Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Xujiahui's Best-Kept Secret Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill ALL the tea on Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Xujiahui's Best-Kept Secret Inn! Honestly, finding this place felt like stumbling upon a unicorn wearing a Chanel handbag. Let's be real, Shanghai can be a whirlwind, a glorious, chaotic, dumpling-filled whirlwind. Finding a haven is crucial. And this Inn? It's a bloody masterpiece.
First Impressions: The Accessibility and Getting There (and a bit of a rant)
Okay, so accessibility. Big deal, right? WRONG. It’s often an afterthought, and frankly, it's a damn shame. I'm happy to report that this place actually cares. Accessibility: The Inn gets points immediately for considering those who may have mobility needs. Elevator? Check. Corridors wide enough to swing a cat? Double-check. The website isn't just boasting a stock photo; they actually mean it. Car Park [free of charge] and Car Park [on-site] are a HUGE plus in a city where parking is a competitive sport. Airport transfer? Yes, and thank God. After a flight, the last thing you want is public transport drama. Taxi service is readily available, too.
I was a little hungover and exhausted when I arrived, and the ease of check-in via Contactless check-in/out was a lifesaver. Seriously, I just wanted to crawl into a bed. Check-in/out [express] is also available. I’m terrible with paperwork, so that’s a win!
Beyond the Basics: The Room Revelation (and a minor panic attack)
My room? Oh. My. God. I booked a Non-smoking room because, let's be honest, I need all the help I can get. Air conditioning in every room is a MUST in Shanghai's sweltering summers. The Blackout curtains were a godsend. Absolutely essential. Sleep is a luxury, right?
The Internet access – wireless/LAN, and the promised Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! were a HUGE relief. I'm a digital nomad (slash, desperately trying to become one), so this is key. The speed was actually decent, which is a rarity. The Internet and Internet services are fantastic, a big deal when trying to stream your favorite shows.
What Got Me All Googly-Eyed?
Listen, after trekking around Shanghai, your body is screaming for a break. So, the Spa/sauna and Pool with view were calling my name. I'm not usually a spa person – I envision a lot of awkward silences and cucumber slices – but the atmosphere was just… serene. I went for a Body scrub (it was heavenly) and then melted into the sauna. They even had a Steamroom. Pure bliss. It's a pretty big deal.
The Food! Oh, The Food! (My Stomach's Still Smacking Its Lips)
Alright, food. My weakness. And THIS Inn delivers. Hard.
- Breakfast [buffet] – A solid spread with everything from Asian breakfast to Western breakfast. The Coffee/tea in restaurant flowed freely. Let me tell you, after some night adventures, the Coffee shop was exactly what I needed.
- Restaurants – Multiple options. I devoured a massive Salad in restaurant one day when I wanted to detox from all the dumplings (it was a fleeting desire, I admit).
- Asian cuisine in restaurant – Obviously, I had to try the Asian options, and they were delicious.
- Room service [24-hour] – Because sometimes, you just want to eat dim sum in your bathrobe. They had an A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant, everything was delicious.
The Poolside bar was a game-changer. Sipping a cocktail, watching the city lights sparkle… pure magic. The Happy hour was a great deal, too, for your wallet. The Snack bar kept me happy in between meals. I didn't go to the Vegetarian restaurant but there was one, too.
Hygiene Above and Beyond (Because, you know, the world)
Now, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don’t judge!). But I was blown away by the cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products were used, and Daily disinfection in common areas gave me serious peace of mind. Rooms sanitized between stays is another big plus. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol, and they were actually wearing masks properly. It’s the little things. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, very important.
Relaxing and Unwinding: The Inn's Secret Weapon
Okay, so I've already mentioned the spa. But the Inn has other tricks up its sleeve.
- Sauna, Spa, Steamroom: Self-explanatory, and essential.
- Fitness center & Gym/fitness: For those of you with more willpower than me.
- Terrace: A sweet spot to soak in some sun.
The "Things To Do" and Other Perks
- Concierge: Helpful. Friendly. Knew all the best spots.
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: A HUGE help in a city with unpredictable weather.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every day.
- Cash withdrawal is the easiest to operate.
- Convenience store: Forgot toothpaste? No problem.
(And now I'm just rambling, I know)
Honestly, the Inn felt less like a hotel and more like a secret club, a place you're lucky to stumble upon.
Now, the "meh" bits (because nothing's perfect)
Okay, so this is where the review gets a little… real.
- Pets allowed unavailable: I would've loved to stay with my dog but, it wasn't possible.
Would I Go Back?
ABSOLUTELY. This Inn is a sanctuary. It's clean, comfortable, and has everything you need to de-stress and recharge. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful, and the location is perfect for exploring Xujiahui and beyond.
The Offer! (Because you need to BOOK this ASAP)
Tired of the Tourist Traps? Discover Your Shanghai Escape: Xujiahui's Best-Kept Secret Inn!
Ready to trade the usual hotel chaos for a tranquil haven? Our hidden gem offers you:
- Unbeatable Comfort: Luxurious rooms with blackout curtains, free Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you crave.
- Spa & Wellness Paradise: Melt away stress with our spa, sauna, steam room, and stunning pool.
- Culinary Adventures: From delicious Asian cuisine to 24-hour room service.
- Unmatched Convenience: Airport transfers, easy access to transportation, and a friendly concierge to guide you.
- And, Most Importantly: Peace of mind with our elevated hygiene standards and commitment to your safety.
Book your stay NOW and receive:
- 15% off your stay for stays of 3 nights or more!
- Complimentary welcome drink at our poolside bar.
- Early check-in/late check-out, based on availability.
- AND: Be among the first 10 bookings to get a coupon for a discount on our spa service!
Don't miss out on this chance to experience the real side of Shanghai.
Click Here to Book Your Escape! [Link to the Inn's website]
(Seriously, book it. You won't regret it.)
Ji Hotel Beijing Shilihe: Your Dream Beijing Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is me, wrestling Shanghai, fueled by questionable street food and a total lack of a coherent plan. We're staying at the Hi Inn Shanghai Xujiahui Yongjia Road, which, let's be honest, I booked because it looked vaguely charming online. Pray for me.
Day 1: Arrival and utter chaos disguised as "exploration."
- Morning (or, uh, whenever I stumble out of bed): Arrive at Pudong Airport (PVG). Jet lag's a beast, folks. Pray I find the correct train/subway/rickshaw situation to get to the hotel. Judging by my track record, I'll probably end up in a noodle factory.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried to navigate a foreign subway, I ended up in a town known for its champion cheese curds. (Not complaining, tbh.)
- Afternoon: Check into Hi Inn. Hopefully, the room isn’t actually a broom closet. (Fingers crossed it has AC, because I'm a delicate flower.) Dump my luggage and immediately question all life choices.
- Observation: The lobby is… compact. Let's call it "efficiently designed."
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Get utterly, gloriously, delightfully LOST in the Xujiahui area. My plan (ha!) is to just wander. See some temples, maybe a park, definitely a street food vendor selling things I can't identify.
- Quirk: I fully expect to embarrass myself by trying to haggle. It's inevitable. I'll probably end up paying double for a paper fan and a lecture about the importance of respect.
- Evening: Find food. This is critical. I'm thinking dumplings. Obsessively, probably. Then collapse into bed, battling the phantom limbs of my luggage, and praying for a good night's sleep.
- Emotional Reaction: Excitement AND crippling self-doubt. Can I do this? Will I survive? Probably! (Famous last words.)
Day 2: Doubling Down on the Food (and the Absurdity)
- Morning: Alright, the jet lag is kicking in, let's try to stay upright! I might as well be exploring the French Concession. I need to get on that. Coffee first. Preferably strong, black, and poured directly into my veins. (I am not particularly a coffee person, but I am an explorer.)
- Opinionated Rant: Getting a proper coffee in Shanghai is not as easy as it should be. This is a travesty! I'll hunt down a decent barista, even if it kills me.
- Afternoon: So, the food. We're doubling down on the food. I'm searching for the best xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in the city. Honestly, people, this is serious business. I'm picturing perfect, broth-filled pockets of deliciousness. Pure bliss!
- Messy Structure: Okay, the xiaolongbao hunt. It's going to be like a quest. I'll ask locals for recommendations (with varying degrees of success, I'm sure). Maybe I'll start in Xin Tian Di? Or perhaps try a place in the French Concession. Decisions, decisions!
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Oh, the anticipation. The thought of that first, perfect bite, bursting with flavor… Am I getting too carried away? Probably.
- Late Afternoon: The hunt continues, but I will try and experience: wandering. Seeing some shop buildings. And seeing a park.
- Evening: Honestly, if I haven't found perfect dumplings yet, I'm going to cry. But, I will have food; that's for sure, I can get that anywhere. And I will cry.
Day 3: Temples, Tea, and the Ongoing Quest for Sanity
- Morning: Finally, some culture. I’m going to try and visit the Longhua Temple. Seems pretty cool. I guess. I'm more of a "eat first, ask questions later" kind of gal.
- Imperfection: I’ll probably take a wrong turn on the subway. It’s guaranteed.
- Afternoon: Tea ceremony or something? Okay, I'm in. I’m not really a tea person. But I'm supposed to experience this, right? Probably just for the gram. Let's be real.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild terror and apprehension regarding the fine art of tea drinking.
- Late Afternoon: Exploring some more. What's even around here? Anything interesting? I wish I could just relax, but so much to see!
- Evening: Pack. Reflect. Is this all a dream? Probably.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable post-trip blues)
- Morning: One last desperate attempt to find a decent bakery. Shanghai, you have failed me in the croissant department.
- Daytime: Head back to the airport. Say goodbye to Shanghai. Probably cry a little.
- Rambling: Okay, so I was a bit scared to come, but now I love it, I want to stay longer. I want to come back.
- Evening: Landing back home. Jet lag. Thinking about dumplings. Already planning my return.
This itinerary, as you can see, is more a suggestion than a strict plan. It’s evolving. It’s messy. It's probably going to be filled with unexpected adventures, delicious food, and me generally making a fool of myself. But hey, that's the point. Shanghai, here I come (and I'm probably going to get lost immediately).
Prairie du Chien Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Microtel Inn & Suites!
Xujiahui's Hidden Gem Inn: A Real Guide (Not the Brochure Version!)
Is this place *actually* a secret? Because everyone seems to know *something* about Xujiahui…
Okay, okay, "secret" is a *slight* exaggeration. It's not like you need a password and a handshake. But trust me, it's *way* less crowded, touristy, and… well, Instagram-able (thank god!) than places like Tianzifang. I stumbled across it quite by accident, actually, after a disastrous attempt at finding a "traditional dumpling experience" (which turned out to be a shopping mall food court). Wandering lost, fueled by dumpling disappointment, I saw a discreet sign I'd never noticed before. That was the start of something special. Let's just say it's more "off the beaten track in a city of millions" than a full-blown conspiracy.
What's the vibe like? Is it a luxury hotel or a backpacker hostel?
Definitely *not* luxury. And thankfully, not a hostel either, with the questionable communal showers and the questionable snoring situation. Think… boutique-ish, but with a certain… *Shanghai-ness* that's hard to define. It's clean, the staff are genuinely friendly (more on that later), and the rooms are comfy enough. The real magic is the atmosphere. It's got this… calm, almost spiritual vibe. Seriously, after a crazy day of navigating the Metro, I found myself just *breathing* when I got back. I'm not saying it's a spa, but it certainly feels like an oasis from the urban chaos.
What's the best *thing* about the hotel? Is it the location, the breakfast, the beds?
Okay, this is a tough one! Here's the messy truth: the breakfast is… decent. Okay, it's mostly toast and instant coffee. Let’s be honest, I'm there for the noodles and the questionable-looking (but surprisingly delicious) street food *outside* the hotel. The beds are comfy enough, but I've definitely slept in better. The location is *fantastic*, because it's nestled and quiet, but still super close to everything. No, the *best* thing… it’s the *people*. Let me tell you about Old Man Li. He’s the guy who manages the place. He's a classic Shanghai character: reserved, a little gruff at first, but with a heart of gold. When I first checked in, I was struggling with my awful Mandarin. He just smiled and patiently guided me through the process, pointing to everything. He didn't laugh at my butchered pronunciations (much). Then, on my second visit, I was stuck in a downpour without an umbrella. He saw me through the window and *ran* out to give me his. It was an old, battered thing, with a broken handle, but it felt like… kindness. That's the best thing. The human connection.
Is it good for solo travelers? Families? Couples?
Solo travelers? Absolutely. It’s a safe, welcoming place to feel comfortable on your own. Families? Maybe, but I'm not sure the rooms are enormous (check the website!). Couples? Perfect. Romantic, I'd say. The quiet atmosphere and the feeling of being "away from it all" creates some nice intimacy. Plus, think of all those romantic walks through Xujiahui Park… if you like parks. I do. I got a sunburn there once.
Tell me a story about your *best* experience there.
Okay, buckle up. This is a good one, the one that sealed the deal for me. I went during a particularly bad time in my life, the sort where everything feels like a grey, drizzly Shanghai day. I was feeling pretty lousy. And then I get back to the hotel, and this, Old Man Li, the guy I've already been praising, catches me in the lobby. He usually just nods good morning. This time, he stopped me. He made me a cup of tea. Not that instant coffee, but a real cup, fragrant and beautiful. He didn't say much, just smiled, and then he told me a story about his own life, about a time he felt lost. He spoke in Mandarin, slowly, and I only understood half of it. But I *felt* it. It was this tiny, simple act of kindness that just... saved me. I swear tears welled up. We sat in silence for a while, then he just patted my arm. That's when I knew this wasn't just a hotel, it was some kind of… safe harbor.
Any downsides? Be brutally honest.
Okay, the water pressure in the shower *could* be better. The walls aren't soundproof, so you might hear the occasional snore or a loud phone conversation. The WiFi can be a little… spotty sometimes. Oh, and the language barrier can be tricky if your Mandarin is nonexistent. I’m still terrible, and I always panic a little when I need to order food or ask for something. But, honestly? Those are small things. For me, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The biggest downside is that it *won't* be quite as "hidden" after this, I suppose. But if it means more people get to experience that feeling of warmth… that’s a good thing, right?
So, should I stay there?
Do it. Honestly. If you want a cookie-cutter hotel experience, go somewhere else. But if you're looking for something genuine, something… *human*… then you absolutely should. Just promise me one thing: be respectful. And maybe learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. And tip Old Man Li. He deserves it.
What's the best time of year to visit?
That depends. Spring is beautiful, with all the flowers blooming in Xujiahui Park. Autumn is crisp and gorgeous. Summer is… hot and humid. Like, *really* hot and humid. Avoid July and August unless you *love* sweating. Winter can be cold and gray, but hey, you can find a cozy cafe, and drink some hot tea at the Inn.
How can I find the hotel? Give some more *specific* tips, please!
Okay, okay. I'm withholding the *exact* name because, well, I don't want to completely ruin the "secret" thing. But let's just say it's *very* close to the Xujiahui Metro station. Look for a smaller, less flashy building than the big hotels. Google Maps is your friend, but be prepared to wander a little. Seriously, embrace the getting lost. And when you find it… you'll know. TrustTravel Stay Guides
