Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Xujiahui Luxury You WON'T Believe! (Hanting Hotel)
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Xujiahui Luxury You WON'T Believe! (Hanting Hotel) - A Rambling Review (and a Desperate Plea for a Good Night's Sleep)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Hanting Hotel in Xujiahui, Shanghai. They say it's a hidden gem, and, well… they’re not entirely wrong? Let's just say my experience was a rollercoaster of "wow" and "wait, what?" – and I'm still not sure how I feel. This is going to be a long review, so grab a coffee (or a strong cocktail – you'll need it), because we’re diving deep. This is not your curated, sterile travel blog post; this is the raw, unedited, and slightly sleep-deprived truth.
(Disclaimer: My experience is based on a recent stay, and things can change faster than a Shanghai traffic light.)
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Frankly:
Okay, so accessibility. This is where things get immediately messy. The "Facilities for disabled guests" is listed, which is promising. But navigating Shanghai can be a challenge in itself, and the information about specific wheelchair access within this particular Hanting is… sparse online. I'm not an expert in this, but I suggest VERY thorough investigation if this is a priority for you. The elevator is a MUST, of course, and that should be a given, but again, check! I did not specifically assess this part, which means it could be great, or… less so. I simply don't know.
Cleanliness and Safety - Keeping it Real (and Hopefully Virus-Free):
This is SUPER important, especially these days. And Hanting tries. They list a gazillion things, like "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization opt-out available" (huh? Why would I opt out?!) and "Staff trained in safety protocol." They also have "Hot water linen and laundry washing" (thank GOODNESS) and even "Sterilizing equipment." So, on paper, they’re doing everything right.
Now, the reality? Well, I did see staff wearing masks, which is a HUGE plus. The lobby seemed clean. But, and this is a big but, my room… well, let's just say I gave everything a good wipe-down with my own antibacterial wipes when I got there. Better safe than sorry, right? I was slightly suspicious of the 'room sanitization opt-out' thing, to be honest.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Chaos:
Okay, food. This is where things get really interesting. They have "Restaurants" (plural!), "Coffee shop," "Bar," "Poolside bar" (hmm… more on that later), and a "Snack bar." They also offer "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Western breakfast," and "Western cuisine in restaurant." Basically, a buffet of choices, right?
WRONG. My experience was… well, let's just say I ended up frequenting the convenience store across the road. The "Asian breakfast" was… let's call it "rustic." The coffee was a crime against caffeine. I saw the "bar," but it looked… lonely. The "poolside bar" was a joke. (More on that later, I promise.)
However, I had an "Alternative meal arrangement" at one point (because I was seriously craving a decent cup of coffee) and the staff did try to accommodate me. They were genuinely helpful, even though my requests were… unorthodox. So, points for effort, but don't go expecting Michelin stars here. The "Bottle of water" in the room was a lifesaver though, and the "Essential condiments" were… essential.
Services and Conveniences - The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Helpful:
They've got a laundry list of services, like "Concierge," "Currency exchange," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning," "Elevator," "Food delivery," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities" (I didn’t see anyone actually meeting, but hey), and "Room service [24-hour]."
The "Concierge" was a lifesaver when I needed help figuring out the subway (Shanghai's subway system is a beast, even for a seasoned traveler). "Daily housekeeping" was, well, present. I'm not 100% sure what they did, but the bed was made… mostly. And the "dry cleaning" guy was friendly when I asked him about it!
However, the "indoor venue for special events" was apparently non-existent. "Meeting/banquet facilities" seemed to be… the breakfast area, after hours. The "room service [24-hour]" option? I tried to order a late-night snack. Let's just say it was… an adventure. (I’m starting to think that "adventure" is the operative word here.)
For the Kids - I Can't Say, Really. But They Try:
They list "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," and "Kids meal." I didn't see any actual kids, so I can't really vouch for this part. The "Family/child friendly" thing might involve a lot of patience on the parents' part.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - The Illusive Pool with a View:
Here comes the big disappointment, folks. Okay, so the amenities promised a veritable land of leisure: "Pool with view", "Spa," "Sauna," "Steamroom," "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]." Sounds amazing, right? Sounds luxurious?
WRONG. The "pool with view" was a tiny, probably under-maintained indoor pool with a… view… of a brick wall. The "spa"? Non-existent. The "sauna" and "steamroom" – well, they were supposed to be there. But I went to find them, and they were locked up on the seventh floor and the 'Gym/fitness' room was more accurately described as a closet with a treadmill and a dusty weight bench.
The "Poolside bar"? HA! That was a joke. It’s just chairs by a closed pool.
Available in all rooms - The Comfort Zone (Mostly):
Alright, the ROOM. This is where the Hanting actually (mostly)redeemed itself. They offer a lot of stuff. You get "Air conditioning," (thank GOD, Shanghai is hot and humid), "Alarm clock," "Bathrobes," "Blackout curtains" (essential for beating that jet lag), "Coffee/tea maker," "Complimentary tea," "Daily housekeeping," "Desk," "Free bottled water," "Hair dryer," "In-room safe box," "Internet access – wireless," "Ironing facilities," "Laptop workspace," "Mini bar," "Non-smoking," "Private bathroom," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Slippers," "Smoke detector," "Soundproofing," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Wake-up service," and "Wi-Fi [free]."
My room had a decent bed, a working TV, and the AC blasted cold air. The blackout curtains did their job. The Wi-Fi was… okay-ish. The complimentary tea was… well, it was there. The bathroom was clean enough. The "in-room safe box" was probably a good idea.
The major issue? The soundproofing was… let's just say you could hear the incessant street noise (which is a constant in Shanghai) AND the guy in the next room snoring. It was like a symphony of sleep deprivation. I, personally, was constantly fighting the urge to start banging on the walls in the middle of the night.
Getting Around - Navigating the Shanghai Chaos:
They offer "Airport transfer," "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," "Taxi service," and "Valet parking." The "car park [free of charge]" was a definite bonus (parking in Shanghai is a nightmare). I took a taxi, which was surprisingly easy to flag down. The airport transfer option is available; however, I personally did not use it.
Overall Impression - The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Traumatic:
So, is the Hanting Hotel in Xujiahui a "hidden gem?" Well, the "hidden" part is definitely accurate because finding any actual "luxury" here is like finding a needle in a haystack. It has moments of potential greatness (the room itself, for example, with the decent bed and the AC), but those moments are often overshadowed by the… let’s call them “quirks.” The lack of good coffee has left a deep emotional wound. The pool debacle still haunts my dreams.
The staff try to be helpful and are generally affable. The location is decent (Xujiahui is a good area). The price is… probably reasonable-ish, depending on your expectations.
Bottom line? This isn’t a bad hotel, necessarily. It just isn’t as luxurious or as smoothly run as it claims to be. If you're looking for a budget-friendly place to plonk your bags and you don't mind a few imperfections and some questionable breakfast
DAYS INN STE-HELENE-DE-BAGOT: Your Dream QC Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my Shanghai adventure, straight outta the Hanting Hotel in Xujiahui, Yishan Road. Prepare for a glorious, chaotic, probably-slightly-jetlagged journey, because this is gonna be messy and real.
Shanghai Shenanigans: A Rambling Adventure (AKA, My Attempt to Not Screw This Up)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Curse of the Luggage
08:00 AM (ish): Landed in Shanghai. Smug bastard that I am, thought I'd beat the jet lag. HA. Lies. Absolute lies. My brain feels like a scrambled egg that's been left out in the sun.
08:30 AM (ish): Customs and baggage claim. Managed to navigate the bewildering process. My luggage, however, decided to play hide-and-seek. Found one bag, the other… vanished into the ether (or maybe just a black hole of the airline's disorganization). Panic levels: rising. Mildly swearing under my breath.
10:00 AM: Taxi to the Hanting Hotel at Yishan Road. The driver… let's just say his driving skills were questionable, and his preferred music was some kind of rhythmic chanting I swear I could not understand. The chaotic energy of Shanghai is already seeping in - and am loving it!
11:00 AM: Check-in. The hotel room is small… very small. Like, "can-I-swing-a-cat-without-knocking-over-a-lamp?" small. But the AC is blasting, and that, my friends, is a victory. The missing luggage (which I'm now convinced has eloped with a mime) is becoming a bigger problem.
12:00 PM: The great noodle quest: Hunger pangs. Deep, primal hunger pangs. Needed authentic Shanghai noodles. The hotel staff recommended a place nearby (I am still not sure what they said). After a fifteen-minute walk in 30-degree heat that made me sweat like a pig, I found it. Tiny, bustling, and smelling of deliciousness. The noodles were divine. Chewy, salty, spicy. I slurped them down like my life depended on it. Pure, unadulterated joy. I don't think the other patrons were used to a Westerner inhaling food so quickly, but whatever, I would have fought a small dragon at this point!
02:00 PM: Attempt at exploring: Decided to wander around the neighborhood. Quickly realized I'd severely underestimated the heat and the sheer scale of the city. Got hopelessly lost. Ended up in a random park, mostly populated by elderly people practicing Tai Chi. The grace and serenity of it was mesmerizing, and I stood there, completely mesmerized, for a good twenty minutes. Felt a sudden wave of calm - Shanghai, you're weird, but I'm kinda digging it.
04:00 PM: The Lost Luggage Saga (Continuation): Called the airline again. More useless promises and "we'll get back to you." Starting to seriously consider buying a whole new wardrobe. The idea of wearing the same damn clothes for days on end makes me shudder.
06:00 PM: Dinner Debacle: Tried to order food via "Meituan" (apparently the app). Utterly failed. My Mandarin is nonexistent. Ended up pointing wildly at pictures and hoping for the best. Got a plate of something that tasted like… well, I'm not entirely sure. But it was hot, and I ate it.
08:00 PM: Bedtime… or attempt at bedtime: Jet lag is finally catching up. Fighting the urge to weep into my pillow. The city outside is alive with noise, but my brain is screaming for sleep. Sleep? That's a luxury.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Dim Sum, and a Near-Disaster
09:00 AM: (Attempted) Wake-Up: Woke up. Actually woke up. Felt slightly less like a zombie… and was delighted!
10:00 AM: Breakfast and a Little Bit of Regret: The hotel buffet. The food was… interesting. I'm pretty sure I ate something that had tentacles. Don't ask. No regrets.
11:00 AM: Touring the Bund: Took the metro to The Bund. The view was spectacular. Jaw-dropping. The skyscrapers reaching for the sky, the river bustling with boats, the old colonial buildings… just, wow. Okay Shanghai, you're showing off now!
12:30 PM: Dim Sum Delirium: Found a place near The Bund and ordered ALL THE DIM SUM. Xiao long bao (soup dumplings) exploded in my mouth, the har gow (shrimp dumplings) were perfect, the siu mai (pork dumplings) were heavenly. This was the single best meal so far and I'm tempted to go back for seconds, thirds, and fourths of everything.
02:30 PM: The Tea House Fiasco: The Yu Garden. It's beautiful, but it was also packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder, elbow-to-the-eye packed. Attempted to escape the masses and find a tea house. Got thoroughly lost within the garden. The tea house experience was… underwhelming, and the tea was not good. The price was scandalous!
04:00 PM: The Near-Miss (traffic related): Attempted to cross a ridiculously busy street. In Shanghai, traffic is a relentless tide of cars, scooters, and cyclists. I almost got run over by a scooter. My heart leaped into my throat. Seriously, I swear I saw my whole life flash before my eyes. Lesson learned: look both ways. Several times.
06:00 PM: Dinner Search & Discovery: Tried to find a non-touristy restaurant. Wandered through a maze of alleyways. The locals looked at me with the same mix of amusement and pity. Eventually found a tiny place serving what turned out to be incredible homemade noodles. This place was my holy grail, the noodle paradise I've been searching for. This time, the chef didn't seem to care I inhaled my meal, he smiled at me, and that made my day.
08:00 PM: The Evening Stroll and Reflections: Walked along the illuminated Bund, soaking in the atmosphere. Shanghai is a city of contrasts, beauty and chaos. Still missing my luggage. Might buy a new toothbrush tomorrow.
09:00 PM: Bedtime and the Luggage Curse (again): Went back to my cramped room, and the luggage still hadn't turned up. This evening I'm not planning on trying to sleep. I would probably spend all night ordering stuff online, or watching movies, it's okay. I love my life.
Day 3: The Hunt, and Departure Dreams
08:00 AM: A Morning Mission: After the last few days, I've made an urgent decision: My mission for the day is to hunt down my missing luggage! I'll be on it like a hawk. Well, after I'm done with a cup of coffee (I REALLY, REALLY need coffee).
09:30 AM: The Airline's Labyrinth: Called the airline's customer service again. After being on hold for what felt like eternity, I tried to talk to a supervisor but was met with automated replies. I was ready to scream.
11:00 AM: Souvenir Shopping: Took a deep breath, decided to treat myself, and headed to the silk market. Found the perfect Shanghai-themed scarf to bring home for my girlfriend. I can't wait for her to see it!
12:30 PM: Another Noodle Fix: Went back to my favorite noodle shop. The chef greeted me with a friendly smile, and I devoured my lunch as if it were my last meal on earth.
02:00 PM: Departure Dreams: Sadly, it was time to leave this bustling city. I could get used to it. In my mind, I was already planning my next trip to Shanghai.
03:00 PM: Farewell, Shanghai: Headed to the airport, hoping the missing luggage would somehow magically appear. I left Shanghai with a heavy heart and a suitcase full of memories.
06:00 PM: Departure: Goodbye Shanghai, you amazing, chaotic, and utterly addictive city. I will be back. And now, the long flight home…
Postscript: The Missing Luggage Mystery
(A week later)
My luggage? Still missing. The airline? Still "investigating." But the memories? They're definitely the best souvenir from this crazy journey. And you know what? That's all that matters. Shanghai, you were a whirlwind, and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm headed to the store to buy a toothbrush… and maybe a whole new wardrobe.
Luxury Redefined: Hotel Signature Grand's New Delhi Oasis Awaits
Xujiahui's Hidden Gem: The Hanting Hotel - My Brain Dump of Truth
Okay, spill it. What's so "hidden gem" about the Hanting Hotel in Xujiahui? Most Hanting's are… well… Hanting's, right?
Right, right! I hear you. My expectations for a Hanting were… low. REALLY low. Picture this: I'm picturing flickering fluorescent lights, a suspicious smell of cleaning products that's trying too hard and thin walls. But this one… THIS ONE… was different. It's in *Xujiahui*, which already gives it a leg up. It's smack-dab in the middle of everything, but tucked away enough to feel… well, like you've stumbled on a secret. There's a certain *vibe*. I walked in expecting a generic box, and I got... okay, maybe not a palace, but a clean, surprisingly well-decorated box that was miles beyond the average Hanting experience. More than just a bed, I felt, you know, *comfortable*. Not like, "I've made a terrible life choice" comfortable.
Location, Location, Location. What's the deal with being in Xujiahui? Is it actually convenient, or just hype?
Oh. My. GOD. The location is EVERYTHING. Seriously. Xujiahui is a *beast*. It's got everything you could possibly want: shopping malls that could swallow a small town, temples (the Xujiahui Cathedral is stunning!), amazing food of every single variety, and, THANK THE HEAVENS, easy access to the metro. You're practically tripping over subway entrances. I'm talking a 5-minute walk to the action. I'm terrible at directions and I still managed to navigate it without getting completely lost. That in itself is a miracle. I'd give the convenience an A+! Okay, maybe an A, because getting a taxi at rush hour is still a white-knuckle ride. But that's Shanghai, baby!
Let's talk about the rooms. What's the vibe? Are they… clean? (the million-dollar question!)
Okay, the rooms. Deep breath. ARE THEY CLEAN? Yes. Yes, they were. Actually, unexpectedly spotless! I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I was bracing myself. I walked in expecting to do a full-blown inspection with UV light and a magnifying glass. But honestly? The room was genuinely clean. The bed linens felt fresh. The bathroom… gasp… the bathroom was clean! They used some kind of scented cleaning product, which I usually hate, but it was subtle and didn't make me feel like I was in a hazmat suit! The decor, while not exactly "luxury," was modern and surprisingly pleasant. It wasn't just a box with a bed; there was some thought put into the design. Maybe not a *lot* of thought, but some. And for a Hanting, that's practically a Michelin star.
Breakfast. The bane of every hotel's existence. What's the story with the Hanting's breakfast? Is it worth it?
Oh, breakfast. Here's where things get… interesting. They *do* offer breakfast. I'll be honest; I skipped it. Why? Because Shanghai is a *foodie paradise*. I mean, you step outside the hotel and BAM! Endless options for AMAZING breakfasts. Tiny soup dumplings, savory crepes, delicious noodles, you name it. The hotel's breakfast menu didn't look bad, but when you are in Shanghai, one does an outside breakfast. But, from what I saw, it *looked* like a standard, mostly Chinese-style buffet. There was someone eating congee, and it looked good... I just prefer the adventure of finding my own breakfast in a place like Xujiahui. Sorry, Hanting breakfast!
Okay, the REALLY important question: the value for money. Is it *actually* a good deal?
YES! Absolutely, positively yes. For the location, the cleanliness, and the overall experience, the Hanting in Xujiahui offers fantastic value. You're getting more than what you pay for. I'm serious. I’d pay again, no questions asked. It's a budget-friendly option that doesn't feel *budget*. You're essentially getting a prime location and a clean, comfortable room at a price that won't make you weep. That alone is worth its weight in gold (or, ya know, Renminbi).
Anything that *wasn't* perfect? Come on, be honest!
Alright, alright, the *not-so-perfects*. The elevator... it's slow. REALLY slow. Prepare to add extra minutes to your journey up or down. And sometimes, the wifi was a little… temperamental. It would cut out briefly, usually just when I was in the middle of something super important, like checking my WeChat. Plus, the soundproofing wasn't *amazing*. You could sometimes hear muffled noises from the hallway, but it wasn't ear-splitting. Honestly though... those are minor quibbles.
Okay, let's get to the emotional stuff. Would you *recommend* it? Would you go back?
HECK YES! I would absolutely, unequivocally recommend the Hanting in Xujiahui. Would I go back? In a heartbeat! It's not just a place to crash; it's a practical basecamp for exploring Shanghai. It exceeded my expectations, frankly. It was clean, convenient, and surprisingly comfortable. Honestly, I went in expecting the bare minimum, and I got something far beyond that. For the price, it was a steal! So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly, well-located place to stay in Xujiahui, don't dismiss the Hanting. It's a hidden gem, I'm telling you! Go! GO NOW!
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Can they speak english?
Okay, Staff. This is a mixed bag. The front desk staff were polite and efficient. English wasn’t perfect, but they understood my basic needs. My Chinese is abysmal, so that's always a plus! They were eager to assist but not overly friendly, let's just say not like they're best friends. They get the job done. They can point you in the right direction. They can maybe call a taxi. Basically, they were fine. They weren't *unfriendly*, just… neutral.
Okay, back to location, oneRoam And Rests
