Two free rewards tickets for being Philippine Airlines loyalists, plus P17,000+ for airplane fuel and taxes plus P1,100 airport tax for two and off we went to Shanghai on February 15, 2012 mainly to attend a trade exhibition at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
The flight was delayed by an hour. I wanted to use the free laptops but these were all occupied. Lahat itong mga ito nag pe- facebook, hindi ako makasingit.
nagbanyo na lang ako,
I was anxious because it’s been raining in Shanghai the past few days and the forecast would still be rainy for the next two days. The flight was smooth but I was still restless during the 3 hours flight. I went to the galley to while away my time. Ano kaya’ng mga tinatago nila dito?
We landed in Shanghai at 5 degrees coldness, super cloudy but thanks to the heavens, no rain. As soon as we got our luggage from the conveyor, we doubled our jackets, put-on socks, and scarves.
We paid RMB450 (P2,790) for a taxi to bring us from the airport to the hotel. It was a rip-off considering that an ordinary taxi would only charge RMB200 but we appreciated the value of what we got in return— a guy carried our luggage from the hotel/taxi counter to where the taxi was. The taxi was actually a brand new black Audi limo with a uniformed chauffeur. The 30 minute ride to Majesty Plaza Hotel was so pleasant. The car was spacious and the handling was so smooth. Best part of it was that we were confident and comfortable that we would reach our hotel in no time at all. Wala yung nerbyos na baka saan kami dalhin ng driver.
It was my very first time to stay in this hotel. I was worried that the hotel would be so-so because I booked thru the internet and paid US$400 for 4 nights stay. $400 is only a one night rate at the Shangrila where I’ve stayed twice before, during the visit of Pres. Estrada and last year, during Pnoy’s visit to Shanghai. The rack rate at the Majesty Plaza is $300/night. The internet rate is super discounted.
Majesty Plaza was a revelation. The lobby was huge and first class. Our room was not as elegant as a Shangrila room but it was clean, decent and very comfortable. Good enough for my daughter and I. This hotel was the former Ramada.
Our hotel’s location was perfect too. It’s right at the pedestrian promenade, Nanjing Road. It’s across Mcdo and KFC. A Chinese grocery with fastfood and many other stores and restaurants are 30 steps away.
From 35 degrees in Manila to 5 degrees in Shanghai. Ginaw.
