Shanghai's BEST Hotel Near Qilianshan Metro? (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Hanting Hotel Near Qilianshan Metro: A Shanghai Ramble (Plus, Ugh, Wifi!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the concrete jungle of Shanghai and, specifically, the Hanting Hotel near the Qilianshan Metro station. This isn't going to be your sterile, corporate review. This is going to be the REAL DEAL. Forget the perfect online brochure; prepare for the messy, the honest, and the utterly human experience.
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always try to be mindful. The good news? The hotel does have an elevator, and that's a massive check in the "accessible" box. I saw no obvious ramps or super wide doors, but from what I could observe, it felt… passably accessible. I think they might have some accessible rooms, but I didn't investigate. That's on me, I should have asked the front desk, but I was too busy fighting with the… (ahem) … Internet!.
Oh, the internet. This is where my fairytale turns swampy. They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" LIE! Pure, unadulterated, pixelated LIE! It was a struggle. A literal struggle. At one point, I considered throwing the laptop out the window. I mean, that would have been a story, right? "Man throws laptop out hotel window, blames the wifi, lands in a steaming pot of noodles." See? Good copy right there.
Anyway, back to reality. I tried the Internet [LAN]. Didn't work. Tried the Wi-Fi in public areas. About as useful as a chocolate teapot. My productivity plummeted. Forget about streaming anything beyond the loading screen. So, yeah, internet is a major FAIL. Consider this your warning. Download everything before you go. Seriously. You’ll thank me later. (Or at least, you’ll curse the WiFi less!)
Let’s move onto the Rooms. Okay, the Non-smoking rooms were a definite plus. Cleanliness? Mostly okay, but it’s Shanghai, so you’re never going to get pristine, hospital-grade cleanliness. I did spot a stray hair or two in the bathroom, but nothing that made me want to scream. The Daily housekeeping was consistent, though, and the bed was comfortable enough. The Air conditioning, thankfully, worked! Essential in humid Shanghai! They had a Coffee/tea maker, which was a lifesaver. Also, bonus points for the Free bottled water. You’ll need it.
Now, for the real drama… Dining, drinking, and snacking. There is a restaurant there. I saw a Breakfast [buffet] was available. I didn’t partake. I just… couldn’t face the thought of queuing for lukewarm beige food after my Wi-fi battle. I should have, for research purposes, but I was a creature of habit and panic. I did however, buy a bottle of water from the little Convenience store. (More research! Score!)
Let's be honest though, I was mostly interested in getting out of the hotel and into the glorious chaos of Shanghai. So I can’t comment too much on the food offerings. I've no idea about the Asian breakfast or any of the Asian cuisine in restaurant, for that matter. Happy hour? Never noticed it. I did have some coffee in the room though… and a handful of instant noodles.
The Services and conveniences were, well, basic. The Daily housekeeping was efficient enough. Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and Ironing service are all there, which is nice when you arrive looking like a crumpled map. There's also a Concierge. I didn't need their help, but they were there. The Cash withdrawal option is a plus, but finding an ATM that doesn’t charge a ridiculous fee is still a gamble in the city.
Things to do, ways to relax. Uhm… not much in the hotel. There is no Pool with view (sadly!) or Spa/sauna. You are there to sleep and… well, that’s pretty much it. This is a budget hotel, folks, not a resort!
Cleanliness and Safety. They do mention using Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services, plus they have Hand sanitizer available, so that’s a definite plus. The CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour] offered a certain peace of mind. I didn’t feel unsafe. However, the rooms themselves were… well, you're in China. It's not going to be sterile-sterile.
For the kids. Forget it. This is not a family destination, even though it does have a Family/child friendly designation.
Getting around. The big HUGE plus? The Qilianshan Metro station is, as advertised, ridiculously close! That's a huge win. Airport transfer is available, and there's Car park [free of charge]. Easy access to a taxi, too. So, good location, bad internet.
Available in all rooms: Standard stuff. Air conditioning, check. Alarm clock, check. Coffee/tea maker, check. Hair dryer, check. Basic, but sufficient.
My Personal Verdict:
Would I stay at the Hanting Hotel near Qilianshan Metro again? Mmm… depends. For the price, the location is fantastic. Seriously fantastic. The accessibility is reasonable. But the internet. Oh, the internet. It's a huge dealbreaker. If you need reliable Wi-Fi, RUN. Otherwise, brace yourself, download your entertainment, and embrace the adventure. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the battle of the bandwidth. Honestly, it’s a budget option. Reasonable for a short stay. Just lower your expectations. You'll be fine! (And maybe bring a mobile hotspot!)
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Italy: Il Poggio Dei Pettirossi Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is ME, lost in Shanghai, fueled by instant noodles and the sheer audacity of travel. And we're starting… at the Hanting Hotel near Qilianshan Road Metro Station. Let’s get this train wreck… I mean, adventure… rolling.
Day 1: Shanghai – Arrival and the Agony of the Check-In
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Pudong International Airport (PVG): Okay, so first thing’s first. The airport? MASSIVE. Like, "could lose a small country in here" massive. Finding the metro felt like a quest in a bad video game. The lines, the signs… all in Chinese, of course. Thankfully, a kind older woman, probably judging my frantic flailing, actually pointed me in the right direction. Bless her soul.
- 12:00 PM - Metro Madness and Hotel Hunt: Took the Line 2… which, frankly, felt like a sardine can. I'm pretty sure I saw a guy reading a textbook while hanging upside down. Shanghai is a city that doesn’t mess around with personal space. Arrived at Qilianshan Road. Finding the Hanting? Easy peasy. Check-in? NOT easy peasy. I swear, the front desk person stared at my passport like it was an alien artifact. Finally sorted it out, after much pointing and bewildered smiling. Note to self: learn some basic Mandarin phrases, pronto.
- 1:30 PM - The Hanting Revelation (and the Room): The Hanting… eh. It's clean. It's functional. The aircon is… a bit temperamental. (Hot, then freezing. No in-between). My room is tiny. Like, I could touch both walls while lying in bed tiny. But hey, it’s a bed, and I'm exhausted.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch: The Quest for Edible Sustenance: Okay, so I’m starving. Found a little place nearby… not sure what it was, but the pictures looked promising. Took a gamble. Ordered something with noodles and what I think was pork. Turns out? DELICIOUS. Absolutely blew my mind. Maybe all that stress made me desperate, but it was divine. This trip is already worth it, just for that bowl of noodles.
- 3:00 PM - The Sloth-Like Nap: Jet lag is a beast. Slept for a solid two hours. Woke up feeling like a zombie.
- 5:00 PM - Exploring the Immediate Surroundings: Wandered around. Honestly, Qilianshan Road is not a tourist hotspot. It’s a real, everyday neighborhood. Saw a dog wearing a sweater (!!!). Checked out the local fruit market. Seriously, the smells alone were intoxicating.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: The Return of the Noodles… And Karaoke?!: Went back to the noodle place. This time, I pointed at the picture and prayed. Another bowl of yummy goodness. Walked around afterward and heard… music? Followed the sound and ended up in a karaoke bar. I don't know why but I’m here. I don't speak Mandarin. The locals were incredibly welcoming and offered to sing with me. Me and an elderly Chinese man singing "Bohemian Rhapsody" in broken English and worse Chinese. Absolute madness.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime (or at least, the attempt): Back in my tiny room. Trying to sleep. The aircon, still playing games. There’s a strange buzzing sound. But… I'm in Shanghai. Life is good.
Day 2: Shanghai – Cultural Chaos and Culinary Adventures, with a side of "Why did I do that?"
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up and Realization - This Bed is Harder Than It Looks: Okay, the bed. It's not luxurious. It's not plush. It feels like a folded concrete slab. I swear, I think I need a chiropractor after only one night. But hey, survival of the fittest, right? I’m a survivor.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Questionable Delights: Found a place that served something resembling breakfast. Ordered… something. It was… interesting. Let's just say my palate is still adjusting. Included something that turned out to be basically deep-fried dough balls.
- 9:00 AM - The Metro and the Bund – The Tourist Stuff: Okay, tourist time. Metro to the Bund. The crowds were insane. Shoulder-to-shoulder, pushing and shoving… But the view? Absolutely stunning. The modern skyline next to the old colonial buildings… it’s visually breathtaking. Took a million photos. Probably the only person on this trip who didn’t already have at least a thousand.
- 11:00 AM - Nanjing Road – Shopping Blitz: Nanjing Road. Retail therapy central. Walked around, oggled the shops. Probably not going to buy anything. But the lights, the energy… it's infectious. Almost bought a Hello Kitty handbag. Almost.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch: Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao) - The BEST Decision: Found a place that specialized in soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao). The instructions were something like “dip in vinegar, eat in one bite.” Easy, right? WRONG. Scalded my tongue. Burned my mouth. But… still the most amazing thing I've eaten in years. The flavor… pure heaven. I could probably eat a thousand of them.
- 2:00 PM - Yu Garden – Tranquility (or Trying to Find Some): Yu Garden was supposed to be tranquil. And, well, it was beautiful. But also packed with people. Took some deep breaths and just tried to absorb the atmosphere. Watched some old folks playing cards. (Something I'd probably never experience).
- 3:30 PM - The Tea Ceremony – Did I just drink out of a dude's mug? Okay, so the tea ceremony. I went. It was… intense. Very serious tea-making guy. Elaborate pouring techniques. We sat cross-legged. The tea itself was lovely. I think I drank out of the same mug as a stranger. Oops. Still not sure how I feel about that, TBH.
- 4:15 PM - People watching: Shanghai is a place for it. Found a quiet corner and just let the day wash over me.
- 5:00 PM - Back to the Hotel… and the Internet Struggle: Needed to recharge. The internet in the Hanting is… spotty. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Frustrating.
- 6:30 PM - Dinner – The Spicy Adventure: Found a Sichuan restaurant. BIG MISTAKE. Ordered something that looked mild. IT WAS NOT. Tears streamed down my face. But… the flavor was incredible. I think I might be addicted.
- 8:00 PM - The Day's Reflection: Back in my room, counting myself lucky I managed to stay on my feet. This city… it's overwhelming. It's chaotic. It's beautiful. It’s exhilarating. And I'm absolutely loving it. Even the hard bed.
Day 3: Shanghai – More Discoveries and the Reluctant Departure
- 7:00 AM: Woke up surprisingly well, though still aching. The bed and I are becoming frenemies.
- 8:00 AM: Found a new breakfast place. Same gamble. Still, a delicious roll. Success!
- 9:00 AM: Local Market exploration: Found a local market. The things I saw! Dragonfruit, strange fruits, all sorts of odd vegetables. I couldn't understand anything but I could sure look!
- 10:00 AM: Metro, another day.
- 11:00 AM: The Shanghai Museum – Magnificent: The Shanghai Museum. Completely worth it. So much history. So much beauty. I could get lost in there for days. The calligraphy exhibit was particularly mesmerizing. Just a truly incredible experience.
- 1:00 PM: Quick lunch nearby (again, another gamble!). This time, it was great.
- 2:00 PM: The French Concession – Charming: Wander through the French Concession. The architecture is amazing. The streets are lined with trees. Felt like I was in a different world.
- 3:30 PM: The Search for a Caffeine Fix: Coffee. I needed coffee. Found a tiny little cafe run by a woman who spoke a little English. Got a latte and sat and just watched Shanghai go by. Pure bliss.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Hanting. Packing. Reluctantly.
- 6:00 PM: One Last Meal – Spicy Noodles, of course: One last bowl of noodles. One last teary-eyed goodbye to the flavor explosion.
- 7:00 PM: Getting Ready to Go.
- 9:00 PM: Headed to the airport. Shanghai, you crazy, amazing city. I'll be back.
This is just a taste, a sliver of the Shanghai experience. It's messy, it's imperfect
Escape to Paradise: Sheraton Caguas Casino & Resort Awaits!
Hanting Hotel near Qilianshan Metro: The Good, The Bad, & The Surprisingly Okay (Maybe?)
Okay, spill the beans: Is this Hanting Hotel a good option for staying near Qilianshan Metro?
Ugh, alright, alright. It's complicated. Let me put it this way: I'm not going to lie, the *initial* vibes? Let's just say they were... minimalist. Like, "bare bones" is an understatement. Think: a small room, the echo of a thousand footsteps, a slightly *off* smell in the hallway that I'm pretty sure was a combination of cleaning products and something else entirely. But! But... and this is important, the *location* is absolutely clutch. Seriously, you're practically falling into the Qilianshan Metro station. So, good? Bad? Depends what you prioritize and how much you're willing to overlook. If you're budget-conscious and primarily need a crash pad for exploring Shanghai, then maybe, just *maybe*, this Hanting Hotel could work. Just don't have sky-high expectations, okay? My first impression? I'd rate it a solid 6/10, with a *very* generous curve.
How close *is* "near" the Qilianshan Metro? Is it actually walkable?
Walkable? Honey, it's practically *part* of the metro! I kid you not, it's like, a two-minute waltz from the hotel entrance to the gate. It's ridiculously convenient. You can roll out of bed, grab your Starbucks (there's a few options nearby – essential!), and be underground in a heartbeat. Believe me, after a grueling day of shopping/sightseeing/dealing with Shanghai traffic, that proximity is a *lifesaver*. I'd swear I shaved off at least an hour of travel time each day just staying there! I will say, though, the walk *inside* the metro station itself is long. We're not talking about a short hop in and out. Be prepared for a bit of a hike *inside*.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they clean? Are they... comfortable?
Okay, let's talk rooms. Clean? Well, they try. My sheets seemed fresh, but the corners? Not so much. I wouldn't eat off the floor – and that's saying something, because I *have* eaten food off of questionable surfaces after a few too many drinks! (Don't judge.) Comfortable? That's pushing it. The bed was… firm. Like, *very* firm. Think sleeping on a board. I’m not gonna lie, I tossed and turned most of the first night. The pillows were flat. Like, *pancake flat*. I ended up using my backpack as a pillow on the second night. But, hey, you get what you pay for, right? The air conditioning worked, which in Shanghai's humidity is a *must*. And the shower had hot water, so, you know, small victories. But don't expect luxury. Think more… functional. I'd describe it as a *contained* space.
What about the amenities? Any freebies? Wi-Fi?
Amenities? Let's just say they're on the *lean* side. Freebies? Nope. Well, maybe the air to breath? Wi-Fi *was* available. It worked... sometimes. I spent a decent chunk of time trying to reconnect. The best part? It was free! So, yeah, expect the basic, barely adequate. Hair dryer. Basic toiletries. Bottled water. That's the extent of it. Don't expect a pool, a gym, or even a fancy lobby that's a comfortable space for hanging out. There's a reception area. It serves its purpose. That's about it.
The staff? Are they helpful? Can they speak English? (This is important!)
The staff... Okay, here's the tea. Some speak English. Some don't. It's a mixed bag. Be prepared to gesture, point frantically at things, and use Google Translate. My biggest memory? Trying to explain that my key card wasn't working. It took me a painful 15 minutes with a very patient receptionist (who, bless her heart, barely spoke English) to figure out that I had, in fact, put the key card in backwards. *I* felt like a total idiot. But she was kind and didn't laugh. So, yeah, the staff are generally doing their best. Patience is key. And knowing a few basic Mandarin phrases wouldn't hurt. "Xie xie" (thank you) goes a long way.
What about the surrounding area? Any good food nearby? Things to do?
The area around Qilianshan Metro... it's not exactly the heart of Shanghai nightlife, okay? But! It has its charms. There's plenty of local restaurants, some street food stalls. Some of it's amazing, some of it, well, is an adventure. You've also got convenience stores galore. You can find anything around there. Seriously, my favourite? The little dumpling place across the street. Cheap, cheerful, and possibly the best soup dumplings I've ever had in my life. I went there almost every day. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but that’s part of the charm, isn't it? You're close enough to the action to get to all of Shanghai's major attractions using the metro. Seriously, the world's at your fingertips. Once you're on the line, you can get anywhere that matters in Shanghai within 30-45 minutes. I'd highly recommend exploring the area.
My biggest fear: Noise. What’s the noise situation like?
Okay, brace yourself. Noise. This is where things get a little… *dicey*. You're in Shanghai, people! It's a city that *never* sleeps. The walls are thin. VERY thin. So, expect to hear everything. People talking in the hallways at all hours, the rumble of the metro, delivery scooters beeping, and construction. Always construction. I brought earplugs. Thank god. Actually, let me double down on that: *BRING EARPLUGS*. Seriously, don't even think about skipping them. They saved my sanity! I learned quickly that you're going to hear the world. You will hear the elevator, the people having a party at 2 AM, and sometimes, you will hear people snoring in the next room. The worst was that one night I heard the sound of *someone* trying to fix something with a hammer! I swear, it was like living next door to a construction site. So yeah... noise. Be prepared. And bring earplugs.
