Shanghai Luxury Getaway: Hanting Hotel Xujiahui - Unbeatable Location!
Shanghai Luxury Getaway: Hanting Hotel Xujiahui - Unbeatable Location! - My Gut Feeling Review (Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! 'Cause I just got back from the Hanting Hotel Xujiahui, and this ain't your average TripAdvisor review. This is REAL, unfiltered, sleep-deprived me, spilling the tea about this Shanghai situation. And honestly? It's…complicated. But in the best way possible.
Location, Location, Location (And Why It Almost Killed Me):
Let's be honest, the "Unbeatable Location" thing? Nailed it. Seriously. Xujiahui is a freaking vibe. Think swanky malls rubbing shoulders with ancient temples and enough neon to give Las Vegas a run for its money. Getting around? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Subway is practically on your doorstep, meaning adventures await! (That also meant I got lost in the labyrinthine subway system at least four times. But hey, character building, right?)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like Life, Really):
Okay, the hotel says it has "Facilities for disabled guests." Let's just say, my investigative journalism skills (read: my nosy curiosity) led me to believe it. Elevator? Check. But the details? I'm no wheelchair user, so I can't fully vouch, but I’d recommend calling and getting the specifics. This isn't always a strong point in China and needs verification for accessibility.
Cleanliness and Safety - Not Your Average Germaphobe's Dream, But…:
Right, so. "Professional-grade sanitizing services," "Daily disinfection in common areas"… Yeah, they say that. And honestly? They did a decent job. Felt safe enough, but I did see a cleaning lady swipe something with what genuinely looked like a slightly damp rag. So… take that with a grain of salt AND bring your own wipes. The hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere, though, which is a massive win. The fact that they had "Anti-viral cleaning products" is at least reassuring and good to know.
What to Do When You're Not Lost in Translation (A.K.A. The "Things to Do" Bit):
This is Shanghai, people! You're NEVER bored. The hotel itself? Not a resort. It's a functional, well-placed basecamp. BUT! Their Wi-Fi in the rooms was fantastic Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and the "Things to do" are outside. A little exploration of nearby areas is highly recommended. The shopping malls are an experience!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fuel for My Shenanigans):
Okay, the dining situation. Breakfast? Not a gourmet experience, but they did a "Breakfast [buffet]" that covered the basics. There was an Asian breakfast and a Western, so there's something for everyone. Coffee shop on site, so a quick caffeine fix (essential for surviving the crowds). They do a "Room service [24-hour]" which is good to know. And the staff were helpful when they delivered a bottle of water when I asked for it!
The Room - My Temporary Sanctuary (And Where I Faced My Demons):
Okay, the room itself. Clean, mostly. Air conditioning? Glorious, essential, life-saving AC (it gets hot in Shanghai). Air conditioning in public area? Yes! Desk? Check. Extra long bed? Yes! That's important. The window that opens was another pleasant surprise. Wi-Fi [free]? Yes! And that's important. The little touches were there: coffee/tea maker, free bottled water.
The bathroom situation was pretty standard. Shower, bathtub, all the usual bits. The toiletries? Meh. Bring your own. But! They had blackout curtains. Bless the blackout curtains. They also have a “Wake-up service,” which I missed and now realize is an important part of a good review.
There's also a mini-bar, but that wasn't something i even used, and it was certainly not enough in this hotel to have the "Room service [24-hour]" service available.
The room had "Internet access – wireless" and "Internet access – LAN"
I was lucky to get a "High floor" room, which was a perfect, because I love people-watching!
I did appreciate having a mirror! (Important for a hotel room, I found.) I also found that "Non-smoking" rooms were important. They also provided "Towels," which are always a plus.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier, or Makes You Want to Scream):
They had "Concierge". (Useful if your Mandarin sucks, like mine.) "Daily housekeeping" was a definite bonus. The "Laundry service" was fantastic. "Luggage storage" was hugely helpful. "Cash withdrawal" was easy. The "Elevator" was critical (thanks, accessibility!).
Getting Around (Surviving the City, One Taxi at a Time):
"Taxi service"? Absolutely. Download Didi (the Chinese Uber) before you arrive. Trust me. "Car park [free of charge]" and "Car park [on-site]" were fantastic, but I don't drive and I don't have a car so it's not that relevant to me.
For the Kids (Good Luck with That…):
They say "Family/child friendly." They offer "Babysitting service." I have no kids, so… I just saw a lot of kids and parents.
The "Ways to Relax" (Because Even I Need a Break):
Right. This is where the Hanting gets a bit… underwhelming. They do have a Fitness center, which is good. But no full-blown spa, no pool with a view (sad face), no sauna. If you're looking for pampering, you're gonna have to venture out.
The Bottom Line (My Gut Feeling, Finally):
The Hanting Hotel Xujiahui? It's a solid choice, if you're looking for a well-located, clean(ish), functional base for exploring Shanghai. It’s not a luxury palace. It's a perfectly decent hotel in a fantastic location.
The Catch (Because There’s Always a Catch):
Don't go expecting a five-star experience. Bring your own essentials. Be prepared to navigate the city. But, if you're up for an adventure, this hotel is a good starting point.
SEO-Tastic, Persuasive Offer (Because I'm Supposed to Sell You This Thing):
Shanghai Luxury Getaway: Hanting Hotel Xujiahui - Your Adventure Starts Here!
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Craving the REAL Shanghai experience?
Then the Hanting Hotel Xujiahui is your perfect launchpad! Nestled in the heart of vibrant Xujiahui, you'll be steps from the subway, buzzing nightlife, and incredible shopping. Forget boring travel – embrace the chaos (and the delicious food!) – all from a comfortable, conveniently-located home base.
Here's what you get:
- Unbeatable Location: Explore Xujiahui's temples, malls, and neon lights… all just minutes from your doorstep!
- Comfortable Rooms: Rest up after a day of city exploration in air-conditioned rooms with blackout curtains and free Wi-Fi.
- Convenience at Your Fingertips: On-site dining, laundry service, and a 24-hour front desk – everything you need for a stress-free stay.
- Unbeatable Value: Get the best of Shanghai without breaking the bank.
Book now and receive:
- Free Early Check-in (Subject to Availability): Get your adventure started sooner!
- 10% Discount on Your First Didi Ride (Using Our Promo Code): Explore like a local!
- Free Bottle of Water at Check-In
- Free Wi Fi in All Rooms
- Free Car Park
Don't just visit Shanghai – experience it! Click here to book your getaway at the Hanting Hotel Xujiahui today! (And maybe pack some wet wipes for me.)
Dominican Republic's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Emotions in Juan Dolio!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! You think you're ready for a Shanghai itinerary? Think again. This ain't your sanitized travel brochure. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-caffeinated experience of exploring Shanghai, starting from the glorious (and sometimes slightly chaotic) Hanting Hotel near Xujiahui & Yishan Road Metro. Let's get messy.
Shanghai Shenanigans: A Glorious Mess (Hanting Hotel Edition)
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Surviving Jet Lag
- 7:00 AM (GMT+8) – Beijing Time (aka Panic Time): Okay, so I'm officially in Shanghai. The flight was a blur of questionable airplane food and a crying baby directly behind me. My brain is currently a scrambled egg, and my suitcase appears to have exploded its contents directly onto the bed. First impressions of the Hanting Hotel? Clean-ish. Tiny-ish. But hey, the air con works. Jackpot!
- 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: The first hurdle: figuring out the coffee situation. The tiny convenience store downstairs has instant coffee packets. Dear God. Never you mind. I'm taking a vow to find a real coffee shop asap.
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Great Nap of Doom. Jet lag is a beast. I slept for what felt like an eternity, waking up in a confused sweat, convinced I'd missed the apocalypse. Seriously, Shanghai, you already feel like another planet.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Attempt to navigate the Metro. Instructions said the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Yishan Road Station. Let's just say my sense of direction is questionable at best, and the "5-minute walk" felt more like a death march through construction sites. But, Success! The Metro is a labyrinth of people-watching which is perfect for me, but it works and I'm alive!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch! Found a tiny dumpling place near the hotel. The language barrier was a beautiful, hilarious disaster. Me pointing frantically, the server just laughing and handing me a plate of…something delicious. Whatever it was, it was amazing. I swear, that was the best dumplings of my life. I'll go again. I think her name was Mei? Maybe?
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Recover from jetlag with some more sleep while watching the noisy street below my window.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wander around the neighborhood. I'm determined to find a decent coffee. This is a quest. I had some of the most adorable kids chase a ball I'd accidentally kicked, and the streets are a riot of life. Amazing.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I found one potentially okay cafe. My caffeine levels are slowly returning to normal. Still feeling that post-nap haze, though.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. Found a little noodle place. It may have been the best noodle soup I've ever had. The broth was rich, fragrant, and spicy. I felt myself start to tear up, as I savored the flavor. Okay, the jetlag is winning. I'm emotional about soup. Normal.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Attempt to watch a movie. Fail. Crash. The day is done. Shanghai, you are already exhausting me, but in the most amazing way.
Day 2: Exploring the "Shanghai-ness"
- 8:00 AM: Awake! Coffee Quest, Mark II.
- 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Found a surprisingly good coffee place! And a bakery! I felt like a human again.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Bund! Oh. My. Gawd. The architecture is stunning. The river is flowing. The crowds are massive. Taking selfies with the Pudong skyline and just soaking it all in. I'm pretty sure I saw a guy get completely mobbed by pigeons. Shanghai is officially wild.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Bund. The food was…okay. The view, however, was spectacular. I paid way too much, but the view was worth it. It's just that the service was…interesting. The server didn't speak much English, I didn't speak much Chinese, and we communicated mostly with hand gestures and laughter.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Strolled through the French Concession. So charming! Beautiful tree-lined streets, cute cafes, and a general sense of relaxed elegance. It was lovely, and I almost got lost in the leafy labyrinth. I also found a tiny bookshop. So content. I'm starting to understand why people fall in love with this city.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the Yu Garden. Ok, it was incredible. It's packed, sure, but the gardens are beautiful. The architecture is stunning. I'm also pretty sure I got hustled into buying some overpriced tea. But hey, the tea was…well, it was a bit too flowery for my taste, but still. Looked pretty, with the tea bags floating.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Shopping at Nanjing Road. So many people. So many neon lights. So much stuff. I'm going to need a bigger suitcase. And maybe a personal shopper. And a nap, because, wow.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a small restaurant near Nanjing Road. I had some amazing Shanghai soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao). I burnt my tongue. Still worth it.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Fell asleep, dreaming of soup dumplings and neon lights. Shanghai is slowly but surely winning me over.
Day 3: The Art Attack and a Real Dive
- 9:00 AM: Coffee. Seriously, this is a major priority now. I need it.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: M50 Creative Park. This place is a haven for art lovers. Incredible galleries, street art, and just a general vibe of creativity. It's the Shanghai I love. And, of course, the coffee shop there was amazing.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. More dumplings! This time, with chili oil. My tastebuds are slowly adapting to the spice. I'm becoming a dumpling connoisseur.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Attempt to learn some Chinese. Failed miserably. My Mandarin is basically non-existent. Wandered around the hotel. Back to the hotel.
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Took a chance on a recommended local restaurant. Walked along the street near the hotel and stopped at the first one that looked interesting. It was completely chaotic, but the food was incredible. I think I ate something that was alive a few hours ago. It was amazing.
- 9:00 PM - Back at the Hanting: Exhausted. I love this city.
Day 4: Goodbye, Shanghai, for now…
- 8:00 AM: Last coffee. My heart aches a little. Shanghai, you are a chaotic, beautiful mess.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. And more dumplings.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Back to the Hanting to pack. Say goodbye to the city.
- 12:00 PM - Boarding time: Leaving Shanghai. It was quick, dirty, and wonderful. Goodbye, until next time.
- On the Plane: I can't wait to do it again.
Okay, okay, so…
This is just a framework. Things changed. Plans crumbled. I got lost. I ate too much. I slept too little. I'm sure the "real" Shanghai is far more complicated, far more nuanced, and far more overwhelming than I could ever capture in a few days. But this itinerary? It's mine. And for me, in all its messy, imperfect glory, it was perfect. Shanghai, you magnificent beast, until next time.
Unforgettable French Chateau Stay: Condat-sur-Vézère Charm!
Okay, spill the tea. Is this Hanting Hotel *really* in an "unbeatable location" as the brochure screams?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. "Unbeatable?" That's marketing hype, honey. But, and this is a BIG but, it's *damn* good. You're in Xujiahui. Think: shopping, metro stations practically kissing the hotel entrance, and enough food options to make you cry from sheer indecision. One minute you're craving a 50-cent baozi from a street vendor, the next you're contemplating Michelin-starred dim sum. Seriously, walking out of the hotel, I swear I wanted to go to every other restaurant in Shanghai! I felt like a kid in a giant candy store, except the candy was everything delicious and the store was the entire city. The walk to the Xujiahui metro station is basically a walk through a vibrant, bustling market. It’s not perfect - you might get slightly lost at first (I did, multiple times. Thank goodness for Google Maps and the kindness of strangers!). But you're *in the thick of it*. Which is exactly the goal, right? You're not stuck in some sterile, touristy bubble. You're LIVING Shanghai. And yes, there are enough late night snack places! So, *definitely* "good location".
Is the hotel... you know... actually *nice*? Or is it budget-chic trying *really* hard?
Okay, let's get real. "Luxury" might be stretching it. It's *Hanting*. Think...clean. Functional. Maybe a tad generic, but clean is King. The rooms themselves are... well, they're rooms. They're small, but that's Shanghai, and the design... well, let's say it's efficient. Don’t expect plush carpets and crystal chandeliers. I'd say it's comfortably compact. The bed was decent enough; I slept well when I was actually sleeping (which wasn't always easy with jet lag and the lure of the cityscape outside.) Honestly, the real luxury is the *location*. You’re here to see Shanghai, not cozy up in your hotel room all day. Think of the hotel as a springboard to adventure. A launching pad. A clean place to crash after a day of sensory overload. And honestly, after a long day of walking around, you appreciate a clean, functional room.
The Wi-Fi. Give it to me straight. Does it actually *work*?
The WIFI. Oh, the WIFI. Okay. It worked. MOST of the time. Let's just say, it's not going to win any speed awards. There were moments of glorious connection, and then...times things slowed to a glacial pace. I think I might have aged a year waiting for a picture to upload to Instagram. *Sigh*. So, be prepared for the occasional digital hiccup. Download everything before you go, and brace yourself to disconnect. It could be seen as a blessing in disguise! You might actually experience the city around you. You know, the actual, real-life, 3D city.
Is the staff helpful/can they speak English? (or, you know, can *I* survive?)
Okay, here's the deal. English proficiency varies, but you can *absolutely* survive. Some staff members speak pretty good English, others... well, they tried their best, bless their cotton socks. The front desk was usually helpful, especially when I was completely lost (which, as I mentioned, happened frequently!). Basic phrases and Google Translate are your best friends. And the willingness to try goes a long way. I once spent a good five minutes miming "lost luggage" and "medicine" (seriously, always pack medicine!), and the staff figured it out perfectly. The language barrier is part of the adventure, honestly. It forces you to get creative. Embrace the awkward hand gestures, the slightly confused smiles, and the universal language of pointing and nodding!
Food! What's near the hotel? Give me the good *and* the bad.
The food! Okay, LISTEN. This is where the Xujiahui location *really* shines. Where do I even *begin*? Street food EVERYWHERE. Noodles, dumplings, soup, fried stuff you can't even identify but it's amazing. There's a massive shopping center right around the corner with everything from Western fast food (for those desperate moments) to amazing local restaurants. One night, I stumbled into this tiny, hole-in-the-wall dumpling place - the kind with no English menu, only pictures. BEST. DUMPLINGS. EVER. Seriously. I *still* dream about them. (Seriously, I'm actually craving them now.) The bad? Well, like any big city, you have your share of chain restaurants and tourist traps. Do your research. Look for the places *buzzing* with locals. And be open to *everything*. I ate things I never would have considered back home, and I'm so glad I did. My advice - be brave!
Transportation tips? Metro? Taxis? What's the *deal*?
The metro is your LIFEBLOOD. Seriously. It's clean, efficient, and it will get you *everywhere*. The Xujiahui station is a major hub, so you can connect to pretty much any line. Get a Shanghai Metro card, load it up, and go! It’s easy to navigate, even if the signs are in Chinese (which they mostly are, naturally) They have English translations too. Taxis are available, Uber/Didi work too. But be warned: traffic can be *insane*. The metro is almost always faster. Be prepared for crowds, especially during rush hour. Embrace the squeeze! It's part of the experience. And when you make it to your destination, don't forget to give yourself a little pat on the back. You did it!
What was your *favorite* thing about the hotel/location? (Hit me with something juicy!)
Okay, okay, here’s the juicy bit. The sheer *convenience*. Look. I'm going to be honest. I *hated* the idea of figuring out public transport on day one. Didn't care for the idea to walk for 10 mins in the rain, trying to find where to go - let alone at all! But the metro being *right there*? Life-changing. I probably saved HOURS of travel time, and a metric ton of frustration. That proximity to the metro allowed me to be spontaneous. "Oh, I feel like seeing the Bund at midnight?" BAM! Jump on the metro. "Wandering through a random market?" BAM! Walk out the hotel and do it. The fact that I could pop outHotel Blog Guru
