Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Tianshan Road's BEST Inn!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the (supposedly) "hidden gem" that is Tianshan Road's BEST Inn! in Shanghai. And let me tell you, after a long week navigating rush hour and trying to understand the nuances of dumpling etiquette, I need a vacation from my vacation. So, let's see if this place is actually a treasure or just another shiny trinket.
Accessibility (and the Dreaded Elevator Story)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is important, right? My aging knees are screaming for mercy. The website claims it's accessible. Okay, here we go… Elevator! Thank. God. But (and there's always a but), the elevator…well, let's just say it's seen better days. One day I was going up, the elevator stopped halfway, the lights flickered, one of the doors opened slightly, and I thought, "Okay… this is it. Goodbye world." Luckily, I was wrong. The hotel staff quickly fixed the problem. Phew! Anyway, I was able to get around, so that is a good thing.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because Let's Face It, We're Living in a Petri Dish)
This is where things get interesting. The BEST Inn really leans into the safety thing. They're practically begging you to feel safe. I mean, you see hand sanitizer everywhere. Like, strategically placed hand sanitizer. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha. Daily disinfection in common areas? Oh, honey, you could eat off the lobby floor (though I wouldn't recommend it). They're so thorough it almost makes you paranoid, like you should be wearing a hazmat suit just to order dim sum. They offer all the "safe" things, like contactless check-in/out, but let me tell you, the staff's language barrier during check in was a bit rough.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Food Glorious Food! A Mostly Positive Experience)
Alright, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, travel is 80% about the food. They have a lot on offer! Restaurants? Plural! Asian cuisine? Yep. International cuisine? Absolutely. Desserts? Praying my waistline is not bigger. The breakfast buffet was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was great, but the Western breakfast seemed a little…sad. The coffee shop wasn't amazing, but at least it was convenient for a quick espresso. Poolside bar? I didn't see one. My biggest food story? The soup. God, the soup. I had a steaming bowl of [insert obscure Chinese soup name here] during a torrential downpour. The feeling of being warm and cozy in a rainy Shanghai night…It was bliss.
Things to Do (More Like, Ways to Relax…Maybe)
Okay, so Spa/sauna? Yes! Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yup. I'm not a big spa person, but I could absolutely see someone enjoying a relaxing massage after a day of navigating the Shanghai Metro. I didn't find any time to use the fitness center, which is a shame. I could've used a good run on the treadmill to work off all those dumplings.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Extras)
Here’s where the details matter, right?
- Daily housekeeping: Spot on!
- Concierge: They were helpful, even if my Mandarin resembles a dying walrus.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful.
- Laundry service: Thank goodness! My suitcase was overflowing.
- Elevator: Again, God, yeah.
For the Kids
I didn't come to Shanghai with kids, but I did see families. There are a few amenities like Babysitting etc.
Available in all rooms
The rooms are pretty standard, they have most things I would need. The Free Wi-Fi was perfect. The air conditioning worked, which is a must in Shanghai. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. The in-room safe box was nice to have. The slippers were a welcome touch.
The Verdict (Is This Gem Worth Digging For?)
Look, the BEST Inn isn't perfect. The elevator is a bit sketchy, the Western breakfast is a bit bland, and the language barrier can be a challenge. BUT, it tries really hard. The staff is genuinely friendly. The cleanliness is top-notch. The location is convenient (relatively speaking, in a city the size of Shanghai). And after a long week, I was able to check in, relax, and forget about the chaos outside.
Here's the Pitch (And the Offer That Might Actually Make You Book)
So, are you still reading? Great! Because the BEST Inn is actually pretty good.
Here's My Crazy-Good Offer (And It's a Limited Time Deal!):
- Book within the next 48 hours, and you'll get a FREE upgrade to a room with an amazing view, overlooking the [mention specific view if known, otherwise, "the city's lights"] at night.
- Included: A complimentary voucher for the delicious Asian breakfast (trust me, get the noodles!), a late check-out so you can sleep in, and a discounted spa treatment.
- Bonus Alert: For every booking, The BEST Inn will donate a small amount to a local charity, meaning you'll be doing a good deed during your holiday!
Why Book Now?
- The "Real" Shanghai Experience: Sure, there are fancy hotels, but the BEST Inn gives you a taste of the real. Maybe you'll meet the staff!
- Peace of Mind: You know they take hygiene seriously.
- The Price is Right: You’re getting a great deal for what you're getting!
Stop searching and just book!
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Shanghai Shenanigans: A Hi Inn Debrief (and a Whole Lot of Rambling)
Okay, so, here's the deal. I just got back from Shanghai. And "got back" is putting it lightly. More like, survived Shanghai. And the Hi Inn Tianshan Road? Well, let's just say it was… an experience. This isn't your slick, perfectly polished itinerary. This is more like a rapidly scribbled fever dream fueled by jet lag and questionable street food. Buckle up, buttercups. It's gonna get messy.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Quest (aka, "Where am I? And why is my stomach rumbling?")
- 14:00 (ish): Landed at Pudong International Airport. Smooth flight? Negative. Delayed takeoff and then, a sudden, violent lurch mid-flight that made me question my life choices… and my breakfast muffin.
- 15:30 (ish): Taxi into the city. Shanghai, in all its chaotic glory, blazed past my window. Skyscrapers kissed clouds, tiny scooters zipped between colossal trucks, and I clutched my bag like it contained the last piece of chocolate on earth (it didn't. Sadly).
- 17:00 (OMG): Checked into the Hi Inn. Now, let's be honest, the "Inn" part is a stretch. More like a minimalist shoebox with a slightly terrifying air conditioning unit. The room? Clean-ish. The view? Of a brick wall. Charming.
- 18:00 (ish): The Great Noodle Quest commenced. Hunger pangs were starting a riot in my stomach. Walked aimlessly around the Tianshan Road area, armed with absolutely zero Mandarin skills and a desperate need for carbohydrates. Finally, stumbled into a tiny, dimly lit noodle shop. The menu? All squiggly characters. The staff? Smiling and helpful, even when I pointed randomly and mumbled "Noodle? Delicious?" Result? A steaming bowl of noodles, with a broth that tasted like pure umami heaven. Seriously, best noodles of my life. I could have eaten three bowls.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Stumbling back to the Hi Inn, full of carbs and a slight sense of accomplishment. Tried to figure out the TV, failed miserably. Passed out.
Day 2: The Bund, Bargaining Battles, and the Deep-Fried Doughnut Debacle
- 08:00 (ish): Woke up, the air conditioning unit whirring menacingly. Contemplated staging a mutiny against the brick wall view. Made terrible instant coffee.
- 09:00 - 12:00: The Bund! Oh, the Bund. The iconic waterfront with those glorious, old-world buildings. Wandered, gawked, took about a million photos. Felt a pang of awe, followed by a slight panic that I was in a place that was real and not a movie set. Tried (and failed) to capture the magic on camera. Reality, as always, slightly disappointed.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant. Crowds of tourists, long queues. The buns? Delicious. Worth it? Probably. Did I accidentally almost elbow an elderly woman in the face? Possibly. Worth it.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Fake Market. Oh, the fake market. A sensory overload of designer knockoffs, insistent vendors, and the sweet, sweet taste of potential victory in the art of haggling. Spent far too long bartering for a (probably fake) Gucci bag. Failed spectacularly. Ended up with a scarf that looked suspiciously like a tea towel. But hey, it was a bargain, right?
- 16:00 - 17:00: Street food adventure. Spotted a vendor selling deep-fried dough rings. They looked amazing. Ordered one. Took a bite. Overly oily, slightly stale, and vaguely… metallic-tasting. Dumped the rest in a bin. Heartbreaking. Doughnut disappointment.
- 17:00 - 20:00: Lost. Utterly, completely, gloriously lost. Wandered down random alleyways, got stared at by small children. Tried to retrace my steps back to the Hi Inn. Failed. Repeatedly. Found a tiny, hidden park with beautiful, glowing lanterns. Felt a moment of peace. Then remembered I was still lost.
- 20:00 - Late: Eventually back to the Hi Inn. Ordered some takeout (again, noodles. I’m predictable, I know). Bed. Sleep. Thank god for sleep.
Day 3: Jade Buddha Temple and the existential crisis of Buddhism
- 09:00 (ish): Decided to be cultural. Decided to actually try the subway. Success! (Mostly. Got on the right train, wrong direction, but hey, progress is progress).
- 10:00 - 13:00: Jade Buddha Temple. Wow. Just… wow. The serene atmosphere, the intricate carvings, the sheer scale of the place. Spent ages just wandering around, feeling ridiculously small and insignificant. Saw the Jade Buddha. Felt a slight wobble in my faith (not in Buddhism, mind you, but in everything).
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch near the Temple. Found a vegetarian restaurant. The food? Exquisite. The tofu was some of the tastiest tofu I’ve ever eaten. Feeling a tiny bit better about the state of the world, and me in general.
- 14:00 - 18:00: More exploration, this time in the French Concession. Beautiful tree-lined streets, charming cafes, and a sense of relaxed elegance. Sipped coffee, people-watched, and felt a profound sense of "I could actually live here" (until I remembered the air conditioning unit and my limited Mandarin).
- 18:00 - 22:00: Reached back the Hi Inn. Packed. Did a final inventory of my possessions. Was the scarf a bad purchase? Maybe. Did I have any clean underwear? No. Resigned to my fate, and the possibility of repeat-wearings.
Day 4: Departure and the lingering ghost of Shanghai
- 06:00 (ish): Woke up to the sound of a construction crew and the relentless whir of the air conditioning unit. Departed. Taxi to the airport.
- All day: Flight home. Thinking of Shanghai, the Great Noodle Quest, the almost-good doughnut. And the brick wall and the Hi Inn. In all Its messiness, it was one of the best, and worst, trips of my life.
The Verdict: Shanghai is a whirlwind. A glorious, chaotic, delicious, sometimes-slightly-terrifying whirlwind. The Hi Inn Tianshan Road? Basic. But it was a base camp. A place to return to after my adventures. Did it have charm? No. Did it have character? Maybe a little. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm definitely packing earplugs and a phrasebook. And maybe a spare pair of underwear. And some serious bubble wrap for the nerves. Shanghai, you've won.
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Okay, Spill. What's the Actual Name of This "Hidden Gem" on Tianshan Road? You're Being Vague!
Alright, alright, you got me. I'm being deliberately dramatic because...well, sometimes the best things are a little hard to find, you know? And I'm trying to build suspense for my own amusement. Let's just say for the sake of keeping it "hidden," the name is... let's call it "The Floating Duckweed Inn." (Not its real name, but you get the drift.) I'm not giving you the actual name because, frankly, I don't want it overrun! The point is, it's on Tianshan Road, near the… uh… let’s just say it's near a really REALLY good dumpling place, which is also a hidden gem. See? The plot thickens. You'll figure it out. The universe provides.
Is it REALLY "hidden"? Like, do I need a secret handshake and a blood pact?
Haha! No blood pact (though sometimes the Shanghai traffic makes me *want* to swear an oath to never drive again). It's "hidden" in the sense that it's not plastered all over Booking.com with flashing neon lights. It's a charming place, not a trendy chain hotel. It's *inside* something. You could walk right by... twice. That's the beauty of it! It’s not super obvious, but it’s also not a mission impossible. Think… a small door, a slightly obscure alleyway, maybe a faded sign… Look for the REALLY good dumpling place. Seriously. Follow your stomach.
What makes it so good? Is it just the "hidden" factor?
Okay, deep breath. It's not JUST the secret-agent vibe, although that's a definite plus. Okay, here's the honest-to-god truth: it's EVERYTHING. The rooms... oh, the rooms! They're tiny, for sure, but so incredibly cozy. Think minimalist chic meets grandma’s antique furniture (but in a good way). The beds are... seriously, I almost *missed* a flight because I couldn’t drag myself out of bed one morning. They're like sleeping on a cloud made of dreams and freshly-laundered silk. The staff? Absolutely wonderful. They'll go above and beyond. One time, I was feeling homesick (because, you know, Shanghai is amazing but sometimes you just miss your dog), and the owner actually made me a pot of chamomile tea and just sat and listened to me ramble. No judgement. Pure, unadulterated kindness. That's worth its weight in gold, people.
What's the vibe? Is it pretentious or relaxed? (I hate pretentious.)
Thank GOD, it's NOT pretentious. It's relaxed. Like, REALLY relaxed. Think slippers, not stilettos. Pajamas are perfectly acceptable attire for the lobby, it just might be a little awkward when you run into some of the other guests. (I may or may not have gotten dressed in the lobby once.) It's got a real "lived-in" feel. It feels like you're staying in someone's beautifully curated, slightly dusty apartment, more than a hotel. People chat in the breakfast area (a tiny little room filled with delicious smells), there's this shared atmosphere of calm and appreciation. It felt like you're part of a secret club, without the stuffy initiation. My kind of scene.
Okay, you've (mostly) sold me. What are the downsides? Don't lie to me!
Alright, fine. Nobody's perfect, not even this Inn. First, and this is a big one for some: the rooms are small. Like, REALLY small. If you're bringing a suitcase the size of a small car, you might have to leave it in the lobby. (Though the staff are usually very accommodating.) Second, and I'm being super picky here, the Wi-Fi can be spotty sometimes. It's Shanghai, after all, you're gonna be looking anyway. Thirdly, it’s not a party hotel. It's not the place to go if you're looking to rage until 4 am. (Though, honestly, Shanghai has plenty of places for that.) And finally, and this is the *biggest* issue for me: it’s so good, it’s booked up FAST. You HAVE to book in advance. Like, way in advance. I once tried to book a room a week before, and I was SOL. Lesson learned. Book. Immediately.
The Dumpling Place. You keep mentioning it. Is it NEAR the inn? Is it GOOD?
OH. MY. GOD. The dumpling place. I need a moment. Okay, deep breaths! Yes, it's NEAR the inn. Very near. Like, a two-minute stagger after a dumpling overload near. And is it good? Listen, I've eaten dumplings all over China. I've scoffed at the "best dumpling in Shanghai" claims. This place… changed me. The soup dumplings? Explosive, so full of flavor. The pan-fried ones? Crispy perfection. I’d risk a mild food poisoning for another serving. Okay, maybe not mild. The point is, it’s a culinary experience. The kind that makes you weep with joy and then immediately order another plate and another. It's part of the whole "Floating Duckweed Inn" experience. They're intertwined. You can’t have one without the other. The Inn is just a place to pass out afterwards.
What about the location? Is it convenient for sightseeing?
Tianshan Road is great because it is the center of everything but nothing! Is it right in the middle of the Bund? No. But it's a short subway ride away. Shanghai's subway system is incredible. It's fast, efficient, and cheap. But also it's loud. The Inn is a bit off the beaten tourist track, which is a *huge* plus in my book. It's the perfect base for exploring the city. Plus, it's a short walk to some amazing local markets. You can get yourself a whole bunch of lychees for like, nothing and eat them back your room. A great experience after a long day of sightseeing.
Speaking of which, can you give me a particularly memorable experience you had there?
Oh. My. Word. One time, I was there during a particularly rainy week. Shanghai was a giant, beautiful, humid swamp (which is also a very memorable experience). The kind of rain that makes you want to curl up and never leave your cozy little bed. So, I did. But I also got a pretty hardcore craving for noodles. The kind of craving that cannot be ignored. It was around 1 AM and a torrential downpour. I knew nothing was open. But, knowing the Inn was like a little family, I decided to take a chance. I crept out of my room, pulled on a borrowed umbrella, and tiptoed into the lobbyStay Finder Blogs
