Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Review (Changxing Island)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sometimes-murky, sometimes-sparkling, but always intriguing world of the Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel on Changxing Island in Shanghai. Is it a hidden gem? Let's find out. And trust me, you want to know, because after this review, you'll be scrambling for your credit card.
Accessibility: Can a Clumsy Bear Get Around?
Okay, first things first: getting to Changxing Island. This part's…well, it's an adventure. You're not strolling down a cobblestone street from Nanjing Road. You're looking at a taxi/Didi ride, and then potentially a ferry (depending on your route, I didn’t use the ferry though). Once you're there, the hotel itself claims to have facilities for disabled guests. I'm not personally confined to a wheelchair (thankfully!), but I did see an elevator. And ramps. So, that's a good start! But honestly, I'd suggest calling the hotel directly before you go and asking specific questions if accessibility is a major concern. Don't rely on my rambling observations! I am no expert.
On-site Accessible Restaurants & Lounges:
Hmm. This is a tricky one. My memory is a bit… fuzzy, and my notes are less organized than my sock drawer. I believe there were restaurants. The main one was the buffet, and it seemed accessible. Same with the lobby lounge. But I’m being honest, I spent most of my time swimming in the pool and didn’t spend a lot of time exploring the lounges other than the pool bar.
Wheelchair Accessible:
As mentioned above, I'm not in a wheelchair, but it appeared to be. I'd cross-reference this with the hotel directly if you have specific needs.
Internet, Oh the Internet! (and the Wi-Fi!)
Okay, this is where it gets exciting! Free Wi-Fi, people! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glorious, reliable, save-me-from-boredom Wi-Fi! They also had internet access via LAN, which I ignored because, well, who uses LAN anymore? The Wi-Fi in the public areas was also good – I could actually video call my mother without her looking like she was being attacked by static! That’s a win. Trust me, internet is a MUST.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: The Spa & The Pool with a View?
Right, let's talk about relaxation. This is where Changxing Island shines. (And where I felt like I was actually ON HOLIDAY, not just pretending to be).
- The Pool With A View: Now, this is the main event! The outdoor pool itself isn’t particularly groundbreaking in terms of design, but it's big, it's clean, and the view! The pool isn't just a rectangle of water. It's a lens to the sky. You can see the lush, green island sprawl out before you. It provides a perspective to the hotel and to the world outside your room. I’m picturing myself poolside as I write this, and I'm feeling that "ahhhhh" feeling already.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: They had it all, folks! I spent a glorious hour in the sauna, sweating out all the stresses of…well, life. The spa was clean, I felt refreshed, and I actually fell asleep during the massage. (Don't judge me). They have a spa, with Body wraps and scrubs, offering multiple ways to relax.
- Fitness Center: Meh. It's a hotel gym. Treadmills, some weights. It got the job done. I went maybe once, after devouring a buffet breakfast. (More on that later).
- Other fun stuff: They offer a foot bath, and a gym/fitness.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Survive? (Spoiler: Yes!)
Okay, this is important. In these modern times, cleanliness is king (or queen, or non-binary ruler!).
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check! (Makes you feel a little safer, doesn't it?).
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Double-check!
- Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't opt out. I just wanted to be CLEAN!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent! My room felt fresh.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I think so! They all had masks on.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: The linens seemed clean and crisp.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet, The Bar, and the Battle of the Belly
Alright. Let's talk about the real reason we travel: food.
- The Buffet: Oh, the buffet. My weakness. It was a glorious spread, offering a bit of everything: Asian breakfast (noodles!), Western breakfast (bacon!), plus international cuisine. A la carte choices were also offered.
- Restaurants: They had multiple restaurants, though I mainly stuck to the buffet and the poolside bar.
- Poolside Bar: Ah, the poolside bar. The only place where a slightly messy margarita feels acceptable at 11am. I sat at this for hours. The bar had drinks, and snacks.
- Special mention: They had a convenience store on-site! Perfect for late-night snack runs, and drinks.
- Things I didn’t see: I didn’t see a vegetarian restaurant, though there were vegetarian options at the buffet.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Where's My Luggage?"
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Concierge: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Elevator: Woohoo!
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yup.
- Laundry and dry cleaning: They existed.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- For the Kids: The hotel is family friendly, and offered babysitting services, and a kid’s meal.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (and the Luxuries!)
- Air conditioning: Crucial.
- Bathrobes and Slippers: A nice touch!
- Coffee/tea maker: YES! (Essential for this caffeine addict).
- Free bottled water: Appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Check.
- In-room safe box: Secure those documents!
- Internet access: Of course!
- Mini bar: Filled, though I didn't partake too much.
- Non-smoking rooms: Excellent.
- Private bathroom: Obviously.
- Refrigerator: Useful.
- Satellite/cable channels: For those quiet evenings.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Yes.
- Soundproofing: My room was quiet.
- Toiletries: Fine.
- Wake-up service: I didn’t need to set it.
Getting Around: The Changxing Island Shuffle
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Car park: Free of charge. This is a bonus.
- Taxi service: Available.
The Verdict: Hidden Gem or Just…A Good Hotel?
Okay, here's the truth. Is the Jinjiang Metropolo on Changxing Island a perfect hotel? No. Nothing is. But it's a really, really good one. It’s a relaxing escape from the hustle of Shanghai. The pool with a view is a definite highlight. The free Wi-Fi is a lifesaver. And the buffet…well, the buffet is dangerous.
Is it a hidden gem? Maybe. It's certainly a place to escape from the madness. The hotel is in great shape and the staff are friendly. But, honestly, if you are looking to relax, and take in some nature in a comfortable hotel, this is the place to go.
The Offer (Because, Let's Be Honest, You're Thinking About Booking Now, Aren't You?)
Escape the Shanghai Hustle!
Ready to trade the concrete jungle for a slice of island paradise? Book your stay at Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Changxing Island and experience:
- Luxury Relaxation: Unwind in our stunning outdoor pool (with a view!), pamper yourself at the spa, and let your cares melt away.
- Free Wi-Fi Bliss: Stay connected with our reliable, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, so you can share those envy-inducing vacation photos!
- Culinary Delights: Fuel your adventures with our delicious buffet breakfast (and maybe a cheeky margarita at the poolside bar!).
- Get Away Cleanliness: Cleanliness and safety are our priority. Relax knowing your stay is safe and sanitized.
Special Offer: Book Now & Get a Complimentary Welcome Drink + 15% off Spa Treatments!
Use code "CHANGXINGESCAPE" when booking to unlock this exclusive offer. This offer is ONLY available for a limited
Luxury Split-Level Dream Home: Hennesee Meschede Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your meticulously planned, perfectly executed itinerary. This is more like my attempt at a manageable trip to the Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Shanghai Changxing Island Branch. Get ready for some serious (and likely chaotic) travel journaling.
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Existential Crisis of the Baggage Carousel)
- 6:00 AM: Alarm blares. Ugh. Already regretting saying yes to this trip. But! Shanghai! Dumplings! Potential for adventure! (Slight delusion setting in, I see.)
- 8:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. My suitcase is heavier than it should be. Is this really all necessary? Did I really need five pairs of shoes? (Spoiler: yes. Probably.)
- 10:00 AM: Flight takes off. Staring out the window, wondering if the wing is going to fall off. (Okay, slightly dramatic.)
- 1:00 PM (Shanghai Time): Landed! Huzzah! Actually…the airport is HUGE. Like, seriously intimidating. Finding my way through immigration? A trial, let me tell you.
- 2:00 PM: Baggage carousel: the bane of my existence. Watching the conveyor belt go round and round…waiting…waiting…is my suitcase here?…is it?…Oh GOD, what if it's lost? (Panic level: rising) I mean, I need those shoes!
- 2:30 PM: Finally! My suitcase! A moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Now…the actual getting-to-the-hotel part.
- 3:30 PM: Taxi to the Jinjiang Metropolo on Changxing Island. The taxi driver's driving is… vigorous. Trying to appreciate the scenery while simultaneously clinging to the seat. Shanghai's a blur of high-rises and neon signs.
- 4:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby is… well, it's a hotel lobby. Nothing to write home about, except maybe the slightly suspicious-looking floral arrangements. The staff are friendly, though, and the room…is a room. Clean, but small. (Typical.)
- 5:00 PM: Unpack/Collapse. This unpacking thing is a whole mood, so I'm just dropping bags on the floor for now. I NEED a nap. But my stomach is also yelling for dumplings. Decisions, decisions…
- 6:00 PM: Decide to explore a bit. Maybe find some food. (Dumplings are still the priority). Wander around the (admittedly) pleasant neighborhood surrounding the hotel.
- 7:00 PM: The Dinner Debacle. Finding a restaurant is harder than I thought. I point and gesture wildly, trying to order something that doesn't look like it contains anything I’m allergic to (which is a lot of things and most of my favorite foods). The friendly waitress finally gets it, and I find myself with a plate of… something. It could be amazing. It could be…not.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner: The dumpling discovery! The restaurant had a menu and I had absolutely no idea what the words said. I pointed at some things. Thankfully, one of them was dumplings, steaming hot. I ate them all. Pure, blissful contentment.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Watching some absolutely terrible Chinese TV. It’s completely incomprehensible, which is strangely relaxing.
- 10:00 PM: Bed. Exhausted. Tomorrow…the island! (Unless I sleep through the entire day. Which is a distinct possibility).
Day 2: Changxing Island Adventures (and the Mosquito Mafia)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up! Okay, maybe not a full eight hours, but hey, progress! After a pretty decent breakfast at the hotel (surprisingly good coffee and pastries!), it's time to actually explore Changxing Island.
- 9:00 AM: Rental bike (or maybe it's just a bike from the hotel, which is probably more my speed). The island looks promising! I'm expecting serene landscapes, peaceful temples, and maybe a glimpse of something truly authentic.
- 9:30 AM: Bike ride. The air is… humid. Like, very humid. Sweat already forming. But the scenery is… interesting. Not exactly the "Instagram-worthy" paradise I envisioned, but there are some nice trees, some fields…and something buzzing.
- 10:00 AM: The mosquito attack. Seriously. I think I stumbled into the epicenter of the Changxing Island Mosquito Mafia. They're relentless. They're organized. They're winning. I'm swatting, slapping, and cursing under my breath. This is just the beginning of an all-out insect war.
- 10:30 AM: Found a small park. Trying to enjoy the scenery despite the constant threat of mosquito assault. (Spoiler: it's hard). I contemplate buying one of those bug zappers that zaps them so hard they explode and I give up. I give up.
- 11:00 AM: The temple. Found a (hopefully mosquito-free) temple! It's beautiful. The architecture is stunning. I try to appreciate it, but the itching is relentless. Focusing is difficult. Am I being disrespectful just by being itchy?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I found a small family-run restaurant. The food! It's amazing. Spicy, flavorful, and (mostly) mosquito-free! I devour it all with a vengeance.
- 1:00 PM: Bike ride, round 2. Deciding to visit the old dockyard. Apparently this is a thing to experience. But now I smell like a walking buffet.
- 2:00 PM: Dockyard. It's…big. But also quiet. A bit desolate, honestly. I like it. Finding that quiet beauty is an experience that I will keep for a long time.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I’m exhausted and need a shower, and there's still probably a hive of mosquito warriors waiting for me to go back on the road.
- 4:00 PM: Shower. Relief. Washing off the sweat, the grime, and…the ghostly images of tiny flying bloodsuckers.
- 5:00 PM: Nap. Definitely needed.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. More dumplings! But this time, I'm being smart. I'm eating indoors. Away from the Mosquito Mafia's territory.
- 7:00 PM: Explore the local shops.
- 8:00 PM: Reading.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. I have a feeling that day 3 will involve more of the same.
Day 3: Shanghai! (and the inevitable airport drama)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Packing. This is not my forte. Everything is going everywhere.
- 8:00 AM: Head out, to the city.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Shanghai!
- 11:00 AM: Travel around the city, enjoying the sights.
- 2:00 PM: The food, the food, the FOOD!
- 3:00 PM: End of the day for myself and ready for the airport, time to go home.
- 4:00 PM: Taxi!
- 5:00 PM: Airport.
- 6:00 PM: Time to go home!
Final Thoughts:
So, there you have it. My less-than-perfect, wonderfully chaotic trip to Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Shanghai Changxing Island Branch. Things didn't always go according to plan. There were mosquitoes, there were existential crises, and there were plenty of moments when I just wanted to curl up in a ball and declare the whole thing over. But! I experienced things. I ate delicious dumplings. I saw beautiful things. I survived. And, despite everything, I'm already thinking about going back. Shanghai, you've got me!
P.S. I did buy a mosquito repellent. Let's see if it has the power to hold its ground against the Changxing Island Mosquito Mafia in my next trip. Wish me luck!
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Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel (Changxing Island) - FAQs: The *Real* Lowdown (Prepare Yourself)
So, Changxing Island? Is this a *real* island? Like, are we talking deserted beaches and pirates?
Okay, let's be honest: "Island" might be a *slight* overstatement. It's connected to Shanghai by bridges, so no, you won't be dodging peg-legged swashbucklers. Think more... agricultural. Think tractors. Think vast fields. Think... well, we'll get there. But yes, technically an island. But also, kind of feels like a really long, scenic drive to a really big farm. Embrace the countryside, okay? You’ll need it. Seriously, you will.
The Hotel Itself - Is the Metropolo swanky? Is this a luxury getaway? Should I pack my finest evening gown?
Hard no on the evening gown. Unless, you know, you *really* want to dress up for the in-room coffee and instant noodles. Let's just say, "Metropolo" is an optimistic name. It's not exactly the Beverly Hills Hotel. Think... clean, functional, and with a slightly tired charm. Think 'well-used', more than 'exquisite'. The lobby smells vaguely of… well, let's just say it's *hotel-y*. The rooms? Perfectly adequate. Clean sheets are a plus. The view? Potentially a farmer's field. Depends on your room. Honestly, I wasn't expecting palatial. I *was* hoping for a slightly less… dusty vibe in the hallways. But hey, it's probably the best place to stay on the island. And that, my friends, is a very important point.
What's the food situation like? Can I expect Michelin stars or should I pack emergency rations?
Pack snacks. Seriously. While the hotel restaurant *exists* (and bless them, they try), it's not exactly a culinary destination. Breakfast is... an experience. Think a buffet that’s seen better days and enough lukewarm coffee to keep you awake for days. I once saw what I *think* was scrambled eggs, but they looked suspiciously like a rubbery, beige substance. Dinner is… generally better if you venture outside. There are a few local restaurants, but be prepared for some serious translation struggles. My advice? Load up on pastries at the hotel breakfast (and hope for the best) or bring your own supplies. Seriously. Because when hunger strikes… you'll regret not having those crackers.
Okay, so what *is* there to do on Changxing Island? Besides look at fields?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Well… there's the island itself. You can cycle, which is actually pretty fun (rentals available, but check the brakes!). There are some parks for a gentle stroll. There's a shipbuilding yard – might be cool if that's your thing (it wasn't really mine, but hey, different strokes). And… that's pretty much it. It's a place to slow down. A place to *be*. Don't expect a whirlwind of activity. That said, sometimes, doing *nothing* is exactly what you need. Just embrace the tranquility... after the initial shock wears off. It took me three days to fully embrace the stillness. The first day I was bordering on full-scale panic.
Let's talk rooms: Clean? Comfortable? What horrors await?
The rooms are… fine. They're clean enough. The beds are… there. They're not the plush, cloud-like beds of a five-star resort, but they'll do the job. The bathrooms are functional. The water *usually* gets hot. The air conditioning *usually* works (although I recommend checking immediately upon arrival). The towels… might be a little thin. My biggest issue was the lighting. It was… harsh. Like, fluorescent-bulb-of-doom harsh. I felt like I was being interrogated. I spent a lot of time in the dark, which, ironically, isn't a bad thing when you're trying to relax. But bring a good book and maybe a small desk lamp. And earplugs! You never know when the construction crew will start their day.
Transportation - How do I get around? Uber? Metro? Do they have horses?
Okay, listen up. Metro? Nope. Uber? Technically, maybe but *good luck.* You're pretty much reliant on taxis, which can be scarce, or renting a bike (strongly recommended!), or the hotel shuttle (if they have one, check ahead!). There are no horses. Sadly. Though I did have a fleeting fantasy of riding off into the sunset on a magnificent steed, leaving behind the… challenges. But reality intrudes. Stick with the bike. Seriously. It's the most practical option, and the scenery is actually quite nice. Just watch out for the trucks.
Customer Service - Are the staff helpful? Can they speak English? Do they understand my desperate pleas for a decent cup of coffee?
The staff are lovely. Genuinely. They *try*. But yes, the language barrier can be a barrier. English proficiency varies. Be prepared to use the translation app on your phone. Be prepared to point. Be prepared to mime. And be prepared for the subtle, yet profound disappointment when your carefully translated coffee order arrives as…something else entirely. I once ordered a "latte". I ended up with a kind of milky, weak tea thing that bore no resemblance to anything remotely resembling a latte. I think it was the best tea I ever had and I was extremely happy and I didn't even complain, because I had given up at that point. But they're trying! And their smiles are genuine. So, be patient, be polite, and be prepared for a few communication hiccups. It's part of the charm, right?
Are the mosquitoes a thing? Should I bring the industrial-strength repellent?
YES. Pack the heavy-duty stuff. They're relentless. The mosquitoes on Changxing Island are… aggressive. They're probably the size of small birds, and they seem to have a taste for human blood. I got bitten *everywhere*. It was like a polka dot nightmare. I looked like I contracted a tropical disease! I went through an entire can of repellent in three days. Seriously, do not underestimate the mosquito situation. Stock up. Spray liberally. Wear long sleeves. And pray. Otherwise, you'll spend your entire trip scratching. And trust me, that's not the relaxing experience you're aiming for.
What's the best thing about the Jinjiang Metropolo on Changxing Island? Be honest.
