Shanghai's BEST Hidden Gem Hotel? (Xujiahui Inn Review!)
Xujiahui Inn: Shanghai's Secret Hideaway? My Messy, Honest Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the alleged hidden gem that is the Xujiahui Inn in Shanghai. I say "alleged" because, well, after my experience… let’s just say hidden and gem might be a stretch. But hey, that's what makes a review interesting, right? Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, a sprinkle of OCD, and possibly a little too much caffeine. Here we go!
Accessibility: A mixed bag, like my dating life!
Okay, let's be real, Shanghai ain't exactly known for its seamless accessibility. The Xujiahui Inn? Well, it tries. The Elevator was a definite plus – essential. But navigating the common areas? It felt a little…awkward. Wide wheelchairs should probably stick to the lobby. Facilities for disabled guests were advertised, but let's just say I didn't see a lot of ramps. More like, "close enough!"
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Um… I don’t know, I don't remember if they had anything specifically that was easy to get around in. I wasn't exactly checking for accessibility features as I tried to navigate my way through the crowds. Anyway, Wheelchair accessible is listed, which is important.
Internet: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods! …Mostly.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it actually worked, which is more than I can say for some swanky five-stars I've stayed in. Internet access in general was solid. Didn't have to worry about a dodgy connection mid-Zoom call, which is a huge win. They have Internet Services and all that jazz. Internet [LAN] too – for those who are into the wired life.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Sauna Dreams (and other things that didn't quite live up)
Alright, adventure time. The Inn touted a whole heap of amenities. Let's break it down:
- Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: YES! This was one of the things I was REALLY looking forward to. The Sauna was decent and hot, and the Steamroom was surprisingly effective at sweating out my stress (and probably a few bad decisions).
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: The Massage therapist was great at that, and I was in a blissed-out stupor for hours. I've never had a body wrap, but the idea alone sounded luxurious.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn't get a chance to try the Fitness center out, unfortunately. A bit busy with things. It looked small, but equipped.
Cleanliness and Safety: The OCD Side of Me Approves (Mostly)
Okay, my inner germaphobe was partially satisfied. They're doing something at least, I felt pretty safe.
- Anti-viral cleaning products - I’m assuming! I saw a lot of wiping and spraying.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays: Good points!
- Hygiene certification: Okay, I'll trust it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Always a good sign.
- Individual-wrapped food options, Safe-dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Fine.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Oh man, a lot of places don't give you this option! Love it!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Adventures (and the occasional disappointment)
Now for the most crucial aspect of any hotel stay: the food!
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, 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, Bar, Bottle of water: Okay. Deep breath. They had options. The Breakfast [buffet] was a decent mix of Western and Asian, but the coffee? Let's just say I saw far better at a nearby 7-Eleven. I always go for some Soup in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
- Concierge: Very helpful.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: All the usual suspects.
- Air conditioning in public area: Important in Shanghai!
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn’t have the kids.
Access & Getting Around: Navigating the Urban Jungle
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service: Yeah, pretty standard.
Available in all rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (Because details matter!)
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Pretty well-equipped, standard room stuff.
My Random Observations & Emotional Reactions (The REALLY Honest Part!)
Okay, time for the messy, honest bits.
- The Vibe: The Xujiahui Inn has… a vibe. It's not exactly a "hip and trendy" vibe, more of a "functional and slightly dated" vibe. But hey, sometimes that's a good thing!
- The Staff: Mostly pleasant! One lady at the front desk was an absolute star, going above and beyond to help me with some lost luggage drama. Seriously, she deserved a medal. Another staff member just made a face when I said I needed a fork. Rude!
- The Rooms: Clean-ish. The decor was… interesting. It looked like they were going for a minimalist feel, but ended up with a "slightly neglected dorm room" feel. The bed was comfortable enough.
- Location: Xujiahui is a decent base if you want to be in that area. Close to metro stations, which is crucial in Shanghai.
The Verdict: Worth It?
Okay, so is the Xujiahui Inn a hidden gem? Maybe. It's certainly affordable, which is a huge plus in expensive Shanghai. It's not perfect, but it has its charms. I wouldn't say it's a destination hotel, but it's a solid choice if you're looking for a clean, convenient, and budget-friendly place to crash. Just don't expect a five-star experience (or perfect access).
My Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Would I stay again? Probably. Would I wholeheartedly recommend it? Depends on what you're looking for. If you're easygoing and just need a place to sleep and explore, then absolutely. If you're a perfectionist or high-maintenance, maybe… look for something a little fancier.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Bentley Hotel Doha - Your Dream Getaway
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to witness the glorious, chaotic, and probably slightly smelly birth of my Hi Inn Shanghai Xujiahui Wantiguan itinerary. This isn't some perfectly curated Instagram feed of a trip; this is the real, sweaty, potentially-crying-in-a-soup-dumpling-shop experience.
The Pre-Trip Panic (And Where the Heck is Xujiahui?)
First off, Shanghai! OMG! My brain did a full-on interpretive dance of anxiety trying to figure out EVERYTHING. Flights, visas (thank GOD for those), and the constant, nagging fear I'd booked a hotel in the middle of a swamp. Xujiahui? I'd heard whispers of it… a district in Shanghai, apparently. Fingers crossed it wasn’t a swamp. I'm not good with swamp-life. I'm a hotel-and-hot-shower kind of traveler.
Day 1: Arrival - Jet Lag and the Dim Sum Dilemma.
- Morning (More like NOON): Arrived at PVG. Oh, the airports! The smells, the crowds, the sheer energy of a new place. Luckily, I'd pre-booked a taxi (thank you, future me!), and the driver somehow navigated the Shanghai traffic labyrinth. Honestly, he deserved a medal. Getting to the Hi Inn… well, it's a budget place. Let's just say the "vibe" is "functional". Clean enough, and that's what matters. The instant I hit that AC, I knew things were going to be alright.
- Afternoon: Now, the DIM SUM. This was the ONE thing I was absolutely obsessed with. I had a dim sum plan. It was written in Google Docs, and on my phone, and in Sharpie on my arm. (Okay, fine, maybe not the Sharpie). Found a place near the hotel. The language barrier was real, the menu was a beautiful tapestry of characters I couldn't read, and I pointed a lot. Ended up with a steaming basket of deliciousness. It wasn't the specific shrimp dumpling I had dreamed of, but it was still heaven on a plate. Pure, unadulterated, pork-and-dough delight.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (and the Great Nap of China): Jet lag hit me like a freakin' semi-truck full of exhaustion. I crashed. Hard. Woke up around 8 pm, disoriented, and starving again. Ordered noodles from somewhere, and proceeded to watch absolutely pointless reality television on my laptop while simultaneously craving a real bed.
Day 2: The Fake Market Frenzy and Accidental Buddhism
- Morning: MUST DO: Fake Market! Went to a place that promised "everything you could possibly want, fake-fabulous". The scale of it was insane. Sunglasses galore! I was haggling for sunglasses I didn't even need. I totally overspent, but had such fun that I didn't even mind. I'm pretty sure I got ripped off a bit, but hey, cultural immersion, right? Right?
- Afternoon: Longhua Temple: Okay, I stumbled into the Longhua Temple. It wasn't planned in any real sense. I got lost (shocking, I know) and ended up wandering through these ancient, beautiful grounds. The smell of incense, the chanting… it was incredibly peaceful. For about ten minutes. Then my stomach started growling again. And I started thinking about my next meal. (This is a recurring theme.)
- Evening: A friend of a friend recommended a restaurant. Finding it was a quest. Google Maps lied to me, the streets made zero sense, and I asked approximately 83 confused-looking locals for directions. Eventually, I got there. The food? Phenomenal. Spicy, vibrant, everything I wanted. I had so much of it. I could feel my stomach expanding and my pants getting tighter, it was glorious!
Day 3: The Bund and the Existential Crisis of Skyscrapers
- Morning: Breakfast Interrupted: The Hi Inn's breakfast, let's just say that it might be wise to bring some instant coffee and pastries. I think I had some eggs that may or may not have been pre-cooked.
- Afternoon: The Bund! Okay, this was THE tourist thing. The waterfront. The iconic skyline. It was… well, it was impressive. The skyscrapers are beautiful, but they’re also these huge, glass and metal things that make you think about the meaning of life, or something. I spent a long time just staring at it, feeling small and wondering how anyone can afford to live in those buildings. It's probably the existential crisis caused by too much dim sum and jet lag.
- Evening: Wandering. I wandered the streets. I got lost (again!). Found a little noodle shop that was beyond amazing. The language barrier meant I pointed and hoped for the best. I got a bowl of pure, delicious, life-affirming noodles. I'm seriously considering going back just for the noodles.
Day 4: The Decision of a Lifetime: Soup Dumplings
- Morning: Still thinking about those noodles. Seriously. Maybe another bowl…
- Afternoon: Soup Dumpling Olympics: This needed to be done. I got a tip from some guy on Reddit about this place that did the best soup dumplings in Shanghai. The place was a dive. People were elbowing each other, there were no menus in English, and it smelled like someone's grandma's kitchen (in a good way). It took me about ten minutes of frantic gesticulation to order. And then… the dumplings arrived. Biting into them, I was assaulted by an explosion of hot broth and tender pork. I closed my eyes. I might have muttered a prayer to the dim sum gods. I ate six baskets. Six! I have zero regrets. It was THE moment. The peak. I think I'm going to come back and spend the rest of my life here, just eating soup dumplings.
- Evening: Packing, starting to do laundry (laundry is always fun when you're traveling), and dreading the flight home. Mostly because I was going to miss those soup dumplings. And those noodles.
Final Thoughts (And a Tearful Goodbye to Dumplings)
Shanghai was… a wild ride. It was overwhelming, delicious, confusing, and amazing. I'm sure I missed a ton of things, I certainly got lost a lot, but I have memories that will last a lifetime. Did I leave a little bit of my heart, and my stomach, in Shanghai? Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. As long as I can find those soup dumplings again.
And maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally figure out how to read the menu. Until then, point and hope. That's my travel motto!
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Xujiahui Inn: The Secret Shanghai Sleepover - Seriously, is it Good? (My Rambling Thoughts!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is the Xujiahui Inn REALLY a hidden gem, or is it just…hidden?
Alright, buckle up, because this is gonna be a ride. "Hidden Gem" is a *strong* phrase. Let's just say, finding it feels like you've cracked a secret society handshake. The location alone is… well, it's in Xujiahui. Doesn't sound glamorous, right? But here's the truth. YES, it's a gem. A slightly tarnished, maybe a little wonky, but still undeniably a *gem*. It's not the Ritz, people. But it's got CHARACTER. And that, my friends, is worth more than a perfectly fluffed pillow sometimes.
What can you tell me about the location? Is it convenient or a pain in the rear?
Okay, so the location… It's both. Let me elaborate. Xujiahui itself is a bustling shopping/business district. Packed. Which is why the Inn feels like a breath of fresh air in the chaos. Metro access? Fantastic. Seriously, you're practically spitting distance from a station (Line 1, I think? Don't quote me, I'm terrible with numbers). Taxis? Easy to flag down (when you can understand where you want to go which is it's own battle). However… getting *to* the Inn itself? That's where the adventure begins. It's tucked away on a side street. Google Maps, my friend, is your new BFF. I actually got lost the first time (twice!), despite thinking I was a seasoned Shanghai explorer. Embarrassing. But hey, the adventure adds to the charm, right?... Right?! (Don't judge me.)
The rooms – are they decent? Or did you spend the whole time itching?
The rooms… okay, let’s be realistic. They’re not luxurious. They're… functional. Clean enough to give you zero pause. They’re small, some are a little…*dated*. My first room was a bit on the snug side. I swear, I could touch both walls with my outstretched arms. The bathroom? Tiny. But the water pressure? Amazing! Seriously, best shower of my trip. And for the price? Totally worth it. I didn’t itch. No bedbugs (thank God!). The air conditioning worked (a lifesaver in the Shanghai humidity). They're no five-star suites, but they’re comfortable enough. Think more "cozy" than "cramped". I’d take the shower pressure and the AC over a fancy chandelier any day.
Breakfast? Is there a breakfast, and is it good enough to get out of bed for?
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. It's included. And it's…an experience. The dining area is small, often crowded. Food-wise? Honestly, it's pretty basic. Think: a buffet of Chinese breakfast staples. Congee, some noodles, maybe some mystery meats. Slightly underwhelming. But. And this is a BIG BUT. The aunties running the breakfast service? They are GOLD. Sweetest, kindest women ever. They don't speak much English, but they'll try their best to understand you, and they will try to feed you. If they see you struggling with your chopsticks, they’ll help. I had one lady insist I try some mysterious green dumpling. I wasn't sure what I was eating, but I ate it and enjoyed it because of her effort. The breakfast's not gourmet, but those aunties? They make it worth it. You'll leave with a full belly and a full heart. Definitely get out of bed for the aunties, no questions asked.
The Staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
The staff. This is another area where the Inn shines. The front desk staff? They speak enough English to get you sorted. They're extremely helpful, so don't be afraid to ask for anything. They can help with taxis, directions, and basic questions. Now, the language barrier can be a *tiny* hurdle sometimes. I found it helpful to have some phrases ready, a translation app on my phone, and a healthy dose of patience. The fact that they *try* and are genuinely kind makes a huge difference! They're far more helpful than many "luxury" hotels I've been to. The hotel is small and family-run. And that shows in the service. They *care*. And in the hectic world of Shanghai, that’s priceless.
Tell me the best/worst thing about your stay, in detail! Hit me up with an anecdote!
Okay, BEST and WORST combined: This is a story. One evening, after a *very* long day of shopping and exploring the French Concession, I returned, shattered. Just utterly fried. I stumbled into my tiny room, craving the glorious shower. I turned on the tap… and *nothing*. No water. Panic set in. "No water?" I muttered. It was nearly midnight, I was exhausted, and I looked like a mess. I dragged myself back to the front desk, where a young woman, bless her heart, was still working. The language barrier was in full effect. I did my best mime-act of a non-existent shower. She finally understood (I think), and rushed me over to the hotel technician. His English was even worse. I pointed at my broken shower and said, with all the dramatic flair of a Shakespearean actor, "No water! Broken!" He nodded, gave me a look, and disappeared. I went back to the room. About 15 minutes later, I heard some banging and clanging. I peeked out carefully. And there he was, the hotel technician, and he had removed the shower head. In my own room. He was struggling to locate the problem. The drama! Honestly, I could barely keep from laughing at that moment. And then, he smiled, gave a thumbs up...and went back to work. Fast forward 30 minutes later and BAM! Water! I was so exhausted I didn't even question how it appeared, and crawled into the shower. This might seem bad, but it’s *the best* because the situation perfectly epitomizes the charm of the Xujiahui Inn. Imperfect? Yes. A little chaotic? Absolutely. But the warmth of the staff – the willingness to help, to struggle to understand, to *fix* the problem – that’s what made it special. It's not the polished, sterile experience you'd get at a chain hotel, but it's real. And in Shanghai, that's gold. That technician is a hero!
Overall, would you recommend it?
Unequivocally, yes! If you're looking for absolute luxury and perfection, then no. Go somewhere else. But if you're a traveler who appreciates character, charm, good value, and a genuinely welcoming experience, then absolutely. The Xujiahui Inn isn't about the finest thread count or the fanciest lobbyTop Places To Stay
