Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret? This Holiday Inn Will SHOCK You!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL lowdown on Shanghai's "BEST Kept Secret"? This Holiday Inn Will SHOCK You! (and maybe me, too, because honestly, I'm still processing it). I'm diving headfirst into this review, and trust me, it's gonna be less polished travelogue and more… well, whatever this turns into. Let's just say, prepare for a wild ride.
The Shocking Truth (and the Somewhat Predictable Bits)
Okay, first things first: Holiday Inn. We know Holiday Inn. It’s the reliable friend, the dependable workhorse. But "secret" and "shocking"? That's a bold claim. Gotta see if they deliver… and yes, Spoiler Alert! they kind of do.
Accessibility & Safety First (Because, You Know, We're Grown-Ups)
- Accessibility: Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did see evidence of thoughtful features for disabled guests. Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests – check and check. Score points for inclusivity! This is a good start for everyone.
- Cleanliness and Safety: This is where things REALLY started to impress me. They're obsessed with cleanliness. Obsessed, I tell you! I mean, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sterilizing equipment… it's like they're preparing for a zombie apocalypse (which, honestly, in today's world, doesn't feel that far-fetched). This made me feel secure, especially with all the hand sanitizer stations! Also Hygiene certification, big thumbs up.
- Safety Features: CCTV in common areas and outside property , Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher – it's all present and accounted for. They take security seriously. Honestly, I'm a worrywart, so this was a massive relief!
Internet Access (Because We Are All Internet Addicts)
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Look, if you're like me and need a constant internet connection to survive (I mean, seriously, how else am I supposed to check my Instagram?), you're in luck. Wi-Fi [free] everywhere! And yes, it actually worked. A miracle! I need access.
- Available in all rooms, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN: It's there. It's reliable. It's fast enough to stream whatever you want (within reason… don’t expect to download the entire internet).
The Rooms (Let’s Get Personal, Shall We?)
- Available in all rooms: Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Alarm clock? Check. Bathrobes? Yes, and thank goodness! I live in bathrobes anyway, it's like they knew me. The Bathtub was calling my name after a long day.
- Additional Toilet / Separate shower/bathtub: If you're traveling with a partner, this is a lifesaver. Trust me.
- Blackout curtains: YES! Sleep is sacred. Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Mini bar, Refrigerator: The basics, well taken care of.
- And let's be real about imperfections! *I'm pretty sure I saw a slight stain on the carpet. Not a hugegie, but I *do* pay attention to these little details. I noticed after a day of sightseeing and it's one of the most annoying things to have on your mind when you're trying to relax. The coffee maker was, however, spotless. It was like an unwritten agreement.
- On-demand movies: I got to say, I always love that!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Favorite Category)
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee Shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour]: Seriously, they’ve got variety! This is where the "secret" stuff starts to peek through. Not just your standard hotel fare. I actually enjoyed their Asian cuisine in restaurant, it was delicious and more authentic than I expected.
- Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Breakfast was… extensive. A buffet style breakfast. Yes, even with the current health issues, they have a very nice Safe dining setup. The fruit was fresh. The everything was great.
- Happy hour: This is a HUGE plus. It's a great way to wind down after a day of exploring.
- Alternative meal arrangement, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: It seemed like there were options for any dietary need so I was very happy with all the restaurants.
- Bottle of water: A small detail, but it matters.
- Food delivery: I didn't try this, but it's great to have options.
Things to Do (Beyond Netflix and Noodles)
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Now this is where the "shocking" bit came in. The pool? Stunning. A real oasis. I'm a sucker for a good view, and this pool delivered. This is the kind of place that makes you not want to go to your room to sleep! You could stay all day.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: I didn't use it (because, let’s be honest, I'm on vacation), but it looked well-equipped.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Yes, please! A spa! It was exactly what I needed after all the walking around.
- Massage: This, I can endorse whole-heartedly. One of the best massages I've ever had. So relaxing! It was just great.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential!
- Business facilities: Seemed well-equipped.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: All the essentials.
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Valet parking: Super helpful.
- Elevator: Very useful.
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal: A real plus for families.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A nice touch to remember the trip.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Airport transfer, Taxi service, Bicycle parking, Car power charging station: Easy to get around from.
The Quirks and the "Ugh" Moments (Because Nothing is Perfect)
- The Shrine: Wait… did I see a shrine? I think I did. In a Holiday Inn! It was, to say the least, unexpected.
- Room decorations: It was nice to see something that made the room extra comfortable and relaxing.
- Pets allowed unavailable: I, personally, don't care. But some people would be bummed out.
- Smoking area: Fine by me!
- Exterior corridor: It wasn't the most scenic, but it didn't bother me at all.
The Verdict: Is It Really a “Shocking” Secret?
Okay, so "shocking"? Maybe a slight overstatement. But… for a Holiday Inn? Absolutely. They've clearly put a lot of effort into making this place more than just a place to crash. The cleanliness, the amenities, the service, the spa (oh, the spa!)… it genuinely exceeded my expectations.
The Anecdote That Sold Me (and Should Sell You):
I will be honest. I went into this trip fully expecting the worst. I was traveling alone for the first time, and it seemed like the type of place that would be stressful to stay. But the staff… man, they were amazing. Smiling, helpful, and just genuinely good people. I was locked outside my room at 11pm and the front desk was there in minutes. So that's where that 'best kept secret' comes through.
Final Recommendation: Book It!
Target Audience: Anyone who wants a comfortable, clean, well-equipped hotel with a touch of luxury (especially that spa!) at a reasonable price. Families, couples, solo travelers – it's got something for everyone.
Here's my Offer:
Don't just visit Shanghai, experience it. Book your stay at the "BEST Kept Secret" - This Holiday Inn, and you'll receive:
- Complimentary upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability – but trust me, you want that view!)
- 20% off a spa treatment (because you deserve to be pampered!)
- Free breakfast for two (because who doesn
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my trip to the Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao By IHG in Shanghai, China. And trust me, it’s gonna be a wild ride. I'm going to try my best to recall all the fine details of my trip, I'm pretty sure it'll be a mess but hey, that's life, right?
Day 1: Arrival and Awkward Greetings - "Lost in Translation (And Jet Lag)"
Time: Let's be real, "time" is a suggestion at this point, thanks to the jet lag. Probably around lunchtime, Shanghai time.
Event: Arrived at Pudong International Airport. Holy. Cow. That airport is HUGE. After a truly terrifying (for me) taxi ride (lots of honking, lots of near misses, I swear I saw a scooter carrying a whole refrigerator), I thankfully survived and arrived at the Holiday Inn.
Feelings: Utter relief. And a healthy dose of "Am I really here?" I feel like a cartoon character who's been run over by a steamroller.
Details: Check-in was…interesting. The staff were lovely, genuinely, but my Mandarin is non-existent, and their English was… well, let’s just say we communicated more with hand gestures and confused smiles than actual words. I think I got the room key. I hope I got the room key.
Observation: The lobby is HUGE and cold, but beautiful. Like a modern art museum. Or, at least, a nice waiting room.
Rambles: Okay, where do I even start unpacking this? Shanghai. China. This is seriously a bucket list thing. I wanted to feel that awe… I just didn't know I'd feel it in the form of intense tiredness.
Location: Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao.
Transportation: Taxi (see above. Shudder.)
Afternoon:
Event: Attempted to find lunch. This involved a wandering expedition, a lot of pointing at pictures, and the triumphant acquisition of… dumplings. I’m pretty sure they were dumplings. They were filled with delicious mystery meat.
Feelings: Pure, unadulterated joy. And a growing concern about what exactly I just ate.
Observation: Everyone in the restaurant seemed to be watching me eat. Not because I'm special, I realized, but because I was the only non-Chinese person present.
Emotional Reactions: The first bite of those dumplings? Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Then, a flicker of unease. Was that… cartilage? A rogue bone?
Location: Some small, bustling dumpling joint near the hotel. Wish I knew the name.
Transportation: Feet. Lots and lots of tired feet.
Evening:
Event: Collapsed in the hotel room. The room is nice, not like, amazing but a nice room. Bed is comfy, which is all that matters at this moment.
Feelings: Exhaustion mixed with a strange sort of wonder. I'm actually here. (Repeat three times slowly).
Observation: The TV has, like, a hundred channels, none of which I understand. But the view from the window is pretty cool. Mostly rooftops, but hey, it's Shanghai!
Rambles: Jet lag is a cruel mistress. I can feel my brain struggling to catch up with my body. I’d give anything to sleep to 100,000 hours (or for at least, a full night’s rest, I should be honest), but my body is, like, "Nope, we're going to stare at the ceiling until 3 a.m. and then decide we are hungry."
Location: Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao (room).
Transportation: Horizontal. (Yay!)
Day 2: The Bund, The Food, and the Karaoke Disaster
Morning:
Event: Made the epic journey to The Bund. It's a beautiful riverfront area. Walked around, gaped at the insane architecture.
Feelings: Jaw-dropping awe. The skyline is incredible. Seriously, if you are reading, go there.
Observation: The Bund is a prime selfie spot. Dodging other people's selfie-sticks is an Olympic sport here.
Opinionated Language: The Bund is the place to be in Shanghai. It's worth the effort, even if the crowds are intense.
Location: The Bund, Shanghai.
Transportation: Subway (much less terrifying than the taxi, though I still got a little lost).
Afternoon:
Event: More food adventures! I ate street food that included a delicious pastry (I think), some noodles (probably), and something that looked like a deep-fried… something.
Feelings: Adventure! And a slightly queasy stomach.
Quirky Observations: The vendors are incredibly friendly, even if their English is limited. They seemed genuinely amused by my attempts to order food.
Opinionated Language: The street food is a must-try, but maybe bring a friend to share (and a Pepto-Bismol).
Location: Various street food stalls. Wish I had taken better notes of the exact locations.
Transportation: Feet.. again!
Evening:
Event: Karaoke! With friends.
Feelings: Absolute embarrassment.
Details: Despite my singing being like a dying cat’s mating call, the karaoke bar was incredibly fun. The alcohol might have helped. Or, maybe not. I don't remember most of my songs.
Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: Karaoke. What a mess. What a glorious, drunken mess. I have no idea what I sang, but I think I butchered a few classics and maybe offended the entire room. But hey, who cares? Everyone seemed to be having a blast.
Stronger Emotional Reactions: I died from embarrassment. I felt like a complete fool. But the laughter of my friends was worth it.
Location: Some karaoke bar in Shanghai that I can't remember the name of.
Transportation: Taxi, then wobbly feet.
Day 3: The Temple Gardens, The Tea Ceremony, and The Departure
Morning:
Event: Visited the Temple. Gorgeous. Peaceful. Serene. Until the hordes of tourists arrived.
Feelings: Zen mixed with mild annoyance. (Tourists.)
Quirky Observations: The temple cats. They were judging me. I know it.
Emotional Reactions: The temple grounds were beautiful. It was nice to have a moment of peace, but the relentless crowds were a mood-killer.
Location: Temple in Shanghai
Transportation: Subway
Afternoon:
Event: Tea Ceremony.
Feelings: Calming, peaceful, and very nice.
Observation: I learned how to hold the teacup properly. And I didn't spill it.
Rambles: Tea ceremonies are so nice. A moment to relax. To breathe. And, of course, to drink tea. Maybe I should start a tea ceremony at home.
Location: Tea House
Transportation: Walk and subway
Evening:
Event: Departure and Goodbye Shanghai
Details: Back to the airport, by taxi (crying on the inside). Shanghai, I’ll be back, I promise.
Feelings: A mix of sadness, relief (that I survived the taxi ride), and gratitude.
Opinionated Language: Shanghai is an incredible city. Go there. Definitely go there.
Location: Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao (briefly), Pudong International Airport.
Transportation: Taxi, plane.
…And that, my friends, is the messy, imperfect, and gloriously human account of my trip to Shanghai. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't always pretty. But it was real. And it was… well, it was an adventure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: DoubleTree Leominster's Hidden Gem!
Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret? (Holiday Inn SHOCK!) - Seriously, What's the Deal?!
Okay, spill! What IS this 'secret' about a Holiday Inn in Shanghai?! I'm skeptical...
Alright, alright, calm down, you impatient traveler! The secret... and let me emphasize, secret... isn't necessarily the hotel itself, though it's a *major* player. It's the location, baby! This particular Holiday Inn, and I'm going to be vague on purpose because I don't want the price to skyrocket, but let's just say... near a major public transport hub... is surprisingly well-placed for exploring. Like, "forget the tourist traps, I want AUTHENTIC Shanghai" well-placed. I stumbled upon it by accident, booked it purely because it was cheap, and honestly, I expected the usual soulless chain experience. Boy, was I wrong.
Cheap? That's what caught my eye too. How cheap are we talking, and what's the catch? Every cheap hotel has a catch!
Okay, cheap. Let's say… significantly less than some of those fancy, Instagram-filtered hotels near the Bund. Like, enough less that I could afford to eat xiao long bao *every day*. The catch? Well, the rooms aren't exactly "luxury suite" material. Think clean, functional, and maybe a little… dated. The kind of dated where the AC sounds like a jet engine taking off initially. But honestly? Who cares? You're in SHANGHAI! Spend your time OUTSIDE the room! Seriously, the location makes up for any perceived shortcomings. I went expecting basic, and got a strategically brilliant base camp.
Alright, location, location, LOCATION then. Tell me more! What makes it so strategically brilliant? Is it near those amazing dumplings you mentioned?
Oh, the dumplings. Yes. Yes, it's near an absolute DUMPING GROUND of dumpling deliciousness. I think I gained five pounds in a week. Absolutely worth it. But location! Okay, picture this: you step out of the hotel, and BAM! Metro station is practically on your doorstep. This means you can be zipping around Shanghai – from the glitz and glamour of the Bund to the hidden alleyways of the French Concession – in minutes. Forget the taxis (trust me on this one, especially during rush hour), embrace the subway. It's clean, efficient, and you get to eavesdrop on fascinating conversations. I learned more Mandarin just from listening to people than I ever did in a classroom. Plus, there’s an amazing wet market nearby – the smells alone are an experience! (And yes, more amazing dumplings.)
So, what about the hotel itself? What's the vibe? Are we talking "sterile chain" or "slightly quirky and charming"?
Okay, the hotel. Look, it’s a Holiday Inn. Don't expect boutique hotel chic. The lobby is… functional. Think clean lines, maybe a slightly dated floral arrangement, and the faint aroma of… well, nothing offensive. Just… generic hotel air. HOWEVER, and this is a big HOWEVER – the staff. They were genuinely friendly and helpful. I had a minor medical mishap involving spicy noodles and… well, let's just say, a lot of water, and the front desk went above and beyond. They called a doctor, got me some medicine, and even offered me a complimentary bowl of plain rice porridge (which was, honestly, the most comforting thing ever at that moment). That kind of genuinely caring service? Priceless. That's what makes it "slightly quirky and charming" and a cut above a sterile experience.
Give me a specific anecdote! Something that really hooked you!
Okay, here’s one. Day three. Jet lag was hitting me HARD. I was wandering the streets, completely disoriented, and desperately craving caffeine. I stumbled into a tiny, hole-in-the-wall cafe, the kind you'd probably walk right past if you weren’t bleary-eyed and desperate. The owner, a tiny, animated woman with a dazzling smile, didn't speak much English. I managed to order a coffee and a pastry (guessing, mostly). The coffee was the best I'd had in ages - seriously, life-changing stuff. As I sat there, nursing my coffee, I realized I was the only non-local in the place. Everyone else was chatting in rapid-fire Mandarin, laughing, and generally enjoying themselves. It was… magical. Then, a little girl, maybe five years old, came up to me, pointed at my phone, and said something I couldn't understand, but with a huge beam. I smiled, and she ran off. I felt *connected*. And it was because I was *there*, in that place, surrounded by that life. That's what this Holiday Inn unlocked for me. The REAL Shanghai.
What about the food *inside* the hotel? Breakfast, lunch, dinner? Any good, or should I explore, and eat outside of the hotel?
Listen, I'm generally not one for hotel food. But… the breakfast buffet? Surprisingly decent. Seriously. They had a noodle station that was pretty darn good (and super convenient before hitting the metro), plus the usual suspects - scrambled eggs, fruit, pastries. Was it Michelin-star quality? Absolutely not. Would I recommend the breakfast? Probably, yeah, especially if you're hungover from the night before (and, let's be honest, Shanghai is a city that *facilitates* those situations). Lunch and dinner? I skipped those. Shanghai is a culinary paradise! Get out there and eat! From street food to fancy restaurants, you'll find something amazing, and not eating at the hotel and gives you a reason to experience more!
Okay, okay, I’m convinced! Anything… *bad* about this seemingly perfect Holiday Inn? There has to be SOMETHING!
Alright, fine, you caught me. It’s not *perfect*. The elevator was… slow. Like, "I could take the stairs and still get there faster" slow. And the TV channels were all in Mandarin (which, hey, not a bad thing to practice your listening comprehension, but sometimes, you just want to zone out to something in English). Also, the air conditioning, as I said, had a bit of a jet engine sound, which could be disruptive during the night. The Wi-Fi was a little spotty at times. But honestly? Minor inconveniences. Tiny, tiny blips on a radar that was overwhelmingly positive. Those are problems easily fixable.
So, should I book this secret Holiday Inn? GIVE ME THE VERDICT!
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, YES! If you're looking for a budget-friendly, well-located base for exploring Shanghai, and if you're not expecting five-star luxury, then this is your spot. It's not glamorous, it’s not trendy, but it’sJet Set Hotels
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