The hype
Guests are blown away by the building and views but consistently disappointed by average service and maintenance issues.
Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland
$250-450/ night
Book this if You want to sleep in an architectural marvel built into a quarry and don't mind sacrificing some service polish for the 'gram.
Why People Love It
- The 'Deep Pit' architecture is genuinely jaw-dropping
- All rooms (except underwater) have balconies with quarry waterfall views
- Nightly laser and drone shows visible directly from your room
Quick Take: A bucket-list architectural flex that feels more like a high-end theme park than a luxury sanctuary.
Reviewed by @jennifermariahardy: I still can't believe this place exists. Sleeping 88 meters underground in a luxury quarry suite was the most surreal travel experience of my life. The nightly laser show watched from my private balcony was pure magic. If you love unique architecture, you have to see this.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'underwater' rooms and restaurant often feel more like a humid aquarium with condensation-fogged glass than a pristine marine observatory.
- You are an architecture or engineering nerd
- You want a unique weekend escape from Shanghai city center
- You are traveling with kids who will love the novelty and light shows
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, but reports of missed dust in corners and worn carpets.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but the high humidity in the pit leads to persistent mildew risks in grout and sealant.
- Maintenance: Showing age quickly. Expect peeling paint on balconies, water-stained exterior glass, and occasional broken fixtures.
- Linens & towels: Standard 5-star quality, usually fresh and crisp.
- Odors & scents: The biggest issue. A persistent musty/damp smell pervades the lower floors and some rooms.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- HVAC systems working overtime
- Echoes from the quarry light show (ends by 9pm)
Before you book
Good to know
- The nightly water/laser show is at 8:30 PM; watch from your balcony.
- Food delivery (waimai) is allowed but you have to pick it up at the lobby gate.
- The 'Glass Plank Road' walkway is often closed for maintenance; check ahead.
What to pack
- High-limit credit card for the deposit
- Dehumidifying sachets or room spray (for the musty smell)
- Swimsuit for the indoor pool (caps usually required in China)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sapphire Rooms (lower levels, close to water)
- Turquoise Rooms (good balance of view and height)
Rooms to avoid
- Underwater Suites (unless you love humidity and gawking tourists)
- Top floor rooms (closest to ground level, worst views of the quarry depth)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would like to request a 'Sapphire' category room. Please assign a room with a HIGHER floor number (e.g., Floor 10-14) to be physically closer to the quarry water level for the best immersive view. Please ensure the room has been aired out to minimize humidity odors.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the underwater room worth the money?
Mostly no. It's dark, humid, and the windows often have condensation or algae that obscures the view. Better to book a balcony room and just visit the underwater restaurant.
How far is it from the Bund?
Far. Expect a 60-90 minute drive depending on traffic. It is not a base for exploring Shanghai city.
Can I see the drone show from my room?
Yes, most quarry-facing rooms have a perfect view. However, drone shows are frequently cancelled due to wind or weather.
Is there a shuttle to the metro?
No official free shuttle. You'll need to taxi/Didi to Sheshan or Songjiang University Town metro stations (approx. 15 mins).
What is the food like?
Expensive and average. The breakfast buffet is decent but chaotic. Mr. Fisher (underwater) is pricey for the quality; you're paying for the fish tank view.
Are kids allowed in the underwater suites?
Yes, but the duplex suites have stairs that might be tricky for toddlers, and the aquarium glass is 'look, don't touch'.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Turn left at the hotel entrance for a free public viewing deck of the quarry before you even check in.
- ✨
The 'floor' numbers are inverted. Floor 1 is the lobby (ground), Floor 15 is underground. Higher number = deeper down.
- ✨
If the hotel restaurants are too pricey, take a short taxi to Songjiang University Town for cheap, authentic local eats.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'odd smell' in the lobby and lower hallways—a mix of damp earth and cleaning chemicals.
💡The windows on the quarry side often have water spots that ruin photos because they are hard to clean from the outside.
💡The 'underwater' restaurant Mr. Fisher often has mixed-up orders and slow service.
💡It gets surprisingly cold in the quarry at night, even in shoulder seasons.
💡The deposit policy is aggressive—they may hold significantly more than your room rate.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland is located and what's nearby.