Shanghai's Xujiahui Secret: Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals!
Shanghai's Xujiahui Secret: Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals! - A Hot Mess Review
Okay, listen up. I just stumbled out of the Hi Inn in Xujiahui, Shanghai, and I’m still buzzing. This isn't your average, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is me, fresh off the battlefield, with a head full of ramen and opinions hotter than the Shanghai humidity. Let's wade through this, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups.
First, The (Almost) Impossible Accessibility Challenge
Okay, so, "Accessibility" is listed as a category. And honestly? Shanghai, in general, and this Hi Inn specifically, is… challenging. Let's just say, if you're relying on a wheelchair, you're going to earn your stripes here. The "Facilities for disabled guests" might be there on paper (as in, they list it) but actually using them? That's another story. I didn't need them, thank god, but I saw some tight turns in hallways and questionable elevator situations. Sigh. Accessibility is getting there, maybe, but it's not exactly the Hilton.
Internet Apocalypse & Digital Bliss (Mostly)
"Internet." Oh, internet. The lifeblood of modern travel. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Hallelujah! And it actually worked! Most of the time! Okay, there were the occasional drop-offs, moments of sheer digital panic when you're halfway through uploading that crucial Instagram story of you pretending to be cultured. But hey, it was mostly solid. "Internet [LAN]" is also an option, for you old-schoolers, but honestly? Who the heck plugs in anymore? And, you knew it would, they even have "Internet services" listed. Just in case you forgot you needed the internet.
My Room: A Clean, Smelly Adventure
Okay, let’s talk about the room. "Available in all rooms?" – Yes! The AC, the mini-fridge, all the basics. "Air conditioning" (essential in Shanghai’s swampy summer). "Desk," “Laptop workspace” perfect for judging people’s WeChat feeds. "Complimentary tea" (essential for surviving a Shanghai adventure). They had "Free bottled water." Thank the heavens. Shanghai water… not gonna lie, it gives me the creeps. And “Toiletries” were decent, some generic brand smelling of vaguely floral… something. And "Hair dryer" - a life-saver since my hair always looks like a drowned rat in this humidity. But the best part? The “Blackout curtains.” Sweet, blessed blackout, to drown out the city's relentless energy.
The "Rooms sanitized between stays"… well, I hope so! Everything looked clean, but it's hard to tell if anti-viral cleaning products were actually used as promised. But the "Smoke detector" was there, I saw that! Plus, the "Fire extinguisher". At least, there was no smell of impending doom, other than maybe the lingering odor of… well, I’m pretty sure someone spilled something in the bathroom maybe a week prior. It was faint, but it was there, a tiny little reminder of shared humanity. Hey, it made me giggle.
The Food Fiasco – A Tale of Two Mealtimes
“Restaurants.” Listed, plural. Ha! Okay, so there’s a restaurant. Mostly Asian-cuisine, but they also claim to offer "International cuisine in restaurant" but I just couldn’t bring myself to order the pizza. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was … an experience. Let's just say, the "Asian breakfast" was… a little too authentic for my Western palate. I'm talking congee, questionable meats, and something that resembled a slightly-fishy, gelatinous disc. I tried. I really did. In the end, I stuck with the "Coffee/tea in restaurant" to wash down a sad little roll. "Breakfast takeaway service" – bless them for this, I was happy I could escape.
I went back for dinner though, and actually, the "Soup in restaurant" and the "Salad in restaurant" was, surprisingly, pretty good! The "Bottle of water" came in very handy. And hey, they had a "Bar," and "Happy hour" at the poolside bar! Yes, the pool!
The Pool – An Oasis (Maybe) of Views
"Swimming pool [outdoor]" and "Pool with view" - Yes! A rooftop pool! In Shanghai! This was the main draw for me, the promise of a tranquil escape. In reality, it was more of a humid, chlorine-scented… experience. The "Poolside bar" was open. But still, the "View"? Stunning. Shanghai’s skyline shimmering in the evening light. And I'll admit, sitting there, sipping a drink (yes, I went for the "bottle of water" instead), breathing in the (slightly) cleaner air, it was magical. I would have liked to try a "Body wrap" or "Body scrub" at the spa but the time ran out.
Cleanliness & Safety – The COVID-19 Dance
“Anti-viral cleaning products”? “Daily disinfection in common areas”? “Staff trained in safety protocol”? Okay, they say all the right things. And, credit where credit is due, there was a lot of hand sanitizer everywhere. "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" was… attempted. But let’s face it, Shanghai is a city that thrives on proximity, and some of the "Safe dining setup" felt a little… optimistic. Still, they tried. And that's something. The "Room sanitization opt-out available" is a good option for skeptical guests.
Services & Conveniences - The Good, The Bad, and The Elevator
"Elevator"? Yes, thank goodness. The thought of lugging my suitcase up all those floors… shudder. "Laundry service" - Very needed. "Cash withdrawal" - useful. "Concierge" - nice enough, but struggling with English. The "Daily housekeeping" was, for the most part, efficient, though I was starting to seriously question the sanity of the person who had to scrub the bathroom before me. “Luggage storage” was helpful.
"Check-in/out (express)" - This was a lifesaver after my flight was delayed.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax – Beyond the Pool
"Things to do" is a vague category. Shanghai offers a million. The Hi Inn is a good jumping-off point for exploring Xujiahui, a bustling area with shopping and food galore. Relaxation-wise? The sauna and the "Spa/sauna," looked enticing, but my time was limited. The "Fitness center" looked functional, but I'm on vacation, people! Who has time to work out?
For The Kids - Maybe Not
"Family/child friendly"? Maybe not. I didn't see much catering to kids beyond the basics. Babysitting service? Not sure. This isn't really a "family" kind of place.
The Verdict - A (Mostly) Glorious Mess
So, would I recommend the Hi Inn in Xujiahui? Yes! With a few caveats. It's not perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges. But, the location is excellent, the deals are unbeatable (especially if you snag a last-minute offer), the staff tries their best, and that rooftop pool? Worth the price of admission alone. You’ll have a quirky adventure. Just be prepared for a few bumps in the road and a whole lotta humidity. Go with an open mind, bring earplugs (the city never sleeps), and embrace the glorious mess that is Shanghai. I'm already planning my return and I suggest you do too!
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- Keywords: Shanghai, Xujiahui, Hi Inn, hotel review, budget travel, rooftop pool, China, accommodation, travel tips, affordable hotels, Shanghai travel, cleanliness, internet access, breakfast, accessibility, spa, sauna, fitness center, things to do.
- Meta Description: Dive into a hilariously honest review of the Hi Inn in Shanghai's Xujiahui! Discover the (mostly) glorious chaos, unbeatable deals, and the rooftop pool that makes it all worthwhile. Learn about accessibility, internet, cleanliness, facilities, food, and overall value.
- Social Media Snippet: "Just survived Shanghai's Hi Inn. The rooftop pool? AMAZING. The breakfast? An adventure. Get the lowdown on this budget-friendly gem in Xujiahui. #Shanghai #Xujiahui #HiInn #HotelReview #TravelChina #BudgetTravel #RooftopPool"
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary? It's not going to be pretty. It's going to be… real. And maybe a little bit chaotic, just like me. This is my Shanghai adventure, centered around the glorious – and relatively budget-friendly – Hi Inn Shanghai Xujiahui Wanping Nan Road. Prepare yourselves.
Day 1: Shanghai Shebang (and Jet Lag Hell)
- 7:00 AM (Shanghai Time – LOL, I'm guessing it's 4:00 AM back home? Ugh.) Land at Pudong International Airport. Seriously, this airport is HUGE. Like, "Is that another continent?" huge. Found the shuttle bus to the hotel – thank god, because I can't deal with the metro right now. My brain is still mostly asleep.
- 9:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Hi Inn. The room is… well, it's a room. Clean enough. Small, of course. But hey, it's a roof over my head. And the air conditioning is cranking, which is a win because the humidity outside is trying to swallow me whole.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Nap. Or attempt to, anyway. Jet lag is a beast. Tossed and turned, mostly convinced I was still on the plane. Finally managed a shallow, unsatisfying sleep. Woke up drenched in sweat. Charm.
- 12:00 PM: Forced myself out of bed. Gotta explore! Stumbled out of the hotel and immediately got lost. Shanghai is a concrete jungle of neon signs and a million incomprehensible characters. Got a bit of a panic attack - I haven't even found food yet! Found a tiny place offering what looked like dumplings. Ordered them. They were… interesting. I'm pretty sure one of them might have been filled with pork, or maybe cabbage. I'm not sure. But I ate them. Needed to build some energy!
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lost again, but this time with a goal! Found (thank god) the Xujiahui Metro Station. The metro is actually pretty amazing - clean, efficient, and the sheer volume of people is… intense. Took it to the Bund. The Bund. Oh. My. God. Seriously? The Shanghai skyline is incredible. Jaw-dropping. Stunning. Makes all the stress of the morning (and afternoon) worth it. Took approximately 500 photos.
- 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Wandered along the Bund trying to absorb it all. Got jostled by a million tourists (myself included, of course). Almost got run over by a rogue bicycle taxi (those things are terrifying!). Bought an outrageously overpriced ice cream cone from a street vendor, but honestly, I didn't even care. The view was beautiful.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Went into another random dumpling place. This time, I pointed at pictures and just hoped for the best. They were… better than the first ones? Got served a weird drink that was, I'm pretty sure, the consistency of pond water? Tried it. Didn't die. Victory!
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted. Collapse. Tried to watch some TV (all in Chinese). Gave up. Went to sleep. The sheets felt surprisingly crisp.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Deep Fried Deliciousness
- 9:00 AM: Woke up surprisingly early. The jet lag seems to be easing.. A little. Found a breakfast place down the street from the hotel. Ordered (with much pointing and gesturing) a delicious pancake-like thing with what I think was egg and scallions. Was so good.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Propaganda Poster Art Centre! I found this place through a travel blog. It's a tiny, tucked-away gallery filled with old propaganda posters. SO COOL. The sheer artistry is amazing, even if the message is… well, you know. Spends ages looking. Lost in the history and the colors.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a little place that serves fried noodles. This time, I managed to order something amazing. Absolutely delicious!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Yu Garden. The crowds were intense, but the gardens themselves were beautiful, with little ponds, rock formations, and tiny tea houses. Got pushed. Got shoved. But the beauty was well worth it. I even successfully navigated the maze-like lanes of the bazaar, buying some trinkets (mostly for my cat, don't judge).
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: MASSAGE. Found a random place near the hotel. YES. Just, YES. Needed it. Got the full body treatment and practically melted into the massage table. It was blissful.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Ok, I'm obsessed. Started a journey for my next dumpling discovery. Found a little dive serving fried dumplings. They are perfect! So good! Got a couple of beers, too, just because I could.
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Walked around the area near the hotel. Bought an ice cream that was a disappointment, but ate it anyway. Watched the chaos of Shanghai life unfold. Just… breathing it all in.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted, content, and still slightly overwhelmed.
Day 3: The Temple, The Train, and the Tears
- 9:00 AM: Went to Jing An Temple. The grandeur is incredible! The gold! The incense! It was a different kind of chaos. So many people taking photos, and the feeling of the atmosphere was really intense.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Took the metro to the Shanghai Railway Station. I'm taking a train to Hangzhou today! The train station felt even more chaotic than the airport, but in a different way. Was nervous to get on the train. Then the train left.
- 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Hangzhou. The West Lake is beautiful. Took a boat ride. Ate some local food. This trip was less about itinary and more about exploration.
- 6:00 PM: The train back to Shanghai. It was a long ride.
- 7:00PM: I got back to the hotel late at night. I was tired. The trip was great but I really missed Shanghai. I felt lost in a country with so many people.
Day 4: Rambling Thoughts & Departure (with a side of panic)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up. One last scramble to make sure I have everything. My room is a disaster. I swear, how DO I create so much mess?
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: One last attempt to enjoy a Shanghai breakfast. Found a great place, and took a moment to savor it. That Shanghai life. It's all just so… different.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Packing (or, rather, attempting to pack). Realized I bought way too much stuff. Spent a solid hour trying to Tetris everything into my suitcase. It was… a battle.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Final wander. Tried to find a few last souvenirs – a magnet (of course), some tea, and maybe a little something for myself. Enjoyed the sights.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Quick shower. Gave the room one last look. I have to go back home!
- 6:00 PM: Off to Pudong Airport. Here goes nothing.
- 7:00 PM: Lost in the airport again! This time, I'm actually somewhat used to the chaos! Found my gate. Made it!
- On the plane: Reflecting on my time in Shanghai. It was messy. It was chaotic. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I can't wait until my return!
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- I miss the dumplings. Seriously, the fried dumplings are the best.
- I'm still trying to figure out exactly what was in those weird drinks.
- I need to go back. There’s still so much I haven’t seen.
So there you have it. My painfully honest, slightly disorganized, and completely real Shanghai adventure. I hope you enjoyed the ride (or at least didn't fall asleep). And remember: Embrace the chaos. That’s half the fun!
Jakarta Luxury: Your Dream 2BR Kebagusan City Oasis Awaits!
Okay, spill it! What's the *deal* with these "Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals" in Xujiahui? Is this some kind of elaborate scam? (Because, frankly, I'm skeptical...)
So, Xujiahui. Where *exactly* is this magical land of cheap hotels? (And is it close to anything remotely interesting?)
Alright, alright, the price! Give me the *numbers*. What's "unbeatable" in terms of cost? (Don't tell me it's like $5 more than a normal hotel. I'll scream!)
How do I actually *find* one of these deals? Are there secret handshakes? Cryptic clues? (Because I'm seriously considering this, despite my inherent distrust of anything too good to be true…)
Okay, let's talk about the "experience." What can I *expect*? Are we talking cramped shoebox rooms? Shared bathrooms? Ghosts? (I'm not kidding, I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat.)
Are there any downsides? (Because let's be honest, there ALWAYS are.) What should I *avoid*? (Besides the haunted ones, obviously.)
