Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 Near Fengxian Sports Center!
Shanghai's Super Secret… is Actually Pretty Super: A Review of Super 8 Near Fengxian Sports Center (Seriously, Who Knew?)
Okay, so let's be honest. When you see "Super 8" your brain doesn't exactly scream "luxury spa retreat." But, and this is a BIG BUT, the Super 8 near Fengxian Sports Center in Shanghai? Well, let's just say it completely defied my expectations. I went in skeptical, fully prepared to write a scathing review about questionable cleanliness and paper-thin walls. I came out… pleasantly surprised. Actually, make that genuinely impressed.
First Impressions: Accessibility & The "Fengxian Factor"
Finding this place? A bit of an adventure, to be fair. Fengxian is, let's just say, not exactly central Shanghai. Think further out, a bit more… residential. But hey, getting there was half the fun (or, at least, a decent story). The accessibility was decent. There's car parking [free of charge] which, in Shanghai, is a bloody miracle. Getting around Getting around from the hotel was relatively easy with convenient Taxi service options. Now, about the Accessibility, yes, they seemed to have Facilities for disabled guests which is always a plus.
The Room: Surprisingly Comfortable
Forget the Super 8 reputation for drab. My room, thankfully a Non-smoking one (phew!), was surprisingly well-appointed. Air conditioning worked like a charm, a blessing in the Shanghai humidity. The Bed, which was a Extra long bed was comfy. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver, letting me actually sleep past sunrise. They were soundproof rooms. The Free Wi-Fi was indeed, Wi-Fi [free], available in all rooms!, and… actually fast! I could stream my shows without a hitch. Internet [LAN] was there too, if you were retro like that. Coffee/tea maker, Refrigerator, Free bottled water… they even had a desk where I could pretend to be productive! (Spoiler: I wasn't. Let's be honest, I was mostly window-gazing.) The simple Bathroom was clean, including the complimentary toiletries. I actually got to take a shower, including both a Separate shower/bathtub ,which was good as an upgrade for a hotel of this class
Cleanliness & Safety: The Really Pleasant Surprise
This is where Super 8 really, really scored points. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, okay? Sue me. But I was genuinely impressed with the Cleanliness and safety. The staff were Staff trained in safety protocol, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. My room Rooms sanitized between stays felt genuinely clean. Hand sanitizer was abundant, Anti-viral cleaning products seemed to be the order of the day, and they even had Sterilizing equipment. It felt… safe. And in today's world, that's HUGE. Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher… they clearly take safety seriously. I felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Mostly Decent
Alright, let's talk food. Asian breakfast was the primary option. Breakfast [buffet], while not Michelin-star material, was perfectly Fine. There's also Coffee/tea in restaurant and Restaurants, plus the classic Snack bar. I even saw a Vegetarian restaurant, which is a rare find. However it wasn't anything especially special, mostly the usual suspects. Desserts in restaurant and Salad in restaurant were available options. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on a night I was too lazy to leave my comfy bed.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The "Unexpected Spa"
Okay, this is where things get weirdly good. I wasn't expecting a spa. Nope. But… they had one. A Spa/Sauna and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Massage options. Gym/fitness facilities. I even saw Foot bath options. Okay, maybe "spa" is a stretch, but they had ways to relax. Pool with view was nice. Sauna and Steamroom were good, if a tad basic. However, the Fitness center was surprisingly well-equipped.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The Front desk [24-hour] was helpful. Daily housekeeping kept my room spick and span. Laundry service was a godsend. I needed some ironed clothes, so I used the Ironing service to get that. There's also a Convenience store on site, perfect for grabbing snacks and drinks. Luggage storage was available. Car park [on-site] made parking convenient. Currency exchange was available.
The "Fengxian Factor" Strikes Again: The Quirks I'm not going to lie, Fengxian being so far out, there's a certain… quietness. It's not the bustling, frenetic energy of central Shanghai. That might be a pro or a con, depending on your personality. It's a slower pace of life. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property made the hotel seem safer. The Exterior corridor was quite long, but there was also an elevator to get to your rooms.
The Verdict: Super 8 - Super Surprising
Look, it's not the Ritz. It's not even a Four Seasons. But for the price, and given my low expectations, this Super 8 knocked it out of the park. It was clean, the staff were friendly, and the amenities were a pleasant surprise. Yeah, it's in Fengxian, which is a journey. But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and surprisingly well-equipped hotel, away from the chaos of downtown, then this Super 8 is a surprisingly good bet. I’d go back. Maybe I'll book a Couple's room next time (wink). I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Super 8 Shanghai Fengxian Sports Center escapade. This isn't your glossy-brochure itinerary, trust me. This is the real, sweaty, jet-lagged deal.
Day 1: Arrival, Discombobulation, and the Quest for Dumplings
Morning (ish - let's be honest, it's probably closer to noon): Touchdown at Pudong (PVG). Okay, the landing was surprisingly smooth, but then came the glorious chaos of immigration. I swear, I spent an hour squinting at a customs form, my brain fried from the flight. Found my luggage – thankfully! – and wandered out into the Shanghai humidity. Immediate regret about wearing that sweater.
Afternoon: Taxi to Super 8. The driver understood "Fengxian Sports Center," which I counted as a small victory. The hotel… well, it's a Super 8. Functional. Slightly beige. But hey, it had air conditioning, and that's all that mattered in that moment. Checked in, dropped my bags, and promptly collapsed on the bed for a power nap. Jet lag: 1, Me: 0.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The dumpling hunt! Based on frantic online research, I was on a mission. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place a few blocks away. The aroma of sizzling pork and dough emanating from it, practically pulled me from my bed! The menu was ALL in Chinese. No English! PANIC. I resorted to pointing, smiling, and a lot of miming "deliciousness." They got the message. The dumplings? Glorious. Steaming, juicy, a total culinary masterpiece. Ate so many I almost couldn't move. (I did stumble out smelling fantastic.
Evening: Wandered around Fengxian. Found a park. Stared at the locals doing Tai Chi. Utterly charmed by the grace and serenity. Tried to join in and probably looked like a dying flamingo. Abandoned that plan. Headed back to the hotel, feeling simultaneously exhausted and strangely exhilarated. Watched some dubbed Chinese TV. Couldn't understand a word, but it was strangely comforting.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Bike Rides, and the Karaoke Catastrophe
- Morning: Attempted to navigate the local bus. Huge mistake. Ended up on the wrong side of town, miles from where I wanted to be. This is where the language barrier truly hit me. Finally, flagged down a cab, muttering apologies to the driver in my terrible Mandarin.
- Late Morning: Finally arrived at the Fengxian Museum. It was fascinating, but the sheer volume of artifacts was overwhelming. My brain felt like it was being force-fed information. Got lost in the displays of ancient calligraphy, the intricate porcelain, the stories of emperors and dynasties. My head started to spin.
- Afternoon: Rented a bike! This was my best idea. Felt the wind on my face, zipping along the bike paths. Finally, I felt free! Explored the streets, discovering hidden gardens, bustling markets, and the sheer energy of the city.
- Evening: Karaoke Night! With some new local friends I met during the dumpling incident, we decided it was a great idea. I've heard the experience is one you'll never forget. I sang a power ballad at the top of my lungs, completely butchering the lyrics and probably shattering some eardrums. My friends were utterly mortified, but also laughing so hard they were crying. I'm pretty sure it was the most embarrassing, yet most fantastic experience of my life.
- Late Night: Back to the hotel, feeling happy, exhausted, and slightly hoarse. Vowed to learn some basic Mandarin phrases. (We'll see).
Day 3: Relaxation, Reflection, and Departure
- Morning: Slept in! Bliss. Ordered room service (thank goodness for Google Translate). Spent the morning reading and trying to make sense of my notes. I've got about a million random thoughts scribbled down.
- Afternoon: Explored a local market. Bargained for souvenirs (badly, I think). Had a final cup of tea – a quiet moment of reflection, pondering the chaotic beauty of Shanghai. It's a really something.
- Late Afternoon: Packed. Cleaned the room. Said goodbye to the slightly beige Super 8 room that had been my home. Felt a twinge of sadness, a sense of having barely scratched the surface of this incredible city.
- Evening: Taxi back to the airport. The flight home. Already missing the dumplings. Shanghai, you were a whirlwind. You confused me, challenged me, and utterly charmed me. I will be back.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so things aren't perfect. I got lost. I made cultural faux pas. I embarrassed myself. But that's the point! It's messy. It's real. It's a story I'll never forget. And I learned a lot about myself (and my karaoke skills). This trip was a blast, can't wait for the next adventure.
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Shanghai's BEST Kept Secret (Shhh!) - Super 8 Near Fengxian Sports Center - FAQ (Sort Of...)
Wait, Super 8? In Shanghai? Near a *Sports Center*? You serious?
So, what's actually *good* about this Super 8 of all places? Isn't it just...basic?
What about the rooms? Are they…clean? Because, you know…Super 8.
What about breakfast? Is there a breakfast? And is it, you know, edible?
Okay, so it's cheap. But is it *safe*? I mean, Fengxian…
Would you *actually* recommend this place? Or are you just trying to be hip and ironic?
Let's get personal: What was the *best* part? And the *worst*? Be honest!
So, what are the *real* downsides? Don't sugarcoat it!
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