Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Meilan Lake Inn You NEED to See!
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Meilan Lake Inn - Seriously, You NEED to See This Place! (Ramblings from a Recovering Hotel Snob)
Alright, folks, let's be honest. Hotels in Shanghai? They can be… well, a dime a dozen. Gleaming towers, cookie-cutter rooms, often with a distinct lack of soul. Then I stumbled upon Meilan Lake Inn. And I’m not even exaggerating when I say it’s like finding a perfectly aged bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon in a sea of cheap plonk.
Okay, okay, before you roll your eyes at the hyperbole, hear me out. I'm not typically the "inn" type. I'm a self-confessed hotel snob. I judge the thread count of the sheets. I inspect the corners of the bathroom. But Meilan Lake Inn? It actually charmed the cynical part of my soul.
Let's Get Down to Brass Tacks (and the Important Stuff)
First things first: accessibility. This is crucial, and the Inn largely delivers. They are pretty good with it. They have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, big pluses. Of course, you should always call ahead and clarify specifics, but the foundation is there.
Internet, Oh Glorious Internet!
This is critical in this day and age, right? Luckily, the basics are covered. There is Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise hands emoji. You also get Internet access – LAN, which is a bonus if you're old school like me and prefer a wired connection. You can even have Wi-Fi for special events – party on!
The Real Reason to Book: Things to Lose Yourself In (and Maybe Find Yourself)
Forget the city's hustle, this place is all about chilling. Let's talk spa. Seriously. Spa/sauna, steamroom, massage… You know you need it. Seriously. And the pool with a view is gorgeous; a true highlight. I spent a good hour just staring at the blue, letting the tension melt away. I am not even a pool person, but this one did it for me.
They also deliver on the little things. The Fitness center is surprisingly well equipped, and they do things like Body scrub and Body wrap, but I did not partake in that.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Personal Carb-Loading Adventure)
Okay, confession time: I'm a breakfast fiend. And Meilan Lake Inn's breakfast game? Strong. They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and a Breakfast [Buffet] that is actually worth getting out of bed for. You just have to try the dumplings. They were phenomenal. I actually may have embarrassingly gone back for seconds (and thirds, let's be honest). The coffee/tea in restaurant is also well-made, which matters. There are enough restaurants to keep you happy for a few days. I did not try the A la carte in restaurant or the Buffet in restaurant but seemed nice enough.
There's a Snack bar, a Poolside bar, and of course, Room service [24-hour], in case you get a late-night craving for… well, whatever you crave.
Hygiene and Safety: Because These Days, It Matters
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: safety. This is a topic that's been on everyone's mind. Meilan Lake Inn clearly takes it seriously. I noticed Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the option to Room sanitization opt-out available, which is great. They even use Anti-viral cleaning products. This will help you relax.
The Room: Your Private Oasis
The rooms? They are lovely, clean, and well equipped. You get:
- Air conditioning (essential in Shanghai summers)
- A Comfortable Bed
- Excellent Internet access – wireless (essential for me)
- A Private bathroom
- Bathrobes (yes!)
- Coffee/tea maker (needed to keep you going)
- Free bottled water (always appreciated)
- A Desk if you need to work (but, let's be honest, you're there to relax)
- A Mirror AND a Scale, for good or ill.
Beyond the Room: Perks and Conveniences
The Inn also offers a ton of other handy services:
- Concierge: Always helpful.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Because nobody wants to do laundry on vacation.
- Cash withdrawal: Seriously, it's there.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless, I liked it.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: useful
- Car park [free of charge]: Another huge plus
- Airport transfer (very convenient)
Quirks and Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring)
Look, this is not a five-star chain. There are a few quirks. The hallways can echo a bit. One time my mini-bar was locked (annoying, but quickly fixed). The signage could be improved. But honestly, these are minor quibbles.
Final Verdict: Book It!
Meilan Lake Inn is not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a refuge. It's a place to unwind, recharge, and escape the chaos of city life. It feels genuine. It feels… special. Unlike a lot of other hotels.
My Personal Experience: The Pool and the Perfect Moment
Okay, I have to share a specific moment. I sat by that pool, that pool with the view, the one I was staring at. The sun was setting, painting the sky in fiery hues. I was sipping a (very well-made) cocktail. I realized I hadn't checked my phone in hours. I was, dare I say it, content. And in a city as frenetic as Shanghai, that’s a rare and precious thing. This is worth the price of entry.
SEO Keywords (Just in Case My Ramblings Weren't Enough):
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The Offer You Can't Refuse (and Seriously, You Shouldn't)
Book your stay at Meilan Lake Inn within the next month, and get:
- A complimentary welcome drink and snack upon arrival. (Because, cocktails!)
- A free upgrade to a room with a lake view (based on availability).
- A 15% discount on all spa treatments. (Go treat yourself!)
- A late checkout (subject to availability), so you can savor every last moment of tranquility.
Don't wait! This hidden gem won't stay hidden forever. Book your escape to Meilan Lake Inn today! You deserve it. Seriously!
Escape to Albany: Luxury & Comfort Await at Hilton Garden Inn!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into a trip to the Hi Inn Shanghai Meilan Lake! And by dive, I mean, possibly stumble headfirst, armed with nothing but a half-charged phone and a questionable sense of direction. Let's see if I survive this…
ITINERARY: Shanghai (and the Ghosts of Good Intentions)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread at the Hi Inn (aka: Jet Lag is a Bitch)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Honestly, getting through customs feels like winning the lottery. Victory dance! Then… the crushing reality of jet lag. My internal clock is screaming “IT'S DINNER TIME!” while my stomach is firmly saying “NOPE.” Find the shuttle to the Hi Inn near Meilan Lake (hopefully I can decipher the Mandarin signs). God, I hope the air conditioning in the shuttle works. I’m already sweating.
- Afternoon: Check into the Hi Inn. The website photos looked…well, let's just say they were optimistic. But hey, at least it has a bed. The room is… compact. Like, REALLY compact. But the important part: a working shower. This is everything after that long flight. I’m already planning on spending half the day just showering. I probably should unpack, but the suitcase seems to be winning. Maybe later.
- Evening: Venture out to find food. This is where it starts to get interesting. Armed with a (hopefully) functional translation app and a deep-seated fear of eating something that bites back, I wander the streets. Find a local dumpling place. The language barrier is REAL. I point, I grunt, I pray. They understand! Delicious, greasy dumplings. Fuel for the soul (and possibly for an early morning digestive protest). The city at night is buzzing, beautiful, and…a little overwhelming. Decide to call it a night early. Jet lag wins again.
Day 2: Meilan Lake Misadventures & a Moment of Peace (Mostly Lies)
- Morning: Wake up, disoriented and questioning all my life choices. Meilan Lake it is! Find my way to the lake… Eventually. Note to self: Google Maps is a lifesaver, but you'll still get lost. The lake itself is lovely, I guess, with all the greenery and ducks, but the perfect photo-op kept eluding me. I suspect I’m a bit of a grumpy tourist. Try to channel some Zen. Fail.
- Afternoon: Attempt to embrace the culture. Decide to visit a local tea house. Ordered something that seemed good. It tasted like…well, it tasted like something. It's not bad, just not perfect. Chat with a really lovely local. He patiently answered my stupid questions. That was nice. He told me about some history and told me to visit more parks.
- Evening: Attempted a sunset stroll by the lake. Got eaten alive by mosquitoes (they like me). Decided to retreat to the Hi Inn. Ordered some takeout (guessing at the menu again – fingers crossed!). Watched some Chinese TV (no idea what's happening, but the commercials are intense). Ended up falling asleep before the food even arrived. The takeout was…well, not as exciting as the dumplings.
Day 3: Shanghai's Heart & Soul: The Bund & Navigation Woes
- Morning: Take a cab to Shanghai! (or at least try). Traffic is insane. Made it there. The Bund. Holy moly. Pictures DO NOT do it justice. The architecture is jaw-dropping. I stared, mouth agape, for at least 20 minutes. Felt like I was transported into a movie. Definitely a must do!
- Afternoon: Attempt to navigate the Shanghai Metro. Another level of adventure (panic). Managed to get on the wrong train. Several times. Resigned myself to the whims of the subway system. Eventually, found my way to a local market, where I bought some questionable souvenirs. Felt like I needed a souvenir to remind myself of my absolute ineptitude at everything.
- Evening: Found a restaurant with a view of the Bund. Dinner was…okay. The view, however, was phenomenal. Considered adopting a philosophy of "living for the view, tolerating the food." Watched the lights of the city shimmer on Huangpu River. A moment of actual peace. Wow. It was a beautiful moment.
Day 4: The Search for Authentic Experiences (aka: More Dumplings)
- Morning: Decide to venture off the beaten path. Explore some hidden alleyways. Found a tiny, mom-and-pop dumpling shop. It's exactly what I dreamed of! The dumplings were heavenly. The best dumplings I've had in my life. The owner smiled, so I took it as a sign of approval, and promptly ordered another plate. This is what travel is all about, right? This makes all the other difficulties worth it.
- Afternoon: Visit a local park. Watched people play mahjong, practiced Tai Chi, and essentially just lived. Admired their apparent ability to be calm. Attempted to copy, failed miserably, but felt good.
- Evening: Decide to splurge on a fancy dinner. Found a restaurant that served…weird things. Decided to try something new. It was….well, let's just say I'm not a fan of fermented eggplant. But hey, I tried it! (and then snuck out to get some street food).
Day 5: Departure & The Verdict (aka: Would I Do It Again?)
- Morning: Wake up slightly less disoriented than before. Pack (or, more accurately, shove everything back into the suitcase). Take the shuttle back to PVG.
- Afternoon: Reflect on the adventure. Shanghai is a sensory overload, a puzzle, a beautiful mess. It was exhausting. It was exhilarating. I got lost. I ate questionable things. I fell in love with dumplings. I survived.
- Evening: On the plane home. Exhausted but happy. Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Maybe next time I'll learn to read Mandarin. Or, you know, at least master the art of the Metro. Probably not.
Final Thoughts: This trip was messy, imperfect, and full of moments I'll never forget (and some I wish I could). The Hi Inn? Fine (ish). The dumplings? Divine. Shanghai? Absolutely worth the chaos. Go, get lost, and embrace the adventure! Don't forget your mosquito repellent. You'll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Del Mar Royal Suites Awaits in Punta Cana!
Meilan Lake Inn: Shanghai's Secret Escape - Don't Expect Perfection, But... Wow.
Okay, seriously, is Meilan Lake Inn *really* a hidden gem? I'm skeptical of clickbait.
Alright, alright, I get it. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti. Look, I'm a Shanghai resident – I've seen things. And yes, Meilan Lake Inn… it’s kinda special. It’s not some perfectly curated Instagram fantasy, okay? The landscaping is… a little enthusiastic in places. Think "slightly overgrown paradise." BUT, and this is a big but, it actually FEELS like an escape. You're not just looking at a pretty hotel, you're *experiencing* something different. My first visit? I went with some friends. We drove, got lost (Google Maps lied, classic Shanghai), and then… BAM! Lake views, fresh air, silence. It was glorious. I honestly nearly cried when I saw the lake the first time. After spending all day in the city, the contrast was just... overwhelming in a good way. It’s definitely a gem, even if it's slightly rough around the edges - and it is SO worth it. It deserves all the (slightly messy) hype.
Getting There: How Do I *Actually* Get To This Place? Public Transport? Taxi? Flying a Kite?
Ugh, the journey. Okay, here's the real deal. Public transport is *possible*. You'll be dealing with long subway rides and likely a taxi at the end. I’ve done it, and let me tell you, by the time you arrive, you’ll feel like you've aged a year. It's not the *best* way to arrive, but it's doable if you're on a serious budget. Taxis are more convenient, especially from the city center. BUT, traffic can be a nightmare. Consider Didi (like Uber in China) – it’s generally faster and you can see the price upfront (negotiating with taxi drivers can be an experience, believe me… I've got stories). Seriously though, rent a car? Driving yourself is probably the easiest way to get around, if you are comfortable with Chinese roads and traffic. I had to get over the habit of honking constantly though, it wasn't even a conscious decision.
What's the vibe like? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Loud?
The vibe is…chill. Seriously. It's not a wild party scene, thank goodness. It definitely leans romantic, the lake views at sunset are insane. You can picture yourself proposing, easily. But also, it's welcoming to families. I saw kids running around, totally happy, which is a good sign. They have a small playground, and the gardens offer plenty of space to roam. Just be prepared for some quiet. It's not a place to go if you're looking for a bustling nightlife. Think gentle breezes and the occasional distant giggle from a delighted child. Unless you're unlucky enough to have a group of loud tourists nearby (it happens, it's China), it's pretty darn peaceful. The most noise I actually heard was my own stomach rumbling from being hungry.
The Rooms: Are They Actually Worth the Money? Are they CLEAN?
Okay, this is where things get a little… variable. The rooms are generally nice. Think modern Chinese with a touch of rustic charm. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the lake, and seriously, book one of those if you can. CLEAN? Yes, mostly. I’ve stayed in a few different rooms, and haven't had any truly horrifying experiences. But look, it’s not a Ritz-Carlton. There might be a slightly questionable stain on the carpet (I’m not naming names, but it *might* have been red wine). The staff work really hard to keep everything well-maintained, but this is China, so manage your expectations a *little*. I had a friend who found a hair, once. She's a germophobe, so it was the end of the world for her. I, on the other hand, just brushed it off. Literally. The value? Depends on the season and the room. Check prices before booking, of course, but generally, I’d say yes, it’s worth it for the whole experience. The view alone makes it worth it. Plus, you get to go back to the city with a nice story, maybe involving red wine and a questionable carpet stain.
The Food: Is the Restaurant Any Good? Should I Pack Snacks?
The restaurant is… serviceable. Don't expect Michelin-star dining. But the food is decent, and the setting is lovely. They do a pretty good job with local Shanghainese cuisine. I actually really enjoyed the Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), they were surprisingly good. They also have Western options, but let's be honest, you're in Shanghai. Embrace the local flavors! The breakfast buffet… well, it's your standard Chinese hotel breakfast. Not amazing, but it *has* options. Pack snacks? Probably a good idea. Especially if, like me, you get the munchies at 10pm. You might be able to buy some at a small shop, but I wouldn't count on it. So, yes, bring your own chocolate, your own chips, whatever floats your boat. Because if you don't, and you're hungry, you’ll regret it. BIG TIME. I’ve been there.
Activities: What is there *to do* besides, you know, existing near a lake?
Okay, this is where Meilan Lake Inn *shines*. The lake itself is the star. You can stroll along the waterfront, rent a bike, and cycle along the shore. There are walking trails. You can sit on a bench and stare into the water and just *be*. There’s a golf course nearby, if you're into that (I'm not). They *used* to offer boat rides, but the last time I was there, they weren't running. (Ask, just in case.) The general vibe is about relaxation. Read a book. Have a picnic. Breathe. I once spent an entire afternoon just sitting on a bench and watching the clouds. It was… wonderful. I actually forgot my phone. It felt like a vacation from modern life. Really, it's about escaping the city's relentless pace and just slowing down. So, if you're looking for thrills, this isn't the place. But if you want to recharge your batteries, it's ideal.
The one thing that REALLY stuck with you about this place?
Okay, this is kind of embarrassing, but… the sunset. Seriously. The first time I visited, I was stressed. Life in Shanghai was stressful. I needed *something*. I remember sitting on my balcony, and the sun just… it was like the sky exploded in these colors. Pinks, oranges, reds… and the lake REFLECTED it all. It was breathtaking. I actually started tearing up. I know, I know, I'm a big softy. But it was just… pure beauty. I just sat there and watched it, and I thought, "Wow. This is why I live in this crazy city." And that, my friends, is the magic of Meilan Lake Inn. It’s not perfect, it’s not always convenient, but it has moments. And sometimes, those moments are all you need.Hidden Stay
