Shanghai Shengqiao Getaway: Jinjiang Inn Baoshan's Best Kept Secret?
Shanghai Shengqiao Getaway: Jinjiang Inn Baoshan - Did I Actually Find a Secret? (Spoiler: Maybe, But Let's Talk!)
Okay, so I went, I saw, I slept at the Jinjiang Inn Baoshan. They call it a "Getaway." My getaway from what, exactly? My own chaotic life, apparently. Let's just say, this review won't be your typical, sterile hotel blurb. Buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the glorious, messy reality of this Shanghai stay.
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- Keywords: Jinjiang Inn Baoshan, Shanghai, Hotel Review, Baoshan District, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Spa, Restaurant, Cleanliness, Family-Friendly, Budget Hotel, Shanghai Accommodation, China Travel, Hotel Amenities
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Jinjiang Inn Baoshan - Shanghai. Accessibility, Dining, Spa, and more. Is this a hidden gem? Find out with my honest (and slightly manic) take!
The Arrival - Accessibility & First Impressions (And a Near-Miss with a Slippery Puddle)
Right off the bat, the "Getaway" started… well, interestingly. Finding it was easy enough - Google Maps is my savior - but the entrance? Let's just say I almost took a tumble. Accessibility? Okay, they have an elevator, which is a huge point in their favor. But the path up to the entrance? Could be better. Definitely not a cakewalk for anyone with mobility issues, especially after some rain – almost met the concrete. Note to self: Pack non-slip shoes next time.
- Accessibility: Elevator (Yes!), Potentially challenging entrance.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Limited.
The Room - My Little Fortress of Solitude (and Wi-Fi Woes)
The room itself? Standard Jinjiang Inn. Not luxurious, but clean enough. I appreciated the dark curtains – a must for my sleep schedule, which is basically: whenever my body decides. A/C worked, which is a lifesaver in Shanghai humidity.
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary water, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Now, the Wi-Fi…
They advertise "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access – wireless." Lies, all lies! Okay, maybe not lies, but a slippery slope of internet connectivity. I fumbled with the network name and password for a good ten minutes before it finally connected. And then… oh, the glorious, agonizing slow download speed. Forget streaming Netflix in the evening. Reading old blog posts on my laptop while a bit of a struggle. I'm being dramatic, surely it's better now.
- Internet Access: Yes, but inconsistent.
- **Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: **Yes, but the speed may vary.
- Internet [LAN]: Unnecessary.
- Internet Services: Yeah… eventually.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Feeding the Beast
Let's get real, a hotel stay isn't just about sleeping. It's about feeding the beast. The Jinjiang Inn Baoshan boasts a few options – "restaurants", a coffee shop, and a snack bar. “Restaurants” is a generous term, but honestly, it’s fine.
- Dining: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet] – yes, but basic., Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- My Experience: The breakfast buffet was… serviceable. They had eggs, some sad-looking sausages, and your standard Asian fare. I filled up on congee and forced down some toast. Coffee was weak (Bring your own instant, folks!). The snack bar? I used to grab some snacks, because you know, the hotel is far.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, Did I Find a Spa?)(Spa, Spa, Spa, Spa)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The brochure (yes, I read the brochure!) touted a spa, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. I was skeptical, but I went to check it out.
- Things to Do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- My Experience (The Spa): "Spa" is a strong word. It feels much more like a sauna and massage service. The massage was okay - I paid for the full body treatment. I think it cost around 200 RMB. I left relaxed, but not rejuvenated. The pool? It was…closed, but there might be a new pool in a nearby hotel (can't be too certain).
Cleanliness & Safety - Are They Actually Trying?
Safety is always on the mind when I visit. I'm always cautious, I'm always aware. This is a big one, especially with all the crazy stuff happening in the world.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
- My Experience: The room felt clean; everything smelled fresh. I saw staff wiping down surfaces. The constant presence of hand sanitizer was reassuring.
Services and Conveniences - The Perks (and Petty Annoyances)
Every hotel is a web of services. So many potential for the good and the bad.
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- My Experience: They have a concierge, but I didn't need them. The convenience store was handy for buying snacks. The ironing service was… somewhere. The laundry service was useful and efficient.
- The Annoyance: The elevators were slow. Like, painfully slow. Prepare to be patient.
The Family Factor - For the Kids?
This is for people with kids. I don't have any, but I did see a few families.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- My Experience: I spotted some families with kids. They certainly seemed happy.
Getting Around - Finding Your Way Out
You gotta get around, right?
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- My Experience: I took a taxi, I could see there was a car park, but I didn't really look into the parking/transportation stuff.
The Verdict - Hidden Gem or Just Okay? (Maybe a Little of Both)
So, is the Jinjiang Inn Baoshan a "secret getaway?" Not really. It's a solid, budget-friendly option. You won't be blown away, but you'll get a clean room, basic amenities, and a good location if you're in the area.
The Good:
- Clean and reasonably priced.
- Convenient location.
- Friendly staff.
- The massage, even if it wasn't a full-blown spa experience.
**The Not
Handa's Hidden Gem: Route Inn Kamezaki Chita - Your Perfect Japan Escape!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL Shanghai experience, courtesy of yours truly. We're talking a whirlwind tour based out of the… ahem… charming Jinjiang Inn in Shanghai's Baoshan Shengqiao district. (Honestly, I chose the location; the charm is debatable, but the price was right, dammit!)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Noodles (and Sanity)
- 10:00 AM - Arrival, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Okay, let’s be honest, the jet lag hit me like a brick wall. Everything smells different here. Especially the airport air. And I’m already, already regretting packing only one decent outfit. (Lesson learned for next time: pack multiple outfit options, because you just don't know.)
- 11:30 AM - Shuttle to Jinjiang Inn: The shuttle driver, bless his soul, looked like he’d seen things. I, on the other hand, was still trying to wrestle my suitcase into submission. The drive was a blur of neon signs and a cacophony of honking. Are horns the national language here?
- 1:00 PM - Check-in and "Charming" Room Discovery: The room is… functional. Let's go with that. Cleanish, at least. The view? Well, let's just say I've seen more inspiring vistas from my bedroom window back home. But hey, at least the AC works! (Praise be.)
- 1:30 PM - The Noodle Hunt: Hunger pangs are setting in. Apparently, searching for authentic Shanghai noodles is harder than it looks. I wandered around the neighborhood, a sweaty mess and muttering things like, "Where are the noodles?!" Finally, I stumbled upon a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. The menu was entirely in Mandarin. Wonderful. Pointing and praying seems to be my only strategy.
- Anecdote: I pointed at a picture of something vaguely resembling a bowl of deliciousness. The woman behind the counter, after a brief staredown (which is, apparently, a local greeting), seemed to understand. The noodles arrived, and, you know what? They were amazing. Truly, an epiphany. Chewy, flavorful, spicy – all the good things! And, the price? Practically highway robbery. Winning!
- 3:00 PM - Rest and Reckoning: Jet lag is still winning. A short nap (or maybe a coma?) is required. Seriously considering ordering room service; I'm already questioning all my life choices.
- 6:00 PM - Exploration – Shengqiao Style: Walk around the neighborhood; try to find a convenience store to buy some snacks and bottled water. The air is thick with the smell of… well, I'm not entirely sure. Street food, traffic fumes, and a hint of something vaguely floral. I’m pretty sure my stomach has already shrunk to the size of a golf ball.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and the Language Barrier: The dinner situation continues to be a challenge. More pointing, praying, and hoping for the best. This time, I ended up with some fried dumplings that were… passable. Not noodle-level amazing, but edible. The language barrier is real, folks. I suspect I just ordered “mystery meat” with a side of "who knows?".
- 8:30 PM - Bedtime/Catastrophe Avoidance: Stumbling back to the hotel, exhausted. Falling into bed. Praying I don't regret what I've eaten in the morning.
Day 2: Shanghai City Exploration – Tourist, and the Slight Fear of Becoming a Pack Animal
- 8:00 AM - Wake Up – Questioning Life Choices: Did I really choose to do this? Is jet lag a legitimate excuse for not having brushed my teeth? More importantly, what about breakfast? I think I'll try the hotel breakfast. Praying for something recognizable.
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Debacle: The "buffet" is… interesting. Steamed buns filled with who-knows-what (again!). A very, very sweet congee that’s probably more sugar than rice. (Oh, my god, I need coffee.) I stick to the toast and hope for the best. It's a gamble.
- 10:00 AM - Metro Madness: The Bund: So, the metro. It's efficient. It's crowded. It's a bit like being a sardine in a metal tube. Figuring out the ticket system was a feat of its own. Arrived at The Bund; saw the skyscrapers. Feeling vaguely intimidated by the sheer scale of everything. Wow. Just wow.
- 11:30 AM - The Bund Overload: Tourists. So many tourists. Taking pictures. Taking selfies. I got caught up in the flow and did the same. The buildings are impressive, but the crowds are slightly terrifying. Is this what purgatory looks like?
- 1:00 PM - Lunch (with Regret): Finding a decent lunch near The Bund is like finding a unicorn. Overpriced tourist traps abound. I ended up grabbing some… I don’t even want to talk about what it was. Just… avoid tourist hotspots for food. Trust me.
- 2:00 PM - Nanjing Road Rambles: Walking along Nanjing Road. Wow. Talk about sensory overload. Bright lights. Loud music. Crowds of people, shopping, flashing lights, more neon lights. Every shop seems to be screaming for attention. I buy a cheap souvenir that I will probably forget about in a week.
- Quirky Observation: People in Shanghai seem to have a thing for enormous stuffed animals. Seriously, I saw a guy carrying a gigantic panda. I’m half-expecting to see someone walking a miniature dragon.
- 4:00 PM - Yu Garden: A Glimmer of Serenity (and More Crowds): Trying to escape the madness by going to Yu Garden. The pagodas are beautiful, the gardens are lovely, but OMG the tourists! It's like a human river flowing through the place. Managing to snap a few photos amidst the chaos.
- 5:30 PM - Tea House and the Emotional Rollercoaster: I find a quiet tea house near Yu Garden. Ordered tea. Sat down. It was a moment of pure bliss. Just for a moment. Before a loud tour group decided to occupy the space. The tranquility was shattered.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: The Search for Authenticity (and Maybe Less Chaos): After the overwhelming experience, I've decided to walk at least an hour away from the tourist traps for dinner.
- 8:00 PM - The Search for Authenticity (and Maybe Less Chaos). Continued: After walking, I found a small restaurant in the neighborhood. It was bustling with people, all locals, all talking and laughing. I'm not sure what's on the menu, but I'm getting it. I'm going to trust the universe again. No regrets.
- 9:00 PM - Trying to take pictures and failing: I try to take a picture of the food. I'm horrible at this. The lighting is terrible. The picture is blurry. Whatever.
- 10:00 PM - Back to the Inn: The day's been long. I fell asleep on the metro. I saw more things than I can process. Time to collapse in a heap in my "charming" room. Thinking about tomorrow… and noodles. Always noodles. Also, I'm pretty sure I have a caffeine addiction now.
Day 3: Art, Tea, and the Longing for a Decent Cup of Coffee
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: An Adventure Well, this time I know what I can tolerate. Toast with jam. It's a new world record.
- 10:00 AM - M50 Creative Park: This place is cool! Graffitied buildings, art galleries, artists working; a breath of fresh air from the crowded tourist spots. Spent a couple of hours wandering around, admiring the art, and feeling vaguely inadequate about my own lack of artistic talent.
- Doubling Down: This place rewired my brain. The art was raw, real, and spoke of a side of Shanghai I hadn't yet seen. I spent hours in one particularly quirky gallery, completely lost in the abstract expressions. I bought something, I don't understand it, but at least the artist seems cool. I need more of this. Seriously, the city is so much more than the Bund and the crowds. I'm loving this.
- 1:00 PM - LUNCH After the stimulating art, I need food. There are art cafes, but… well, let's go with the local place again. Found noodles! Great success.
- 2:00 PM - Tea Ceremony: Okay, time for some zen. Found a traditional tea house. Learned about tea, the steps, the equipment. Tried to be cultured. Failed.
- 3:30 PM - Random Exploration: I wandered around a side street and found some local shops. I bought a hat that probably doesn't suit me, but, you know, why not?
- **5
Shanghai Shengqiao Getaway: Jinjiang Inn Baoshan's Best Kept Secret? - Let's Get Real!
Alright, let's cut the fluff. You're thinking of a quick trip to Shanghai, eyeing the Shengqiao area and this Jinjiang Inn in Baoshan. "Best kept secret," huh? Honey, secrets are usually well-hidden for a reason. Let's dig in and see if this one's worth spilling the beans on… or if it's better left buried under a pile of questionable street food wrappers.
The Big Questions (Because Honestly, We're All Asking Them)
Okay, so "getaway" implies… escape. Relaxation. Something beyond your everyday grind. Honestly? It *depends* on your definition of escape. If your escape involves escaping… laundry, then yeah, maybe. If you're picturing a secluded tropical paradise… keep dreaming. Baoshan isn't exactly the Maldives (and trust me, I’ve seen the Maldives, and the laundry, and it's STILL a win). The "getaway" aspect largely hinges on *you*. Are you easily pleased? Good, maybe you'll find this a delightful little retreat. Are you a diva? Then pack your smelling salts and your therapist's number (probably).
Oh, Shengqiao. Let me paint you a picture… It's industrial. It's… functional. It's not exactly brimming with postcard-worthy views. Think… factories, warehouses, and the kind of small shops that sell things you've never seen before and probably don't need. (I bought a weird vibrating back massager there… *don't judge*). Is it *good*? Depends on your needs. It’s practical. Close to certain industrial areas (hello, business travelers!), maybe a bit of an adventure if you enjoy exploring real-life Shanghai that isn’t "glam." Getting into the city center? Factor in time. Lots of time. Prepare for the metro rush. Prepare for the existential dread of waiting for the bus. (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a *little*…)
Alright, the *real* question. And here’s where it gets interesting. Jinjiang Inn… it's a budget hotel chain. Think…clean, functional, and… well, sometimes a little *basic*. My experience? (And this is *my* experience, okay? Don't @ me!). One time, the air con blasted like a hurricane, and I spent half the night wondering if I was going to catch pneumonia. The other time? Perfectly fine. Clean sheets, a comfy bed (ish), and enough hot water for a decent shower. It’s a gamble. You're not getting the Ritz, you're getting…stability. (Which, let's be honest, in a travel scenario, is *sometimes* all you need.)
Okay, this is a BIG one for me. Because food is life. In Baoshan… well, you won’t starve. There are local noodle shops (always a plus!), small street food stalls (adventure awaits!), and the usual suspects (McDonalds, KFC… you get the picture). Don't expect Michelin stars. Do expect delicious, quick, and cheap eats. Finding English menus? Hit or miss. Pointing and smiling? Almost always works. My best memory? That small, nameless dumpling place around the corner. The dumplings? Heaven. The communication barrier? Hilarious. (I think I unintentionally ordered a whole family-sized portion… but hey, no regrets!). The bad? That one time I accidentally ate something that may or may not have been… questionable. Let’s just say I spent a *lot* of time in the hotel room that day. Lesson learned: be brave, but be cautious.
Okay, the big reveal. "Best kept secret"? Probably not. "Decent, affordable option in a functional location"? Possibly. If you are on a budget, have realistic expectations, and enjoy a bit of local flavor (literally and figuratively), then yeah, it could work. If you’re expecting luxury, a vibrant social scene, and Instagram-worthy views… look elsewhere. Honestly, the "secret" is probably that it's not *terribly* bad and is, in fact, perfectly serviceable, especially if you know what you’re getting into. It's not a destination in its own right. It's a platform. Whether this makes it a "best kept secret" is completely and utterly up to *you* and your expectations.
Final verdict? I'd stay again. If I'm in Baoshan and need a bed. Because sometimes all you need is a bed, reliable wifi, and a place to dump your suitcase. And if you're lucky? Those dumplings will be waiting for you. Just… maybe order a smaller portion this time.
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