15 hour layover in Shanghai Pudong with a 1 year old

Question

Hi all,

My husband and I are travelling to Europe from NZ with our 1 year old in a few weeks. We have a 15 hour layover in Shanghai and our plan is to get a hotel room so that we can nap, shower and let the little one play and stretch his legs. We arrive at 7am and depart at 10.30pm.

I have been looking at booking a room at either the new Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel or the Dazhong Airport hotel but would like some feedback on what would be the easiest experience for us all, as I know we will all be very tired/grumpy after 18 hours of travelling!

- Is the new Holiday Inn easy to find/walkable from the airport? Have checked google maps and it looks very close, but I'm not sure.

- I've read that check in at Dazhong can take a really long time. Is that true?

- Are there any other options in the airport that you would recommend? We don't want to have to deal with airport shuttles/taxis but are happy to walk.

Thank you in advance!

Cheers

Answer

For a 15-hour layover in Shanghai Pudong Airport with a 1-year-old, your priority should be convenience, minimal transit hassle, and comfort for both adults and child. Both the Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel and Dazhong Airport Hotel are popular choices, but there are some important differences to consider.

The new Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel is located inside the airport complex, connected via a covered walkway from Terminal 1. This makes it extremely convenient as you can simply walk from arrivals to the hotel without needing shuttles or taxis. The hotel is modern, family-friendly, and has rooms suitable for short rests and naps. Many travelers praise the ease of access, quick check-in, and overall comfort, which is ideal after a long international flight.

The Dazhong Airport Hotel is slightly further away from the terminals. While it is technically within walking distance, it is not as straightforward, especially with luggage and a small child. Some travelers report that check-in can take longer, particularly during busy periods, and navigating with a stroller or toddler may be less convenient. The rooms are adequate, but the overall ease of access is not as high as the Holiday Inn.

Other options within Pudong Airport include:

Hotel within Terminal 2: This is mostly for transit passengers connecting via T2, and it offers very quick access but has limited availability and smaller rooms.
Airport lounges with day rooms: Some lounges allow short-term access for resting, but this is less private and may not be suitable for a 1-year-old who needs space to move around.
Other nearby airport hotels with shuttle service: There are a few hotels within 5–10 minutes’ drive, but these would require using the hotel shuttle or taxi, which adds complexity with a young child.

Recommendations:

Choose the Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel if walking from the terminal with luggage and child is important. It minimizes hassle and provides comfort for naps and meals.
Book well in advance, as airport hotels can fill quickly, especially during busy travel periods.
Ensure your booking allows for early check-in if possible, since you arrive at 7am.

Overall, the Holiday Inn inside Terminal 1 is likely your best option for ease, comfort, and minimizing stress during a long layover with a toddler. Dazhong is a secondary option but requires more effort to navigate.

15 hour layover in Shanghai Pudong with a 1 year old

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