Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Hi Inn Near Shanghai University!
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: My Chaotic Tango with Hi Inn Near Shanghai University
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little soup – more on that later) on Hi Inn Near Shanghai University. Let’s be honest, finding a decent, affordable spot in Shanghai that isn't a soul-crushing concrete box is a challenge. So, when I stumbled upon Hi Inn, I was cautiously optimistic. And, well… it was an experience. A gloriously, messily human experience.
(Metadata - Here we go! Trying to appease the Google gods…)
- Title: Hi Inn Shanghai University Review: A Budget Traveler's Honest Take
- Keywords: Hi Inn Shanghai University, Shanghai hotel review, budget hotel Shanghai, accessible hotel Shanghai, free wifi Shanghai, Shanghai University area, spa Shanghai, pool Shanghai, clean hotel Shanghai, near university, Chinese food, Western food, family friendly Shanghai, pet-friendly hotel, amenities, best hotel deals Shanghai
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Hi Inn near Shanghai University. Discover the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward moments of a stay, covering accessibility, amenities, dining, and the all-important Wi-Fi. Is it a hidden gem or a budget-traveler's survival test?
First Impressions & Accessibility (Let's Get Practical, Kinda)
Finding Hi Inn, honestly, was a bit of a scavenger hunt. Not because it was hidden as the title suggested, but because my brain had decided to channel its inner goldfish that day. The location, though? Conveniently close to Shanghai University, which meant lively student vibes and, crucially, easy MRT access to everywhere. Score one, Hi Inn.
Accessibility? Okay, here's the deal. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and I saw the elevator. But I didn't test it. I’m not a wheelchair user, and frankly, I didn’t go digging to explore the ins and outs of the guest rooms. However, the public areas seemed reasonably navigable. (Though, like most things in China, you might need a healthy dose of patience and a willingness to point a lot.)
Check-in/out, Services & Conveniences (The "Oh, They Thought of That" Moments and the "Well, That's Different" Ones)
The check-in was… swift. Contactless? Well, I handed over my passport, but it felt less like a grand gesture of technological advancement and more like a slightly rushed, yet functional, process. The front desk staff were polite, in that efficient, non-nonsense way that's common in China. No effusive greetings, no sparkling smiles – just, "Room number: 1406. Enjoy." Fair enough.
They offer a whole bunch of services, from Laundry Service to Currency Exchange. I didn't need most of them, but it's good to know they're there. They even offer a Cashless Payment Service. (Yes!)
And then came the REAL gems:
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! This is a huge deal, folks. A major plus when you're desperately trying to translate menus or stream your favorite guilty-pleasure show.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was cleaned every day, which, after a long day of navigating Shanghai's chaos, was a welcome relief. My bathroom even sparkling.
- Convenience Store: This tiny shop in the lobby ended up being my lifeline. Late-night snacks? Check. Toothpaste because I, inexplicably, forgot mine? Check. The convenience store, the unsung hero of budget travel.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Soup and Other Adventures)
Okay, food. This is where things get interesting.
- Restaurants: They boast a couple of restaurants. One was this buffet place (with a bizarrely long queue) and an A la carte place.
- Breakfast: Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options? Yes, please! The reality was more like a slightly sad buffet with lukewarm scrambled eggs and questionable sausages. I tried. I really tried.
- The Soup Incident: One day, after a particularly grueling exploration of the Bund, I was utterly famished. I ordered a bowl of soup from room service (24 hours! Amazing!). It arrived… and let's just say the presentation was a little rustic. The taste? Surprisingly good! The texture? … let's call it an adventure. I remember it was a hearty, filling, and probably not for the faint of heart.
- Coffee shop: I always see coffee shops as a good sign, but I didn't get to find out if it was any good.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa? Gym? … My Room?)
This is where I felt they were trying a little too hard.
- Fitness Center: They had one, but it looked like it hadn't seen a dumbbell since the Y2K. I'm not gonna lie, I peeked. It was more of a suggestion of a gym, really.
- Pool with View: Uh, no.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Nope.
- Massages/Body Scrubs/Body Wraps: I swear, I don't think these existed!
Let’s be real, my "resting" involved staring at the ceiling fan and pondering the meaning of life. My most "relaxing" experience was probably collapsing on the bed after a long day.
Cleanliness and Safety (Sanitizing Shenanigans)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was crucial.
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: Check.
- Hand Sanitizer Everywhere: Check.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: I saw them actively wiping down surfaces.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Check.
I felt safe. They were taking precautions, which put my mind at ease. The whole sanitizing game was definitely on point.
For the Kids (Babysitting and other kid-friendly features)
They had a "Family/child friendly" tag, but they provided no detail. I'm no expert, but I didn't see any evidence, so I think it safe to say Hi Inn is a perfect travel spot for couples and individuals.
Available in all rooms (the true comforts of a home)
These rooms are very well kitted out, with a good coffee/tea maker, a safe box, and a bathtub.
Getting Around (The Great Shanghai Scramble)
- Airport Transfer: They offered it, which, honestly, is a lifesaver when you're arriving in a new city.
- Car park: On-site and free! A massive win in Shanghai, where parking feels like a contact sport.
- Taxi Service: Easy to get a taxi.
The Verdict: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Tolerable
Look, Hi Inn isn't the Ritz. It's not even a fancy Ibis. But for the price, it's a solid, honest-to-goodness place. Here's my breakdown:
The Good:
- Location: Super convenient for the MRT and university life.
- Free Wi-Fi: A lifesaver.
- Cleanliness: They take it seriously.
- Price: Excellent value for money.
- The "Soup Incident": It's a story for the ages (and a testament to the 24-hour room service!).
The Bad:
- The "Gym": A cruel joke.
- Buffet Breakfast: A mixed bag.
- Decor: Utilitarian, at best.
- The whole "spa" thing: Don't even bother hoping for luxury here.
The Surprisingly Tolerable:
- The quirky features and sometimes "rustic" aspects of the experience. It makes for a memorable stay.
- The fact that you can actually get a room for a price that won't make you need a second mortage.
Final Thoughts:
If you're a budget traveler who prioritizes cleanliness, location, and decent Wi-Fi over luxury, Hi Inn is a gamble worth taking. Just don't go expecting a spa day, and maybe bring your own snacks. And if you order the soup… be prepared for an adventure.
Nantes' Hidden Gem: Quick Palace La Beaujoire - Unbelievable!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's rigid travel itinerary. This is more like a diary of a slightly frazzled, perpetually hungry traveler unleashed upon the concrete jungle of Shanghai, specifically near the Hi Inn Shanghai University Hutai Road (bless their little digital hearts). Prepare for a messy, opinionated, and hopefully hilarious ride.
The Shanghai Scrum: A Chronicle of Chaos & Noodles (and Possibly Regret)
Day 1: Arrival - Jet Lagged & Judgy
- Time: 1:00 AM (Shanghai Time - or as I've quickly learned, "Shanghai Never Sleeps* Time."
- Event: Landed at Pudong International Airport (PVG). The air was thick, humid, and smelled suspiciously of delicious street food I couldn't immediately get my hands on. My brain felt like scrambled eggs - all over the place, and slightly…broken. Immediately regretted packing a suitcase full of only "stylish" clothes, not practical ones.
- Transportation: Airport Metro Line 2 – Thank GOD for the metro, even though the signage was about as helpful as a chocolate teapot when you're delirious from lack of sleep. Managed to navigate it (mostly) thanks to sheer willpower and my phone’s translation app, which, bless its heart, thinks I’m fluent in Mandarin now. (Spoiler: I’m not.)
- Location: Hi Inn Shanghai University Hutai Road. Honestly, the room is…compact. Let’s call it “cozy.” I'm pretty sure the bathroom is smaller than my walk-in closet back home, but hey, at least the shower works. And that’s a win.
- Reaction: Initial impression: "Shanghai, you're loud. Like, offensively loud." But there’s a buzzing energy, a promise of chaos, and the faint, tantalizing aroma of… well, everything. Already plotting my escape to find noodles at 3AM.
- Minor Category: First Cultural Infringement: Nearly walked in front of a speeding electric scooter. Learned the hard way that traffic laws here are, shall we say, “suggestions.”
Day 2: Noodle Obsession & Temple Temptation
- Time: 9:00 AM – Wakeup after a decent night of sleep, feeling less like a walking zombie, thank goodness. But, stomach is already growling for noodles.
- Event: Breakfast adventure! Stumbled out of the (cozy) hotel in search of… well, anything edible. Found a tiny hole-in-the-wall place a few blocks away, a place which, through the blessing of Google Translate and a lot of pointing, I managed to order a bowl of what I think were dan dan noodles. These noodles were the culinary embodiment of everything I love – spicy, savory, and utterly addictive. I might have, possibly, slurped them down like a starving wolf. No regrets.
- Event: The temple that rocked my world. I spent the better part of the afternoon at Longhua Temple, a Buddhist temple and the oldest in Shanghai, which for me will always be the "temple of sheer awe." The incense was thick, the air was heavy with the sound of chanting, and the sheer scale of the place was breathtaking. I got lost in the labyrinth of courtyards and hallways, mesmerized by the golden Buddhas. Here's my anecdote, and it's a good one: There was this old lady, probably a thousand years old (give or take), who kept trying to sell me incense. She’d cackle at my confused expressions regarding the price (I still couldn’t figure it out!), then would take my money, and give me a blessing! She did this 3 more times, which I found hilarious. This whole experience was the epitome of "lost in translation" fun.
- Transportation: Walking, metro, and a slightly terrifying taxi ride where the driver seemed to be competing in a Formula One race. (Seriously, how do they drive here?)
- Location: Longhua Temple, then back to the hotel to recharge (and maybe sneak in another nap before my noodle craving returns).
- Reaction: Temple was a profound experience, a quiet antidote to the city's frenetic energy. Feeling like I'm starting to understand some of the essence of Shanghai, bit by bit and noodle by noodle.
- Minor Category: Culture Clash: Successfully navigated the treacherous art of crossing the street (again), which I still feel requires a PhD in advanced chicken-crossing theory.
Day 3: Lost in Translation (Again) & Xintiandi's Glamour
- Time: 10:00 AM - Breakfast: Another failed attempt to get the same noodle wonder, but found something else that was just as tasty.
- Event: The search for the Shanghai Museum began. I walked around for a good hour before I realized I was actually going the wrong way. Backtracked, finally found the museum, wandered around for what seemed like forever, and realized my attention span has dwindled. (I'm blaming the jet lag.)
- Event: Xintiandi. This is the moment where Shanghai shifts into glam mode, where the former shikumen dwellings have been transformed into fancy shops, restaurants, and bars. The contrast with the local streets is mind-blowing. My reaction? I loved it! It's beautiful, even if it does feel a bit… staged. Went to a cafe and got some coffee, which I then spilled all over myself.
- Transportation: Walking, the metro (still my best friend).
- Location: Shanghai Museum (briefly), Xintiandi.
- Reaction: Xintiandi is a vibe, and I’m definitely a fan. But I'm starting to get a bit homesick for simple things, like my own bed, and my own familiar brand of chaos.
- Minor Category: Culinary Triumph : Found a street vendor selling the most amazing baozi (steamed buns) stuffed with pork and… something delicious. Another win for my taste buds.
Day 4: The Bund & The Bund (Part 2)
- Time: 2:00 PM - Decided to check out The Bund.
- Event: The Bund. Everyone tells you to go here, and for good reason. The iconic skyline is undeniably beautiful. I wandered the length of the Bund, taking in the grand buildings and the Huangpu River. I have the most important anecdote to tell you. It was the sunset and the light was truly amazing. It started pouring down rain just as I was in the middle of taking it all in. I ran to a nearby restaurant for shelter. Here, I had my Shanghai moment. I stood at the window, ate some dim sum, and watched the rain turn the city to gold. Worth every single second.
- Event: My second trip to The Bund at night time. I wasn't sure what to expect. However, this was a different Bund, a more vibrant, glittering, and energetic one. It wasn't just beautiful. It was electric.
- Transportation: Walking, the metro, and a slight drizzle.
- Location: The Bund and the rain.
- Reaction: The Bund is definitely worth all the hype. I would do it again.
- Minor Category: Shopping Spree: I bought some souvenirs. This turned out to be harder than I thought. Still, I did it!
Day 5: The Great Shanghai Farewell (with More Noodles)
- Time: 8:00 AM - Packing up and preparing for my departure. Still thinking about noodles.
- Event: One last noodle hunt! Found another tiny, incredibly authentic noodle shop. Ate a double helping, because, let's be honest, I'll probably be dreaming of Shanghai noodles for months.
- Event: Saying goodbye to this extraordinary city. Shanghai has been a whirlwind of emotions, from jet-lagged frustration to moments of pure joy and wonder. It's a city that throws you into the deep end and expects you to swim. I've stumbled, I've gotten lost, I've laughed, and I've eaten my weight in noodles. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
- Transportation: Airport Metro, then a plane.
- Location: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
- Reaction: Sad to leave. Shanghai, you're a hot mess, but I'm already plotting my return.
- Minor Category: Final Reflection: Shanghai is not just a city; it's a character. A loud, chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable character.
- PS: Seriously, someone send me a recipe for those noodles. Please.
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Hi Inn Near Shanghai University - Let's Talk Frankly!
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is Hi Inn near Shanghai University REALLY a "Hidden Gem?" Or is it just... a place to crash?
Look, “hidden gem” is subjective, alright? It's definitely not the Ritz-Carlton - thank GOD. I'm talking, you're probably not going to see it featured in *Travel + Leisure*. However, I'd call it a *functional* gem. It hits the sweet spot of "affordable" and "kinda-okay". Like, you're not going to fall in love with the decor (think slightly tired Ikea circa 2008), but the location? Gold. Seriously, being *right there* near the university grounds is a major win. Think quick access to some decent cheap eats, the vibrant student atmosphere (noise levels vary, by the way… be prepared), and public transport that actually WORKS. So, "hidden gem"? Maybe a tiny one, nestled in a somewhat-neglected jewel box.
The Rooms...tell me everything! Are they haunted? Do the showers work? Is there a spider the size of my hand waiting to say hello?
Okay, let's be real: The rooms are… basic. Don't expect luxury. You're in Shanghai, not Monte Carlo. Think small, functional, and occasionally a bit… *fragrant*. By 'fragrant,' I mean sometimes smelling faintly of cigarette smoke, even in the non-smoking rooms. (Disclaimer: I am SUPER sensitive to smoke and this bugged me, YMMV). The showers? They usually work, but the water pressure can be… enthusiastic. Like, you might feel like you're getting blasted by a fire hose. The hot water? Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. It's an adventure. And the spider situation? I can't *guarantee* no giant spiders, but I didn’t encounter any. Phew! My biggest room issue was this HUGE crack running across the ceiling. Made me a little nervous about a cave-in during an earthquake. But hey, it survived, and so did I!
How's the Internet? Because, you know, LIFE depends on it these days.
The internet at the Hi Inn... is a mixed bag. Honestly. When it's good, it’s workable. You can stream Netflix (if you're using a VPN, of course), check emails, and generally get your online life in order. However, I've had moments of sheer, agonizing frustration. Times when the Wi-Fi was so slow, I felt like I was back in the dial-up era. Uploading a single photo took what felt like an eternity! It's a gamble. Plan accordingly. Download any vital files before you check it. Or, if you are a social media master, just move on to the university's wifi. You'll thank me later.
Location, Location, Location! Why is being near Shanghai University such a big deal?
Okay, this is the KEY. This is the REASON to book (or not, depending on your tolerance for a little rough-and-tumble). Being near Shanghai University is GENIUS. First, FOOD. Oh, the food! You've got cheap, delicious street food practically on your doorstep. Noodles, dumplings, baozi – name it, you can probably get it for next to nothing. Second, transport. The subway is easily accessible. Seriously, the subway is a lifesaver in Shanghai. Taxis are easy to find, if you are not tired of fighting with the drivers. Third, the vibe. It’s a young, lively area. Lots of shops, cafes, and things to do. The university itself is gorgeous, a nice place for a stroll. This all makes the Hi Inn's location a significant plus.
The Check-in/Check-out Process. Is it a breeze, or a bureaucratic nightmare?
"Breeze" is the operative word. Because in my experience, you're going to be waiting for a while. The front desk staff... varied wildly in their English-speaking proficiency. Sometimes it was easy, other times it was a pantomime involving pointing, gesturing, and a whole lot of patience. You may need a friend who speaks Mandarin. It's not a deal-breaker, but be prepared to exercise your communication skills. Check-out generally is easier, as they just need your key. But it took me a long time one time as I was trying to find it in my giant bag. My fault entirely.
Cleanliness: Is it spick and span, or a little...lived-in?
Okay, this is where expectations are key. It's not pristine. It's not the kind of place where you'd eat off the floor. BUT, and it's a big but, it’s generally… acceptable. The bed linens were usually clean, the bathroom was reasonably clean (mostly), and the room itself was tidied up. Don't expect the level of cleanliness you get at an upscale hotel. But it's not a biohazard zone. Just don't go looking too closely under the bed, okay? Just trust me on that one.
What Kind of PEOPLE Stay Here? Give me a demographic breakdown!
Mostly budget travelers, I’d say. Students, backpackers, maybe some business travelers looking for something affordable and convenient. I saw a lot of young folks, people who weren’t afraid to rough it a little. I also saw families, which surprised me a little. The age range? Wide! It wasn’t a party hostel, but it wasn’t a silent library either. Expect a mix. And noise. It could be noisy. People coming and going at all hours. But I was too tired to care, most of the time.
Let's Talk About THAT Breakfast they offer: Worth it? Skip it? Run for the hills?
The breakfast, oh, the breakfast. If you're a breakfast person: AVOID. The breakfast is... sparse. I went once, and it was a pretty sad experience. It was a self-service buffet, but the offerings were… minimal. A type of bland, white bread, some questionable-looking hard-boiled eggs, maybe a tiny bowl of congee. I'm pretty sure it was instant coffee. You're better off grabbing a cheap, delicious bite from the street food vendors nearby. Seriously, invest your breakfast budget in a baozi. It'll be the best decision you make all day. Run for the hills, I'ma say.
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