offended by my existence.
My room? Nice. Clean. Fresh sheets. The air conditioning worked (a crucial point in humid Shenzhen). The bathroom was functional, and the toiletries were…well, they were there. Nothing fancy, but not those horrifying "mystery brand" products I've encountered elsewhere. The windows were decent. I didn't have any weird noises. All in all, perfectly acceptable. My only real gripe? The room could do with a slightly better view. Mine overlooked… a loading dock. Hey, you win some, you lose some, right? Next time, I’m requesting something that overlooks... something *other* than forklifts. (More on that in a bit.)
Breakfast: Worth Waking Up For? (Because Sleep is Sacred)
Oh, the breakfast. This is where things get *interesting*. I'm a sucker for a good hotel breakfast, people. I love those little tongs, meticulously scooping scrambled eggs onto a plate. The Fairfield's breakfast? It’s… adequate. They had a decent selection of both Western and Chinese options. The usual suspects were there: eggs, bacon (questionable quality, but hey, bacon!), toast, congee, noodles. The coffee? Eh. Drinkable, but not exactly artisan.
But! Here's the key: the small, almost imperceptible things. They had... wait for it... *fresh fruit*! Actual, recognizable, non-soggy fruit! And the staff was *super* attentive, constantly refilling the buffet and clearing tables. I'd say, it's worth waking up for, but maybe don't expect to be blown away. It’s solid, gets the job done, and sets you up for a day of… well, whatever you'll be doing in Shenshan. (More on that "whatever" later. Trust me.)
The Gym: Are You KIDDING Me?! (My Fitness Journey's Breakdown)
Okay, listen. I love a good gym. I try to maintain some semblance of fitness, even when I'm utterly exhausted. So, naturally, I checked out the Fairfield's gym. And… well, let's just say it was an experience. It was small, like, *tiny*. Think: a closet with some treadmills crammed inside. The treadmills? They worked! But… the air conditioning was, shall we say, *enthusiastic*? It was either freezing or sweltering. No in-between. I spent 15 minutes battling the temperature controls before I just gave up and went for a cold shower.
The mirrors? Slightly…smudged. I’m making the best of it, and I guess I survived. The weights were pretty basic. No fancy equipment. But you know what? It did the job, even if it felt like I was working out in an overly air-conditioned cupboard. (And by the way, I saw a cockroach scuttle across the floor. Just… a friendly FYI.)
The Location: What IS There to DO?! (Aside from… Nothing?)
This is the big one, folks. Shenshan. What in the world is there to *do* in Shenshan? Truthfully? Not a whole heck of a lot. It’s an industrial zone. It's quiet, not exactly buzzing with nightlife. My options? The hotel, the loading dock (which I’d already become intimately familiar with thanks to my room’s view), or… exploring the area.
I did a little exploring (by Didi, of course!). I found… a park! A small, rather underwhelming park. I found a few restaurants. The food was… okay. It was definitely a "locals only" vibe. My Mandarin isn’t exactly fluent. I managed to order some food. And after getting slightly lost in the labyrinth of industrial buildings, I realized that Shenshan is probably best suited for people who are working in Shenshan. You know, the engineers. The factory workers. And maybe… those who just *REALLY* need a break from the city. Which, admittedly, I did.
Side note: On my way back, I saw a HUGE billboard advertising some kind of… *robotics* company. "Eco-Industrial Park," remember? Yep. This should give you a hint of what's nearby.
Would I Go Back? (Honest Verdict!)
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I go back to the Fairfield by Marriott Shenshan? Hmm. That's a tough one. If I needed a quiet, affordable escape from the chaos of Shenzhen, and if the price was right… maybe. It's a perfectly decent base. It's clean, comfortable, and the staff are lovely. But, and it's a big “but”, I wouldn't go expecting excitement.
I think the key is managing your expectations. Go in knowing it's not a luxury resort.Where To Stay Now
