Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret? This Hanting Hotel Will Blow You Away!

Hanting Hotel Shanghai Pujiang Sanlu Highway Shanghai China

Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret? This Hanting Hotel Will Blow You Away!

Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret? HOLD YOUR HORSES… Hanting Hotel Might Just Surprise You! (A Brutally Honest Review)

Okay, so Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret? That's a bold claim, right? I've stayed in… well, let’s just say I’ve slept in my share of questionable hotel rooms in this city. Usually, when you hear "secret" and "Shanghai," you're thinking hidden speakeasies, not budget hotels. But I went in with an open mind (and a healthy dose of skepticism) to check out the Hanting Hotel. And, honestly? I'm still processing it.

Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, But Promising!

• Wheelchair Accessible: This is where things get interesting. I didn't scope this out directly, but their website claims they have facilities for disabled guests. (Remember, ALWAYS double-check with the hotel before booking, especially if you need specific accommodations!) Important: While I didn’t personally verify this, the presence of an elevator (see below) gives me some hope.
• Elevator: Yes, there's an elevator! THANK GOD. Lugging suitcases up endless flights of stairs is my personal hell.
• Other Accessibility Things: Well, the website lists "Facilities for disabled guests." Let's hope that's more than just lip service.

Getting Around - Easy Peasy (Mostly)

• Airport Transfer: They do advertise airport transfer! (Score!) Means no wrestling with the Shanghai metro after a brutal flight.
• Car Park [on-site] & Car Park [free of charge]: Yep. Free parking is awesome. Especially in Shanghai, where parking feels like winning the lottery.
• Taxi Service: Naturally. This is Shanghai, taxi central.
• Valet Parking: Surprisingly, there's valet parking. Fancy!

Rooms - Comfortable? Maybe. Glamorous? Nope. But…

• Air Conditioning: Essential. Shanghai summers are a sweaty, melty mess.
• Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hooray! Seriously, don't underestimate the power of reliable Wi-Fi when you're trying to get work done (or binge-watch your favorite show).
• Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, 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: Yeah, basically, they've crammed everything you need in there. Honestly, a lot of these are expected, but I'm happy to see them.
• Available in all rooms (Additional toilet, Bathtub, Carpeting, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing): Some additional room features are notable.
• Room decorations: Well, let's just say the decor is… functional. Don't expect anything Instagram-worthy. Think clean, basic, and… well, not ugly. Which, in this price range, is a win!
• What's Missing: Maybe a little personality. But hey, for the price, I'm not expecting a designer haven.

Cleanliness & Safety - Surprisingly Impressive (Especially Right Now!)

• Cleanliness & Safety: This is where Hanting REALLY shines (and where my initial skepticism melted away).
• Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes, they claim to use them. (They also should be using them in every hotel right now!)
• Breakfast in room: Available! (More on this later.)
• Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol: Okay, this is NOT a joke. They are SERIOUS about hygiene. In a post-pandemic world, this is HUGE. It gave me serious peace of mind.
• Sterilizing equipment: I didn’t see the equipment, but the level of cleanliness was noteworthy.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Function Over Flair (Mostly)

• Restaurants: Yes.
• Breakfast [buffet]: I went for the breakfast. It was… well, it was a buffet. Don't expect Michelin-star quality. Think Asian-inspired basics, eggs, some pastries… the usual. But it was clean, the food was fresh, and it filled me up.
• Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Okay, so there's variety. I spotted some Western options for the less adventurous.
• Room service [24-hour]: Nice! Because sometimes you just NEED that late-night snack.
• Snack bar, Bottle of water, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: The hotel offers other dining choices too.
• A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bar, Buffet in restaurant, Happy hour: Not the best-case scenario, but they want to take care of you.

(I'm being a bit vague here because I didn't spend a TON of time sampling all the dining options. I'm here to get you a real review, not just a regurgitation of the hotel's menu.)

Things to do - Relax? Maybe. But Don't Get Your Hopes Up…

• Spa/sauna: Steamroom: The hotel has these.
• Fitness center: Yes. I peeked in. It looked… adequate. (I’m not a gym rat, so my standards are low.)
• Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: If you are looking for a relaxing hotel experience.

(I have to point out, the presence of a "Pool with view" is a bit misleading. It's probably not some epic infinity pool overlooking the Bund. But hey, a pool is a pool!)

Services and Conveniences - Pretty Solid!

• Daily housekeeping: Essential.
• Concierge: Surprisingly helpful. I had a question about getting a taxi (which, in Shanghai, can be a nightmare), and they were on it immediately.
• Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Convenient.
• Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store, Food delivery: Standard stuff, but good to have.
• Meeting/banquet facilities, Business facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: This is a great option if you need to host a medium sized event.
• Facilities for disabled guests: Again, I didn't assess this directly, but the mention is there. ALWAYS double-check before booking.
• Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Elevator: Useful!

For the Kids - Family-Friendly?

• Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: The hotel is family-friendly.

Bottom Line: The Hanting Surprise – It’s a Good Deal (Seriously)

Okay, so "BEST Kept Secret" might be pushing it. But here's the truth: the Hanting Hotel exceeded my expectations. Yes, it’s not glamorous. The rooms are functional, and the decor is… well, it exists. But the incredibly high level of cleanliness, the convenient location, and the decent amenities make this a genuinely good value for the price.

So, is it worth it? YES, especially if:

• You prioritize cleanliness and safety. (Seriously, they take this seriously!)
• You're looking for a budget-friendly option in a good location.
• You're not obsessed with hotel aesthetics.
• You want to be close to the action without breaking the bank.
• You’re traveling with children.

The Quirks & Imperfections (Because No Hotel is Perfect!):

• The "Pool with View" Situation: Don't get your hopes up for something epic.
• Decor: Functional is the word. If you NEED a stylish, Instagrammable room, look elsewhere.
• Limited English Proficiency: Staff members' English skills varied. Be patient!

My Overall Impression? I'll Go Back!

Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Especially for the reasonable price, the convenient location, and

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Hanting Hotel Shanghai Pujiang Sanlu Highway Shanghai China

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Hanting Hotel Shanghai Pujiang Sanlu Highway survival guide, laced with equal parts awe, existential dread, and a healthy dose of "should have packed more snacks."

Day 1: Arrival and the Great Wall of Luggage

• 14:00 (ish) - Arrival at Pudong International Airport (PVG): Okay, picture this: me, bleary-eyed after a red-eye, clutching my passport like it's a life raft. The airport is a concrete jungle, and I, a lost tourist, feel like a small, confused gazelle. The air is thick with the smell of… well, I'm not sure, but it's definitely its own experience, and it’s intense. Finding the taxi queue was a saga. A kind-looking woman tried to direct me, gesturing wildly. I think I understood her… eventually.
• 15:00 - Taxi Debacle: My taxi driver, God bless him, looked like he'd been driving for, like, a thousand years. The driving? A rollercoaster. The road? Oh, it's not that bad. Except that I would be dead, if I wasn't breathing in order to live. He spoke zero English, and I, in my infinite wisdom, know precisely zero Mandarin. The ride was a symphony of honks and near-misses. My luggage, a magnificent beast of a suitcase, nearly ended up on the roof. (I swear, one time I saw it floating away from me). I had to bribe the driver with a smile.
• 16:00 - Settling into the Hanting: The Hanting. My temporary palace. It's… clean. Surprisingly clean, actually. Small, blessedly small. The air conditioner is playing a weird robot noise that honestly may haunt my dreams. The shower? Well, let's just say I'm unsure of what might emerge from that tap. The wifi password is, you guessed it, a mystery. Trying to log online may take up some time. It will be more of an adventure itself.
• 17:00 - The Grocery Store Gambit: My stomach is currently trying to eat itself. Locate nearest grocery store in the area. This also means navigating the streets. Will I get run over by a scooter? Quite possibly. Will I accidentally buy something fermented? Almost guaranteed. But, I need FOOD.
• 18:00 - Street Food Experimentation: Found some street food that looked… promising. And by "promising," I mean looked like it might not kill me. Tried some skewers. My tongue is now on fire. But man, it was good. And surprisingly cheap. This is the kind of "adventure" I signed up for.
• 19:00 - Attempted Netflix: Still struggling with the wifi. The robot noises from the air conditioner persist. Curled into a ball on my bed, watching things on my phone.

Day 2: Culture Shock and Karaoke Calamity

• 09:00 - Breakfast: The Mystery Meal: The Hanting offers… something. I think it may be breakfast. Rice porridge, some unidentified meats, and what looks suspiciously like pickled vegetables. I ate it all. Living on the edge, baby! Now feeling so good.
• 10:00 - Walking the Streets: Getting Lost (and Loving It): I decide to just walk. No map, no plan. Just wander. The sights, the smells, the people… it's sensory overload. Found a park, watched elderly people practicing tai chi, and felt a sudden, inexplicable wave of peace. (Then got chased by a pack of adorable, but slightly deranged, Pekingese dogs. The peace was short-lived.)
• 13:00 - Accidental Dim Sum Delights: Ended up in a tiny, bustling restaurant. No English menu. Pointed at things, held my breath, and prayed. Ended up with an absolute feast of dim sum. The best I've ever had. My tastebuds are officially in heaven.
• 15:00 - Haggling for a Souvenir (or Humiliating Myself): Found a shop selling… everything. Attempted to buy a trinket. Haggling is hard. I think I got ripped off, but it was fun. (Well, "fun" is an overstatement. It was anxiety-inducing. But I survived!)
• 19:00 - Karaoke Calamity: Okay, so this was a mistake. My Mandarin consists of "xie xie" and "ni hao" (and even those are probably mispronounced). My friends persuaded me to go karaoke. The locals were AMAZING. I belted out a Celine Dion song (badly). I am now questioning all my life choices. My voice hurts. My ego is bruised. But, man, that was a night.
• 22:00 - Hanting Reflections: Back in my tiny room, contemplating the chaos. Shanghai is a whirlwind. I'm exhausted, slightly bewildered, and utterly smitten. Tomorrow… who knows?

Day 3: Reflections and Farewell (Or, "Is That a Roach?")

• 08:00 - "Breakfast" Revelation: The stuff I thought was pickled vegetables? Turns out, it was sea weed. My mistake.
• 09:00 - The Shanghai Museum (Attempted): Decided to visit the Shanghai Museum. Got gloriously lost on the way, as is my way. Eventually, I made it! Stared at ancient pottery for an hour, and learned a lot about the history of China. It was awe-inspiring.
• 12:00 - Lunch: The Spicy Noodles Incident: Went to a noodle shop recommended by a local. Ordered the spiciest dish. Which, in Shanghai, means "nuclear." Tears streamed down my face. But the noodles were delicious.
• 14:00 - The Pujiang Sanlu Highway Stroll: The highway right outside the hotel. I took a walk. Got some sun. Saw the world go by at super-speed.
• 16:00 - Packing Up (with a Side of Panic): My departure is tomorrow. Sigh. Spent an hour trying to reorganize my suitcase. Realized I've accumulated more useless souvenirs than I can possibly carry. The room has some tiny bugs. (I think I may not mention this to the concierge).
• 17:00 - Last Meal: The Fried Rice Farewell: A quick, cheap, and delicious meal. Feeling nostalgic already.
• 19:00 - Final Hanting Thoughts: This hotel… it's not fancy, but it's home. It's been my base camp for this incredible adventure. I've slept here, I've laughed here, I've cried a little here. Would I recommend it? Maybe. It's not the Ritz. But it's real. And that's what matters.
• 21:00 - The Roach Incident: Okay, so this happened. I saw a cockroach. A big one. In my room. Screamed. Managed to kill it with a shoe. Now contemplating sleeping with the lights on. (And possibly burning all my clothes.)
• 23:00 - Trying to sleep: It's hard. Knowing what I know now, I'll be scared of sleeping.

(The next morning, I left. Shanghai, you were a blast. And Hanting Hotel? Well, you were… an experience. I'll never forget this place.)

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Hanting Hotel Shanghai Pujiang Sanlu Highway Shanghai China

Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret: The Hanting Hotel (Prepare to be Blown Away... Maybe?) - A FAQ. Get Ready...

Okay, spill it. Why is everyone whispering about this Hanting Hotel? Is it really THAT good?

Alright, alright, settle down, you eager beavers. The hype? It's…complicated. Let's just say, the Hanting Hotel isn't your standard Instagram-perfect, marble-floored, "ooh la la" kind of experience. Think more…efficient. Think more…surprisingly clean. Think… "I can't believe how little I paid for this." Seriously, the *price* is the initial shock. I booked it practically on a whim because my usual digs were booked solid during the Shanghai Film Festival (the chaos! Oh, the glorious chaos!). And then...well, THEN you get inside and you're like, "Huh. This is…better than I expected." I mean, for the *price*. Don't go expecting the Ritz, but it's a damn sight better than the cockroach-infested hellhole I once stumbled into in another city. That experience, let me tell you, has set a LOW bar for me. So yeah… good? For the price. Absolutely. Is it the Taj Mahal? Nope. But if you’re looking for a clean, decent, and inexpensive crash pad in a city that routinely tries to bankrupt you (I tell you what!), then yes, it's worth the buzz.

What *specifically* makes it stand out? Because "clean and cheap" is a dime a dozen in Shanghai.

Ah, the specifics! Okay, so here’s the kicker. It's not just the clean. It’s the *consistency*. I’ve stayed in budget hotels where you're never quite sure what you'll find behind the door. Here? Generally, you can bank on a spotless room, decent (if basic) amenities, and surprisingly quiet nights (depending on your neighbors, of course. Remember that one time I heard a trumpet solo – I kid you not – at 3 AM? But that was a different hotel!). The location is also a major win. Some Hanting Hotels are smack-dab in the middle of the action, close to subways and… well, *everything*. And the fact that they're everywhere makes it incredibly convenient. Need a room after a red-eye? Done. Need a quick escape after a night of questionable karaoke? Done. You know what I mean. Oh, and the included breakfast – often something simple, but edible – is a lifesaver, especially on a bleary-eyed morning after… let's just leave it at "a night out." (Note: Not all Hanting Hotels offer breakfast. Always double-check!).
**The *Real* Secret Sauce: Location, Location, Location:** The Hanting Hotels I’ve found myself returning to are ALWAYS in prime real estate. Think steps away from a subway station, a bustling market, or a killer dumpling shop. Seriously, the proximity to the food alone… it's worth the price of admission. I'm a sucker for a good xiao long bao, and it turns a standard travel day into something special.

Are there any major downsides? Because, you know, *secrets* rarely come without a catch…

YES. Okay, deep breaths. The catch? It’s not glamorous. At all. The decor is… utilitarian. Let's stick with that. Think neutral tones, functional furniture, and the distinct lack of anything resembling personality. (Unless you count the slightly wonky artwork on the walls, which sometimes feels unintentionally… interesting. Art is subjective, right?) And the bathrooms can be… cozy. Let’s call it “intimate.” Space is a premium in Shanghai, and the bathrooms reflect that fact. Seriously, if you're six-foot-five, you might want to reconsider. Also, English isn't always widely spoken, so brush up on your Mandarin (or download that translation app – you'll thank me later). And sometimes, and I mean *sometimes*, the building is… well, a bit noisier than you'd like. Thin walls are a classic. But hey, earplugs exist for a reason. My God, those earplugs have saved my sanity. Also, the customer service can be… variable. But, again, for the price, you can't have EVERYTHING.

What about the different Hanting Hotels? Are they all the same? Which one should I choose?

Ah, the million-dollar question! No, they’re NOT all created equal. Which is a huge pain, TBH. Some are newer, some are…vintage (and by vintage, I mean slightly dated). Some have better locations than others. Some, I swear, feel like they’re in a completely different dimension. (The one near the train station… let's just say I had an *experience* there). My advice? **READ THE REVIEWS.** Seriously, pore over them like you're studying for an exam. Pay attention to comments about the cleanliness, the noise level, and the proximity to… well, everything. And, if you have the time, scout out a few locations on Google Maps. See what the neighborhood is like. I’ve learned this the hard way. One time, I booked based on a glowing review… only to find myself next to a construction site that started its symphony of noise at 6 AM. Lesson learned. Always. Read. The. Reviews. Also, use booking.com or Agoda or whatever. Makes it easier to cancel if something goes wrong. And SOMETHING WILL GO WRONG. It's just life.

Okay, let's say I'm sold… How do I book it? And what should I expect when I get there?

Booking is easy. You've got the usual suspects: Booking.com, Agoda, the Hanting website (if you're feeling ambitious). Prices vary, so shop around. Always, always triple-check your confirmation email. Then, when you arrive? Be prepared for a bit of… well, let’s call it a "process." The check-in might not be the smoothest experience if you don’t speak Mandarin. Have your passport handy, along with your booking confirmation. Smile. Be patient. (And maybe have a translation app open on your phone. Seriously, it's a lifesaver!) Once you get your key card, explore your room. Double-check the amenities. (Soap? Shampoo? Towels that aren't threadbare? Important questions!) If anything is amiss, politely ask the staff. And then… settle in. Unpack. And try to enjoy the fact that you're getting a decent room, in a great city, for an unbelievably low price. And if you're lucky, maybe your stay WILL be relatively quiet. And if you're *really* lucky… no trumpets at 3 AM. Fingers crossed!

Is the breakfast really worth it?

Okay, back to breakfast. Again, it will vary. Some have a decent spread with congee, some simple breads and jams, and some…are better suited for a quick, on-the-go meal (like a convenient store croissant). It's not a foodie destination, mind you. But it's almost always enough to kickstart your day. If breakfast is included, take it. If it's not, don’t sweat it. You can find amazing street food or a Western-style café within a stone's throw. This is Shanghai, after all. Food is everywhere, and it's usually DELICIOUS. The breakfast'Hotel Bliss Search

Hanting Hotel Shanghai Pujiang Sanlu Highway Shanghai China

Hanting Hotel Shanghai Pujiang Sanlu Highway Shanghai China

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