Shanghai's BEST Hotel? Hanting Hotel Nanjing Road Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Hanting Hotel Nanjing Road experience. Forget those glossy, sterile hotel reviews – I'm giving you the unfiltered truth, the good, the questionable, and the downright hilarious moments. Consider this your real guide.
Shanghai's Hanting Hotel Nanjing Road: The Not-So-Secret Secret
First off: Shanghai. Whew, what a city! Bustling, vibrant, and frankly, a little overwhelming if you're not prepared. Finding a decent, affordable hotel that doesn't feel like sleeping in a closet is a victory in itself. The Hanting Hotel Nanjing Road? Well, it's aiming for "decent," and in many ways, it succeeds. Let's get messy with it, shall we?
Accessibility: The Elevator Saga (and Other Adventures)
Alright, the good news first: there is an elevator. A lifesaver, truly, after a day of pounding the pavement. But… the elevator's a bit… sensitive. One time, I swear, it stopped between floors for a good 10 minutes. Panic levels: rising. Luckily, it eventually decided to, you know, function. Then, there was that other time when I squeezed in with like, ten other tourists, it was like a clown car in a slow motion, with a lot of uncomfortable eye contact.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Now, this is where I have to rely on the intel I've gleaned. Given the hotel's layout, I'd say it's tentatively accessible, but I'd recommend double-checking with the hotel directly about specific room features and accessibility needs. The front desk is… generally helpful? (More on that later).
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This is a broader point. I didn't personally experience it, but it's crucial to confirm specifics before booking. Call them. Seriously. Don't rely on a random review!
(Okay, getting a little off-track, I'm rambling, I'm sorry, but getting off track it's life, right? Okay, here's my main point! It's a hotel, and at the end of the day, you're supposed to be sleeping and that matters, especially when one's spent the whole day touring. So keep these points in mind!)
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe Approved (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. Post-pandemic travel is a different beast.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Staff trained in safety protocol: Okay, thumbs up on these points. I saw the cleaning happening, and it felt like they were taking it seriously. They use the spray stuff and spray everything down. My room? Pretty spotless. Thank God! The hotel smells pretty clean too, which is an experience considering what I’ve heard about China in general…
- Hand sanitizer: Plenty of hand sanitizer. Everywhere. (A little too much, sometimes. I swear I walked out smelling like a medical supply closet).
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Again, good. Essentials.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Trying, but it's Shanghai. You’re bound to get bumped around a bit.
- Hygiene certification: Haven't got an actual document to prove it, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
- Cashless payment service: Yes! Thank goodness. Didn't have to worry about currency.
- Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup: More on food later. But yes, they try.
I felt safe. Which, trust me, is a big deal after a long flight and a culture shock.
Rooms: Small but… Functional
- Available in all rooms: They got Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Here's the honest truth: My room? Cozy. Let's call it that. Think… efficient. Everything you need is there, but don't expect sprawling space. Also? My view was… nothing. A brick wall, I think. Didn’t bother me much, because: Blackout curtains! YES. I slept like a baby. Well, until the elevator saga.
- Internet Access: The Wi-Fi was reliable, and you get FREE WI-fI! I’m a blogger, so the internet is a MUST.
- Soundproofing: Let’s just say, a few times I heard what my neighbors are doing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Adventures! (with a few quirks)
- Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast: Ah, the breakfast buffet. It’s… ambitious. Okay, let’s be real: sometimes it feels like a bit of a free-for-all. Expect a mix of Asian and Western options. I ate an international breakfast! I ate some eggs, noodles, and dumplings.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Coffee, tea, readily available. But good coffee? Don't get your hopes up. Think instant.
- Restaurants, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour]: They offer a lot here, but the quality is variable. I tried the room service once. Arrived quickly (thumbs up!), but the noodles were… a little soggy. Still edible.
- Poolside Bar, Happy Hour, Pool with View: No pool. No bar. No happy hour. (This is where the website and reality sometimes diverge).
Services and Conveniences: The Fine Print
- Doorman, Front desk [24-hour], Concierge: The staff is… there. The front desk is 24-hour, which is great. The doorman? Mostly MIA. The concierge? Not exactly fluent in English, but they try. Be patient.
- Luggage storage: Safe. I have nothing to complain about.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Yes to all! They seem very efficient with the laundry.
- Elevator: We already talked about it, but the wait can be a drag.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: The hotel will help you out.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Limited, But You're in Shanghai!
- Fitness center: Yes! A basic gym. I don't go to the gym so I can't really tell you how that went.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Nope, keep dreaming.
- Things to Do: You're in Shanghai! Go explore! The hotel is close enough to the Nanjing Road pedestrian street, which makes it a great starting point.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal: The hotel is fine for kids, but don't expect a playground. I didn't see any kids meals.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour]: Makes you feel safe.
The Quirks: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Funny
- The "Lost in Translation" Moments: Mandarin and English are sometimes a bridge too far. Be prepared for miscommunications, but also for genuine helpfulness when they understand you.
- The "Unintentional Comedy" Club: Be prepared for the occasional unexpected. Like the time a maintenance worker wandered into my room… without knocking. (He apologized profusely, but still!).
- The Bed… or the Hardest Thing in the World: The bed was HARD. Like, seriously hard. I slept, but my back isn't a huge fan.
The Verdict?
Look, the Hanting Hotel Nanjing Road isn't the Ritz. It's not luxurious. But it's clean, safe, conveniently located, and affordable. It’s a perfectly acceptable base of operations for exploring Shanghai.
My Final, Honest Opinion:
I'd stay here again. But I'd temper my expectations. Embrace the chaos. Pack earplugs. And be prepared for the occasional adventure.
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Escape to NY: Unbelievable Hampton Inn Near Stewart Airport!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is the real Shanghai, lived and breathed, from the grimy underbelly to the neon-drenched glamour, all seen through the bleary-eyed lens of a traveller who's probably going to end up lost at least twice. And we're starting at… wait for it… the Hanting Hotel Shanghai Nanjing Dong Road Metro Station.
The Hanting Hotel Saga (and the Start of Something Wonderful…Potentially):
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bed Sheet Mystery
- Time: Mid-afternoon. After a flight that felt long enough to knit a whole scarf, I arrive at Hongqiao Airport. Jet lag is already a furry, judgmental monster gnawing at my brain.
- Transportation: Airport Line 10 to East Nanjing Road. Easy peasy, right? Wrong. I nearly got trampled by a herd of determined businessmen in power suits. Note to self: Learn the art of the Shanghai Shove.
- Hotel Location: Hanting Hotel Shanghai Nanjing Dong Road Metro Station. The name is longer than the hallway to my room. Honestly, finding it was like a scavenger hunt. The metro exit signs were a bit…suggestive. Let's just say I saw things.
- First Impression: It's…functional. The room is small. Very small. Like, "I could probably touch both walls if I stretched" small. The aircon sounds like a dying hamster. And those sheets… they're a pale, almost translucent white. I think they're clean. I hope they're clean. I'll bring my own next time.
- Quirky Observation: The TV channels are ALL Chinese soap operas, dubbed in a language I don't understand, featuring dramatic music, and a lot of intense crying. It's mesmerizing and hilarious. I will probably spend an hour or two just watching. Probably.
- Dinner: Finding food near the hotel is a mission! I was lured in by the promise of "authentic" dumplings. I ordered a small, simple meal of dumplings. Then I realized I had no idea how to pay. I fumbled with my phone, gesturing wildly, and finally paid with a helpful person at the counter. Bless people's patience with tourists.
- Evening: Attempted to sleep. Jet lag won. Stared at the ceiling for three hours, contemplating the meaning of life (and the color of those sheets). This is going to be a fun trip…
Day 2: Nanjing Road Madness and the Tea House Temptation:
- Morning: Nanjing Road: A tsunami of people, flashing lights, and neon-soaked chaos. I got jostled, shoved, and almost run over by a bicycle. It's exhilarating! The storefronts are incredible. I almost bought a fake Gucci bag (but resisted the urge. Mostly.)
- Lunch: Found a little hole-in-the-wall place that smelled amazing. Pointed at a picture of something that looked like noodles. It was noodles. With a spicy, mysterious red sauce. My mouth is still on fire. Best/worst meal ever.
- Afternoon: The Bund! So amazing, and overwhelming! The architecture is utterly breathtaking. The river is… well, it's a river. But with a whole lot of boats. The iconic photos? They're real. But there's a million people taking the same ones. I get it. I'm one of them.
- Tea House Temptation:
- The Location: I'd heard about the tea houses. I was convinced I didn't have time, that I would be underwhelmed. I was sooooo wrong. I stumbled upon a tiny shop, all dark wood and the smell of jasmine, near Yu Garden. I don't even like tea that much, but I was immediately mesmerized.
- The Experience: A delicate presentation! The ritual – the pouring, swirling, and smelling of the tea before drinking.. The friendly proprietor, patiently answering my questions about the different varieties of tea. It was a complete sensory escape from the buzzing city. I’m not sure what it was, but the tea was the most delicious thing I have ever tasted!
- Emotional Reaction: This wasn't just tea; it was a meditation. A moment of peace amidst the whirlwind. I might have shed a single, happy tear. Don't tell anyone.
- Evening: Wandered around the old French Concession. Beautiful tree-lined streets, charming cafes, and a definite feeling of "I could get lost here forever." I almost did. I got lost. But the adventure was worth it. Ended up eating some surprisingly good pizza.
- Bedtime: Back to the hamster aircon and the questionable sheets. But I had tea! And a good memory. And I'm starting to feel like I'm actually experiencing Shanghai, not just ticking off boxes. Success!
Day 3: The Pudong Perspective and the Karaoke Catastrophe:
- Morning: Determined to conquer the Shanghai Tower. I took the metro. Finding the correct line and not accidentally entering the wrong building. Success! And wow. Going up is a little scary. But the view! Oh, the view. It's a concrete jungle, but at that height, it's beautiful. The city sprawled out below me like a futuristic, glistening tapestry.
- Lunch: A quick, delicious (and much less spicy) lunch in a food court near the tower. I'm becoming an expert at pointing and nodding. "I'll take that!" works surprisingly well.
- Afternoon: Wandered through a modern art museum. Contemporary artwork. I understood maybe 10% of it. But I enjoyed the experience!
- Evening: Karaoke. My friends insisted. Against my better judgment, I agreed. This was a bad decision.
- The Venue: A brightly lit, slightly grimy karaoke bar with a hundred tiny private rooms, each blasting a different song.
- The Performance: I. AM. AWFUL. Imagine a cat giving birth while being strangled. That's the sound I make. The Chinese songs were, of course, impossible to sing. The English ones? Even worse.
- Emotional Reaction: Humiliation. Utter and complete humiliation. I hid in the bathroom for a significant amount of time. I swear I could feel the judgmental stares of my friends.
- Bedtime: Back at the Hanting. The hamster aircon is running, the sheet situation is unchanged, but somehow, I don't care as much. Karaoke is a memory. A painful, horrifying memory. But a memory. And that's what this trip is all about, right? Embracing the chaos. Making questionable life choices. And probably getting lost again tomorrow. Goodnight, Shanghai. And thank you for the tea.
Day 4: The Departure (and a Final, Gritty Observation):
- Morning: A frantic dash to the metro to get back to Hongqiao Airport. I might have forgotten to pack something. The clock is ticking. The streets are more crowded than ever. Must. Get. To. Airport.
- Transportation: I managed to get on the right line! Victory!
- Breakfast: Grabbed a last-minute pastry from a bakery. It tasted delicious, and a little bit desperate. Like the whole trip.
- The Farewell: As I left the hotel, I glanced back. The building seemed to wink at me. The Hanting: functional, imperfect, and a tiny piece of Shanghai I'll never forget.
- Gritty Observation: On the walk to the metro, I passed a small park. There were old men practicing tai chi, children playing, and an elderly woman meticulously sweeping the sidewalk. It's the little everyday moments that make a city truly come alive.
- Departure: Boarding the plane. I'm exhausted. I'm exhilarated. I'm already planning my return. This trip hasn't been perfect. It's been messy. Emotional. A little bit ridiculous. And absolutely, wonderfully, human.
Hangting Hotel Nanjing Road - The Real Deal (or is it?! A Shanghai Hotel Experience)
Okay, so you're looking at the Hanting Hotel on Nanjing Road? Smart move... maybe? Look, I've stayed there. I've *lived* to tell the tale. Buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your typical fluffy hotel review. We're going deep, and by "deep" I mean "into the lukewarm shower water and the lingering odor of… well, let's just say "Shanghai.""
1. Is the Hanting Hotel on Nanjing Road actually *good*? Like, should I book it?
Alright, the million-dollar question. And the answer? …It depends. Seriously. My experience? A rollercoaster. There were times I wanted to hug the person who designed the bed (comfortable, seriously!), and times I considered writing angry poetry about the paper-thin walls. Let's get this out of the way: it's budget. Manage your expectations. BUT, for the price, the location is KILLER. Nanjing Road is where you want to be. Shopping, food, lights, action. All within a stumble (or a very, very careful taxi ride) away.
2. What's the location like? Should I worry? Like, is it dangerous?
The location is the star of the show, you know? Walking distance to The Bund. Literally right on Nanjing Road. Shop 'til you drop, eat until you burst, see the lights, the buzz, the general glorious chaos of Shanghai. Is it *dangerous*? Not really. It's Shanghai. A thousand things are happening at once. You'll be fine. Just keep your wits about you (and your wallet close). It's a busy area, lots of people. Stay aware, but it's not a warzone. Mostly.
3. Okay, but the room? Spill the tea. Is it clean? Is it TINY?
The room... ah, the room. Let's just say "cozy" is the operative word. Think… efficient. Space is at a premium in Shanghai, and the Hanting knows it. Expect a small space, but well-utilized. My room? It was clean-ish. Look, let's be real, even in luxury hotels, there are rogue dust bunnies that go rogue. I'm not a germaphobe, and I survived. The sheets were clean. The bathroom? Okay, the bathroom was… *functional*. The shower pressure wasn't exactly Niagara Falls, but it got the job done. My advice? Bring your own slippers. And maybe some Lysol wipes, just in case, ya know, *just in case*.
4. What about the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
The staff… bless their hearts. English proficiency varies. I found some staff super helpful, and others… well, let's just say my attempts at Mandarin were probably more successful. Don't expect fluent English everywhere. Basic communication is usually fine, but if you need super detailed assistance? Google Translate is your friend. And a smile goes a long way. Always. Remember they're probably dealing with dozens of demanding tourists every day. Be patient. Be kind. And tip generously if you can. They work hard!
5. Breakfast? Is it any good? Do they even *have* breakfast?
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. So, yes, they *have* breakfast. (Thank goodness!) No, it's not a Michelin-star experience. Expect a buffet of Chinese and Western options. My personal experience? Let's just say I stuck mostly to the fruit and the questionable coffee (I may have smuggled in instant Starbucks from my suitcase). There were noodles, dumplings, sometimes eggs… Embrace the adventure! It's a cheap and cheerful way to start your day and fuel up before the Shanghai marathon (of shopping and eating). And hey, you might discover a new favorite food! (I didn’t, but you might!)
6. The Wi-Fi. Gotta know about the Wi-Fi! Is it reliable? Do I need a VPN?
The Wi-Fi, folks! The lifeline of modern travel! The Hanting's Wi-Fi... hmm. It worked. Mostly. But don't expect lightning-fast speeds. And yes, you will probably need a VPN if you want to access your usual Google services (Gmail, Google Maps, etc.) and social media. I spent a decent chunk of my first day trying to figure out the VPN situation. So, download and set one up BEFORE you go! Trust me on this. This is a pro-tip. Seriously. Pack a portable charger too. Things can get… slow.
7. Anything I *absolutely* need to know before I go, something you wish someone had told you?
Okay, the single *biggest* piece of advice? LEARN SOME BASIC MANDARIN PHRASES. Even a few key words can make a huge difference. "Ni hao" (hello), "xie xie" (thank you), and "bu hao yi si" (excuse me) will get you far. People appreciate the effort. Also, be prepared for crowds. Nanjing Road is like a perpetual parade. Get used to it. And PACK COMFORTABLE SHOES. You'll be doing a *lot* of walking. And finally... embrace the weirdness. Shanghai is a city of contrasts, of unexpected moments. The Hanting? It's a microcosm of that. It's not perfect, but it's an experience. And sometimes, that's all that really matters.
8. Would you stay there again? Seriously, be honest!
Honestly? Yes, I would. Not for a luxury getaway. Not for a romantic weekend. But for a budget-friendly, centrally located base to explore Shanghai? Absolutely. The location is unbeatable. It's clean enough. It's cheap enough. Despite the occasional… *quirks*, it's a solid choice for a traveler on a budget who values location over luxury. Just remember what you're getting. This is a functional, affordable hotel. It's not the Ritz. But hey, you're in Shanghai! You'll be too busy exploring the city to care. Plus, the bed was seriously comfortable. And that, my friends, is a win in my book.
9. Okay, let's talk about the elevators. Because every hotel review *needs* an elevator story.
Oh, the elevators. Yes. THE elevators. This is where things got… interesting. Picture this: you’re exhausted after a day of navigating the Shanghai Metro, your feet are screaming, and all you want is that glorious bed. You hit the elevator button. And you wait. And you wait. And you start to question your life choices. The elevators were slow. Sometimes full. Sometimes… temperamental. On one occasion, I swear it stopped between floors for a good five minutes. I swear that elevator had its own personality! I’d rather have been on foot than the elevator. Be patient. Take a deep breath. And if you’re on a low floor, consider the stairs. Trust me. Your calves will thank you."
10. One final thought? A random, weird Shanghai observation that has nothing to do with the hotel itself?
Okay, here's one for you: the sheer *volume* of scooters in Shanghai is mind-boggling. They're everywhere. They weave through traffic like nimble little ninjas. And they all seem to have a horn that they use with the same enthusiasm that Americans use to say "hi." The scooter horns became the soundtrack to my trip. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! You get used to it. It’s just… part of the experience. Just like the Hanting Hotel, really.
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