Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Huaihai Road's Chic Hi Inn!
Shanghai's Chic Hi Inn: Maybe a Hidden Gem, But Let's Get Real (A Review)
Okay, alright, so they call the Hi Inn on Huaihai Road a "hidden gem." Marketing, right? But after a recent stay, I'm here to spill the tea. This place… it's a whole experience. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, this might get messy.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, the Elevator Saga)
Finding the Hi Inn is easy enough. Huaihai Road is right smack-dab in the middle of Shanghai’s chic-est district. Super accessible by everything (taxi, metro… even roller skates, if you're feeling ambitious). But inside… well, the elevator situation… let’s just say it's not exactly smooth sailing.
Accessibility: Check that box. It ticked the requirements for accessible amenities.
My trip up to the room involved a dance with the button (and a brief, heart-stopping moment where it seemed to get stuck between floors – shudders). If you're a wheelchair user, I’d recommend calling ahead about specific accessibility of the rooms themselves. Overall, it’s probably not the most flawlessly accessible hotel in Shanghai, but hey, it's a start, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Oh My! (Food, Glorious, Sometimes-Confusing Food)
Alright, so food! That's a big deal, obviously. Especially after battling a somewhat temperamental elevator. The Hi Inn has options. Let's break it down, because this where it gets interesting, and I mean, really interesting.
- Restaurants: Plural! They have restaurants! And the descriptions… let’s just say they’re… optimistic.
- Breakfast: Ah, breakfast. My morning ritual. They offer both Asian and Western options. I went for the Western. Mistake…The "eggs" looked suspiciously like… something else. Next morning, I opted for the Asian option. The congee was actually amazing. But the overall experience was… chaotic.
- A la Carte: The menu screamed "expensive." I opted for the buffet and the congee and the whole experience saved me.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant?: Yes, and essential. Coffee was decent, tea was… well, it was tea.
- Snack Bar: I didn't find a snack bar, but I am certain there were snacks, since the hotel is located in Shanghai, and there are snack options practically everywhere.
- Poolside Bar: Poolside bar? Nope, didn’t see one. Not even a kiddie pool.
- Room Service: Yes. 24 hours. A lifesaver when you're jet-lagged and craving noodles at 3 AM.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: Nope. But lots of options for vegetarians nearby.
- Happy Hour: I couldn't find one, but that could have been just my inexperience.
- Asian/International/Western Cuisine: All available. But be warned: the quality's a gamble.
Internet & Tech (Because We Live in the Future – Mostly)
Internet: Crucial, obviously.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And it actually worked! Hurray.
- Internet Access (LAN): Yep.
- Internet Services: All the usual stuff.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yes. And it was fairly reliable.
- Audio-Visual Equipment (for Events): I didn’t use it, but they said they had it.
Cleanliness & Safety (Especially Important These Days)
Okay, this is where the Hi Inn actually shined. I felt safe. Seriously.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Check!
- Daily Disinfection: Check!
- Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms Sanitized: Absolutely.
- Staff Trained: They seemed to know their stuff regarding safety.
- First Aid Kit: Present.
- Hygiene Certification: Seems they received it.
- Room Sanitization opt-out: Not sure.
- Safe Dining Setup: Yes!
- Sanitized Kitchen & Tableware: Yes!
- CCTV in Common Areas and outside property: Yep.
- Exterior Corridor: Yep.
- Fire Extinguisher: Yep.
- Safety/Security features: There should have been a way to have an emergency button, but this wasn't clear.
- Smoke alarms: All present.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or, the Spa That Wasn’t)
This is where the "hidden gem" thing gets… tenuous.
- Spa: Where is it? I could not find it.
- Sauna, Steamroom: Nope.
- Fitness Center: There was a… thing… that resembled a gym. It's fine if you're really, really committed and not too fussy.
- Pool with view: No, just a view. A decent one of Shanghai.
- All the other spa things - massage, body rub, body wraps: Nope.
For the Kids
- Babysitting?: I didn't notice it.
- Family/child friendly: Hmm, depends.
- Kids meal: I cannot make it out.
- Kids facilities?: I cannot make it out.
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Smelly
- Air Conditioning: Essential!
- Alarm Clock: Yes.
- Bathrobes: Yes.
- Bathroom phone: I tried it. It worked.
- Blackout Curtains: Yes. Perfect for jet lag.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Yes. (Crucial.)
- Free Bottled Water: Yep.
- Hair Dryer: Yes.
- In-Room Safe Box: Yes.
- Mini Bar: Yes.
- Non-Smoking: Yes.
- Reading light: Essential.
- Refrigerator: Yes.
- Satellite/Cable Channels: Yes.
- Seating Area: Yes.
- Shower: Yes.
- Slippers: Yes.
- Smoke Detector: Yes.
- Soundproofing: Decent.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Standard.
- Wake-up Service: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes.
- Window that opens: Yes.
The room itself? Clean. Decent. A little… generic. A little bit of a smell of… something. I think it might have been cleaning product, but it lingered. The bed was comfortable. The view was okay. The noise isolation… variable. You could sometimes hear the hustle and bustle of Huaihai Road.
Services & Conveniences (or, The Small Stuff That Matters)
- Air Conditioning in Public Area: Yes.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events (if they ever have any): Yes.
- Business facilities: Present.
- Cash withdrawal: Yep.
- Concierge: Yes.
- Contactless check-in/out: Didn’t exist, but they were very friendly.
- Convenience store: Didn’t find one on-site.
- Currency exchange: Present also.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Doorman: Yes.
- Elevator: Mentioned above.
- Essential condiments: Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See the elevator comment above.
- Food delivery: Yes.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Ironing service: Yes.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes. Really helpful also.
- Meeting/banquet facilities/meetings/seminars: Yes.
- On-site event hosting: Unclear.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Unclear.
- Projector/LED display: Probably!
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Shrine: Nope.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Yes, a small one.
Getting Around (the City, Not Just the Elevator)
- Airport Transfer: Yes.
- Bicycle Parking: No.
- Car Park: They had car parking.
- Car power charging station: No.
- Taxi service: Yes. Easy to hail nearby.
- Valet parking: Yes.
The Verdict: "Gem" or "Rough Stone"?
Okay, so is the Hi Inn a hidden gem? Well… it has potential. Cleanliness and safety are top-notch. The location is fantastic. The staff were, without exception, lovely.
But the food is…
Escape to Paradise: Jeju Grace Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup. This isn't your neatly packaged, Instagram-filtered travel plan. This is my ACTUAL trip to Hi Inn Shanghai Huaihai Zhong Road, as it actually happened. Prepare for glitches, gushing, and more than a few accidental dumplings down the chin.
The Shanghai Shuffle: A Rambling Itinerary (with apologies for perfection)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Great Dim Sum Disappointment
- 1:00 PM (Shanghai Time): Touchdown! Pudong Airport – a glorious, slightly overwhelming monument to modern design. But after a 14-hour flight? Brain is mush. Jet lag? More like a full-blown frontal lobe invasion.
- 2:30 PM: Finding the Metro. Okay, I'd heard Shanghai's metro was efficient. It’s… an experience. Navigating those ticket machines felt like trying to defuse a bomb while speaking Mandarin (which I don't). Found the line eventually, amidst a symphony of beeping turnstiles and bewildered tourists.
- 4:00 PM: Check-in at Hi Inn Huaihai Zhong Road. Interior is surprisingly… efficient. Clean, a bit sterile, but hey, it’s a place to crash. The air conditioning is on full blast, a life saver. Immediately passed out for a glorious, guilt-ridden hour.
- 5:30 PM: Pre-emptive food situation: I'm starving. So, I find a highly-rated dim sum place nearby. It's… crowded. Really crowded. I point frantically at steamed buns, feeling like a mime in a culinary play. The first bite? Disappointing. I’m not sure if it’s jet lag or expectations, but the buns are… bland. My internal monologue: Dear Dim Sum Gods, forgive me for this lukewarm encounter.
- 7:00 PM: A walk down Huaihai Road. Lights are amazing. I am now questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. I am an idiot.
- 8:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Face planting into the bed and surrendering to the jet lag monster. Good night Shanghai, or good morning? WHO EVEN KNOWS ANYMORE?!
Day 2: Bund Bonanza (Or, How I Conquered My Fear of Crowds)
- 9:00 AM: I AM ALIVE! Breakfast: instant noodles from a 7/11 around the corner. I am so basic.
- 10:00 AM: The Bund! Oh. My. God. The skyscrapers! The architecture! It's like Shanghai decided to show off. The views are stunning, even with the slightly hazy air. I feel a surge of… awe.
- 11:00 AM: The crowds. Dear lord, the crowds. It was like a human river, flowing in every possible direction. I am a small fish. Got lost on the way back, but saw some beautiful stores in a side street.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Finally, some real food! Found a tiny, buzzing noodle shop. This is what I'm looking for!. The noodles were slurp-worthy, the broth was divine.
- 2:30 PM: Strolling and wandering around the old French Concession. Cobblestone streets, charming cafes. It's easy to get lost and so I do.
- 4:00 PM: The Jade Buddha Temple. Incense, chanting… a moment of quiet, a chance to breathe. It was beautiful and serene, and I really, really needed that after battling the Bund’s throngs.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, once again. This time, with a friend who lives in Shanghai. We go for Sichuan food. My mouth burns with the gloriousness!
- 8:00 PM: Shanghai at night. A cocktail, the lights on the Bund. It's not just beautiful; it's electric. I'm starting to love this city.
Day 3: The Accidental Art Museum & Karaoke Catastrophe
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! I am not a morning person.
- 11:00 AM: Decided to go to a museum, but got side-tracked and found myself at a tiny, amazing art gallery in a hidden alley. Modern, thought-provoking, and the guy at the front was actually really chill. Best accident ever.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: I found this fantastic dumpling place. The soup dumplings were the best I've ever had. The perfect cure for a wandering mind.
- 3:00 PM: The Bund again. This time, for the afternoon light. The view is still amazing.
- 6:00 PM: Karaoke! My friend has always wanted to go. This is where things went… sideways. My singing is hilariously awful. The Chinese ballads… I could barely manage. The experience was less about melody, more about the communal laughter.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel, humming (badly) and feeling slightly shell shocked.
Day 4: The Great Tea Tasting & Airport Antics
- 10:00 AM: A tea ceremony! I am not a tea person, but it was fascinating. The ritual, the flavors… a whole different culture.
- 12:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. The markets are an assault on the senses, but I found some lovely silk scarves.
- 2:00 PM: Oops, I'm late. Getting to the airport. The Metro is a maze right now.
- 3:00 PM: At Hongqiao Airport. The airport is crowded, and my plane is delayed. Perfect. Time to people watch.
- 5:00 PM: Finally, on the plane. Goodbye Shanghai!
The Emotional Verdict:
Shanghai, you are wild. You are chaotic, beautiful, delicious, and frustrating. You’ve tested my patience, thrilled my senses, and made me question whether I could actually live here. And you know what? I think I might just be okay with the idea. It's been a trip filled with both triumphs and utter failures. I am exhausted.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Even with the dim sum disappointment and the karaoke massacre. Shanghai, I’ll be back. Prepare yourself.
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Huaihai Road's Chic Hi Inn: Your Slightly Chaotic Guide
So, is this "Chic Hi Inn" thing ACTUALLY chic? Because, let's be real, "chic" can be a lie.
Okay, deep breaths. "Chic" is definitely a *stretch*, like my attempts at Mandarin after a few baijiu shots. It's more... *eclectic* chic. Think less pristine, influencer-worthy minimalism, and more lovingly-curated chaos. Imagine a vintage shop exploded inside a guesthouse. You'll find antique furniture that's probably older than my grandma (and potentially creakier), alongside surprisingly modern art. Sometimes it works; sometimes it feels like you're sleeping in a very stylish hoarder's apartment. Bottom line? It's not the Four Seasons. But it *is* interesting. And that's a huge win in my book, especially after battling the sheer overwhelming *scale* of Shanghai for a week.
Location, Location, Location! Is it *actually* on Huaihai Road, or is it a mile down some dodgy alley?
YES! It's on Huaihai Road. Which is good news and bad news. Good news: you're in the thick of it. Designer boutiques, the French Concession vibe, amazing food, all right there. Bad news: it's...well, it's Huaihai Road. Expect crowds, traffic that makes a New York taxi seem quaint, and a general sensory overload. Okay, maybe that's just *me*. I got lost on Huaihai Road *every single day* and I am usually decent with directions. But seriously, it's a prime location. Just mentally prepare yourself for the intensity. Bring noise-cancelling headphones. And a good map. And maybe a therapist on speed dial.
The Rooms: What's the deal? Are they tiny? Do they have showers that actually work? And is there a bed bug situation I should know about *before* I book?
Alright, the ROOMS. Small is an understatement. Think "cozy." Think "intimate." Think "sleeping in a very stylish closet." Seriously though, they're not *huge*. But they're well-decorated, with cool details. You're paying for the location and the character, not the palatial space. And the showers...ah, the showers. Mine worked. Mostly. The water pressure was a bit... hesitant at times, but it eventually got the job done. They don't *advertise* bed bugs, I didn't see any, but honestly, in a city like Shanghai, cross your fingers and hope for the best! Just keep a close eye on things and maybe pack a lint roller (for peace of mind, not just the bed bugs!).
Breakfast: Is it included? If so, is it a decent, edible breakfast? Or a sad, sad pile of leftovers?
Breakfast... *deep shudder*. Let's just say the breakfast at Chic Hi Inn isn't why you're staying there. I think it *was* included, but honestly, after a week of jetlag, dodging scooters, and trying to decipher a map that was clearly drawn by a toddler, I barely remember. It might have been some dry toast, maybe a hard-boiled egg, and instant coffee. Or maybe a lukewarm cup of watery congee. Look, I'm being a little harsh. But trust me, the *real* breakfast game in Shanghai is out on the streets. Find a local bakery, get some Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried buns), and thank me later. Don't, *don't* rely on the inn's breakfast. It's not worth it. That's just pure honestly, because if you’re heading down you'll likely have been up the night before enjoying the city and not wanting to miss one second of that magical experience.
The Vibe: What kind of people stay here? Is it full of Instagrammers? Is it quiet? Is it a party hostel in disguise?
Right, the VIBE. It's… a mixed bag. You'll find a few Instagrammers, yes, but thankfully, not hordes. There were a few couples, some solo travelers, and a smattering of people who looked like they were there on business, but clearly enjoying the "off-the-beaten-path" aesthetic. Quiet? Mostly, but not always. Sometimes the walls are *thin*. And the courtyard can get lively at night. Party hostel? Definitely not. More like a slightly quirky, independent guesthouse with a serious dose of character. Don't expect a silent retreat. Expect a bit of noise, a bit of chatter, and a whole lotta Shanghai energy seeping in. Oh and a huge bonus: I got chatting with a fellow guest, a retired architect, and he gave me a *goldmine* of insider tips on the best noodle shops in the area. That kind of connection is priceless, right?
Okay, spill it! The BIGGEST Pro and Con, what's your verdict?
Okay, here we GO. The BIGGEST Pro: The Location. Hands down. Being in the middle of Huaihai Road, right in the middle of the action, is HUGE. You can wander out and stumble upon the best restaurants, shops, and hidden gems. Everything is at your fingertips. And when you get overwhelmed? You can fall into that lovely space within the inner-sanctum. The biggest Con? The slightly unstable shower. Okay, okay, it wasn't *that* bad, but it was a minor point of frustration. So… verdict? Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Despite the minor quirks, the charm, the location, and the overall experience more than make up for it. It's not perfect, but it's memorable. And isn't that what travel is all about? Just make sure you pack an adapter, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, and prepare to fall in love with Shanghai, even its imperfections. But do book. Seriously. That place gets booked up fast, and after exploring the city, you'll want a place to rest your head.
