Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Hanting Premium Hotel Review (Expo Shangnan Rd)
Shanghai's Hidden Gem? Let's Get Real: Hanting Premium Hotel Review (Expo Shangnan Rd) - My Braindump!
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Shanghai, and, let's be honest, navigating any city as massive as that is a project. Finding a decent hotel, especially one that doesn't feel like a concrete box, is a whole other beast. Enter: the Hanting Premium Hotel (Expo Shangnan Rd). They call it "Premium," and honestly, I was cautiously optimistic walking in. Here's the brutally honest, messy, and probably slightly caffeinated breakdown:
First Impressions & Accessibility: Where's the Ramp?
Right off the bat: Accessibility. This is crucial, and I'm going to be frank – it could be better. While I didn't need a wheelchair, I did notice a few areas where a ramp or wider access would have been beneficial. Elevator? Check. But the entry area felt a little… tight, and the sidewalks around the hotel weren't always the smooth sailing you'd hope for. They have a car park [free of charge], which is a huge win in Shanghai, and the elevator access is there, but I'm giving it a solid "Could Be Improved" for comprehensive accessibility.
Getting Connected: Wi-Fi & Internet – Let's Talk Real Speed!
Okay, this is where Hanting Premium shines. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually WORKS. Shocking, I know. I'm a digital nomad, so reliable internet is LIFE. I needed to upload a massive file at one point, and guess what? No buffering! Seriously, a huge sigh of relief. Internet, Internet [LAN] – they've got it covered. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep. So, overall, the internet and the Internet services were a definite thumbs up. Major points for keeping me from pulling my hair out.
Cleanliness & Safety: Are We Safe?
This is the big one post-pandemic, right? I'm happy to say: I felt safe. They're taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly visible. They have daily disinfection in common areas. I saw staff meticulously cleaning everything. They even had hand sanitizer dispensers EVERYWHERE. (Though I'm sure they're not using it fast enough for me, which I was super delighted to see). Rooms sanitized between stays seems like a standard operating procedure now and a welcome one. They also had essential condiments which will prevent any food contaminations. Rooms are sanitized between stays as well. I didn't feel they were slack at all.
Rooms & Comfort: The Good, The Okay, and The "Oh God, My Back!"
Here's the deal with the rooms. They're… functional. The basics are there: Air conditioning, thank the heavens. Blackout curtains – crucial for beating jet lag. Free bottled water, always appreciated. Coffee/tea maker, yes! The bed was… a bit firm for my liking. I'm a princess when it comes to mattresses, and I didn’t sleep perfectly every night and I woke up with a back ache. I'm gonna say Extra long bed is also there. But the slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch. Bathrobes is a plus in my book. Towels were plentiful and fluffy (always a plus). Did I mention they have a mirror? Haha, of course they did! They have separate shower/bathtub, and I really appreciated the water pressure in the shower. The soundproofing was pretty good, but the window that opened? A major win for fresh air. What was a turn off was when my neighbor was being noisy, that made me annoyed. There are also interesting features that might make your stay even more pleasant, like complimentary tea and complementary slippers. They also have bathroom phone, if you really need it. The desk would be useful for those who are working like me. Overall, room verdict: Good for the price, but don't expect luxury.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, food. This is where things got… interesting.
Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was the most convenient option. It was a basic, but filling Asian breakfast, and had, on occasion, some decent Western cuisine. It probably was like every hotel's: Breakfast service was decent but nothing particularly memorable. Asian cuisine in restaurant: they served some authentic-sounding dishes.
Restaurants: There's a restaurant and a coffee shop on site.
Room service [24-hour]: this saved me after those long travel days. Bottle of water was also available.
Snack bar: handy for late-night cravings.
A few thoughts: I would have loved some real coffee, not just the instant stuff. And the vegetarian restaurant options were a bit limited. Overall, it did the job of feeding me.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The staff were generally friendly and helpful, even if there was a slight language barrier. Concierge, there. Daily housekeeping, definitely appreciated. Cash withdrawal easily accessible. They also have dry cleaning, which would have been amazing if I wasn't traveling on a budget. Laundry service is a convenient bonus. I loved the convenience store in the hotel I did not end up using, but I've found many hotels that don't have one, so points there.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Like "Ways to Briefly Recover"
Okay, so they have a fitness center. I, sadly, didn't use it. I was too busy running around Shanghai, getting lost in the markets, and eating street food. There is also a pool with a view that I ended up not using. They also have a sauna, and a spa, but I didn't get a chance to try it.
For The Kids:
Didn't travel with kids, so I can't speak to this.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: available.
- Taxi service: easy to grab.
- Car park [on-site]: is present, to park your car.
- Car power charging station: is present to charge your electric car.
Messy Conclusion – Is Hanting Premium Hotel Expo Shangnan Rd Worth It?
Look, it's not perfect. But for the price, it’s a solid choice. It's clean, safe, and has great internet. The location is decent – close to the Expo area and easily accessible by metro. You're not getting a luxury experience, but you are getting a comfortable base to explore one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Here's My Honest, Messy Recommendation:
If you’re traveling on a budget, need reliable internet, and prioritize cleanliness and convenience, then ABSOLUTELY book the Hanting Premium Hotel (Expo Shangnan Rd). Be aware of the accessibility limitations if you need them, and the breakfast if you are a picky person. But overall, it's a good value for your money.
Final Rating: 7.5/10 - Solid! Don't overthink it. Go, explore, and have a fantastic time in Shanghai!
Rome's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Secrets of Mattoncino!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned corporate travel itinerary. This is me, navigating the glorious, chaotic, and utterly bewildering city of Shanghai, all based out of the ahem "Premium" Hanting Hotel on Shangnan Road. Prepare for some serious rambling, because that's just how I roll after a ten-hour flight and a questionable airport taxi.
Itinerary: Shanghai Scramble (and the Hanting Hotel Debacle)
(Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret)
- 8:00 AM (Shanghai Time): Land at Pudong (PVG). My God, the humidity hits you like a warm, damp, and overwhelmingly jet-lagged hug. I swear, the air itself is sweating here. This is where the adventure should begin, but I'm already questioning every life choice that led me to this moment.
- 8:45 AM: Find a taxi. My Mandarin is… well, it's comprised of approximately five phrases, all of which have probably been butchered beyond recognition in the last ten minutes. I point wildly at my hotel address scribbled on a crumpled piece of paper, hoping for the best. Pray for me.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Hanting Hotel Shanghai Expo Shangnan Road. "Premium?" Honey, let's not get ahead of ourselves. The lobby smells faintly of disinfectant and something vaguely floral that I can't quite place. My initial thought? "Well, it's a roof over my head." My second thought? "I’m going to need more coffee."
- 10:00 AM: Check in. The staff, bless their hearts, are trying their best with my bewildered expression and increasingly desperate attempts at basic Chinese. The room: small. The view: of another building's fire escape. Jury's still out on the "Premium" part, but I'm too tired to complain. Nap time. A solid two hours.
- 1:00 PM: Wake up, disoriented, and immediately crave noodles. This craving becomes the driving force behind the afternoon.
- 1:30 PM: Venture out in search of lunch, armed with Google Translate and a reckless disregard for navigating traffic. This is where I learn that Shanghai is basically a symphony of honking horns and scooters weaving through pedestrians like it's an Olympic sport. Survival is the name of the game.
- 2:00 PM: Triumph! Find a tiny noodle shop. The menu is entirely in Chinese. I point at a picture of something vaguely appealing, and after a lot of gesturing, I get a bowl of something that looks like delicious, soupy, noodle-y goodness. Heaven. I slurp it down in minutes, barely noticing the spice level that could melt concrete. The tears may have been from joy, or the chili.
- 3:00 PM: Stumble into the nearby Yu Garden. Beautiful! Intricate! Overcrowded! I am absolutely captivated by the architecture, the fish ponds, and the sheer, relentless number of tourists. I feel like I'm in a theme park, not a traditional garden. It strikes me how the manicured beauty feels strangely at odds with the chaotic city outside.
- 5:00 PM: Wandering aimlessly through the surrounding streets near Yu Garden. This is one of the best parts, just letting the energy of the city wash over me. Street food smells, the cacophony of daily life… This is real life happening all around me.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt (and mostly fail) to navigate the metro back to the hotel. My phone is basically useless without Wi-Fi. Learn the hard way that Google Maps doesn't work offline. That was a mistake.
- 7:00 PM: Finally back at the hotel. Decide to order room service, mostly because I'm too exhausted to face another food adventure. Spoiler alert: "premium" does not extend to Hanting Hotel room service. The fried rice tasted like it had been sitting in a warm oven for too many hours.
- 8:00 PM: Shower & Collapse. This is the best part of the day.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Wake up at 3 am, convinced the air conditioning is trying to personally kill me. Turn it off. Eventually fall back asleep.
(Day 2: Shanghai Exploration…and the Great Breakfast Debacle)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, starving. Ready to see if the hotel actually offers breakfast, and if by some miracle, it's remotely tasty.
- 7.30 AM: Down to the ‘breakfast buffet’. It's an experience. Think lukewarm congee, some sad-looking pastries, and a variety of things that may or may not be edible. I opt for a piece of toast, slathered in what I hope is butter. (It wasn't)
- 8:00 AM: Decide I need a Proper Shanghai Breakfast. Embark on a mission to find a local breakfast spot. This turns into a mini-adventure, involving a wrong turn, a helpful (albeit language-challenged) elderly woman who tried to point me in the right direction.
- 8:30 AM: Find a delicious local eatery! I get a scallion pancake, a soybean milk, and a fried dough stick. The food smells wonderful. This is the best breakfast of my life.
- 9:30 AM: Head to the Bund. The iconic skyline is even more impressive in person. It's a visual feast, a testament to the city's ambition. I take a million photos. Basic tourist, I know, but come on, it's the Bund!
- 10:30 AM: Take a stroll along the Bund. Wander around and enjoy the scenery along this beautiful stretch of waterfront.
- 12:00 PM: Shopping and lunch in the French Concession. My inner shopaholic awakens. This area is absolutely gorgeous – tree-lined streets, charming boutiques, and cafes brimming with life. I spend way too much money on a scarf that I probably don't need.
- 2:00 PM: Visit some cool art galleries.
- 4:00 PM: Afternoon tea at a swanky hotel. Feeling a bit fancy, so I indulge in some tea.
- 6:00 PM: Head to Tianzifang, a maze-like neighborhood filled with art studios, shops, and bars. The area is packed with tourists, but I still enjoy the quirky atmosphere and the unique shops. This is the closest I've come to feeling truly "Shanghai." I buy a weird ceramic cat.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant in Tianzifang. Order food by pointing blindly at the menu, and end up with something I can't quite identify but is absolutely delicious and incredibly spicy.
- 9:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Contemplate life, the quality of my hotel room, and the absolute necessity of earplugs for sleeping in this city. Wonder if my "Premium" experience will improve. Guess I'll find out tomorrow.
(Day 3: The Pursuit of Dumplings and a Farewell (For Now))
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The air conditioning is still trying to kill me. Seriously, I’m starting to suspect a conspiracy.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel because I don't have the energy to fight the traffic. The congee is still lukewarm. Decent coffee though. Silver linings and all that.
- 9:30 AM: This is DUMPLING DAY! I've spent the last two days dreaming of them, and today, I'm going to find the perfect dumpling. I’ve consulted several online reviews (read: I Googled "best dumplings Shanghai").
- 10:30 AM: Head to a recommended dumpling shop. Oh. My. God. These dumplings. They are soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and they explode in my mouth with a burst of flavorful broth. I may or may not have cried a little. They were that good.
- 12:00 PM: Wander through a local market, getting a feel for every day Shanghai life.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Shanghai Museum. I'm usually not a museum person, but the collection here is utterly captivating, and I can't help but be impressed by the history and artistry. The jade collection alone is worth the trip. This is surprisingly good.
- 4:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Panic buy a bunch of random things – a silk scarf (again), some chopsticks, a box of tea.
- 6:00 PM: I realize I haven't purchased any gifts. Panic! Run back to the French Concession and overpay for something (anything!) I can take home.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at a restaurant near my hotel. The meal is nothing special, but I just sit and reflect on all the things I have done and enjoyed.
- 9:00 PM: Packing. Realize I've only worn half the clothes I brought.
- 10:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
- **11:00 PM
Hanting Premium Hotel (Expo Shangnan Rd) - The Undiluted Truth (and a Little Madness)
Okay, look. You're poking around for info on the Hanting Premium Hotel on Expo Shangnan Rd? Right. Let's get this done. I stayed. I survived (barely sometimes). And now, I'm here, a slightly traumatized, yet ultimately reformed, reviewer.
Is it ACTUALLY "premium"? Like, what does that even MEAN in Shanghai hotel terms?
“Premium” is… well, let's unpack that word, shall we? Think, like, *slightly* above your basic Hanting. Think nicer towels, maybe a slightly less terrifying shower, and a vaguely more stylish lobby (though that's debatable). Don't go expecting the Ritz. You're getting something that tries, bless its cotton socks, to feel a bit fancier than the standard budget option.
Here's a true story: I once saw a stain on the "premium" carpet in the hallway. It *might* have been coffee. It *might* have been something else. The jury's out. Let's just say "premium" is aspirational.
Okay, Location, Location, Location. How's it situated? Is it actually a "hidden gem"?
The Expo Shangnan Rd. part? That's the key. It *is* hidden. You’ll quickly realize that the nearest subway is not, I repeat NOT, a hop, skip, and a jump away. Factor in a good 15-20 minute walk, especially if the Shanghai humidity is doing its thing (which, let's be honest, it almost always IS). The "gem" part? Debatable. It's not smack-dab in the city center, that's for sure. Think… slightly off the beaten path. It's got a lot of local restaurants nearby, which is a massive plus, by the way. Some authentic, some… interesting.
But the location did lead to a GREAT story. One time, I was wandering around, completely lost (standard), and a friendly grandmother pulled me into her tiny stall. She didn't speak English, I didn't speak much Mandarin, but we bonded over a shared love of trying to figure out the price of steamed buns. It was brilliant. So, yeah, the location has its moments.
The Rooms: Are they as tiny as a phone booth with a bed?
Alright. Let's be brutally honest. Space is at a premium in Shanghai. Remember that. My room, yes, it was cozy. Let's call it "efficiently designed." You might find yourself having to sidestep the bed to get to the bathroom. Don't expect to swing a cat (figuratively, of course. Please don't bring a cat). But, hey, it's a bed, a tiny desk, and a (hopefully) functional TV. Essentials, right?
The BEST thing was this: one time, I was trying to work. Dead silence in the room (a rarity!). I was feeling good! Then, suddenly… BAM! Construction. Right outside my window. They were building a… something. I never found out. But the noise was epic. Earplugs are your friend, folks. Seriously.
Cleanliness – Spill the Tea! Is it actually clean?
This is where things get… well, it depends. Generally, yes. It’s… clean enough. I didn't encounter any horrors, thank goodness. The sheets were generally fresh, the bathroom (usually) scrubbed. But keep your expectations realistic. I once found a stray hair in the bathroom. Maybe a coincidence. Maybe a sign. Proceed with caution and carry a travel-size hand sanitizer. You'll be fine.
The towels were a highlight, honestly. They were… *very* thin. Like, almost translucent, but perfectly clean and soft, somehow. I'm sure they washed them, at least. It's a good towel, if you appreciate a towel that's seen some things.
The Staff - Are they welcoming? Do they speak English?
Look, the staff are trying their best. Seriously. Some speak English, some don't. Be patient. Bring a translation app. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. It helps. They're generally polite and helpful, even when you're flailing around trying to communicate about… well, anything.
I once had a truly epic interaction with one of the front desk staff. I needed help with a taxi. The language barrier? Extreme. Using a LOT of hand gestures and broken Chinese, we somehow managed to sort it out. It's one of the most memorable conversations I've ever had. It was ridiculous and I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
Breakfast? Let's talk about breakfast! Is it edible?
Breakfast… ah, the eternal hotel breakfast dilemma. Okay, so it’s included, which is a bonus. Think… a selection of Chinese and Western-ish options. Think noodles, some steamed buns (the kind you'll maybe have to haggle over getting the price from a cute lady), and a questionable "continental" spread (think pre-packaged bread, and what resembles coffee).
My breakfast anecdote? Okay, here it comes: ONE TIME, I tried a suspicious-looking egg. I was feeling adventurous. It turned out… strangely rubbery. That’s all I’m going to say. The noodles were good, though! Stick to the noodles.
Value for Money? Is it worth it?
Here's the bottom line. For the price? Probably yes. It's a budget hotel. You get what you pay for. If you're on a shoestring (like I usually am!), it's a decent option. It's clean (mostly), relatively convenient (ish), and has the basic necessities. Just… manage your expectations. And embrace the adventure. You'll have stories. That's what matters. It's not perfect, and if luxury is what you're after, RUN. Run far, far away. But, if you are on a budget and want to see some of Shanghai… go for it.
Would I stay there again? Probably. Because, honestly, where else would you get a rubbery egg and the chance to experience the *real* Shanghai?
