Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Anting Xinyuan Road's BEST Hotel? (Hanting Hotel Review)
Shanghai's BEST Hidden Gem in Anting Xinyuan Road? Let's Talk Hanting Hotel! (My Honest, Messy Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into the rabbit hole of Shanghai hotel reviews, specifically the Hanting Hotel on Anting Xinyuan Road. Forget those sterile, corporate-speak reviews - this is real life, folks! And let me tell you, my experience was… well, an experience. Let's break it down, shall we? (And yes, I'll try to hit all those little details, but forgive me if I wander. Happens.)
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The Arrival & First Impressions: Expect the Unexpected (and Maybe a Little Disappointment)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. (Jeez, gotta start with the boring stuff, right?) The hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally need them, but I saw ramps and an elevator. However, navigating the immediate surroundings of the hotel might be a bit… challenging. Think uneven sidewalks, maybe some rogue bicycles. Getting a taxi was easy (more on that later!), but the immediate curb appeal? Not exactly five-star.
Accessibility rating: 7/10 - good effort, but location matters.
The Room: Spartan, but Functional (Mostly)
Now, the rooms… yeah, they're clean. Gotta give them that. The Air conditioning worked like a champ, which is crucial during a Shanghai summer. Free Wi-Fi? Boom! Worked perfectly! (Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms rocks!). The bed was… well, it was a bed. Nothing fancy, but I slept. Linens were crisp. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Alarm clock, check. Desk, check. Pretty much all the Available in all rooms basics were covered.
But let's be real, it's not exactly a palace. Room decorations? Minimalist to a fault. Don't go expecting any fancy art on the walls. My Window that opens was a small triumph over the air-con (I like fresh air, what can I say?). A mini bar? No. Extra long bed? Nope, but I managed. The seating area was basically the bed.
Oh, and the bathroom. The Shower was… functional. The toiletries were, shall we say, basic. Bring your own shampoo. And don't expect a bathtub. Separate shower/bathtub? Definitely not.
Room Rating: 6.5/10 - Does the job, don't expect luxury.
Cleanliness and Safety: They Seemed to Try (Which is Half the Battle)
This is where the Hanting Hotel really shines. They're SERIOUS about cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays were all in place. Staff trained in safety protocol was evident. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere! They had a first aid kit visible. I was impressed, especially given the price point. The team really seemed to care, which is important to me.
I also felt safe. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me peace of mind. Fire extinguisher and smoke alarms were in place. Non-smoking rooms were available (thank goodness!).
Cleanliness & Safety Rating: 8.5/10 - They're doing it right.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast… Sigh
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get a little… interesting.
The Asian breakfast (available! And also the main option!) was… well, it was a breakfast. Think the usual suspects: congee, noodles, some questionable (but edible!) pastries. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, BUT… It was a small buffet. And the quality? Let's just say I didn't exactly crave it. Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant. were available.
I did see a Coffee shop, but I didn't try it. The hotel claims to have a restaurant. I don’t think I saw it. I think it was only for breakfast. I did see some options in the neighbourhood, but that's outside the scope of this review. There was a Snack bar.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Rating: 5.5/10 - Breakfast is… an experience. Look elsewhere for meals.
Services and Conveniences: Basic, but Helpful
Cash withdrawal? Easy. Concierge? Present, but didn't have much to do. Daily housekeeping was efficient. Laundry service available. They had luggage storage. Elevator, of course. Front desk [24-hour].
Airport transfer? Yes, they can arrange it, which is super convenient. Taxi service, easy to find. They had a Car park [on-site] (free!).
Services and Conveniences Rating: 7/10 - Functional and friendly.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Gym? Sauna? (Maybe, Kinda, Sort Of…)
Okay, this is a bit of a grey area. The hotel advertises a Fitness center. I think I saw it. It looked… small. The same applies for the Sauna and Spa. I didn't use any of these, so I can't give a definite rating.
Let's be real, this isn't the kind of place you go for a spa day or a luxurious retreat. This is a get-a-room-and-get-on-with-it kind of place. I did see mention of a Pool with view. I saw no pool anywhere. So, yeah.
For the kids? I didn’t see any evidence of Kids facilities or Babysitting service.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax Rating: 4/10 - Minimal.
Getting Around: Super Easy (Except for Maybe on Foot)
Getting around was surprisingly smooth. As I mentioned before, taxis were plentiful and easy to hail. From the hotel, you can easily grab a cab. Car park [free of charge] was a bonus if you have your own vehicle.
Getting Around Rating: 8/10 - Convenient taxi access.
More Rambling Thoughts… Because, Well, That's Me
I did appreciate the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It's a must-have these days. And I mentioned the Safe dining setup was pretty good.
I didn't have any need for meetings or seminars, but the hotel did have facilities for them. (I also didn’t see them, but again, I didn’t need them).
I can't speak for the Couple's room because I am single. Didn’t see any Proposal spot available either.
The Imperfections: Where It Falls Short
The biggest drawbacks? Location, location, location. It's not in the most exciting part of Shanghai. The immediate surroundings are a bit… drab. The breakfast. Let me say again, the breakfast. Don’t expect too much. And while the room was clean and safe, it lacked a certain… je ne sais quoi.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions (Because Honesty Matters)
I have to be honest: I was pleasantly surprised. I went in with very low expectations, and the Hanting Hotel on Anting Xinyuan Road exceeded them. It's clean, it's safe, and it's incredibly affordable. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly option in Shanghai and don't plan on spending much time in your room.
I was amused by the lack of… well, everything. It's a functional hotel, not a holiday destination.
The Verdict: A Hidden Gem? Maybe… For the Right Person
So, is the Hanting Hotel on Anting Xinyuan Road a "hidden gem?" It depends. If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, look elsewhere. If you're prioritizing budget, cleanliness, and a safe place to rest your head after a long day of exploring Shanghai? Then, yes, it's a decent option. For the price, it's hard to beat.
Overall Rating: 6.8/10 - A solid, no-frills choice for the budget-conscious traveler. Don't expect the Ritz, but you won't be disappointed if you know what you're getting.
Would I stay there again? Potentially. If I needed a clean, affordable hotel in the area? Absolutely. Just pack your toiletries! And maybe your own breakfast.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause you're about to get a front-row seat to my Shanghai adventure, Hanting Hotel edition. Forget your pristine, perfectly-formatted itineraries. This is my brain, scattered across the smog-choked skyline, unfiltered and ready to ramble. Buckle up!
Hanting Hotel Shanghai Anting Xinyuan Road: My Shanghai Soup Opera
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Anting-Style)
- 13:00 - Arrive Pudong Airport (PVG). Oh god, the airport. It’s a sensory explosion from the get-go. Luggage that feels like it weighs a small car, endless passport queues, the ever-present feeling that you’ve forgotten something critical (like, say, your brain). Finding a taxi felt like winning the lottery, though the driver’s insistence on blasting Mandarin pop at ear-splitting volumes tested my sanity immediately.
- 15:00 - Check-in Hanting Hotel (Anting Xinyuan Road). Right, the hotel. First impressions? Surprisingly clean! Which, after the airport onslaught, felt like a miracle. The room? Standard issue. Tiny by Western standards, but hey, it's Shanghai, where "space" is a relative concept. The air con, however, sounded like a dying walrus. This immediately made me question the life choices that led me here. Why China? Why Anting? What is the true meaning of life? These are the things you contemplate facing a dying walrus Aircon
- 16:00 - First wander. (Or, more accurately, a stumble.) Anting doesn't instantly scream "Parisian charm," but it’s… authentic. I ventured out, lured by the promise of noodles. Found a tiny, bustling place overflowing with locals. Orders were… interesting. I think I pointed at a picture and hoped for the best. What arrived was a steaming bowl of something that tasted suspiciously like delicious, spicy, pork-belly magic. A triumphant moment! Though, I did end up with a rogue chili pepper that nearly took me out. Teary-eyed and victorious.
- 18:00 - Back to the hotel. Existential dread intensifies. The room felt even smaller now. Ordered a dubious "green tea" from the vending machine. More like swamp water. Contemplated the fact that my phone isn't charging. This led to frantic Googling for "Shanghai adapter panic," resulting in me feeling like a complete idiot.
Day 2: Temple Troubles & Dim Sum Delights
- 08:00 - Attempt to eat breakfast. The hotel "breakfast" was included. This consisted of hard-boiled eggs (possibly from the Cretaceous period), mystery meat porridge, and instant coffee that tasted like gasoline. I lasted about five minutes. Decided on the street food route.
- 09:00 - Visit the local temple. Found a stunning, ancient temple. Seriously, jaw-droppingly gorgeous! Incense smoke, rhythmic chanting, a kaleidoscope of colors. I even (attempted) to light some incense, nearly set my hair on fire, and had to be rescued by a kindly Buddhist nun who gave me a look of "You poor, clumsy foreigner." (She might have actually said "idiot" in Chinese – I wouldn't know.)
- 12:00 - Dim Sum Frenzy! Took a taxi (another adventure – the driver kept trying to sell me… something). Chanced upon a dim sum restaurant, this was a feast! Xiao long bao exploding with broth, fluffy buns, everything was heavenly. I ate until I felt I’d been personally involved in the creation of each item and rolled myself back to the hotel. Food coma officially hit.
- 15:00 - Nap induced by Dim Sum. This was a very important experience, I found a peace within, and wanted to do it all over again, immediately.
- 17:00 - Wander around. Get thoroughly lost. Got off the subway at the wrong stop… wandered further… this turned into my favorite experience! I didn't have to think about anything, I was just a simple man, seeing things, it was liberating.
Day 3: The Bund & The Longing for a Western Toilet
- 09:00 - Venture into Shanghai's city center. Took a train ride that rivaled a packed sardine can—the people! The smells! The glorious chaos!
- 10:00 - The Bund. Sigh. The Bund. Iconic view. Absolutely breathtaking. The colonial buildings, the futuristic skyline. I felt a lump in my throat. It’s easy to get lost in the history and beauty. Took a billion photos. Then I realized everyone else was doing the same thing. Touristy, sure, BUT: it’s stunning.
- 12:00 - Lunch near the Bund. Found a restaurant with a view – and a western toilet! (Hallelujah!) Which I spent way too much time in. Ordered what I thought was a safe dish (pasta). What I got was a bizarre concoction of something and something else. Ate it anyway, because I'm adventurous (or just hungry).
- 14:00 - Wandered the shops. The shops here are awesome! From Chanel to street vendors selling knock-off designer gear. Amazing!
- 16:00 - Back to Anting. Exhausted. Overwhelmed. In serious need of a foot massage (and maybe a therapist), but the trip was very nice to me!
- 18:00 - Hotel Room. Aircon is still a walrus. Ordered take-out. Ate every last bite, right down to the crumbs.
- 19:00 - Sleep.
Final Thoughts (aka Ramblings):
- This hotel is… adequate. It serves a purpose. It's a place to crash. The staff are friendly, even if they don’t speak much English (a situation I find delightful, since it forces me to try to engage in simple communication.)
- Anting isn't exactly a tourist hotspot, but that's kind of the charm of it. You get a glimpse of the "real" Shanghai, even if it's just a fleeting one.
- The food is incredible, if you can handle the spice. And the mystery ingredients.
- I have a deeper appreciation for Western toilets.
- Shanghai is a city that swallows you whole. It’s exhausting, exhilarating, and utterly unforgettable. And yeah, sometimes I felt lost, and sometimes, I wanted to run away. But isn't that life?
- I'm going to go back again, some day, I'm sure of it.
And that, my friend, is my Shanghai story, Hanting Hotel edition. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go try and figure out how to use my phone and charge it. Wish Me luck!
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Anting Xinyuan Road, Shanghai's Best Hotel? My Hanting Confessions
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sometimes-glorious, sometimes-slightly-grim reality of the Hanting Hotel on Anting Xinyuan Road. This isn't a polished travel blog, this is your slightly-hungover guide to a place that's become... well, a regular haunt for me. Let's get messy, shall we?
So, Why Hanting on Anting Xinyuan Road? Is it *Really* the "Best"?
“Best” is a loaded word, isn't it? Look, it’s NOT the Ritz. Forget marble bathrooms and fluffy robes. Hanting is… reliable. Convenient. And look, sometimes, after a particularly hectic week wrestling with deadlines (and my sanity), “reliable” is all you crave. Plus, the price is right! That’s a big plus when you're regularly blowing your budget on xiao long bao and craft beer (don’t judge me!). It's a strategic hotel choice, you should find this hotel location more convenient than other hotel locations in the town.
Is the Location Actually Good? Tell Me About the Neighborhood.
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. Anting is… suburban. Think clean streets (mostly!), a surprising number of car dealerships, and an air of quiet efficiency. You're not getting the neon-drenched chaos of the Bund. You're getting… well, you're getting a taste of real Shanghai life. There are some excellent, totally authentic noodle joints nearby that'll absolutely blow your mind (and your wallet – they're CHEAP!). Public transport is a breeze. The subway is a blessing. You can whizz into the city center quickly. But, honestly, I kinda like the slower pace. It's a chance to actually breathe. That said, if you're expecting buzzing nightlife right outside your door, maybe look elsewhere.
What's the Room Like? Be Honest. Is it... Clean?
Okay, the rooms… they're… functional. Let’s be real. They are a bit basic. The lighting is generally a bit gloomy (pro tip: bring a clip-on reading light!). The beds are firm, not *uncomfortably* firm, but definitely not a cloud. The bathroom… well, let's just say I've never seen a bathroom that's won any design awards. But, and this is a big but, they ARE generally clean. I've stayed there a bunch of times, and I've only had ONE moment of serious concern (more on that in a second). They provide the basics - towels, soap, a questionable electric kettle. It's not luxurious, okay? But it's perfectly acceptable. It's a clean slate after a long day.
Okay, Okay, Spill the Tea! That "Moment of Concern"???
Alright, here it is. One time, I saw something… unpleasant… in the bathroom. Let's just say it involved a slightly-too-persistent hair in a place I didn't want to see it. It wasn't a dealbreaker (I'm not a germaphobe, mostly), but it did make me give the whole place a thorough inspection. Lesson learned: always check the details. It's the price you pay for budget travel folks. But even that experience didn't stop me from going back. The convenience and price made up for it.
What About the Staff? Are They Friendly? Do They Speak English?
The staff are…efficient. They’re generally helpful, though English proficiency varies. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases – "hello," "thank you," "water please" – and you'll be golden. They're not super chatty, but they get the job done. I once had to extend my stay unexpectedly (delayed train, don't ask), and the front desk person was incredibly patient with my panicked communication. That's all you need.
Food! Is There Any? And Is It Decent?
Breakfast is… well, it’s there. Don't expect a buffet extravaganza. Think instant noodles, hard-boiled eggs, maybe some congee (rice porridge). It’s… fuel. Honestly, I usually skip it. There are so many amazing food stalls just outside the hotel that I’d rather explore those. The hotel itself doesn't have a dedicated restaurant, but you're surrounded by options. Trust me, hit the noodle shop. You'll weep with joy (and possibly MSG-induced happiness).
Any Quirks or Funny Stories? Come On, Give Me Something!
Okay, okay, here's a good one. One time, I was trying to order a taxi on a particularly rainy night. My Mandarin is… let’s say, a work in progress. The hotel staff valiantly struggled to help me, but the taxi app kept failing. Finally, out of nowhere, a little old lady, a total stranger, appeared, grabbed my phone, and somehow managed to get me a cab in about 30 seconds flat. I swear, the universe sometimes conspires to make life wonderfully bizarre. That happened at the Hanting, so it must be the magic of the area. That moment, that brief interaction with a local, epitomizes what I like about this place. It's not just about the hotel; it's about the experience.
The Verdict: Should I Stay Here?
Okay, the honest truth? It depends. If you're expecting luxury, run away. If you're a budget traveler who values convenience, cleanliness (mostly!), and a little slice of "real" Shanghai, then yes. Absolutely. It's a solid, reliable basecamp for exploring the city (or just escaping it for a few days). I’ve stayed there more than I’d care to admit, and, despite the occasional bathroom hair or questionable breakfast, I'll probably be back. It's not perfect, but it's mine. You can't beat that.
What's the Best Part about This Hotel
The subway. The subway is the best. It’s so simple. And gets you everywhere. But also, the price. You can afford to have a few more xiao long bao. That’s a priority, right?
