Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Hanting Hotel Qingpu Oriental Commercial Building Review!
Shanghai's Hidden Gem? Hanting Hotel Qingpu Oriental Commercial Building - A Rambling, Honest Review
Okay, so picture this: jet-lagged, Shanghai haze thick in the air, and me, desperately seeking a decent night's sleep. The Hanting Hotel Qingpu Oriental Commercial Building. That's a mouthful, isn't it? Sounds super official. Let's dive in… messily, because frankly, that's how I roll.
First, the Basics (and the Imperfections):
- Accessibility: (Okay, this is important!) I didn't need accessible features, but I did notice an elevator. Bless. And… that's about it. I couldn't give you a detailed breakdown for wheelchair users, but I did see the elevator (points for effort?).
- Cleanliness and safety: This is where things start to feel a little less "hidden gem" and more "functional". They said they were using anti-viral cleaning products, and there were hand sanitizer stations (always a win). They also stated they were doing daily disinfection in common areas, and that the staff trained in safety protocol. I saw people wiping down frequently touched surfaces, so… good.
- The Verdict: I'd give them a solid B- on the safety front. They tried. Which is more than some places.
- Internet Access (and the Free Wi-Fi Shuffle): Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Praise the internet gods. And it actually worked. Most of the time. There were a couple of times I wanted to throw my laptop out the window (the window did open, thank goodness!), but eventually, it stabilized.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer (thank the sweet baby Jesus!), and Car park [free of charge]. Both of which are HUGE pluses after a long flight. The taxi service was readily available, and there was even valet parking, which I'm too boujee to use, but it was there.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (vital!), alarm clock (yawn), bathroom (yay!), bathtub (oooh!), bathtub (ah, more yay!) Blackout curtains… bless them, they saved me from the city's lights. I also had free bottled water, a hair dryer, a safe, and even an in-room safe box (for what, I have no idea. I'm a terrible thief).
The "Things to Do" (Or, How to Kill Time in Qingpu):
Okay, let's be honest. Qingpu is not known for its vibrant nightlife. Seriously. It's… tranquil. So, let's scale down expectations.
- Things to do, ways to relax: Forget about all the spa stuff, because trust me. There was no Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Honestly, the most relaxing thing I did was stare out the window. Which, actually, was pretty relaxing after a bit.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: This is where the Hanting started to unravel a bit.
- The Cafe: There was a Coffee shop, but the coffee was… well, let's just say it fueled my inner-critic. The Breakfast [buffet] on offer had your typical Chinese/Western mix. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast were on hand, and it was included in the price which, you know, is excellent when your head's on the verge of exploding after a 12-hour flight. Coffee/tea in restaurant, yes. Coffee shop again, yes… as mentioned, be warned. Restaurants, plural? Nope. Just one.
- The Other Stuff: Forget about things like a Bar. Happy hour? Not even a whisper. Room service [24-hour]? Yep, but the menu was… limited, let's be kind. I ordered a bottle of water for my room… eventually… and they brought it. Desserts in restaurant, hmm. I think I saw a sad looking pre-packaged pastry. Salad in restaurant? I think I saw some questionable-looking lettuce. Soup in restaurant… probably some kind of broth.
- The Verdict: The food situation was, let's say, functional. It's not why you’re here. Eat before you go, and then order take out.
My Deep Dive on Room Features because I spent nearly all my time there
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (check!), Alarm clock (yawn), Bathrobes (yes!), Bathroom (with phone - what?!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains that actually blocked out the light. Carpeting - not the most modern, but hey, it was there! Closet (thank goodness for storage!), Coffee/tea maker (mostly useless, but a nice gesture), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping. A desk as well, which was good because I had work to do.
- The Essentials Extra long bed, Free bottled water (bless!), Hair dryer (mandatory!), High floor. In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror (yes!), Non-smoking, On-demand movies (nope, that's a lie. No movies). Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (no thanks!), Seating area, Shower (separate), Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing (mostly), Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens (major win!).
- The Verdict: The room was FINE. Not fancy, not glamorous, but clean and functional. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver, and the window opening was a breath of fresh air.
Services and Conveniences - A Mixed Bag
- Services and conveniences: Daily housekeeping was solid. Laundry service, which I gratefully used! Elevator (a big win). Concierge service. Luggage storage. Air conditioning in public area (yess!). Cash withdrawal (for the few places that still accept it). Convenience store! They have a convenience store! I spent far too much money on snacks there. Doctor/nurse on call. Doorman. Elevator. Facilities for disabled guests (see accessibility section). Food delivery. Front desk [24-hour].
For the kids, and the Family/Child Friendly
- For the kids: I didn’t see a single kid. I didn’t expect to. So I can’t say with any accuracy Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
My Emotional Rollercoaster with the Hanting Hotel:
Look, the Hanting Qingpu isn't going to win any awards for luxury. It's the kind of place that's not trying to be anything it isn't.
Final Verdict: A Functional Respite.
Would I stay here again? Probably. If I needed a place to crash near Qingpu and the price was right, sure. The free Wi-Fi, the cleanliness, and the fact that I could actually sleep were all wins. Just don't expect a five-star experience. It's a solid, practical choice. Just don't go expecting a luxury spa day. And grab your own coffee.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my utterly disastrous, but hopefully hilarious, Shanghai adventure, specifically, the glorious, and potentially slightly smelly, environs of the Hanting Hotel Shanghai Qingpu Oriental Commercial Building. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because that's basically the only way I travel.
My Shanghai Shenanigans: A Totally Unreliable Itinerary (and a LOT of Opinions)
Day 1: Arrival, Ramen, and Regret (But Mostly Ramen)
- Morning (ish - let's be honest, I'm never awake before 10 AM on vacation): Landed in Shanghai. The humidity hit me like a wall. Someone seriously needs to update the climate control settings, specifically, for me. Passport control? Uneventful. Luggage? Miraculously, it arrived. Already a win!
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The taxi from the airport was a blur of honking and neon signs. Apparently, Shanghai drivers have a sixth sense for weaving through traffic. Checked into the Hanting. Okay, let's be real here. The room? Functional. Clean-ish. The view? Let's just say it involved a lot of other buildings and a healthy dose of grey sky. I'm not exactly getting "Zen Garden vibes" here, but hey, it's a roof over my head.
- Afternoon: The quest for sustenance! I’d read amazing things about the local ramen. So, after stumbling around for a good hour using Google Translate (which, bless its heart, usually misunderstands my pronunciation), I finally found a small, hole-in-the-wall ramen joint. The language barrier was… significant. Pointing at pictures, using exaggerated hand gestures, and hoping for the best. Success! The ramen? OMFG. The broth was a deep, rich explosion of flavor that had me making involuntary happy noises. Noodles? Perfect. The pork belly? Forget about it. I devoured the entire bowl in what felt like 30 seconds. I’m already plotting my return… like, maybe right now?
- Evening: Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Staggered back to the Hanting. Tried to "explore" the local area but ended up wandering aimlessly for a bit, getting slightly lost, and then retreating to the safety of my questionable-view hotel room. Watched some questionable TV. Fell asleep at 8 PM. This is the life, right?
Day 2: Propaganda Posters, Temple Treasures, and a Tourist Trap Tango
- Morning (late, perpetually late): Woke up feeling vaguely human. Decided to be "cultured" and visited the Propaganda Poster Art Centre. Now, I'm not usually one for a history lesson, but dude, those posters were incredible. Bold, graphic, and seriously thought-provoking. It's like a visual punch in the gut. My brain is still trying to process everything. So. Many. Ideals. The shop at the end was a goldmine of kitsch I just had to buy, including a Chairman Mao bobblehead. I'm not sure why.
- Afternoon: Shanghai Temple of the Town God. Wow. Just…wow. This place was INSANE. Incense smoke, gold everywhere, people praying, the whole shebang. I even managed to navigate my way, not as a religious person at all, but as an observer. The architecture was stunning. I wandered around feeling a bit like a clueless tourist (which, let's be honest, I was). The crowds were intense, and after a bit, I retreated, feeling a bit overwhelmed, and craving a caffeine fix.
- Mid-Afternoon Disaster Zone: Okay, so this is where things went south. I stumbled into a tourist trap "traditional tea house." I'm talking a staged performance, a server trying to upsell me tea I didn't understand, and a bill that made my wallet whimper. I ended up awkwardly leaving with a tea that was a mix of regret and a feeling that I'd been played. Pro tip: avoid the overly zealous tea houses. Lesson learned.
- Evening: Back to the ramen joint (you know I had to). This time, I ordered the spicy version. Glorious. Pure, unadulterated, noodle-y bliss. I think I could live on ramen and tea, as long as it's the ramen from the local shop.
Day 3: "The Bund" and "The Bargain"
- Morning: The Bund! That iconic Shanghai waterfront, the one you always see in the pictures. It was… beautiful, but also ridiculously crowded. Trying to take a decent photo was like entering a wrestling match. Tourists everywhere jostling each other, people posing with selfie sticks, a general cacophony of humanity.
- Mid-day: The Bund again. Got tired, it was humid and hot. Decent pictures of the Bund are in my camera roll though.
- Late Afternoon: Bargaining at the fake market. I went in with my A-game. My bargaining skills were sharp. I’m basically a market savant. Scored a "genuine" Rolex (which, let's be real, is likely to break within a week), some questionable designer handbags, and a silk scarf. Came away with a lot of laughs, a few questionable purchases, and a renewed appreciation for the art of the deal.
- Evening: Decided to walk back to the hotel. Bad idea. I may have gotten a bit lost and wandered down a street where I was pretty sure I was being watched (probably just my paranoia, but still!). Made it back in one piece, though!
Day 4: Departure (And a Deep Longing for More Ramen)
- Morning: Packing, the bane of my existence. Realized I'd drastically overpacked. Regretted the Chairman Mao bobblehead. Ate the last of the ramen I packed with me from Day 2. It may not have been ideal, and slightly cold, but every delicious mouthful was a reminder of the adventures I had.
- Early Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Farewell, Shanghai! You were a chaotic, confusing, occasionally frustrating, but ultimately amazing city.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Flight home. I'm already planning my return, and first on my list: Ramen. And maybe, just maybe, another attempt at that tea house (but only for research purposes, I swear!).
Hotel Observations (Because, Honestly, the Hanting is Part of the Story):
- The breakfast situation at the Hanting: Not good for me, but cheap.
- The elevator: A constant source of anxiety. Would it get to the top? Would it get stuck? Would I be trapped with a bunch of strangers? Luckily, I survived.
- The staff: Friendly, even when I was being a total idiot (which was often).
- Overall: It was a place to sleep, and really, that's all I needed.
Final Thoughts:
Shanghai is a whirlwind. It's a city that assaults your senses, challenges your patience, and leaves you craving more. The food is incredible, the people are (mostly) friendly, and the experiences are unforgettable. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But the imperfections are part of the charm. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just… give me a map, a phrasebook, and a lifetime supply of ramen. And send me back with some more cash.
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Okay, spill the tea: Is the Hanting Hotel Qingpu Oriental Commercial Building actually good? Let's be real.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because “good” is relative, isn’t it? And with this Hanting, it's like...a rollercoaster. You've got those moments where you're whispering, "This is…okay. Manageable, even." And then BAM! You’re wrestling with a malfunctioning showerhead that's decided to become a sprinkler system.
Look, it's budget-friendly. That's the *massive* draw. So, if you're expecting the Ritz, you're going to be thoroughly disappointed. But if you're aiming for somewhere to crash, clean-ish, and close to the Qingpu area for business or… actually, for most things Qingpu related, you could do worse. MUCH worse. I once stayed in a hostel in Bangkok with a cockroach roommate! This is a MAJOR upgrade from that. Mostly.
What's the vibe? Is it…romantic? Family-friendly? Or just…existential dread?
Ah, the vibe. Let’s just say it’s utilitarian. It's not exactly screaming "romance." More like, "We have a bed. It’s… a bed." Family-friendly? Maybe. I saw a kid in the elevator once, looked pretty bored. Mostly though, it's designed for function, not feeling. Think of a slightly more charming waiting room for a dentist's office.
Existential dread? Okay, maybe a *tiny* bit. The lighting can be… harsh. Very office-y. And the silence…the silence can be deafening. It does, however, offer some *major* opportunities for deep thinking while trying to decipher the Mandarin instructions for the air conditioner. You'll emerge, questioning your life choices and the efficacy of Google Translate, but hey, at least you’ll be cool.
The rooms... are they… clean? Because honestly, that's the bare minimum, right?
Here's my *honest* take: "Mostly clean." Let me elaborate. Like, enough to sleep comfortably and not worry about bringing your own hazmat suit unless you have a *very* specific aversion to questionable stains on the carpet. I've definitely seen worse; trust me. Think...a slightly dusty air and perhaps a stray hair or two – but genuinely not filthy.
On the whole, cleaning standards vary. The first time, it was pristine. The second time, well, let's just say I’m pretty sure I saw a family of dust bunnies setting up shop under the bed. *Dust bunnies! In my hotel room!*. Thankfully, I discovered the joys of a good cleaning spray early on.
What about the location? Is it actually 'Oriental Commercial Building'-adjacent? And is the neighborhood…alive?
Yes! It *is* near the Oriental Commercial Building. Very near. Like, you could practically throw a stale bread roll (don't do that; be polite!) and hit it. Location is the saving grace. Easy access to the metro, shops, food... pretty darn convenient. And the neighborhood? Well…it breathes. It has a pulse. It’s not a buzzing metropolis, but hey, you can grab a decent bowl of noodles nearby, and that’s what matters, right?
*However*! If you're expecting Times Square-level excitement, you're in the wrong spot. It’s more…practical. Safe. Functional. Think of it as Qingpu’s version of a quiet suburban street.
Let's talk about the amenities. Any hidden gems? Free Wi-Fi? A decent TV? A *working* gym?
Hidden gems? Hmm… the complimentary (and sometimes unreliable) Wi-Fi is a classic. The TV? Expect limited channel selection and a battle with the remote that would make Hercules weep.
A gym? *Laughing hysterically*. No. Not in my experience. Possibly a lonely treadmill tucked away in a closet somewhere, but I wouldn't bet money on it. Amenities are sparse. But hey, the price reflects that! You get what you pay for, you know? And what you pay for is a functional room with a bed. That’s the key! You can workout at home (or skip that altogether, like I do).
The staff... are they helpful? Do they speak English? Are they… present?
The staff... It depends. Some are lovely, incredibly helpful with a smile that warms you. Others…well, communication can be a challenge, but hey! That's part of the adventure, right? Brush up on your Mandarin (or download a translation app, which is my go-to strategy). Overall, try to be patient and kind.
I’ve had some *epic* translation app moments with the front desk. Trying to explain a leaky faucet in broken Mandarin and frantic gestures is a bonding experience, I swear. It might take some time, but they usually try their best. Don't be surprised if all communication is done through the app though!
Anything to watch out for? Any MAJOR dealbreakers?
Okay, listen up. The shower situation is a *wildcard*. Sometimes you get good water pressure, sometimes you get a trickle. Sometimes you get a scorching blast of hot water, followed by ice-cold nothingness. Pack a good shower cap (or embrace the chaos). Also, the soundproofing isn’t exactly top-notch. You'll hear your neighbors. Trust me. I once heard an entire argument in Mandarin at 3 AM.
*The air conditioning*. Figure it out as soon as you can. It can be infuriatingly complicated to operate. Bring a power adapter, just in case. And most vitally? Temper your expectations! You're not at the Four Seasons. You’re in a budget hotel. Embrace the quirks. Or at least be prepared for them.
So, overall… would you recommend the Hanting Hotel Qingpu Oriental Commercial Building? The truth, please!
Okay…drumroll please...
Honestly…for the price, yes. BUT. It's a *conditional yes*.
If you're on a tight budget, need a conveniently located crash pad, and are willing to embrace the occasional imperfection, then yes, go for it. Just don't expect luxury. Be prepared for some quirks. And maybe pack some earplugs and a sense of humor. You'll survive. You might even… enjoy it. Or at least have a good story to tell. I know I do. It's not going to be the highlight of your trip, but it’s… serviceable. And in life, sometimes, serviceable is all you need. Just prepare yourself. And make sure you can work on your phone. You will probably need it.
