Shanghai's BEST Hotel Near East China University & South Railway Station!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the, uh, unique experience of reviewing a hotel in Shanghai near East China University & South Railway Station. Spoiler alert: It wasn't always smooth sailing. But hey, what good story ever started without a little… drama? And this hotel, well, it's got plenty. Let's call it "The Jade Dragon Inn" (totally made up, for anonymity!)
First, let's talk LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! (And the Great Subway Mishap)
Okay, so the accessibility of this place is a HUGE selling point. Literally steps from the subway (or so the brochure says). Now, I, being the intrepid reviewer I am (and by intrepid, I mean perpetually lost), decided to take the subway. Big mistake. HUGE. Picture me, dragging my suitcase the size of a small pony, getting completely SNAFU-ed by the ticket machines. The helpful staff at the station? Non-existent. It felt a bit like a scene from a spy movie, except instead of espionage, I was trying to figure out how to top up my metro card. (Side note: Learn Mandarin. Seriously). The journey to the station, while ultimately successful, was less "convenient" and more "character-building". The hotel website claims airport transfer. I wish I'd used it. So, yeah, Getting Around: Airport transfer (potentially), Subway (with a healthy dose of frustration), Taxi service (probably the best option), Car park on-site, free of charge.
Once I actually found the hotel, (and stopped hyperventilating from subway PTSD), I was impressed by the building's exterior - pretty standard, nothing to knock your socks off.
Check-in Chaos (and Miraculous Recovery!)
Check-in/out [express]? Yeah, they CLAIMED to have it. I was prepared for a seamless experience, especially since they also advertise Contactless check-in/out (thank goodness!). BUT, after a marathon of paperwork (and a minor language barrier fumble), I was finally given my room key. Thank god, the Doorman at the entrance was absolutely fabulous, genuinely helpful and kind, and probably the only reason I didn't spontaneously combust from travel stress! This guy deservess a raise!
Rooms: A Mix of Basic and Bliss
The Room itself? Okay, let's be honest. It wasn't the Ritz. But it WAS clean. And after that subway ordeal, clean was all that mattered. The Non-smoking rooms were a huge plus, and the soundproofing was pretty decent. Soundproof rooms are listed, but I heard one or two noisy neighbors, but a quick knock on the door sent them quiet. They have all the basics: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (hooray!), Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. Internet access – wireless was good, Internet access – LAN was available. Some nice touches included Blackout curtains (essential for jet lag!), and Slippers (a luxury!). The bed? Comfortable, even though the Extra long bed was barely long enough for my gangly limbs.
There was also a Window that opens! A HUGE bonus, because let's face it, sometimes you need fresh air. However, the View? Let's just say it wasn’t exactly postcard perfect. More "busy street and neighboring building" than "panoramic vista."
Cleanliness and Safety: The Good Stuff!
Now, where this hotel really shines is in its commitment to cleanliness. This is HUGE! Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. They even use Anti-viral cleaning products! I truly appreciated their dedication to hygiene. Staff trained in safety protocol, Fire extinguisher, and, most importantly, Smoke alarms. They take this seriously.
Eating and Drinking: A Restaurant Odyssey
Dining, drinking, and snacking. Let’s talk chow. The hotel boasts Restaurants and a Coffee shop, but I can only speak from experience. The main Restaurant had a Buffet in restaurant for breakfast. While the Asian breakfast was a bit of an experience (hello, congee!), the Western breakfast options were pretty solid. The Asian cuisine in restaurant had a couple of delicious dishes, but the options seemed a bit limited. Breakfast [buffet] was the way to go for a quick bite. There was also a Poolside bar, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent enough to get me going each morning. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing, and they actually have a few Desserts in restaurant.
(Side note: I'm a vegetarian, and they did a decent job of accommodating that. Vegetarian restaurant options, but not a dedicated restaurant. They did offer Alternative meal arrangement!)
Wellness Woes (and the Fitness Fix!)
The hotel promises a Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool. I was so looking forward to a relaxing soak. Pool with view sound incredible! Unfortunately, the spa was closed for “maintenance” and the pool was also inaccessible. This was a massive letdown. However, the Fitness center was open and well-equipped if you like that sort of thing (I, however, have an aversion to exercise, but I did take a peek to make sure they weren't pulling a fast one on the reviews). The Gym/fitness area was clean and modern. Next time, I must try the Massage!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes exist, and all were handy. However, some things seemed a little…understaffed. The Contactless check-in/out wasn't as smooth as promised. And while they did offer Food delivery, I never actually used it. Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site] are useful.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
The hotel is listed as Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service. I didn’t have any rugrats in tow, and I didn’t see much in the way of Kids facilities.
Accessibility (the serious stuff!)
Now, here’s where things get important. The hotel claims to be accessible. They have Facilities for disabled guests which is fantastic. However, I didn’t get a chance to thoroughly check the Wheelchair accessible areas, and cannot give a definitive review on it.
The Verdict: Worth it?
So, is The Jade Dragon Inn the BEST hotel near East China University & South Railway Station? Honestly…it depends.
The Good: Cleanliness, location (once you get there!), helpful staff, decent food, comfortable rooms.
The Bad: Spa closed, subway mishap, limited spa facilities.
The Ugly: the chaotic initial train-station/transport experience.
The Final Verdict: If you are a budget-conscious traveler who prioritizes cleanliness and accessibility or is in Shanghai for University business, and don't mind a few rough edges, then absolutely. You might want to arrange a car and take advantage of the Airport transfer, save yourself the subway drama. And if you see the doorman, tip him extra. He deserves it.
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A COMPELLING OFFER (Because, let's be honest, the world needs a little encouragement!)
Book your stay at The Jade Dragon Inn NOW and get:
- 10% off your room rate! (Use code: "SHANGHAIADVENTURE" at checkout!)
- Complimentary airport transfer! (To make sure you arrive safe and sound!)
- A voucher for a free massage at the spa! (Once it reopens! Which, fingers crossed, will be soon!)
- Guaranteed excellent service - or your money back! (We promise we aren't ALL chaotic!)
PLUS! Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Now, that's a deal you can't resist!
Reykjavik Peace Center: Iceland's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this is NOT your average itinerary. This is me, trying to navigate the chaotic beauty of Shanghai, based out of the oh-so-charming (ahem) Hanting Hotel near the South Railway Station. East China University of Science and Technology? Yeah, we're gonna get to that. But first… coffee. Seriously, I need coffee.
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and Questionable Noodles
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Landed in Pudong. Jet lag? Oh, honey, it's more like a jet-lagged tidal wave. Customs was a breeze (thank the travel gods!), but then came the language barrier. The taxi situation? Well, let's just say my attempts to say "Hanting Hotel, Shanghai South Railway Station" involved a lot of flailing arms and increasingly desperate miming. Finally, after some hilarious (and likely offensive) charades, I was in a taxi. The driver? He was clearly enjoying my struggle. Good.
- (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Check-in at the Hanting. It's… well, it's a Hanting. Let's just say "cleanliness" is a subjective concept. The aircon? A crapshoot. I'm already sweating. But hey, at least it's a bed. Barely. The walls are thin, I can already hear the glorious sounds of Chinese reality TV bleeding through.
- (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Coffee run! Found a tiny, grimy little place near the station. The coffee? Lukewarm, vaguely coffee-flavored liquid. I'm 90% sure it was instant. But I needed it. And the grumpy old lady behind the counter? Gave me the stink eye for ordering "Americano". Apparently, I need to learn the lingo fast.
- (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Attempted to find lunch. This is where thing went a little… sideways. Wandered into a noodle joint. Ordered something because the pictures LOOKED good. It was… noodles. With something green (maybe spinach?), and a suspiciously chewy meat. I have no idea what it was. Let's just say my stomach might have some questions later. The chopsticks? Let's not talk about the chopsticks. Total cultural immersion fail.
- (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Walked around the area, desperately trying to shake off the tiredness. Got lost. Again. Found some amazing street art, though! And a very enthusiastic vendor trying to sell me something… I think it was a knock-off Gucci handbag. My Mandarin skills are still at the "point and smile" stage. Which, ironically, is starting to work.
- (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Attempted to navigate the Shanghai Metro. It's a marvel of efficiency, IF you understand the signage. Which I didn't. Nearly got on the wrong train three times. But I lived to tell the tale! Back at the hotel, finally.
- (7:00 PM - onward): Dinner: Instant noodles from 7/11. Feeling defeated. But also strangely exhilarated. This is gonna be an adventure, folks. And I'm already a mess.
Day 2: East China University and Endless Sensory Overload
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): After a relatively restful night, I was up and about. A quick, sad breakfast of instant noodles and a questionable banana from the 7/11 before getting ready for a big day. Today: East China University of Science and Technology. I was ready to be enlightened. Or at least, not get lost.
- (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Getting to the University. Okay, navigating the subway was finally becoming second nature. Almost. ECUST, officially arrived. The campus is HUGE. And the sheer volume of students? Unbelievable! Everywhere I looked, there were young people zipping by, speaking Mandarin, and generally looking a lot more together than I did. Wandered around, soaking it all in. Found a beautiful (and ridiculously crowded) courtyard. People were studying, chatting, laughing. It really was a vibrant atmosphere. Started feeling a bit of envy, to be honest. Wish I had that energy.
- (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunchtime! Found a cafeteria. The food? A whirlwind of smells and unknown ingredients. Pointed at a few dishes. Fingers crossed! The spicy, the salty, the sweet. The textures were… different. One dish seemed to have a weird, almost gelatinous quality to it. No idea what it was. But I ate it! Because, travel.
- (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Another wander around the ECUST, trying to take it all in. Found a library, went in, and decided to sit for a while. Just watching. Listening. The quiet energy of the place was… therapeutic. Seriously. Surrounded by people working, studying. It was a nice change of pace from the constant barrage of my own inner monologue.
- (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Exploring the area adjacent to the campus… Finding the street-side food stalls and stores that cater to a thriving student population. The smells were intoxicating. The energy buzzing. The food was… a challenge. Tried some skewer! Delicious.
- (6:00 PM - onward): Back to the hotel. The noise of the city seems to follow me. Can barely sleep for the noise of the train and cars. But the energy, the sheer vibrant energy of Shanghai, is starting to seep into me. Even with the instant noodles. Even with the questionable sleep. Even with the constant feeling of being slightly lost. I'm starting to love it.
Day 3: The Big City! (And Maybe a Massage?)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decided to finally venture into the city center. The Bund! The Pearl Tower! The whole shebang! Took the subway (almost like a pro now, ha!). First impressions: skyscrapers galore! Shanghai is a visual feast. Walked along the Bund. Amazing. Honestly, jaw-dropping. Then took the stairs down. The crowd… The sheer volume of people! Then the food! The souvenirs! I kind wanted to be a kid again. I wanted everything.
- (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. Found a little dumpling place. Ordered a mountain of dumplings. Pure dumpling bliss. So much better than that suspiciously chewy meat from day one.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Wandered. Just wandered. Found some hidden alleyways with little shops, each one more intriguing than the last. Went into a tea shop. The tea master was… intense. But the tea? Divine.
- (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Seriously considering a massage. My feet are killing me. Absolutely. Just need to find a reputable place and figure out how to say “back massage” in Mandarin. Wish me luck.
- (6:00 PM - onward): Dinner. Back at the hotel. Another 7/11 dinner. I also may or may not cry a little, I've been on the go for hours and I'm so tired. So much to see, so much to do… and so little energy left. But hey, at least I'm alive. Tomorrow, maybe I'll venture out to a museum or something. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just sleep. I'm kind of leaning towards sleep.
Day 4: The "I Survived Shanghai" Celebration (and Departure)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Woke up! Surprised myself. After weeks of being on the go, I was ready to leave. The air outside was crisp and inviting. A quick breakfast of instant noodles (surprised?) before I'm off.
- (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Checked out the hotel, then back into the city to grab some last minute souvenirs (and some more tea).
- (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Last dumpling lunch!
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Headed back to the Hotel, and got a taxi to the Airport.
- (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Sitting at the airport. Finally. Jet lag will take over (again). But it's over. I survived! And, oddly, I feel a little bit changed. Shanghai, you were a chaotic, confusing, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying mess. And I loved (almost) every minute. I already can't wait to come back.
- (7:00 PM - onward): The flight home. Goodbye Shanghai. Until next time! (And next time, I'm learning Mandarin. I swear.)
Shanghai Hotel Near East China University & South Station: The *Real* Deal FAQs
Okay, spill it. Is this hotel *actually* near both ECUST AND Shanghai South Railway Station? Because I've been burned before...
Alright, alright, settle down, travel warrior. Look, the *literal* answer? Yes. Technically. You can *see* the behemoth that is Shanghai South Station off in the distance. And ECUST? Well, let's just say it's closer than my last relationship was to commitment. My memory of finding this place? Pure desperation after a 14-hour train ride, fueled by instant noodles and the crushing weight of loneliness. You're shuffling off the train, and you're craving a shower and bed within a reasonable radius. So, YES, it's NEAR. Don't expect a jaunty stroll. More like a determined march, possibly involving a taxi haggle. But, yeah, it's geographically sound.
What's the *actual* walk like, though? Be real. I'm picturing cobblestone streets and rogue rickshaws.
Okay, so the rickshaw scenario is probably a tad dramatic. (Although, I swear I saw a guy trying to pedal a couch down one street... Shanghai, eh?) The walk... okay. From South Station, you're looking at maybe a 20-30 minute power walk. It depends entirely on your luggage situation. Dragging a suitcase that's seen more of the world than you have? Add ten minutes. It’s mostly a mix of wide sidewalks, a few crosswalks, and the ever-present hum of Shanghai traffic. You'll probably pass a few street vendors selling questionable snacks (I’m a sucker for the questionable snacks, by the way), and the occasional bewildered tourist looking lost. From ECUST, I think your are okay there, I didn't walk from there myself.
Is the hotel... you know... *nice*? I'm not expecting the Ritz, but I also don't want to sleep in a cockroach motel.
Look, let's be clear: This isn't the Ritz. It's not even a particularly trendy boutique hotel. The lobby might be a touch…soulless. Think utilitarian meets functional. The last time I checked, the lobby had pictures on the wall of the city. There were better pictures down the block. The rooms are generally clean, though. Now, that's not to say I haven't encountered questionable stains on the carpet or plumbing that sounds like a symphony of angry pipes at 3 AM. But hey, you get what you pay for, right? I mean, look, the hotel is definitely more ‘practical' than ‘picturesque.' Think: a clean bed, a working-ish shower, and hopefully no visible cockroaches. That’s the basic survival trifecta for this traveller.
What about the food? Is breakfast included? Should I even bother?
Ooooh, the food. Breakfast... is an experience. I'm not going to lie, that's where the hotel sometimes shows its age. The last time I was there, the breakfast was included but I skipped it after the first day. It was a buffet of lukewarm mystery meats, congee (which, I admit, I like), and what appeared to be slightly wilted vegetables. Coffee? Let's just say it's an acquired taste, and the taste is "bitter water." However, there are usually plenty of options nearby. I found a *fantastic* little noodle stall just a few blocks away that made THE BEST scallion pancakes. Seriously, divine. And the street food nearby can be a real adventure. Just…pack some Pepto-Bismol, just in case.
Okay, so what's the absolute *worst* part about staying there? What's the deal-breaker?
Hm. Deal-breaker? Hmmm. Okay. If you're a light sleeper, then consider earplugs. The *traffic* in Shanghai is not a joke. Also, depending on your room’s location, you might also hear the train, which is not a joke either. The walls aren’t exactly soundproof. And the air conditioning... sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. One time the hotel was extremely cold in the middle of a muggy summer. Also, the internet, it’s there, but sometimes… well, it's spotty. And also, the elevators… they get crowded. It has its bumps, but that's Shanghai for you!
Any hidden gems or tips to make the experience slightly less… average?
Alright, let's see... First, grab a map of the subway. The subway is your best friend in Shanghai. (Although, it’s also crowded and confusing at times.) Second, explore the area *around* the hotel. Don't just stick to the hotel’s surroundings. Third, embrace the chaos. Shanghai is a sensory overload. The smells, the noise, the crowds… it’s all part of the deal. Grab a local SIM card so you can easily order food from your phone, and of course, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Or at least know how to say "thank you" and "hello." Lastly, and this is important: Pack patience. Stuff happens. Things will go wrong. Just roll with it, and consider the experience a story for the ages.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? Yeah, probably. Look, it's not a five-star resort. But it’s functional, it's well-located, and it gets the job done. Plus, sometimes, you just want somewhere to crash after a long day. I mean, I’d probably try for the best room in the hotel, just to maximize my chances of peace and quiet. And definitely load up on instant coffee from the supermarket. But yeah, I'd return. Shanghai is a city of contrasts, and this hotel, well, it kind of embodies that. It's imperfect, a little rough around the edges, but ultimately… it’s *real*. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Plus, those scallion pancakes… I'm still dreaming about them.
