
Shanghai Xujiahui's Hidden Gem: Hi Inn - Unbeatable Luxury!
Shanghai Xujiahui's "Hidden Gem" - Hi Inn: Unbeatable Luxury…or Just Overhyped? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just crawled out of Hi Inn in Xujiahui, Shanghai, and let me tell you, my brain is still processing. "Unbeatable Luxury," huh? The marketing folks definitely wrote that, because my experience was…well, it was something. Let's break it down.
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Struggle is Real…Sometimes)
Finding Hi Inn wasn't exactly a walk in the park. Xujiahui is a sprawling beast, and while it is accessible (more on that later), the initial hunt for the hotel felt like a scavenger hunt designed by a sadist. Accessibility: The hotel itself has an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. Facilities for disabled guests? Listed, but I didn't personally assess the level of execution. How's the check-in, then? Smooth enough, though the "Contactless check-in/out" was more of a "slightly less face-to-face" kind of thing. No complaints from me, though.
Rooms - The Good, the (Maybe) Bad, and the Unexpectedly Cozy
Okay, the rooms. Available in all rooms: Everything. Seriously. From Air conditioning to an Alarm clock and a Coffee/tea maker, they've thought of it all. Additional toilet? Nope, but the main bathroom was perfectly functional. Complimentary tea? YES! I practically lived on that stuff. The air con was a lifesaver, especially after sweating buckets navigating Shanghai’s humidity. The Blackout curtains…oh, the blackout curtains! They turned the room into a blissful, sleep-inducing cave. However, and there is a however, the carpeting felt a little…worn. Nothing truly horrific, mind you, just not the "fresh-out-of-the-box" luxury I was expecting. The Internet access – wireless was a breeze! Finally, Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! I'm talking solid, reliable internet - a godsend for work and streaming.
Here's a story, though! I needed to work from the room but forgot my laptop charger. Ugh! Total panic. Luckily, there was a desk, so I could set up using the Laptop workspace. And the most important thing - the Internet access – LAN! You know, old school and absolutely reliable. So, crisis averted. (And I learned a valuable lesson about packing everything.)
Pro Tip: Request a high-floor room for less noise!
Cleanliness & Safety - (Feeling Safe and Sound…Mostly)
Cleanliness and safety: This is where Hi Inn shines. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays gave me serious peace of mind. Staff trained in safety protocol – spotted them doing regular sanitizing. The First aid kit gave us peace of mind. Hygiene certification? Check. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere! They aren't playing around. My (slight) paranoia levels remained perfectly manageable.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Misstep)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, so the food. This is where things get…interesting. They advertised an Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. The breakfast (buffet), was a hit-or-miss. The coffee in the restaurant was watery, and the croissants tasted a week old. On the other hand, they offered a pretty good Asian breakfast – the congee was comforting, and the selection was great. Restaurants: Limited choices, but the staff was super helpful. Room service was an absolute life-saver at one point. They have a Snack bar, which is great for quick bites. However, the Bottle of water in the room saved my life multiple times.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - (Spa Day, Anyone?)
Things to do, ways to relax: This is where the “Unbeatable Luxury” label actually started to feel… accurate. The advertised Spa/sauna experience was truly remarkable. I’m not a huge spa person, but I was able to access the Sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool was excellent with Pool with view. I needed to use the Fitness center. It was a nice distraction.
Services & Conveniences - (Pretty Standard, But Still Appreciated)
Services and conveniences: Everything you’d expect from a hotel touting luxury, from Concierge to Daily housekeeping. The Laundry service was amazing. And the Luggage storage saved me from lugging my suitcase around post-checkout. Car park [on-site] was free, which is always a bonus in a city like Shanghai.
For the Kids - (Family-Friendly Vibes?)
For the kids: They have a Babysitting service for those times when you need to relax. Family/child friendly: Yes!
Getting Around - (Navigating Shanghai's Chaos)
Getting around: Okay, the Airport transfer was a winner. After a grueling flight, I was whisked away in an air-conditioned oasis.
The Quirky Bits & Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, let's be real. This isn’t the Ritz. There were a few hiccups. My phone, a real drama queen sometimes, needed a bit of help - "Wake-up service?" More like "Wake-up call that I slept through". The staff, overall, were polite and helpful, but sometimes there was a slight language barrier. It's China, things can be slightly chaotic, you know? But honestly? It added to the charm. Oh, and the music in the lobby was…interesting. Think elevator music meets Chinese pop. I couldn't decide if I loved it or hated it.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype? (Maybe, with a Few Caveats…)
So, is Hi Inn "Unbeatable Luxury"? No, not quite. Is it worth the price? Absolutely. The location is fantastic (once you find it!), the rooms are comfortable, the staff is doing their best to provide a great service, and the spa is a must-do. Is it perfect? Nah. But it’s real, it's clean, and it’s a great base camp for exploring the amazing chaos that is Shanghai.
Now, for the sales pitch (because you know you want to book it!)
Exhausted? Ready to be pampered? Craving an escape that won't completely empty your wallet?
Book your stay at Hi Inn in Xujiahui today! You'll be a quick step from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you will have everything you need to relax and enjoy Shanghai!
Here's what you get:
- Prime Location: Right in the heart of Xujiahui, you're close to everything.
- Clean & Safe Rooms: Peace of mind guaranteed.
- Amazing Spa: Unwind and recharge.
- Comfortable rooms
Don't wait! Escape to Shanghai and book your stay now, it is a hidden gem, but a gem nonetheless!
Denver Thornton's BEST Hotel? DoubleTree by Hilton Review!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized travel brochure. We're plunging headfirst into the delightful chaos that is a trip to Hi Inn Shanghai Xujiahui. Prepare for rambles, regrets, and the occasional triumphant dumpling. Here we go…
Shanghai Shenanigans: A Mostly-Coherent Itinerary (with Bonus Meltdowns!)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (at least, initially).
- 10:00 AM: Land at Pudong Airport (PVG). Okay, first hurdle: customs. I'm usually a nervous traveler, but somehow, I cruised through. Victory! (Or, at least, a temporary reprieve before the jet lag hits).
- 11:30 AM: The Metro Experience: Okay, let's be real. Airports are designed to exhaust you. I'm already sweaty, my backpack feels like a small mountain range, and I'm staring at this Metro map like it's written in hieroglyphics. Somehow, through sheer dumb luck (and probably a helpful Chinese student), I navigate my way to Xujiahui. Pro tip: learn some Mandarin phrases. You'll look less like a lost puppy.
- 1:00 PM: Check into Hi Inn Xujiahui. Ah, the room! Surprisingly clean! My expectations were low, but hey, it’s a bed and a shower. Small, but acceptable. This is where the jet lag tsunami starts to build…
- 2:00 PM: Lunch: Found a small noodle shop near the hotel. Ordered something I thought I knew. Turns out, it had…an interesting texture. The language barrier is a beautiful thing. I ate it anyway, though. Gotta learn to love the unfamiliar.
- 3:00 - 5:00 PM: Explore Xujiahui: Xujiahui Cathedral… gorgeous! The architecture steals your breath. Wandered through the local shops, soaking up the atmosphere. I bought a knock-off Gucci handbag. Don't judge! It was hilarious (and probably illegal). Felt great.
- 6:00 - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a dumpling house. Okay, this is where it gets good. Hands down, the best dumplings I've ever had. Steaming, juicy, perfect. I ordered a plate, then immediately ordered another. And maybe a third. I need to go back. Oh no… It's only day 1 and I'm already consumed by a dumpling obsession… Is there a support group for this? This. Is. Heaven.
- 8:00 PM: Crash. Hard. Jet lag is a beast, and I sleep like the dead.
Day 2: Bund, Buses, and Buyer's Remorse
- 9:00 AM: Coffee and breakfast. The hotel has a basic breakfast. I grab a coffee and a pastry. It tastes like nothing. I vow to find better coffee.
- 10:00 AM: The Bund. This is the tourist trap everyone talks about. And it’s worth it. The skyline is magnificent. It kind of hit me how different it is. The grandeur of the buildings (and the sheer number of people jostling for selfies) is overwhelming. I walked along the river, feeling like I was in a movie. My phone dies because I was taking selfies. I am sad.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: I found a great little restaurant near The Bund. I had the best pork buns and was very happy.
- 1:00 PM: Hop-on, hop-off bus (Tourist Alert!): Okay, maybe a little cliché. But actually, it's a great way to see a lot of the city without walking for twenty miles. Got a good overview of the different districts.
- 3:00 PM: Shopping: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street! This is where the chaos goes into overdrive. It’s a sensory overload of lights, sounds, and the sheer number of people. Bought some random souvenirs. Did I need them? Absolutely not. Will I regret it later? Probably.
- 5:00 PM: Tea Ceremony: I don't know, I thought I should. It wasn't terrible, but I'm not sure if I understand the fuss. All the tiny cups and precise motions made me nervous, especially with a language barrier.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: Ended up back near the hotel. More dumplings. I'm not ashamed.
- 8:30 PM: Attempted Karaoke. This was a mistake. My singing is atrocious. The experience, however, was priceless. Never again, but I’m already looking forward to it.
Day 3: The French Concession, Regrets, and the Art of the Stare.
- 9:00 AM: French Concession: This part of Shanghai is stunning. The old colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, and cafes have a totally different vibe. Wandered through the area admiring the architecture.
- 11:00 AM: Art Gallery: Found an interesting art gallery and was so happy, until I saw the prices. Decided not to purchase any art. Maybe I'll try art later.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: I'm starting to understand the food scene. So now it's time to go a little further and try something else. I ended up in a small restaurant that didn't have an English menu. I pointed to something, hoping for the best. It was… spicy. Really, really spicy. My face was red, my eyes were watering, but I couldn’t stop eating it. I regret nothing.
- 1:00 PM: More exploring. Lost myself in the maze of streets, just soaking it all in. I stopped in a park and just…stared at people. It's weird, but people-watching on a foreign land is almost meditative. You notice the little things: the way people interact, their expressions, their clothes. Makes you really think about your own place in the world. Very deep.
- 3:00 PM: Shopping (Again!): Okay, I'm going to admit it. I have a problem. Found another market, spent way too much time there. Saw a fake Chanel bag. I resisted. Was it my moral compass? No. I just liked the Gucci one better.
- 5:00 PM: Attempted a massage. Oh wow. This was an experience. I don’t think I was very good at the "relaxing" part. The masseuse kept telling me to "relax." I tried. I failed. I’m a work in progress.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: One last dumpling extravaganza. Farewell, delicious dumplings! I'll miss you.
- 8:00 PM: Packing (mostly). The bags are a mess, but it's a beautiful mess.
- 9:00 PM: Start the journey back home.
Day 4: Departure - Sadness
- 7:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Did I mention I have a problem?
- 8:00 AM: Check out of Hi Inn. Sad to leave, but also…ready for my own bed after all that walking.
- 9:00 AM: Head to Pudong airport and start the long journey home.
The Takeaway:
Shanghai is overwhelming, exhilarating, and delicious. It's a city that challenges you, frustrates you, and makes you laugh. It's a mess, but it's my mess, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
PS: I still dream of those dumplings. Send help. Or, you know, a plane ticket back.
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Shanghai Xujiahui's Hidden Gem: Hi Inn - Unbeatable Luxury! (Or is it?) - FAQs
Okay, Okay, spill. What’s the absolute *best* thing about Hi Inn? The *highlight*?
Does "Unbeatable Luxury" *actually* hold up? Or is it just marketing fluff? I'm a skeptic.
Let's talk money. Is it going to bankrupt me?
How's the location in Xujiahui? Convenient? Or a tourist trap?
What kind of people stay there? Like, am I going to feel out of place?
The rooms. *Tell* me about the rooms. Are they as luxurious as they claim? Spill the tea!
Is the staff helpful? Like, *really* helpful?
What about the food? Breakfast, lunch, dinner? Do they have on-site restaurants?
Alright, final verdict. Would you recommend it? Seriously.


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