Shanghai's BEST Hotel Near Xiaonanmen Metro? (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercup. This is going to be a real review, the kind you'd tell your best friend over too much coffee, not some sterile corporate spiel. We're talking about the Hanting Hotel near Xiaonanmen Metro in Shanghai. And honey, I've got opinions. (Prepare for a slightly chaotic, but hopefully helpful, ride.)
First Impressions & the "Getting There" Grind: Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility! (Or, How Not to Lose Your Sanity in Shanghai Transit)
Alright, let's be real. Shanghai is huge. Navigating the city can be a complete circus, especially with luggage. The Hanting, at least, gets a gold star for location. Accessibility near Xiaonanmen Metro? Absolutely nailed it. Literally a stone's throw. Thank goodness. The thought of dragging my suitcase further than absolutely necessary after a 14-hour flight made me want to weep. From the metro, you pop up and… there it is. Easy peasy.
Now, the metro itself? That's a whole other adventure. (Pro-tip: Get a Suica card. Trust me.) The hotel claims to have airport transfer options, which is a plus. I didn't use it, opting for the (slightly) cheaper, and definitely more stressful, metro. 🤷♀️
The Room - My Little Shanghai Sanctuary (Minus the Minor Hiccups)
Okay, let's talk digs. The rooms are… clean. Very clean. That’s a good start when you are in Shanghai city. Seriously, it's a hotel in Shanghai, not a palace. But it has everything you need, which is also nice.
Internet Access & Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it worked, mostly. There were a few moments of extreme buffering that made me want to throw my laptop out the window (ahem), but generally, it was reliable enough for emails and some light streaming. They do mention Internet [LAN], but I didn’t see any ethernet cables lying around. So, wireless it is.
Amenities: Air conditioning (essential!), a comfy bed, a tiny (but functional) desk, and a decent shower with hot water. They even have a mini-bar, which I didn't use. (Hello, convenience store down the street!) The rooms are, as you'd expect, compact. Don't expect to throw a party. But they're clean, and that's the most important thing. I found a coffee and tea maker, which was perfect.
Soundproofing: Pretty good. I did not hear the neighbours. The traffic outside was not bad.
Safety features: Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, safe. All the basics covered.
Additional Notes:
- Daily housekeeping was efficient.
- Ironing facilities were available, but I didn't need them.
- Linens and towels were clean and fresh.
- Toiletries were provided.
- Bathtub in the room was a nice touch.
- Mirror. It's a hotel. They always have a mirror.
Cleanliness & Safety - The Current Climate (AKA, How They Handled the Whole Pandemic Thing)
Okay, let's be real, traveling in the post-pandemic world has made us all a bit… neurotic. Am I right? I was intently looking at hygiene.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Claimed!
- Hand sanitizer: Available.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed to be. They were masked and efficient.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Hopefully!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed on point.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was, uh, attempted. Not always a total success, but they tried.
- Cashless payment: They do offer it.
- They removed shared stationary
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Fueling Factor
Now, this is where things get a little… interesting.
- Breakfast Service: They offer Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. The buffet was… standard. Nothing to write home about, but it got the job done. I didn't go with any of the other options. Think… a selection of noodles, some questionable pastries, and coffee that tasted, well, like hotel coffee.
- Coffee shop: Present.
- Restaurants: There is a restaurant on site, but I did not try it.
- Snack bar: There's a convenience store nearby. That's where I went.
- Room Service [24-hour]: I did't need it, but it's there.
Services and Conveniences - The Hotel's Helpers
- Air conditioning in the public area: Cool
- Cash withdrawal: Yes, they had an ATM
- Concierge: Available, but didn't use it.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes.
- Convenience store: Yes. This is gold.
- Currency exchange: Not that I saw.
- Elevator: Yes, thank goodness!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Seems like they have them.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Smoking area for those who need it.
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly?
I didn't travel with kids, so I can't say for sure. But my impression is… probably not the best choice for families. There are kids facilities, like babysitting service.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Beyond the Hotel Walls (Mostly)
Okay, this is where the Hanting doesn't shine. Think of this as more a base camp. It is for you while you are in Shanghai.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Nope.
- Spa/sauna/steamroom: Nope.
- Swimming pool: Nope.
- Things to do: This is Shanghai! You're staying near Xiaonanmen Metro. Explore! The Shikumen Open House Museum is a must-see. Walk everywhere.
- Accessibility is your key. The proximity to the metro is a massive win.
Overall Impression - The Verdict (Slightly Messy, But Honest)
The Hanting Hotel near Xiaonanmen Metro is not a luxury hotel. Not even close. It's a clean, functional, and incredibly convenient option for exploring Shanghai, especially if you're on a budget. If you want bells and whistles and spa days, go elsewhere. But if you want a hassle-free base camp with amazing metro access and a clean room to crash in after a day of exploring… well, it's a pretty solid choice.
The Imperfections
- The breakfast, as I mentioned, wasn't mind-blowing.
- The hallways looked a bit… dated.
- The staff spoke limited English. Not a deal-breaker, but good to know.
Quirky Observations
- The elevator music was surprisingly upbeat.
- I'm pretty sure I heard someone singing karaoke very late one night…
Emotional Reactions
- Relief at how easy it was to get to the metro. (Good!)
- Slight disappointment with the breakfast. (Meh.)
- Gratitude for the cleanliness of the room. (Yes!)
- Exasperation over the sometimes-sketchy internet. (Argh!)
Final Grade: A solid 7/10. Recommended if you prioritize location, cleanliness, and a reasonable price.
The Offer - Your Shanghai Adventure Awaits!
Book your stay at the Hanting Hotel near Xiaonanmen Metro today and experience the convenience of Shanghai at your fingertips!
- Exclusive Offer: Get a 10% discount on your room rate when you book directly through our website using code "SHANGHAIEXPLORER".
- Bonus: Enjoy a complimentary breakfast for one day of your stay to try some of the food. (Even if it's not the best, hey, it's free!)
- Guaranteed: Clean rooms, easy access to the Xiaonanmen Metro, and a friendly (if sometimes language-challenged) staff.
Click here to book your Shanghai adventure now! [Insert Website Link Here] (Just a placeholder, obviously!)
Bellingham Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Home2 Suites Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic adventure that was my trip to Shanghai, specifically around that beige behemoth of a hotel, the Hanting Hotel near Xiaonanmen Metro Station. Prepare for a rollercoaster of cultural immersion, sleep deprivation, questionable food choices, and enough existential angst to fill a karaoke bar.
Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Dread of Dim Sum (and Jet Lag)
7:00 AM (Shanghai Time, Ugh): Landed at Pudong Airport. Holy moly, that airport is HUGE. I felt like a tiny ant lost in a concrete jungle. Navigating customs? Smoothish, considering my brain was currently operating at about 10% capacity thanks to the transatlantic flight. Found the metro, thank GOD. The people moving around were like a fast-paced sea.
8:30 AM: Finally, finally, made it to Hanting Hotel. Seriously, I'd have traded a kidney for a shower and a bed. The hotel room itself? Fine. Functional. Clean enough that I didn't immediately develop a phobia of bedbugs. The view? A depressing panorama of other buildings. Welcome to Shanghai!
9:30 AM: Battled jet lag AND language barriers to find a place to eat. Decided on dim sum because, when in Rome… or, you know, Shanghai. Found a place on the recommendation of a blog. It might have been a mistake. The menu? ALL in Chinese. Gestures, pointing, and a desperate "One of those, please!" translated into a plate of something vaguely meat-like, dipped in something spicy. I was simultaneously terrified and fascinated. It was… an experience. I think I enjoyed it? Maybe. My stomach is still protesting a little.
11:00 AM: Wandered (read: stumbled) aimlessly around the neighborhood. Found a park. Sat on a bench, ate a questionable pastry, and contemplated EVERYTHING. The meaning of life, the fact that I'd forgotten to pack deodorant, whether I'd survive on instant noodles for the next two weeks. The usual.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Collapsed on the hotel bed. Slept. Woke up. Ate a packet of biscuits. Slept again. Jet lag is a monster. It's like someone's replaced your brain with wet spaghetti.
6:00 PM: Forced myself to go out again. This is where the "experience" part goes rogue: Finding a small shop, it smells like the ocean and smoke. I see a lady selling fresh dumplings, the smell is amazing, and decided to get in line to buy one. Her face is kind. She's a little old, but so strong from preparing all the dumplings. Her apron is dirty, but she's so kind to all the customers. I ask her in English, "How much?" and point. She says something I don't understand and laughs. I point to a coin on the table and she smiles and nods. Eating that dumpling was heaven. I think I want to live there.
7:00 PM: Attempted to find dinner. Ended up at a tiny noodle shop. The noodles were good. The broth? Potentially magical. The company? A friendly, slightly grumpy, old man who seemed to understand my broken Mandarin. It was the best meal of the day.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Strolled through a night market. Sensory overload! So many lights, smells, and sounds. I bought a weird-shaped fruit, which I later identified (with the help of Google Translate) as a starfruit. It tasted… interesting. Like a slightly sour, crunchy, wet… thing.
11:00 PM: Back in the hotel room. Reflecting on the day. Shanghai is a beast. A beautiful, confusing, delicious, and slightly terrifying beast.
Day 2: Yuyuan Garden & The Questionable Ethics of Bargaining (and My Inner Pack Rat)
9:00 AM (ish): Dragged myself out of bed. The jet lag was still lurking, but the excitement of the day ahead was stronger. Or maybe it was the caffeine.
10:00 AM: Journeyed to Yuyuan Garden. Wow. Just… wow. The architecture was stunning, the gardens serene. It felt like stepping into a painting. The crowds, on the other hand, felt like stepping into a mosh pit. (But, I understand now, it is always crowded).
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Got slightly lost within the gardens. Admired koi carp the size of small children. Took a million photos (because, you know, Instagram). Found a tea house that served the strongest tea I'd ever tasted. Almost fainted. Totally worth it.
1:30 PM: Battled the crowds again, this time in the Yuyuan Bazaar. This is where I learned the noble art of bargaining. I haggled for a souvenir. I think I may have ripped off the poor merchant. I'm not proud. But I do have a rather fetching silk scarf.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wandered through the streets. Found a tiny shop selling antiques. Almost bought a hideous (but strangely compelling) ceramic cat. Resisted the urge. My suitcase is already overflowing. My inner pack rat is screaming.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Took the metro to a different district. Got completely lost. The metro system is amazing, but it's also a maze. I asked for directions. Got pointed in several different directions. Ended up somewhere completely different than I intended.
6:30 PM: Finally, found a little restaurant. Ordered something that looked vaguely familiar from the menu. It was… spicy. My mouth is still on fire. But it was also delicious, even though my tongue felt like it had been sandpapered down.
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Visited a local market. Found some street food and tried different things. The experience of eating the food alone was cool, but then people were pushing, shoving. I guess it's the culture. It was overwhelming.
10:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Tired, full, and slightly overwhelmed. Shanghai is a whirlwind. I love it. I hate it. I'm addicted to it.
Day 3: Shanghai Museum & The Ongoing Battle Against the Temptation of Cheap Sunglasses
10:00 AM: Hopped on the metro to the Shanghai Museum. This place is huge! So many amazing artifacts, jade, calligraphy, and ceramics that made my brain feel like it was going to explode with knowledge.
12:00 PM: Found a small cafe in the museum. Had a coffee and people-watched, I love to do this. I saw an old couple, who had each other and they seemed so happy. I feel so alone here.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Explored the exhibits. The jade collection was stunning. The calligraphy was mesmerizing, even though I couldn't read a word. I spent probably an hour alone in the calligraphy exhibit. I was so moved by the strokes and the passion.
3:30 PM: Got lost again. It's a talent, apparently. Ended up in a shopping district. The temptation of cheap sunglasses was almost too much to bear. I resisted. (This time.)
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Found a small park, sat on a bench, read a book. Needed a break from the constant stimulation. I was starting to miss having a routine.
6:30 PM: Tried another restaurant. Accidentally ordered a dish with fish eyes in it. Ate them. They were… interesting. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever get used to the food here.
7:30 PM: Walked around the neighborhoods surrounding hanting. I could see families eating and living. I felt like a stranger in their world.
9:00 PM: Back in the hotel, wondering what tomorrow will bring. Maybe I should finally try to learn a few Chinese phrases. Doubtful. I'm tired.
And it goes on… The days blur. There were moments of pure joy, moments of frustration, moments of just wanting to crawl back into bed and never see another dumpling again. But, that's the beauty of travel, right? It's messy, it's imperfect, it's absolutely human. And Shanghai? Shanghai is a beast, and I'd take the chaotic ride again in a heartbeat. But this time, I'm packing more deodorant. And maybe a phrasebook. Maybe. Just maybe.
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Hanting Hotel Near Xiaonanmen Metro: The Good, The Bad, and the Surprisingly Orange? (A Chaotic FAQ)
Question: Is this Hanting Hotel ACTUALLY near the Xiaonanmen Metro?
Answer: Okay, first things first. "Near" is a VERY subjective term in Shanghai. Yes, blessedly, it IS close. Like, a five-minute walk, tops. Which, after a ten-hour flight with a screaming toddler (yes, THAT was my trip), felt like heaven. You pop out of the metro, and BAM, there's the Hanting, looking all... beige. But hey, beige is better than searching endlessly with jet lag brain. So, yeah. Near. Definitely near. Your weary legs will thank you.
Question: What's the vibe like at this Hanting? Is it fancy?
Answer: Fancy? Honey, no. It's utilitarian. Think clean, functional, and designed for efficiency, not Instagrammable aesthetics. The lobby... well, let's just say it's not gonna win any design awards. But it's clean, and crucially, it has air conditioning that actually WORKS. Which, in Shanghai humidity, is a HUGE win. Don’t come here expecting chandeliers and butler service. Come here expecting a place to crash after a long day of battling the crowds and the sensory overload that is Shanghai. Mission accomplished.
Question: How are the rooms? Like, are they *clean* clean?
Answer: Okay, here's the deal. Cleanliness is a solid B+. My room? Fine. The sheets *appeared* clean, but I'm one of those people who brings their own travel wipes (judge me, I dare you). I did a quick wipe-down of the surfaces, you know, just in case. The bathroom... okay, the shower *might* have seen better days, and the grout wasn't sparkling. But the water was hot, and the towels, while maybe a tiny bit thin, were clean! And hey, let's be realistic: for the price, I wasn't expecting a spa experience. Overall, acceptably clean. Manageable clean. You will survive. (And if you have OCD, bring a hazmat suit.)
Question: Is breakfast included? And if so, is it any good?
Answer: Breakfast… ah, breakfast. The eternal question. Some rooms include it, some don’t. Make sure you check when booking! I learned this the hard way -- after a HORRENDOUS night of jet lag, I stumbled down expecting a feast, only to be told I had to pay extra. Which, fine, whatever. But the breakfast itself? Let’s just say, it's… a *breakfast experience*. Think lukewarm congee, questionable sausages, and an orange juice machine that seems to dispense something vaguely orange-flavored. It's fuel, people. Just fuel. Don't go in expecting Michelin stars. But I managed to eat enough to keep me going, and that, frankly, is all I asked for. Just... bring your own coffee. Seriously. Or grab a street coffee. Much better.
Question: What about the staff? Helpful? Friendly?
Answer: The staff... ah, the staff. Generally, they're perfectly pleasant. They speak enough English to get you through the basics. Check-in was easy enough, they pointed me in the right direction, and they sorted out a minor issue with my key card (I'm blaming the jet lag. It was definitely my fault.) Don't expect overly effusive hospitality. They're efficient, rather than particularly warm, but they get the job done. And honestly, sometimes that's all you need after a long day of exploring. No complaints from this weary traveler.
