Shanghai Bund's Hidden Gem: Unbeatable Views & Luxury at Hi Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Shanghai Bund's Hidden Gem: Hi Inn! And let me tell you, it's not just another hotel review. This is a full-blown, messy, glorious account of my experience, complete with all the hiccups, highs, and "did that actually happen?" moments. Let's get down and dirty, shall we?
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Right off the bat, let's be real: Finding a decent hotel in the bloody Bund (and Shanghai in general, let's be honest) is a minefield. You're staring at astronomical prices and promises of "luxury" that often translate to "slightly better than a hostel." But Hi Inn? Well, it deserves a slightly less cynical outlook.
Accessibility: The Good, The…Not-So-Great
Okay, so accessibility is a tricky beast in China. Generally, not the country's strongest suit. Hi Inn… well, they try. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. I saw an elevator, which is a HUGE win. But I didn't meticulously check for ramps, lowered counters, etc. so, I cannot fully evaluate the claim. So, a tentative "yeah, probably okay…but double-check if you NEED full accessibility." I hope that is honest enough!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn't spot any explicit mentions, so check with the staff if this is vital for you.
Internet Access: Praise The Wi-Fi Gods!
Thank GOD for free Wi-Fi. And I mean free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And reliable free Wi-Fi in all rooms! In a world where you're charged extra for a decent connection, this is a massive win. I mean, I could actually work (or, you know, binge-watch cat videos, whatever floats your boat) without the internet dying on me every five minutes. Glorious. Internet [LAN] is there too, if you're a purist.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa-tacular or Just…Spa?
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: They have them all, I swear. (Or at least say they do – I didn't personally subject my weary travel body to a full spa interrogation.) I am a sucker for a good sauna session! I'm now picturing myself, after a super long and tiring day, winding down in one of the many facilities.
- Swimming Pool with a View: Now THIS got my attention. Picture this: you, a cocktail (or a sparkling water, no judgement!), and the shimmering Shanghai skyline stretching out before you. Pure bliss. Or, well, potentially pure bliss. I would want to verify that the views are as advertised…
- Fitness Center: Gotta work off those buffet calories. (More on that later.)
My Obsessive Love Affair With The Poolside Bar (And The Downside):
Here's where things get REALLY interesting. Can I just say, the pool itself was…fine. Clean, refreshing, but nothing earth-shattering. The poolside bar, however… That's where the magic happened. Picture this: the sun setting over the Bund, painting the sky in fiery hues, all reflected in the pool water. I’m nursing a perfectly crafted cocktail, the clinking ice mixing with the gentle chatter around me. I started to feel like some kind of Bond villain, plotting world domination…or at least, deciding what I'd have for dinner.
Then, disaster struck. (Okay, slight exaggeration, but still…) I ordered a snack… and the waiter forgot it. Twice. He was so mortified, but it made me laugh! It was, to be fair, the only noticeable service hiccup I had.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Mostly)
Let's face it, post-pandemic, cleanliness is HIGH on the list.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? They say they use them. I didn't bring a microscope to check, but the place felt clean.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: A good sign.
- Staff trained in safety protocols: Another good sign.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: The new normal, and appreciated.
- First aid kit, doctor/nurse on call: Always handy!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Good)
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Listen, I LOVE a good hotel buffet. This one had an amazing array of Asian options, with a few Western options thrown in for good measure. The congee was phenomenal (I may or may not have eaten three bowls). The fresh fruit? Perfection. The coffee?…well, it was coffee.
- Restaurants: Several options on-site, including Asian and International Cuisine.
- Poolside Bar: (See above – my love for this place knows no bounds).
- Room service? 24-hour? Yes, please!
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Make a Difference
This is where Hi Inn really shines.
- Concierge: Super helpful and friendly. They helped me navigate the madness of Shanghai transport without losing my mind (too much).
- Currency exchange: Convenient, for sure.
- Laundry service/Dry Cleaning: Essential when travelling.
- Doorman: Polite, professional, and always ready with a cheery "Ni hao!"
- Luggage storage: Always a lifesaver!
- Elevator: Yay!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Well, kind of.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
- Family/child-friendly: Appears so.
- Babysitting service: Good to know they have it…just in case.
- Kids meals: I saw it advertised!
Available in All Rooms: Comfort & Convenience
- Free Wi-Fi: (Did I mention this? It's important!)
- Air conditioning: YES! (Shanghai summers are brutal).
- Coffee/tea maker: Necessary for survival.
- Bathrobes and Slippers: Makes you feel fancy.
- Minibar: Always a nice touch.
- Safety deposit box: Secure your treasures.
- Blackout curtains: Sleep is sacred.
- Reading light: For late-night reading.
- …and all the other usual suspects: Shower, toilet, hair dryer, towels, etc.
The Room: Pretty Darn Impressive
My room? Comfortable, stylish, and with a view. (Yes, the view was as good as advertised.) The bed was comfortable, the bathroom was clean, and I appreciated the little extras, like the welcome fruit. Not perfect, but damn good.
Check-in/out, Getting Around, and Other Essentials:
- Check-in/out [express]: Easy peasy.
- Car park [on-site]; Car park [free of charge] Free parking in Shanghai? A massive win!
- Elevator: YES!
- Taxi service: They'll help you get sorted.
- Airport transfer: Worth looking into.
The Imperfections (because nothing's perfect):
- The buffet, no matter how good, is still a buffet. So, it is not haute cuisine.
- The pool: not as warm as a I'd have liked.
- The location, Bund, is right in the middle of everything. This is both a pro and a con. It's great for sightseeing, but it can get noisy at night.
Final Verdict: Worth it? Absolutely!
Look, Hi Inn isn't the cheapest hotel in town. But it offers incredible value for money. You get great views, good service, and a comfortable experience. It's easily one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at. Would I recommend it? In a heartbeat.
My Offer (Because I Can!):
Escape to Unforgettable Views and Luxury: Book Your Stay at Hi Inn Today!
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels with boring views? Want to experience the magic of the Shanghai Bund without breaking the bank? Then book your room at Hi Inn and enjoy:
- Stunning Bund Views: Wake up to breathtaking panoramic views of the Shanghai skyline.
- Luxurious Comfort: Relax in stylish, well-appointed rooms featuring plush bedding, modern amenities, and all the comforts of home.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with lightning-fast, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- Delicious Dining: Indulge in a culinary adventure with our on-site restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar perfect for sunset cocktails.
- Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Unwind with our spa, sauna, and fitness center, and feel refreshed and ready to explore.
- Unbeatable Value: Experience luxury without
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Shanghai adventure… at the Hi Inn Shanghai Bund East Yan'an Road. (Good location, I'll admit. Score one for pre-trip research, even if I spent, like, a whole hour just picking the right hotel. Priorities, people, priorities).
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lagged Haggling, and Noodle-Induced Bliss
Time: 3:15 PM - Shanghai Pudong Airport (after a flight that felt like it was 2 days long, thanks turbulence!)
- Action: Arrive, barely alive. Immediately hit with the wall of humid air that is Shanghai. My hair instantly turns into a frizzy, halo of despair.
- Transportation: Taxi. The first taxi driver tried to rip me off with a "tourist price." I channeled my inner haggling ninja I learned from my grandmother, and fought for the fair rate! (Victory! Though I’m sure he secretly hates me now.)
- Emotional Reaction: Exhaustion meets slight triumph. The jet lag is already a beast. I feel like I'm viewing the world through a hazy, slightly nauseous filter.
Time: 4:30 PM - Hi Inn Check-in
- Action: Find the hotel. Check-in. Room's small, but hey, it's clean! That’s a win in my book in this city.
- Quirk Observation: The lobby smells vaguely of jasmine tea and something else I can't quite place. Intriguing.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild relief. I finally can put down my luggage and my body can start to slow down.
Time: 6:00 PM - Errands
- Action: Find a SIM card. Fail miserably at first. The language barrier is real. I'm pretty sure I accidentally bought a SIM card that only speaks in interpretive dance. Eventually, after much pointing and exaggerated gestures, success! I am now digitally connected!
- Quirk Observation: The vendors have seen it all. They definitely have.
- Emotional Reaction: A giddy sense of achievement fueled by caffeine.
Time: 7:00 PM - Noodle Heaven!
- Action: Find a tiny, hole-in-the-wall noodle shop near the hotel. This is where the real Shanghai starts. The menu is entirely in Chinese, but the aroma of the broth is intoxicating. I point at a picture, pray for the best. It's amazing. The noodles are chewy, the broth is rich, and I’m pretty sure I just found my new religion.
- Anecdote: I managed to spill half my soup down my front, but I didn’t even care. It was that good. I’m pretty sure the old woman behind the counter thought I was a total mess. I probably was.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss. The noodles are a revelation. I could cry, but my mouth is full.
Time: 8:00 PM - Evening Stroll/Attempt at a Walk
- Action: Try to walk along the Bund, but my jet lag is now kicking in. The lights are pretty, but oh lord, I'm so tired. I manage a half-hearted stroll before retreating back to the hotel, where my bed is calling my name.
- Imperfection: Didn't fully explore. Too tired. Fail.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild disappointment, but also acceptance. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Day 2: Bund Bridges, Temple Time, and Dumpling Dreams
Time: 9:00 AM - Breakfast and The Bund!
- Action: Simple breakfast at a local Cafe. The Bund! What a view of that skyline from the Bund.
- Quirky Observation: You know, it doesn't always look like the postcards. Shanghai's a real place.
- Emotional Reaction: Amazed by the view.
Time: 11:00 AM - Shanghai Museum
- Action: Get lost in the Shanghai Museum. I mean, really get lost. There's so much history, art, and culture!
- Anecdote: I spent about an hour staring at some jade… It’s just so… smooth. I think I'm developing a jade obsession.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed, inspired, and slightly confused (so many artifacts!).
Time: 3:00 PM - Yu Garden:
- Action: Explore the gardens, wander through the shop.
- Quirky Observation: Everything is packed. Like, pushing-and-shoving levels of packed.
- Emotional Reaction: A strange mix of beauty and mild panic.
Time: 6:00 PM - Dumpling-palooza!
- Action: Repeat noodle shop experience! Then… dumplings! Steamed, pan-fried, soup dumplings bursting with deliciousness… Okay, I might be drooling. I order way too many.
- Doubling down: The soup dumplings. OH. MY. GOD. The delicate skin, the savory broth, the juicy filling… I’m pretty sure a single tear of joy escaped my eye. I spent a solid hour, just focusing on eating the soup dumplings, and relishing every single moment. The rest of the meal was secondary, this was the main event.
- Emotional Reaction: Euphoria. Absolute and utter bliss. I love dumplings. I might just marry them.
Time: 8:00 PM - Back to the hotel (and sleep!)
- Action: Just… sleep. Collapse in a heap of happiness.
- Imperfection: Didn't see a night view of the Bund. Exhaustion won again. But the dumplings… the dumplings were worth it.
- Emotional Reaction: Contentment. And the faint, distant sound of my stomach rumbling for more dumplings.
Day 3: The French Concession, Art, and (Probably) More Food
Time: 10:00 AM - French Concession exploration.
- Action: Stroll down tree-lined streets, admire the architecture. Find a cute cafe.
- Quirky observation: The French Concession looks like a secret part of Shanghai.
- Emotional reaction: Feeling inspired and very relaxed.
Time: 1:00 PM - Art District
- Action: Explore galleries, buy some art.
- Imperfection: I'm probably going to buy something I can't afford, but YOLO.
- Emotional reaction: I am feeling motivated.
Time: 5:00 PM - Food, food, food
- Action: I'm pretty sure I'll wander into a market.
- Anecdote: I'll be ordering something I can't name, and loving it.
- Emotional reaction: I am hopeful.
Time: 8:00 PM - Head back to the hotel.
- Action: I will likely stay in tonight.
- Imperfection: I need some rest, and probably some more food.
- Emotional reaction: Very relieved.
Day 4: Departure (Sniffle)
Time: 9:00AM - Breakfast and final stroll
- Action: One last good meal.
- Quirky observation: The city continues to surprise with simple things.
- Emotional reaction: So emotional.
Time: 11:00 AM - Pack up
- Action: I'm going to be sad.
- Imperfection: I probably did not buy everything I needed.
- Emotional reaction: Bitter sweet.
Time: 12:00 PM - Airport
- Action: Head to the airport
- Anecdote: Going to get that flight.
- Emotional reaction: Sad to leave.
Time: 3:00 PM - Plane
- Action: Goodbye, Shanghai!
- Imperfection: I need to go back.
- Emotional reaction: I want more!
So, there you have it. My Shanghai adventure, in all its glorious, messy, jet-lagged glory. It wasn't perfect, probably not even close, but it was mine, and it was an incredible experience. I'm sure I'll forget the name of that one specific temple, and maybe the name of that street with the amazing dumplings, but the feeling of being there… that I'll never forget. And hey, I can always go back, right? (Please someone remind me to learn SOME Mandarin before I go).
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Koh Samui Pool Villa, 350m from Sunset Beach!
Hi Inn Shanghai Bund: FAQs (and My Slightly Unhinged Observations)
Okay, spill the tea: Is Hi Inn REALLY worth the hype? Like, the BUND hype?
Can you *actually* see the Bund from the rooms? Or is it just a strategically placed photo-op?
What's the deal with the "luxury"? Is it actually... luxurious? Or just, like, slightly fancier than a Motel 6?
Okay, but what's the catch? There's *got* to be a catch. What's the downside?
How's the location? Is it actually *convenient* to get around?
Any other perks, like a gym, a spa, or a swimming pool?
What kind of people does Hi Inn attract? Is it a party spot? A romantic getaway? A family-friendly place?
Any tips for getting the best room or experience?
- **Book early!** Seriously, the prices fluctuate, and those rooms with the killer views go FAST. Like, faster than that businessman snatches up all the bacon.
- **Request a high floor, overlooking the Bund.** Obvious, but needs saying. The higher, the better! More views = More happiness.
- **EmbraceInstant Hotel SearchHi Inn Shanghai Bund East Yan'an Road Shanghai China
Hi Inn Shanghai Bund East Yan'an Road Shanghai China
