Shanghai Railway Station Hotel: Unbeatable Inn Near the Heart of Shanghai!
Shanghai Railway Station Hotel: Unbeatable Inn Near the Heart of Shanghai? Honestly, Maybe. (A Rambling Review)
Okay, people. Buckle up. This isn't your glossy travel brochure review. This is the real deal, a messy, opinionated, and probably over-caffeinated take on the Shanghai Railway Station Hotel. We just got back, and my brain is still processing the sheer volume of noodles I consumed. Did I love it? Did I hate it? Did I almost get lost in the… well, let's just say let's get into it, shall we?
Accessibility: The Elevator Saga
First things first: getting around. The hotel claims to be accessible. (Accessibility) They've got an elevator, which is a godsend, considering the looong halls. But here's the thing: I spent more time waiting for the elevator than actually riding it. It felt like a slow-motion race against the clock, always with a slightly grumpy old man peering from the window as I'd be in a hurry between the room and the restaurant.
On-Site Goodies (and the Good Old Internet)
So, definitely not an accessibility nightmare like some hotels. They have a ton of features. (On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, Wheelchair accessible) I didn't exactly spend hours in the bar, but it looked pretty decent for a quick drink after a long day of walking. (Bar) And oh, the internet! (Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events) They're shouting about free Wi-Fi, which is great! But the real test is the speed. Thankfully, unlike some hotels, it's pretty good. I was actually able to get some work done, which, let's be honest, is a miracle when you're surrounded by the culinary wonders of Shanghai.
Things to Do (and Do Not Do) - A Deep Dive into Relaxation
Alright, self-care time. (Things to do, ways to relax) The hotel boasts a ton of options. (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steam-room, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) I'm not even sure how anyone finds time for it all! The Pool with a view was the real selling point. I mean, a rooftop pool in Shanghai? Sign me up! It wasn't huge, but getting a swim at sunrise was almost worth the jet lag. And the view -- oh, the view! I could almost forgive the screaming toddlers. Almost.
The Spa/Sauna was… an experience. Let's just say, the steam room was a little too steamy. And I definitely wasn't completely sold on the body scrub after a particularly abrasive massage with a lady who was clearly having a bad day. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right? (Or, a slightly traumatizing experience).
The Cleanliness & Safety Circus
I'm usually a germophobe, but COVID changed everything. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) Thankfully, the hotel seemed to be taking things seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to keeping things clean. I even saw them actually disinfecting the elevator buttons (a small miracle, I assure you). They were offering breakfast to the room ( Breakfast in room) , which was very convenient.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Greatest Adventure
Oh, the food. (Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) Eating in Shanghai is a contact sport, and the hotel's restaurants are ready to step up.
Breakfast was a huge buffet ( Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant) I spent an embarrassing amount of time at the buffet, sampling everything from the "Asian breakfast"(Asian breakfast) to the "Western breakfast"(Western breakfast). The coffee was… well, it was coffee. But the noodles. Oh, the noodles! My personal favourite was at the restaurant that (A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant) -- best noodles I've had in my life. Seriously. I'm still dreaming about them. The 24-hour room service (Room service [24-hour]) also came in handy when jet lag hit at 3 am.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Laundry
The hotel's got all the basic services you'd expect. (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)
I was particularly impressed by the efficient and helpful staff. The concierge was a lifesaver, helping me navigate the city’s chaos. Laundry service (Laundry service) was a must-have after all the accidental spills of various sauces. They even have a convenience store (Convenience store), which is great for late-night snack runs. Though the doorman did raise an eyebrow when I came back one night wielding a bag of questionable street food.
The big one? Location. (Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking) Literally across the road from Shanghai Railway Station. Brilliant! Especially after a long train journey. Airport transfer (Airport transfer) was a great way to start the journey . Plus, there’s parking (Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]) which is a plus for drivers.
For the Kids (And Those of Us Who Never Grew Up)
I will say I didn’t travel with kids but, (For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) I did notice there were kids facilities around. There was even a kids meal(Kids meal) available.
The Room: My Little Shanghai Bubble
The room! (Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) It was clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed. The bed was comfy, the aircon worked like a dream. I especially appreciated the blackout curtains (Blackout curtains), which were essential for battling jet lag, which I always get.
I’m also a fan of the complimentary tea (Complimentary tea), and a mini-bar (Mini bar) with some water.
Getting Around – The Taxi Trials
The hotel has a taxi service (Taxi service) which is good. But be warned: traffic in Shanghai is… an experience. I spent more time in taxis than I care to remember, sometimes dodging scooters and buses like my life depended on it. (It probably did).
Overall Impression (and the Big Question)
So, would I recommend the Shanghai Railway Station Hotel? Honestly, yes. Despite the wonky elevator, the sometimes-abrasive massage, and the occasional traffic nightmare, it was a great experience. The location is unbeatable. The staff is helpful, and the food is incredible. Just be prepared for a little chaos… and maybe invest in some good earplugs.
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Title: Shanghai Railway Station Hotel: Unbeatable Inn Near the Heart of Shanghai! (A Rambling Review)
Description: A candid and opinionated
Rosenheim Getaway: Unbeatable Holiday Inn Express Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and utterly unpredictable world of a trip to Hi Inn Shanghai Railway Station! Forget polished itinerary, this is me, raw and untamed, wrestling with the sheer Chinese-ness of it all. Let's go…
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome to the Sizzle (and the Sweat)
- 7:00 AM (ish): I'm waking up in a hotel that pretends to be near Shanghai Railway Station. Lies, I tell you! It's closeish. Like, "after a half-hour-of-a-walk-but-after-that-you-get-to-a-bus-stop-and-then-another-half-hour-walk-after-that" kind of close. Packing. Double checking wallet. Triple checking passport. I'm a nervous wreck, I'm not going to lie. Travel is supposed to be fun, but I'm already picturing myself lost, alone, and gnawing on a questionable street meat skewer.
- 8:30 AM: Breakast. They offer “American breakfast" that looks incredibly disappointing, so I decided to try some local food outside. After walking down, found a street stall that smells amazing. I tried the famous Shanghai Breakfast. It's so hard to find a place that open so early, so I was very happy.
- 9:30 AM: Finally outside. The air hits me… thick and heavy. It's the kind of humidity that makes your hair immediately frizz and your pores scream, "More sweat, please!" So much people. But oh, the smells! Spicy. Sweet. Mysterious. Immediately I’m overwhelmed. Should have definitely brought a wet wipe.
- 10:00 AM: The real adventure begins: Finding the Shanghai Railway Station. This is where my map skills (or lack thereof) are thoroughly tested. Wandering a bit. A lot bit. Asking for directions, which mostly involve frantic hand gestures and a lot of "Ni hao!" (that's my only Mandarin weapon). Somehow, miraculously, I stumble upon the correct entrance. Victory! I'm so excited.
- 11:00 AM: Check-in at Hi Inn Shanghai Railway Station. It's… functional. The bed looks comfy, the air conditioning is a godsend (seriously, someone should give the inventor of AC a Nobel Prize).
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Found a local noodle shop. I wanted to order something, so I pointed, and smiled. The noodles were incredible. I had never had noodles like that.
- 1:00 PM: Wandering around the neighborhood. So many things to see. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. People everywhere. The cars. The noise. The smells. The colors. It's beautiful.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted. This is the part of travel they don't tell you about: the sheer exhaustion. I’m not sure if it was the heat, the jet lag, or just the sheer intensity of Shanghai, but I am absolutely beat.
- 5:00 PM: Decided to risk the internet so I can research for my next step.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Still not used to the chopstick. Eating the rice in my mouth and laughing is a habit for every meal.
Day 2: Exploring Shanghai – A Dizzying Delight
- 8:00 AM: Woke up so early. It's morning. Ate breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: The hotel is located near the Shanghai Railway Station so that I could go there by walk. I'm very excited and the same time a bit nervous.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Shanghai Railway Station itself. It's a gigantic, bustling hub of movement. People are rushing, vendors are hawking, announcements are blaring in Mandarin I don't understand a word of. This is beautiful in a chaotic way.
- 11:00 AM: Taking pictures
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Having so much choices.
- 1:00 PM: The Bund. The iconic waterfront. The Art Deco buildings. The futuristic skyline. It’s absolutely breathtaking. I wanted to stay there all day.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the Yu Garden. I got lost. It was a maze, but a beautiful one. The architecture is stunning, the ponds are tranquil, and the tiny winding streets are packed with souvenir shops and food stalls. I got a little lost in the chaos.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Taking notes.
Day 3: The Final Day – Until Next Time (Probably)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up so early. It's morning. Ate breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. I feel a pang of sadness leaving.
- 10:00 AM: One last walk around the neighborhood. Bought some souvenirs, mostly random things.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport. Shanghai, you crazy, beautiful, overwhelming, and completely unforgettable city. I'll be back. You just wait, and get ready, because I am coming back!
Reflections:
- The Language Barrier: A constant adventure. My attempts at Mandarin are laughable, but people are incredibly patient and helpful. Smile, point, and hope for the best!
- The Food: OMG, the food! Street food is a must. Be brave. Try everything. You won't regret it. Maybe.
- The People: Generally kind, curious, and occasionally hilariously baffled by my touristy antics.
- The Verdict: Shanghai is a sensory explosion. It's a city that leaves you exhausted, exhilarated, and craving more. It’s messy, it’s imperfect, and it’s absolutely wonderful.
So, there you have it. My less-than-perfect, utterly human, and hopefully entertaining account of my time near Hi Inn Shanghai Railway Station. Don't expect perfectly polished travel blogging. Expect me, figuring it out one noodle bowl, one wrong turn, and one glorious, sweaty adventure at a time.
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Shanghai Railway Station Hotel: Unbeatable Inn Near the Heart of Chaos (and Dim Sum!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. You're thinking about the Shanghai Railway Station Hotel? Good choice (maybe...). Look, I've been there. I've survived. I *thrived* (mostly). Let's get into this, shall we?
Is it REALLY near the station? Like, *really*? Because I’m bad with directions.
Oh, honey, yes. It practically shares a wall. You stumble out of the train, bleary-eyed from the overnight journey, and BOOM. Hotel. It's glorious. My first time, I swear I could smell the delicious (and occasionally questionable) street food *before* I even saw the station. It's like the hotel teleported you. Perfect for directionally challenged people (like me). Just… beware the taxi drivers. They *know* you're new and tired. Haggling is a national sport, and you'll be the newbie.
The reviews… they seem… mixed. What’s the deal? Is it actually clean?
Okay, the reviews. Yeah. They're a rollercoaster. Look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton, alright? Think… functional. Remember, you're not paying for a palace. You're paying for *location, location, location*. The cleanliness? It's… generally okay. Sometimes, you might find an unexpected… *friend* on the bathroom ceiling. (Let's just say, bring your own travel-sized aerosol bug killer. Just in case.) They clean. They *try*. But Shanghai is a city. Stuff happens. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the adventure! And maybe, just maybe, embrace a good scrub. I just remember the time… oh gosh… let's just say, there were some *interesting* stains on the carpet. I'm not even sure *what* they were, but I chose not to dwell. I was too excited to eat the dim sum across the street. Priorites, people!
Is the food any good? Specifically, is there good food NEAR the hotel? I love food!
OH MY GOODNESS, YES!!! The food. That's the best part! Seriously, ditch the hotel restaurant (unless you're craving a questionable buffet). Walk. Explore. Get lost! The area around the train station is a culinary goldmine. Cheap, authentic, and *delicious*. My absolute favorite? The dim sum place across the street (I mentioned it, right?). It's bustling, noisy, and the dumplings are basically heaven in a bamboo steamer. Order everything. Seriously. Everything. And don't be afraid of the language barrier – point, smile, and you’ll be fine. I once ordered a dish that I *think* was pig's intestines (not sure!)... and I LOVED it. (Okay, maybe I’m a bit adventurous…) Prepare for food coma bliss. You've been warned!
What about noise? Train stations are famously loud.
Yes, the noise. Okay, deep breaths. It's a train station hotel. There's noise. You *will* hear trains. Early morning, late night… all the time. Bring earplugs. Good earplugs. Industrial strength, maybe. I learned this the hard way. My first night? Barely slept. Every train whistle felt like it was directly in my ear. The second time? Earplugs, thank the heavens. It’s not *constant*. It comes in waves. Think: a low rumble followed by a high-pitched shriek. But, look on the bright side! It keeps you from oversleeping and missing that crucial breakfast dim sum run. Plus, you'll feel all the more appreciative of silence when you *finally* get some.
Is it easy to get around from the hotel? I want to see the sights!
Absolutely! Getting around is surprisingly easy. The hotel practically *spits* you out onto the subway. The Shanghai Metro is clean, efficient, and a total life-saver. Seriously, learn that subway map. It's a lifesaver. The train station itself is a major hub for transportation. Taxis are readily available, but be careful (see above). And you can always… walk! It's a great way to soak up the atmosphere, get lost, and discover hidden gems. Just be prepared for the crosswalks. They're… an experience. I once saw a man riding a bicycle in a zebra crossing and a woman on roller skates crossing a whole street, the chaos is something else and I loved every second.
Anything else I should know? Any tips for a newbie?
Okay, tips! Okay. Firstly, embrace the chaos. Seriously. It's part of the fun. Secondly, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Even a "hello" and "thank you" go a long way. Thirdly, bring a universal adapter. (Duh, right?). Fourthly, pack *light*. You'll be doing a lot of walking. Fifthly, download a translation app. Seriously. It's a lifesaver. And… *be prepared to be amazed*. Shanghai is a city that will grab you and not let go. Oh, and… get travel insurance. Just in case. You never know what might happen. I hope you have a better time than I did in the beginning! Enjoy your trip!
Is the Wi-Fi any good? Because I need my Instagram fix.
Look, the Wi-Fi... it's… *there*. It works. Sometimes. Mostly. Don't bank on streaming Netflix in HD. Think more… checking emails and posting grainy photos of your dim sum. It’s not gonna blow your socks off. Honestly, though, disconnect! Be present! Savour the moment. Live the experience! Take it all in! Shanghai's a sensory overload in the best way possible. Enjoy it! Your Instagram feed can wait! (Or, you know, download a VPN to bypass those pesky country restrictions…just sayin’.) But honestly? Put down the phone, breathe in the delicious smells, and *explore*.
Would you stay there again?
... Look… If I needed to be *right there* at the train station? Yeah, probably. Despite the questionable cleanliness, the questionable noises, and the questionable… everything else. The food, the location, the experience. It's all part of the wild, wonderful, and sometimes slightly terrifying charm of Shanghai. It's not glamorous. It's not luxurious. But it *is* a gateway to adventure. And sometimes, that's all you need. Just… bring those earplugsGlobetrotter Hotels
