Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret: Jinjiang Metropole Hotel Review (Near Hongqiao!)
Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret: Jinjiang Metropole Hotel - A Messy, Honest, and Maybe-Worth-It Review (Near Hongqiao!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the lukewarm green tea that's free in your room) on the Jinjiang Metropole Hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. Forget the polished travel blogs; you're getting the REAL deal. I'm talking messy, honest, and, frankly, a bit all over the place, just like my experience there. Is it a hidden gem? A glorified bus stop? Let’s find out.
First Impressions: Arrival & The "Wow, Actually…" Moment
Getting there was a breeze, which, frankly, is a HUGE plus when you're wrestling luggage after a long flight. Accessibility is definitely good – the hotel is well-signposted from the metro and the airport provides a smooth airport transfer service (though, fair warning: the drivers… are something. One practically drove through the airport security - not cool, but hey, fast!). The car park [free of charge] is a bonus too.
The lobby? Well, it’s… Jinjiang. Not the Ritz, okay? But it’s clean, the elevator works (praise the heavens!), and the doorman is surprisingly polite. And here's the kicker, the "Wow, Actually…" moment: the price. Let's just say it's… competitive. You get a surprising amount for your money, especially compared to the glitzier hotels closer to the Bund.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable Blackout Curtains
Okay, let's talk about the nitty-gritty: the rooms. They are… serviceable. My room had air conditioning that actually worked (shout out to that!), a desk I could, you know, work at, and… wait for it… free Wi-Fi. Glory be! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Seriously, it's a small victory, embrace it.) They also offer Internet access – LAN.
The good: The bed was comfortable enough, the bathrobes were fluffy (always a win), and the complimentary tea was a nice touch. The daily housekeeping was efficient, and the staff kept the rooms sanitized between stays.
The bad: The décor is… functional. Think beige. Lots and lots of beige. The blackout curtains were, frankly, a joke. They almost blocked out the light, which is better than nothing, I guess? Soundproofing could be better – I could definitely hear my neighbors… let’s just say they were very enthusiastic about… well, whatever they were doing. The mini bar? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly packed with gourmet goodies.
The weird: My mirror seemed to distort my face just a little, like I was living in a slightly warped reality. And the bathroom phone? Honestly, I don't think I've seen one of those since the 90s.
Cleanliness & Safety: Gotta Hand It To Them
Okay, here’s where the Metropole actually shines. In the post-pandemic world (yes, I'm still talking about it!), cleanliness is PARAMOUNT. And, honestly, they do a good job. I saw evidence of daily disinfection in common areas. They used anti-viral cleaning products, had hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff wore masks and were trained in safety protocol. They also offered the option to have the room sanitization opt-out available which is a great option. The doctor/nurse on call, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, safety/security feature, security [24-hour], Safe dining setup, and CCTV in common areas instilled confidence that they took safety seriously. They really had Sterilizing equipment.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Carb Loading, Anyone?
The food situation is… well, let's just say it's an adventure. The breakfast [buffet] is the main event, and it's… a buffet. Expect a mix of Asian breakfast options (noodles were a staple for me) and some Western breakfast staples (scrambled eggs that, let's be honest, tasted like they were made in a factory). The coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful, and the coffee shop was surprisingly decent.
The restaurants themselves are a mixed bag. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. They have Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant, but I didn't have a chance to try the Desserts in restaurant. The Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you're jet-lagged and craving a midnight snack (I may have ordered a surprisingly good club sandwich). They are also offering a Breakfast in room, and a Breakfast takeaway service. The Happy hour at the bar is a good opportunity to unwind after a long day of meetings or sightseeing.
Services & Conveniences: The Unexpected Perks
Okay, here’s where the Metropole actually surprised me. They've really thought about the logistical stuff. There’s a convenience store to stock up on snacks, plenty of luggage storage if you arrive before your check-in time, and a currency exchange. I was also delighted with the Food delivery, and the dry cleaning was a lifesaver. The concierge was surprisingly helpful with travel planning. They also offer Business facilities, including Xerox/fax in business center, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Meetings, so if you are hosting a seminar, consider the Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, and Wi-Fi for special events.
Relaxation & Things To Do: The Hidden Oasis?
Did I find time to get away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai life? Yes! There's a good Fitness center, a Swimming pool, and a Pool with view which I really enjoyed. I loved the Sauna, and Spa was my favorite part of my stay (I didn't try the Body scrub or Body wrap).
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Forget About It?
I didn’t travel with kids, so I can’t give you a definitive answer. But based on what I saw, it seems like they're Family/child friendly, and have Babysitting service and Kids facilities.
Accessibility: Making Life Easier (Mostly)
This is a big one. Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, but I can't personally comment on the specifics. They do have an elevator, which is a must. The Air conditioning is in the public area, but I didn't see much information beyond that but since the elevator is a must, it does make life easier.
The Verdict: Is the Jinjiang Metropole Worth It?
Look, the Jinjiang Metropole Hotel is not going to win any awards for luxury. It's not going to blow your mind with its decor or its Michelin-starred dining. But what it DOES offer is a solid, reliable stay at a genuinely affordable price. A great place to stay! I would book this place again!
My "Book Now" Pitch (Because You Need One, Right?)
Tired of overpriced hotels that promise the moon but deliver… well, disappointment? Then ditch the pretension and experience the REAL Shanghai! The Jinjiang Metropole Hotel (Near Hongqiao!) is your no-frills, honest-to-goodness basecamp for exploring the city. Enjoy:
- Prime location: Close to Hongqiao Airport, the Metro, and all the Shanghai action.
- Free Wi-Fi: Enough said. Stay connected without draining your wallet.
- Clean and Safe: Peace of mind with rigorous safety protocols.
- Budget-Friendly: Get more for your money, leaving you with more to spend on… well, everything else!
- Unexpected Perks: Think convenient services and surprisingly good food at the bar.
Stop paying for the fluff. Experience the real Shanghai. Book your stay at the Jinjiang Metropole Hotel today! (And tell them I sent you. Maybe they'll comp me a bottle of water next time.) Just do it!
Escape to Yilan: Your Dream Village B&B Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to hack our way through the urban jungle that is Shanghai, all while using the Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao International Exhibition Center Branch as our utterly imperfect home base. Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a ride as smooth (or as bumpy) as a Shanghai taxi after a particularly boisterous Karaoke night.
Day 1: Shanghai Shenanigans - Arrival & Existential Crises in a Hotel Room
- 14:00 - 15:00: Arrival & Hotel Check-In: The journey began (as all chaotic trips do) with a delayed flight. Not great. Then, the usual airport shuffle: customs, baggage claim, the whole shebang. Finally, we arrive at the Metropolo. "Charming," I thought, as I navigated the lobby's questionable lighting. The check-in process was…efficient. No warm greetings here, just the brisk, business-like efficiency you expect in a city that never sleeps. My room? Let's just say, it had a view that could either inspire or send you spiraling into an existential dread. (Spoiler alert: It was a bit of both, especially when the realization that I forgot my travel adapter dawned on me!)
- 15:00 - 16:00: Exploring the Hotel & Immediate Panic: Okay, let's be honest, the first hour was spent getting used to the room’s vibe. It’s not fancy, but it’s…functional. The aircon blasted like the arctic wind, which was a relief. The window? I suspect it was the same one used in Jurassic Park, I really think it was. Then there was the discovery of the (totally free!) water bottles. Bless you, Metropolo, bless you. But then! The Adapter! I forgot it! The panic set in. How am I supposed to charge my phone? My camera? My precious, precious, vital (and yes I know, slightly ridiculous) electronic lifeline.
- 16:00 - 18:00: The Hunt for an Adapter & Culinary Adventures (or Failures?): The adapter hunt began. Armed with a map, a phrasebook, and a desperate prayer, I ventured forth. Finding a shop proved…challenging. My Mandarin skills? Nonexistent. Finally, after a series of charades involving frantic hand gestures and the universal language of bewildered gesturing, I found one! Victory! Then, food. Street food beckoned. I swear I pointed to something at a noodle stall that looked harmless. It turned out to be… interesting. Let's just say my taste buds were engaged in a battle they weren’t prepared to fight. But hey, it's all part of the experience, right? A definite low point.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Back to the Metropolo & Netflixing in Chinese: A sigh of relief as I got back. I collapsed on the bed – and the adventure now turned into Netflix in Chinese (with English subtitles, thank God). The jet lag was setting in hard.
- 20:00 - onward: Dinner, Reflection & Jet Lag: The hotel restaurant. Simple, but surprisingly bearable. The jet lag was a beast. I crashed, dreaming of hot showers and not having to decipher signs in Mandarin.
Day 2: Shanghai Showdown - History, Hustle & a Lot of Walking
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast Buffet & the Questionable Sausage Incident: The hotel buffet! The food was… plentiful. However, I'm pretty sure one of the sausages was made of something that wasn't technically meat, and I don't want to know what it was. (Don’t look at it the wrong way). Coffee was lukewarm. But with the sun shining through the window, I found strength, and optimism, and I was ready to face the day!
- 09:00 - 12:00: Exploring the Bund & That Iconic Skyline: The Bund! The iconic skyline! It was genuinely breathtaking. The architecture is amazing, the river is majestic, the whole thing is awesome. The crowd, however, was a beast. I'm talking human gridlock. I’m pretty sure I saw a selfie stick impale someone. Okay, maybe not a full impalement, but still! There were cameras everywhere! I got one or two good shots eventually. Took a ferry. Felt like I was in a movie.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch in a Tiny Restaurant & My Triumph Over Chopsticks: Found a tiny, unassuming restaurant tucked away in a side street. The food was amazing! And I actually managed to (mostly) master the chopsticks! Me and these little wooden sticks – a dance of perseverance and clumsy grace.
- 13:00 - 17:00: The French Concession & That Cafe… Oh That Cafe: The French Concession – a total dream! I loved the atmosphere, the beautiful buildings. It felt like stepping into a different era. The cobblestone streets…The cafes! I found a cafe that became my little haven. I may have spent a little too long there sipping coffee and watching the city go by. Honestly, pure bliss.
- 17:00 - 18:00: The Metro & A Lesson in Rush Hour: The Shanghai metro! Efficient, clean, and…busy! Rush hour was an experience, a dance of elbows and polite shoving. I definitely got stuck somewhere, and I definitely felt like a sardine. This whole experience was an emotional roller coaster for me!
- 18:00 - 20:00: Dinner Near the Hotel & A Quiet Evening: Back at the hotel area, I wanted to try some new food. Found a small place. The food was okay. I was too tired to venture out more. Went straight to bed after that.
Day 3: Shanghai Surprise - Art, Tea & a Farewell (for Now)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast & Reflection (and more questionable sausage!): Ah, the hotel breakfast again. I'm starting to get the hang of avoiding the weird meat products. The internet here is… patchy, to say the least. I was desperately trying to upload a photo to be seen by all my internet buddies, but failed. Ah well!
- 10:00 - 12:00: Shanghai Museum & The Wonder of Ancient Art: The Shanghai Museum! Wow. Just…wow. The art was incredible. A total sensory overload. I found myself lost in the beauty of ancient bronzes and calligraphy. I got lost for a while (physically and emotionally), which wasn't a bad thing at all.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Tea Ceremony & A Moment of Zen (Maybe): A tea ceremony! I'm not a tea person, but this was beautiful. The serene atmosphere was just what I needed after the chaos of the city. I even managed to maintain a semblance of calm, although I did spill a bit of tea. Oops.
- 13:00 - 15:00: Shopping (Attempted) & The Art of Haggling: I tried the shopping district. I wanted to buy some presents for my family. I think I did well. I suck at haggling. I definitely overpaid for some things. But hey, it's the thought that counts, right?
- 15:00 - 17:00: One Last Stroll & My Final Thoughts: I made one last stroll around the hotel area. Saw that very same noodle stall from the first day. I considered, and I swear I got some strange flashbacks. I will forever remember this trip. Shanghai, you were a trial. You were a joy. You were…messy. But wouldn't want it any other way.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Farewell Dinner & Packing: A final dinner in a nicer restaurant. I ate dumplings. The dumplings were great. Packing. The eternal struggle of the traveler. I definitely bought too much.
- 19:00 - Onward: Airport - Final Reflections & Goodbye Shanghai: The airport. The flight. The end. Shanghai, I'm going to need a vacation from you (but I also can't wait to go back.)
Jinjiang Metropole Hotel: My Take (Before You Book... Prepare Yourself!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Jinjiang Metropole. Near Hongqiao, they say. Oh, near Hongqiao alright. Like, "technically" near. Let's just say you'll get your daily steps in, and maybe a little more. This isn't your curated travel Instagram highlight reel, this is the REAL DEAL. The Jinjiang Metropole... a Shanghai institution, a relic, a... experience.
1. Is the Jinjiang Metropole REALLY a "Best Kept Secret"? Or Just... Hidden?
Okay, the 'best kept secret' claims are, let's be honest, a *tad* dramatic. More like, "the hotel your travel blog hasn't discovered yet" or "the hotel you accidentally stumble into at 3 AM after a particularly adventurous dumpling crawl." It's certainly there. And it's got character. Think... a grandma's ornate sitting room meets a slightly-too-eager travel agent in the 80s. The decor... It's a vibe, alright. A VERY particular vibe. (I'm still trying to decipher the floral arrangements.)
2. Alright, Spill! The Rooms. What's The Actual Deal?
Okay, prepare for a spectrum. I've heard horror stories (leaky faucets, questionable stains, a lingering aroma of… something). My experience? Mine was... adequate. Clean-ish. The bed sagged in a way that made me feel like I was perpetually rolling towards the middle. The TV, however, was the real star. It had channels. Lots of them! Mostly in Chinese, but hey, you're in Shanghai. Embrace it! (The remote, though… that remote was a museum piece. Buttons worn smooth from years of use. I think it had a soul.) Honestly though, the room was fine. Remember your in Shanghai. You're not meant to hang out in your room all day.
3. The Location: Hongqiao Adjacent or Hongqiao Adjacent AND then some?
Okay, let's break it down. "Near Hongqiao" is a relative term. It's *close-ish*. You're not going to be able to stumble out of the airport and fall directly into the lobby. Think a brisk 20-30 minute taxi ride. Maybe a bit more during rush hour. And public transport? Possible, but you're going to work for it. Factor in time. Seriously. Allow extra time. I would've been late to my wedding if I took public transport, so I'm not a fan.
4. My First Encounter?! It was an Experience.
The lobby. Oh, the lobby! It’s... grand. In a vaguely faded, slightly bewildered sort of way. Imagine a cavernous space, with more marble than a Roman bathhouse, and a reception desk manned by folks who seem to have seen it all, and then some. My check-in? A masterclass in efficient, but not particularly friendly, service. I asked for a high floor. I got the second. I asked for a non-smoking room. Let's just say an aroma of cigarettes lingered, like a ghost. Or, you know, the ghost of someone who smoked in the room. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it was a 'welcome to Shanghai' moment. It’s an adventure right from the beginning.
5. Let's Talk Breakfast. Is It Worth Braving?
Oh, the breakfast. Okay, here's the thing. Expect a buffet. A *generous* buffet. Expect noodles, congee, and a variety of...things. Some things you'll recognize. Some, you won't. It's an adventure! Don't expect Michelin-star quality. Do expect to fill yourself up. I found a selection of interesting dim sum. And if you're feeling brave, there's that mysterious brown...stuff. Give it a try! (Maybe.) Just, you know, *pace* yourself.
6. Value for Money? Tell Me the Honest Truth, Please!
Honestly? It's decent. Shanghai hotels can be pricey. The Jinjiang Metropole offers a slightly more budget-friendly option, which is a HUGE plus. You're not going to be breaking the bank. You are also not getting the Ritz. You're paying more for the "experience" than just a bed. If you are on a budget, and are able to adapt, it's worth it.
7. The Staff: Are They Helpful? Will They Understand Your Broken Mandarin?
The staff? Varied. Some are incredibly helpful, and will go out of their way to assist. Others... well, they're efficient. English proficiency varies. Brush up on your basic Mandarin phrases, and download a translation app (highly recommended!). Patience is key. And a smile. A smile goes a long way. I found them helpful, but, again, it's not a five-star experience. Don't expect white-glove service. Expect genuine effort.
8. Okay, So, Should I Book It? Give Me the Verdict!
Alright, here's the brutal truth: If you *need* a pristine, modern, super-luxurious experience, look elsewhere. If you are the kind of person who wants a sterile hotel room, this isn't for you. However, if you crave a bit of Shanghai character, if you value a good deal, and if you're open to a little...adventure? Then, yes. Give the Jinjiang Metropole a shot. It's not perfect, but it's memorable. It's quirky. It's… an experience. Just try not to think too hard about the age of the plumbing. Embrace the chaos! And report back! I want to know what *you* find! And, honestly... I might even go back, myself. It's growing on me, that place.
