Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret: Jinjiang Inn Qingpu Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Jinjiang Inn Qingpu: Shanghai's Secret Weapon (and My Chaotic Love Affair With It)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on Jinjiang Inn Qingpu. Forget the Bund, forget the glitzy hotels downtown. This place… THIS PLACE… is a freaking adventure and, honestly, might just be one of Shanghai’s best-kept secrets. (And yes, I'm yelling in my virtual head. I'm passionate about this place.)
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Wait, WHAT?"
Pulling up, the exterior is… unassuming. Think clean lines, modern… and kinda bland. But hey, we’re after a secret. Accessibility-wise, it’s a mixed bag. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, generally speaking! There's an elevator (praise be!), and the lobby is spacious. However (and there's ALWAYS a "however," isn't there?), navigating the restaurant felt a little tight with a wheelchair in mind, and the hallways aren't exactly sprawling. I'd give it a solid B+ in this category.
Getting In: The Tango of Technology and Tired Travelers
Contactless check-in/out? YES! And thank goodness. After a 14-hour flight, the last thing you want is a drawn-out registration process. The staff, bless their hearts, is usually super efficient. They've got the whole [Front desk] thing down pat, running 24/7. Check-in/out [express]: definitely an option. The Hotel Chain is a reliable option, however, occasionally I've had one with a slight, hilariously awkward, language barrier. Thankfully, the hotel has great features and amenities.
Internet Angst: My Wi-Fi Woes (and Triumphs)
Okay, let's talk about the Wi-Fi, because it’s always a saga. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a HUGE win. Internet access – wireless too. And usually, it’s zippy. I mean, enough to stream my favorite shows and upload travel photos… eventually. But there have been… moments. Like the time I needed to upload a crucial work document, and the connection decided to go on vacation. Cue deep breathing exercises. Internet [LAN] is available too, but who uses LAN these days? (Okay, maybe IT professionals, but I am SO not one.) However, the wifi is usually consistent and reliable.
Rooms: Sanctuary or… Slightly Questionable Decor?
The rooms are generally clean, though the Room decorations are… well, they exist. Think functional with a hint of beige. But honestly, after a day of battling Shanghai’s crowds, I don't care if my room is painted neon green. Air conditioning is a godsend in the summer, and the blackout curtains are a lifesaver for sleeping off jet lag. Non-smoking rooms is a big plus, but the occasional whiff of smoke snaking through the corridors has happened. Additional toilet is a definite plus in the better rooms.
The beds? Surprisingly comfortable. The Extra long bed is a godsend for my tall friend. I've always loved the slippers and bathrobes. The Bathroom phone? Slightly bizarre but fun to play with. Complimentary tea and bottled water is also available, which is a nice touch!
Things to Do (Or Just Stay Inside and Hibernate):
Okay, let's be real: this isn't the kind of place with a ton of on-site activities. The Fitness center exists, but it's basic (treadmill, some weights – you get the picture). Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view is not available. You're here for the experience of being in Qingpu, not necessarily for luxury hotel amenities.
However, the "relax" options are there.
- Sauna: Yep, I've enjoyed it, but for a quick relaxation
- Spa: The perfect option for relaxation.
- Massages: They are available, but it seems you need to plan.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
The Asian breakfast buffet? Oh, the Asian breakfast buffet. It's a love-hate relationship, folks. There’s always a weird assortment of dishes. The Buffet in restaurant is always a nice way to begin the day, and the Breakfast [buffet] has a great variety that's worth it. Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver. Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop are nice options.
The restaurants themselves are generally decent. The Asian cuisine in restaurant is definitely a highlight. I've eaten some truly incredible meals there. International cuisine in restaurant is also available. The Vegetarian restaurant is awesome. The Snack bar is… snacky. The Poolside bar is okay, but not available at this hotel. A la carte in restaurant, definitely try out the meals. The Soup in restaurant is always a delight, especially when the weather isn't the best. The Desserts in restaurant are always welcome, and of course there is Salad in restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Modern-Day Fortress?
In the age of… you know… the pandemic, cleanliness is king. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They’ve got it. I felt very safe in this hotel. Seeing Hand sanitizer everywhere is reassuring. Staff trained in safety protocol is also nice. The Safe dining setup is also good to have. This place takes security seriously.
- CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are available.
- Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher are available.
- Security [24-hour], I always felt safe.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Listen, it's the little things that make a stay memorable. Daily housekeeping is, well, it’s daily. Laundry service is very efficient. Dry cleaning too! Cash withdrawal is easy. The Concierge are helpful but can be a bit stiff. The Convenience store on-site is a lifesaver for snacks and forgotten toiletries. Elevator is available, and Facilities for disabled guests are available.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Maybe, Probably Not. Family-Friendly? Yes!
Family/child friendly: it's fine! The rooms are spacious enough, and hey, no one will judge you for letting your kids run around the lobby. Kids meal is available. Babysitting service definitely needs to be booked in advance, but available.
Getting Around The Airport Transfer is available. The Car park [free of charge] is available, and there is a Car park [on-site]. Taxi service is also available.
My Verdict: The Quirks and The Charms
Jinjiang Inn Qingpu isn't perfect. It’s not the Ritz. It's got its share of quirks. The slightly dated décor. The spotty Wi-Fi. But that’s part of the charm.
It’s clean, convenient, and, most importantly, it's a real glimpse into local life, away from the tourist throngs. It's the perfect base of operations for exploring the wider Qingpu area. And honestly? For the price, it's a steal.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your perfectly-folded-map kind of itinerary. This is the real, slightly-sweaty, "did I pack enough socks?" version of my trip to the Jinjiang Inn Shanghai Qingpu. Prepare for a rollercoaster. (And apologies in advance if this makes absolutely no sense sometimes. Jet lag, ya know?)
Day 1: Shanghai Shenanigans (and Existential Dread at the Airport)
7:00 AM: Wake up. Or, more accurately, stumble out of bed, resembling a particularly rumpled dumpling. The airport's calling, and my flight is… well, it exists. Packing? Nah, that's for organized people. I'm more of a "stuff-everything-in-and-pray" kind of traveler.
9:00 AM: The airport chaos has begun. People everywhere, the air smells of stale coffee and desperation. My flight gets delayed which is just great. And then the airline lost my bag, I really hope it's not a sign of things to come!
11:00 PM: Finally made it the hotel after a night in a freezing cold airport, I am so tired, I can't find a power plug outlet. I should’ve packed an adaptor, now I am stuck wondering if I will ever be able to charge my phone.
On my way: I can't believe how many neon signs there are. It's a sensory overload, and I'm loving it. The hotel is decent, kinda drab, but the bed seems comfy enough. Time to collapse!
Day 2: Lost in the City (and Maybe in Myself)
8:00 AM: Morning! Or, well, what passes for morning after a night of barely-there sleep. Breakfast at the hotel. (Dry toast. Pretty sure they're rationing the butter.)
9:00 AM: Armed with a vague map and a thirst for adventure (or, you know, at least a decent cup of coffee), I venture out. My goal? The Yu Garden. Apparently, it's beautiful.
Yu Garden Frenzy: Okay, wow. Yu Garden. It's… a bit overwhelming. Crowded, colorful, and smelling faintly of… well, I wasn’t sure what. The architecture is stunning, all winding walkways and ornate buildings. I get completely turned around within 5 minutes, which is impressive, even for me. I start thinking I am lost, maybe I always am.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Stumbled upon a tiny noodle shop that looked promising, despite the complete lack of English. Pointed emphatically at a picture of… something… and ended up with a bowl of spicy noodles that was probably a little too bold. My mouth felt like it was on fire, but it was incredible.
Afternoon: Trying to find my way back to the hotel. Get lost. See a park. Sit on a bench. Watch the world go by. Suddenly feel extremely philosophical about life and the impermanence of, well, everything. This city… it gets to you.
Evening: Tried to navigate the Shanghai subway. Successfully got on the train. Mildly panicked. Got off at the wrong stop. Found a dumpling place and ate my feelings.
Day 3: Sensory Overload (and a Deep Dive into Tea)
9:00 AM: Attempted the hotel breakfast again. Still dry toast. Contemplating a career change that involves being a professional butter-smearer.
10:00 AM: Shanghai Museum. This place… it’s huge. Ancient bronzes, delicate ceramics, and… a room filled with calligraphy that I couldn’t understand even slightly. But I loved it, it was such a nice and quiet place to exist.
Afternoon: TEA! Spent hours at a traditional tea house. The smell of the tea, the slow, deliberate movements of the tea master… truly a sensory experience. Drank so much tea my kidneys might stage a coup. I even got to try some weird, slightly-bitter tea cake. It was weird, and I'm not sure I liked it, but I'm glad I experienced it.
Evening: The Bund. Lights, lasers, skyscrapers… a visual feast. Took approximately 500 pictures. Fell in love with the city. Felt broke.
Day 4: Back to Reality (and Maybe a Tiny Bit of Regret)
7:00 AM: Woke up (again). Ugh. Departure day.
Breakfast: The dry toast has somehow become even drier. Refuse to eat it.
Morning: Packed. Or, rather, shoved everything back into my bag. Found the missing adapter. Sigh of relief.
10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping at a chaotic street market. Bargained like a pro (or at least, I think I did). Probably got ripped off. Don’t care.
Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Traffic. Stressed, but also… strangely content.
Flight: The flight. I tried to sleep. Failed. Watched a terrible movie. Watched the clouds. Wondered if I packed enough socks.
Back home: Arrived back home, and after a week, I still don’t know if I liked Shanghai.
Okay, spill the tea! What's the HUGE secret about Jinjiang Inn Qingpu? You're making it sound like the Holy Grail of budget hotels.
Is it *really* clean? Because I've read some reviews, and "clean" can be a subjective term, especially in China...
What's the room *actually* like? Am I going to feel claustrophobic?
Okay, okay, the rooms are small… What about the location? Qingpu doesn't sound like Central Shanghai. Is it a pain to get around?
Breakfast? Is there a free breakfast? Because free breakfast is a major make-or-break factor for me.
Tell me more about those other guests! Is it mostly tourists, or... ?
Okay, so what's the *worst* thing about staying at the Jinjiang Inn Qingpu? Give me the REAL dirt.
Let's circle back on the breakfast. What's *the* one thing I should absolutely avoid at breakfast?
So, final verdict. Should I stay there? Is it worth it?
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