Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Jiading New Town's BEST Hotel? (Hi Inn Review!)
Shanghai's Secret Weapon: Hi Inn Jiading New Town - A Brutally Honest Review (and a Plea for a Better Breakfast)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. We're diving deep into the heart of Jiading New Town, far from the neon-drenched chaos of central Shanghai, and checking out the Hi Inn. Forget what you think you know about budget hotels, because this place… well, it's a mixed bag, folks. Prepare for a rollercoaster of accessibility highs, breakfast lows, and a whole lotta opinion from yours truly.
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- Keywords: Shanghai Hotels, Jiading New Town Hotels, Hi Inn Review, Accessible Hotels Shanghai, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Spa Shanghai, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Breakfast Buffet, Best Value Hotels
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Hi Inn Jiading New Town, Shanghai. Discover its accessibility, amenities (pool, spa!), dining options (and the breakfast situation!), cleanliness, and overall value. Honest opinions and practical tips for your stay.
Accessibility: Surprisingly Solid! (Good Start!)
Okay, let's start with a win! This is a big one for me because accessibility is often a total afterthought. The Hi Inn actually scores pretty well here. I'm talking wheelchair accessibility and that's a massive deal in a city like Shanghai where some historical areas are cobblestone-hellscapes. The website mentions facilities for disabled guests, and that's followed through. Corridors are wide, the elevator is reliable (a godsend!), and I spotted ramps where they needed to be. Plus, they have Facilities for Disabled Guests. That's not to say it's perfect—you always have to be extra careful in a developing country— but from my experience, this is a place that actually tried to be inclusive. This is a HUGE plus and makes a massive difference for anyone with mobility issues. So thumbs up there, Hi Inn. You're starting to earn those stars.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: I can't say for sure on this, I did not see any concrete confirmation.
Internet: Hallelujah, Free Wi-Fi! And, You Know, Internet!
Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I checked, several times.) This is a non-negotiable in the 21st century, folks, and the Hi Inn delivers. It was surprisingly fast, even in the rooms. I even did a little video call with my mum, which, let’s be honest, is a true test of any internet connection. They also boast Internet access – LAN but I didn't even try it. The Wi-Fi in public areas was also solid, so feel free to post all your Instagram stories from the lobby. No complaints there.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Mixed Bag
Okay, this is where things get a little…complicated. The "things to do" around Jiading New Town are…well, they're not exactly the Bund. But that's the vibe, right? It's a quieter, more residential area.
- The Good: They have a Swimming pool (outdoor). I didn't get a chance to hop in, sadly, but it looked decent. There's also a Spa/sauna, Spa, Sauna, and Steamroom. Consider it a spa in miniature, as opposed to the kind of spa that rivals Cleopatra's golden bathtub. A solid offering, though. I'd be lying if I said didn't like the idea of a steam room after a long day of navigating Shanghai.
- The Not-So-Good: The Fitness center looked…underwhelming. Let's just say it’s wasn't the kind of place that screams "luxury workout." It's a "get the job done" kind of gym.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, and Massage: These are offered, and given that the Hi Inn is more budget friendly, i' d guess that will make a difference for some.
- Pool with view: the view here isn's the best feature of the hotel but the pool might be fine.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuring (Mostly!)
Okay, this is important, especially in a post-COVID world. The Hi Inn seems to take hygiene seriously, which is a HUGE relief. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Hygiene certification. I saw the Staff trained in safety protocol and the Sterilizing equipment in action. They've got Hand sanitizer stations dotted around. They also seem to offer Room sanitization opt-out available, for the eco-conscious.
- And the minor disappointments The doctor/nurse on call is comforting, but you hope you won't need it. The First aid kit is a nice touch, same with the Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Saga…
Brace yourselves. This is the part where I, potentially, get into a minor rant. The Hi Inn offers a Breakfast [buffet]. Keyword: offers. Let me tell you, "offer" might be a strong word. Let’s just say it was…basic. Very basic. I’m talking dry toast, questionable scrambled eggs (the colour was, shall we say, vibrant), and a selection of what I think were sausages. It's a real shame because I love a good hotel breakfast. I dream of fluffy pancakes and perfectly cooked bacon. This…was not that. But hey! the Asian breakfast might be a step up. The Vegetarian restaurant and Western breakfast options are still available, and the Breakfast service is fine (if uninspiring).
- More positives in the breakfast realm: They do offer Breakfast takeaway service, which could be helpful if you have an early start. There's also Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is a necessity. The Desserts in restaurant are potentially worth the time.
- Overall dining They provide A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant. Plus a Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar, and Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant,
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects (and Some Surprises!)
The Hi Inn pretty much covers your essential needs. They have a Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman (a friendly one!), Elevator, and Luggage storage. The Business facilities seem adequate, with Meetings and Meeting/banquet facilities for group stuff, plus Seminars. The Cash withdrawal (which is essential in China!), Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, and Ironing Service are all there for your convenience. They even have a Convenience store!
- More advantages, Food delivery provides some variety. The Air conditioning in public area is welcome, and the Facilities for disabled guests are a huge plus. Family/child friendly is another advantage. The Invoice provided option is also good.
- Some downsides: The Babysitting service is questionable, the Gift/souvenir shop probably isn't too impressive.
For the Kids:
- They offer Babysitting service! and are Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities and a Kids meal.
Getting Around:
- They will arrange Airport transfer, which is a blessing upon arrival. They have Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], although i didn't need them. The Taxi service, and Valet parking are also a part of the hotel. Bicycle parking and Car power charging station are also a nice touch.
Available in all rooms:
- They offer Additional toilet, 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.
- The Hi Inn provides Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, **Front
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get the unvarnished truth about navigating Shanghai from, well, me. And let me tell you, the Hi Inn Shanghai Jiading New Town Hotel? That place is… an experience. Let's dive in, shall we?
Day 1: Shanghai – Surviving the Arrival (and the Jet Lag Monster)
Time: 6:00 AM (or, roughly, whenever the jet lag monster allows)
- Event: Wake up in a cold sweat, convinced I'd slept through the apocalypse. Turns out, just Shanghai. The Hi Inn's AC is… intense. Think Antarctic expedition.
- Location: The Hi Inn, looking slightly less glamorous than the photos online. (You know how it goes.)
- Emotional Reaction: Bewilderment. And a desperate craving for coffee.
- Quirky Observation: Did you know that the shower in the Hi Inn has a mind of its own? Sometimes it's scalding, sometimes it's freezing. It's like playing a game of water-temperature roulette. Prepare yourself.
Time: 8:00 AM
- Event: Attempt breakfast nearby. "Nearby" in Shanghai can mean a five-block odyssey. Found a little dumpling place. Success!
- Location: A hole-in-the-wall dumpling shop. No English menu, of course.
- Transportation: Walked. Got a little lost. Saw some amazing street art, though. Shanghai is surprisingly vibrant!
- Anecdote: Pointing at things on the menu and hoping for the best. Ended up with a mountain of delicious pork dumplings. Definitely a win. (Also, learned the universal sign language for "more chili oil.")
Time: 11:00 AM
- Event: Navigate the Shanghai Metro. This is daunting, sure. BUT, I can at least say I survived!
- Location: Shanghai Metro.
- Emotional Reaction: A potent mixture of bewilderment (again), triumph, and the faint scent of… well, I'm not sure what it was, but it wasn't roses. (You can find a map online.)
- Opinionated Language: The Metro is a beast, but a relatively clean and efficient one. Bless the guy who invented Google Translate. Seriously. He should get a medal.
Time: 1:00 PM
- Event: Lunch in the Zhabei Area. Oh, my goodness, the street food!!!
- Location: Zhabei area, the heart of Shanghai
- Transportation: Uber or Did-D (Chinese Uber).
- Anecdote: I was trying to be cool, but I ended up tripping and spilling my freshly squeezed orange juice all over this poor woman. She looked at me, I gave her a look of "I am so sorry!," and she smiled and just laughed. (The best part of the whole day.)
Time: 4:00 PM
- Event: Check out the Bund. Seriously. Just go.
- Location: The Bund.
- Emotional Reaction: Awe. And a slight feeling of being a tiny ant in a very grand city.
- Quirky Observation: The people-watching is incredible. You see everything from elaborate photo shoots to tiny dogs in ridiculously fashionable sweaters.
Time: 7:00 PM
- Event: Dinner. Attempt to find a restaurant that isn't completely full of tourists.
- Location: Somewhere off the beaten path, or at least, I hoped it was.
- Transportation: More Metro!
- Quirky Observation: The chopsticks. I keep dropping them. Every. Single. Time. I feel like a toddler with a spork.
Time: 9:00 PM
- Event: Collapse in bed. Thank the gods for Netflix on my phone.
- Location: Back at the Hi Inn. The AC is still a monster.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhaustion. But happy exhaustion. Shanghai, you crazy city, you're growing on me.
Day 2: Exploring the Depths (and the Crowds!)
Time: 9:00 AM (ish, jet lag permitting)
- Event: Coffee. (This is a critical event.)
- Location: Found a decent coffee shop nearby.
- Transportation: Walked.
- Anecdote: The coffee was… well, let's just say it wasn't the best. But, caffeine! So, winning.
Time: 10:00 AM
- Event: Visiting the Shanghai Yu Garden.
- Location: Yu Garden.
- Emotional Reaction: Visited, but more like experienced. Its design is immaculate and mesmerizing.
- Opinionated Language: The number of people in line for the park is a bit much. But honestly don't get discouraged. Go.
Time: 1:00 PM
- Event: Lunch. More street food adventures!
- Location: Back in the French Concession
- Transportation: Metro
- Anecdote: Found the best noodles of my life!!
- Messier Structure: Okay, so, this deserves its own section. I'm doubling down on it. This little noodle stall. I can't even remember the name. All I know is it was packed with locals, and the smell… oh, the smell! Spicy, savory, a hint of sweetness… I swear, I could eat it every day. I ordered, pointed at the menu, and crossed my fingers. The noodles arrived, steaming, the broth a deep, rich color, the toppings piled high. I took a bite, and… bliss. The noodles, perfectly cooked, the broth, a symphony of flavor I've never experienced before. Honestly, it was life-changing. I went back the next day. And the day after that. I'm probably going to dream about those noodles for years. (I am not exaggerating.)
Time: 3:00 PM
- Event: The Shanghai Museum.
- Location: Shanghai Museum.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhausted from the crowds.
- Opinionated Language: Amazing, but the crowds really do get to you. Prepare for it!
Time: 6:00 PM
- Event: Dinner. Found a restaurant in the French Concession - it was beautiful, but it was also crazy overpriced.
- Location: French Concession.
- Quirky Observation: The people there were so incredibly pretentious.
Time: 8:00 PM
- Event: Back to the Hi Inn. Netflix and the arctic chill of the AC.
Day 3: Farewell, Shanghai! (Maybe…?)
Time: 8:00 AM
- Event: One last dumpling breakfast.
- Location: Same dumpling place as Day 1.
- Anecdote: This time, I successfully used chopsticks! Practice makes perfect, I guess.
- Emotional Reaction: A tinge of sadness. I might have started to like Shanghai.
Time: 10:00 AM
- Event: Last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Location: Somewhere near the hotel.
- Quirky Observation: Never trust a vendor who insists you buy something.
Time: 12:00 PM
- Event: Head to the airport.
- Transportation: The Metro… and a wing and a prayer.
Time: (Whenever my flight is)
- Event: Reflect on my trip.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed, exhausted, and yet… already planning my return. Shanghai, you crazy, beautiful, chaotic city. You got me.
So there you have it. Shanghai, in all its messy, wonderful, and sometimes slightly overwhelming glory. Hope you have a better time than I did. (Just kidding! Mostly.) Enjoy! And pack an extra sweater for the Hi Inn. You'll need it.
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Jiading New Town's Hidden Gem... or Just a Gem-Shaped Rock? My Hi Inn Adventure! (FAQ-ish, but Mostly Just Me Rambling)
Okay, spill the tea. Is Hi Inn in Jiading New Town *really* worth the hype?
What's the *best* thing about Hi Inn Jiading New Town? (Come on, there HAS to be something!)
Let's talk ROOMS. Are they… livable?
The Breakfast! What's the deal with the breakfast?
Okay, spill the tea. What was your WORST experience at the Hi Inn?
Any tips for staying at Hi Inn Jiading? Like, survival tips?
So, would you recommend it? Be honest!
