Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Xinzhuang Longzhimeng Inn - Unbelievable Find!
Shanghai's Secret Sweetheart: Xinzhuang Longzhimeng Inn - OMG, You NEED to Go! (A Messy Review)
Okay, friends, listen up. I just got back from Shanghai, and I'm still buzzing. But not just from the neon lights and the dumplings (though, those were EPIC). No, the real buzz is from Xinzhuang Longzhimeng Inn. This place…it's a find. Seriously. I almost didn't want to share it, it's THAT good. But, you know, gotta spread the love, right? So, buckle up, because this review is gonna be a wild ride. Prepare yourself for a bumpy road, just like my actual journey to the hotel, lol.
First Impressions & the "Oh Crap, This is Amazing" Moment
Forget the fancy hotels with their cold, sterile vibes. Longzhimeng Inn, right off the bat, feels different. It’s not just another hotel, it's lived-in. Arriving, there's already a nice chap at the Doorman, smiling and helping with the bags. The Check-in/out [express] was a breeze, and the staff spoke enough English to manage (thank goodness, my Mandarin? Non-existent). The lobby isn't cavernous, but it's warm, with a Shrine (interesting touch, and makes the experience all the more unique). I was tired, that's for sure, I had been traveling through the whole morning. But then, the room…
Accessibility & Comfort (Because, Let's Be Honest, It Matters)
This is critical for several people, but for me, it's about convenience. The Elevator was a godsend. Facilities for disabled guests are present (yay!), which I really respect. The whole place felt accessible in a non-obstrusive way.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (And the Minor Imperfections)
Okay, I’m going to be honest. The room? Chef’s kiss. My room had a Window that opens! (a small thing, but essential for a fresh air junkie like yours truly) and provided fresh air and the sounds of the city. The Blackout curtains were clutch after a long flight. Seriously, sleep was a priority and well-taken care of. I had a High floor room - with a killer view! The Air conditioning worked perfectly, essential for summer. There's Air conditioning in public area too, so walking around was comfortable. Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers -- all the little things that elevate the experience. The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver for those jet-lagged mornings. There was also Free bottled water (thank you, hotel gods!). Internet access – wireless was swift and reliable while Internet access – LAN also was available. There was a Desk to work on, but honestly, I was too busy enjoying the views. Laptop workspace was also available, but I didn't use it.
Things I Loved (and a few tiny niggles…)
- Cleanliness and Safety: This is HUGE. I was a little paranoid travelling during that time, but the hotel seemed to take it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products were used (thank you!), Daily disinfection in common areas was on point, and there was plenty of Hand sanitizer everywhere. They also had Rooms sanitized between stays, which made me feel safe.
- The Spa/Relaxation: This is where things started to get really good. I hit the Spa and felt my stress melt away. I spent an hour or two in the Sauna and Steamroom, and then…oh man, the Massage. One of the best I've ever had. The Fitness center was there too, i.e. the Gym/fitness, but I was too busy relaxing.
- Dining and Sipping: Forget boring hotel food! The restaurants offered a great experience. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was obviously a must-try. I loved the Asian breakfast and the Breakfast [buffet] options were incredible. There was a Poolside bar, which was tempting, but I was too busy sipping coffee. The Happy hour at the Bar was fun and lively. I even had Breakfast in room one day.
- Services and Conveniences: The concierge was super helpful. I used the Laundry service and the Dry cleaning, and both were efficient. The Luggage storage was handy. They even had a Smoking area for those who needed it. There was Cash withdrawal, too.
- For the Kids: Though I didn't travel with kids, I saw the hotel was Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service available just in case!
A Minor, But Worth Mentioning, Downside (Because Honesty is Key)
Okay, here's my confession. There was a slight hiccup. The Breakfast in room service took a little longer than expected one morning. But, hey, even perfection has its flaws, right? And honestly, the quality of the food more than made up for the wait. Also, there were a lot of people.
Food Glorious Food
I cannot forget the food! The A la carte in restaurant was excellent. The Buffet in restaurant was well-curated, fresh and delicious. They had everything. Coffee/tea in restaurant was always hot and ready. I was so happy with almost all options. I didn't try the Vegetarian restaurant or the Western cuisine in restaurant but I sure had a lot of fun drinking at the Poolside bar.
Getting Around & Other Bits and Pieces
Airport transfer was easy to arrange. There's Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], which is a bonus in Shanghai, with its chaotic traffic. Taxi service was readily available. Bicycle parking was a pleasant touch. Their Internet access was also good, and I used the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! a lot!
Value for Money: Seriously, Book It Now!
Look, I'm not one for hyperbole, but Xinzhuang Longzhimeng Inn is a hidden gem. In a city as bustling and expensive as Shanghai, finding a place that's comfortable, clean, friendly, and reasonably priced – it's practically a miracle. And this place delivers.
Final Verdict:
RUN, don't walk, to book this place. You won't regret it. I'm already plotting my return. Trust me, you need this hotel in your life. 5 stars! And I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other people, even some that I would never recommend, lol.
Ustica's Hidden Gem: Agriturismo Hibiscus - Your Italian Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandmother's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered plunge into the chaotic beauty (and occasional misery) of Hi Inn Shanghai Xinzhuang Longzhimeng. Prepare for a ride.
Day 1: Shanghai Surprise… Or Did They Forget My Luggage?
8:00 AM - Arrival at Pudong Airport (PVG) - The Great Baggage Black Hole: Okay, first off, Shanghai airport is enormous. Like, planet-sized enormous. And did I mention my luggage? Yeah, it apparently decided to vacation somewhere in… well, not here. Fantastic. This is a great start. Panic level: borderline existential. Managed to fumble my way through immigration (thank god for my phone's translation app, I'm pretty sure I stammered something about "eating dumplings" to the bewildered officer).
9:30 AM - Taxi to Hi Inn Xinzhuang Longzhimeng: The taxi ride was a blur of skyscrapers, honking, and the lingering scent of what I think was jasmine. The energy of the city is electric. The driver, bless his heart, clearly didn't understand a word of my English, but we communicated perfectly through a series of hand gestures and increasingly desperate Google Translate phrases.
10:30 AM - Check-in Fiascos and Room Reality: The Hi Inn is… well, it's budget-friendly. Let's put it that way. Check-in was smooth enough, bless the young woman at the desk who spoke some English. However, the 'view' from my room is of another building's… fire escape. Romantic, I'm not even kidding. I think I actually choked back a giggle. The room itself is, shall we say, compact, but clean enough. And hey – the air conditioning works. Small victories, people, small victories.
11:30 AM - Emergency Shopping Spree (and a Delicious Discovery): No luggage = desperate measures. Found a nearby shopping mall (Longzhimeng - that's the "Longzhimeng" part!), which was a glorious assault on the senses. Colors, sounds, smells… it's sensory overload, but in the best way possible. Ended up buying a questionable (but necessary) selection of clothes, including a pair of bright red shorts that scream "tourist." But a girl's gotta eat, right? And so, I stumble upon a tiny, hole-in-the-wall dumpling shop. And holy moly. They're the best dumplings I've ever had. Juicy, flavorful, and cheap as chips. I could cry. Pure, delicious, Shanghainese joy.
1:00 PM - Lunch, Again: Okay, so I'm still high on dumplings. I went back. Judge me. I dare you.
2:00 PM - Shanghai's Metro Adventure: Armed with my new red shorts and a map app, I brave the Shanghai Metro. It's like a giant, efficient, beautifully-chaotic ant farm. At first I was terrified. Honestly, a little overwhelmed. So many people, so many languages, all moving like one giant, pulsing organism. But I got the hang of it. I think. At least, I got to the Bund without getting completely lost.
3:00 PM - The Bund: A Jaw-Dropping Moment (With a Side of Crowds): The Bund. The iconic skyline. The views are… WOW. Seriously, jaw on the floor. The futuristic towers piercing the sky, the elegant colonial buildings lining the waterfront… it's stunning. But the crowds! Oh, the crowds. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder, shuffling-slowly crowds. Still, it's worth it. I took approximately 734 photos, mostly because I couldn't believe my eyes.
5:00 PM - Dinner and a Mild Meltdown: Found a restaurant near the Bund that served… western food. Why? I asked myself. I ordered some pasta, which was… fine. Nothing to write home about. The jet lag is starting to hit, and that missing luggage is a constant, nagging worry. I may have had a little cry in the bathroom. Don't judge. It's been a long day.
7:00 PM - Trying to be Romantic: Stroll along the riverside walk, watching the light show on the skyscrapers. It's beautiful, yes, but also incredibly touristy and a little bit… manufactured. Still, a lovely way to spend the evening. I bought a cheesy light-up toy (don't judge) that is keeping my mood a little bit elevated.
9:00 PM - Back in my room, pondering the meaning of life (and my luggage): Exhausted. Jet lagged. Luggage-less. But also, strangely exhilarated. Shanghai is a whirlwind. It's overwhelming, chaotic, and utterly captivating. I am also, apparently, a dumpling addict. Good night, world. Bring on Day 2!
Day 2: Temples, Tea and (Hopefully) Luggage
8:00 AM – The Sleep That Never Was: Not sure if it was the jetlag, the strange bed, or the constant hum of the city, but I barely slept a wink. My eyes looked like I participated in a wrestling match with myself.
9:00 AM – Breakfast Chaos: Found a local breakfast spot near the hotel. It was a free-for-all of people shouting in Mandarin, and me pointing to various colorful items. I might have accidentally consumed something that was a combination of spicy and disgusting. I can't quite tell because I really can't taste anything at the moment.
10:00 AM – Yug Garden: That was probably my favorite place. Beautiful, tranquil, and a welcome respite from the city's hectic pace. I spent hours wandering through the gardens. The rock formations were absolutely stunning, and the pond was filled with giant, lazy fish. The air was filled with the scent of flowers and incense.
1:00 PM – Tea Time: Now that I have actually recovered from the terrible breakfast, I went to a tea house. I learned so much about the tea. The tea ceremony was beautiful, and the tea itself was delicious. I even managed to buy some tea to bring home.
3:00 PM – The Search for my Luggage: I called the airline, and it's still lost. They promise they're "looking." I'm starting to envision a future where I'm permanently living in a red shorts situation.
4:00 PM - Lunch near the hotel: Okay, so I went back to the dumpling place. Sue me. Different dumplings today, though. Mushroom. Chicken. And something suspiciously green. Turns out, the green ones were… spinach? They were awesome!
5:00 PM - Shopping mall: My luggage isn't coming, so I'm just going to buy everything I need from the mall. I'm still in red shorts, but I have some new clothes.
7:00 PM – Dinner and Planning: Dinner near the hotel, a little more quiet. I finished planning the last couple of days. Oh, I will actually be getting the luggage tomorrow!
9:00 PM – Bed: Finally, I go to bed. I'm exhausted. Hopefully, I can sleep.
Day 3: Water Towns, Water Torture, and Luggage!!! (Finally!)
9:00 AM - Arrival of the Luggage: They brought it in front of my door in the morning! I was so happy that I almost cried in front of the delivery guy.
10:00 AM - Zhujiajiao - a Scenic Disaster: A canal-filled, ancient water town. It's beautiful, postcard-worthy… and packed. Imagine a tiny Venice, but with more selfie sticks. The bridges are gorgeous, but you spend most of your time jostling with people. I'm not sure if it's worth it.
12:00 PM - The Boat Ride: Opted for a bamboo boat ride on the canal. Lovely, peaceful… until our boat got stuck under a low bridge. Facepalm.
1:00 PM - Food: Oh, the food! I had so many interesting dishes. I enjoyed them a lot!
1:30 PM - The Return: After some nice dishes, it was time to come back to the hotel.
4:00 PM - Free Time: Okay, so I went back to the dumpling place.
6:00 PM - Packing: It was time to pack.
8:00 PM - Farewell Dinner: Farewell, Shanghai.
9:00 PM - Bed: I'm ready to go home.
Day 4: The Departure
6:00 AM - Waking Up: It was time to get up and go.
7:00 AM - Breakfast: I ate breakfast, and said goodbye to the city.
8:00 AM - Take an taxi to the Pudong airport: Goodbye Shanghai
**10:00
Xinzhuang Longzhimeng Inn: Seriously? Shanghai's *Hidden* Gem?! Let's Talk
Okay, so is this Xinzhuang Longzhimeng Inn *really* as amazing as people say? Like, should I ditch the glitzy hotels and go for it?
WHOA, hold your horses! "Amazing" is a *strong* word. Let’s just say…it's a *vibe*. I’ve stayed in some truly dire places in Shanghai (think: questionable stains, questionable air quality, questionable prices), and Longzhimeng? It's…unexpected. It’s not the Ritz, okay? Don't go expecting a Michelin star breakfast delivered to your room by a smiling robot. Think more "charming in a slightly ramshackle way." If you’re after a luxurious stay with perfect Instagrammable moments at every turn, probably not. Buuuut... if you like a place with *character*, a little bit of the unexpected, and a serious dollop of local flavor, you might just fall in love. (I almost did.)
Where *exactly* is this thing? I've heard Xinzhuang, and... that doesn't exactly scream "central Shanghai."
Exactly! You're right. Xinzhuang is OUT THERE. I mean, it's a *relatively* quick jaunt on the metro. The good thing is, the subway is stupid easy to use and its right by the inn (if you can spot it). I'm terrible with directions, so I'd recommend looking up the address like, a thousand times before you head out. The taxi drivers don't seem to know it either, and the language barrier might be… challenging. Let's put it this way: My first attempt to find it involved a lot of frantic pointing at my phone screen and a whole bunch of head-scratching with a very bemused taxi driver. Eventually, after some stressful detours and a dramatic attempt to get out of the car, I managed to locate the place.
What's the actual Inn *like*? Describe the rooms. Be honest!
Okay, the rooms? They’re… varied. Some are small – *really* small. Like, you're pretty much in a bed with walls. Others are a bit more spacious. I've stayed in both. The first room... let's just say the air con sounded like a dying walrus. The bed, while comfortable, occupied approximately 80% of the floor space. Then, there was the "bathroom," which felt like a slightly more improved version of a spaceship toilet. I nearly didn't go, but thankfully it was still clean! My second time? A vast improvement! More space, a less noisy AC unit, even a window with some sunlight! But let me just be clear: This isn't a pristine, cookie-cutter hotel. It's got quirks. The charm of Xinzhuang Longzhimeng lies in its imperfections. Embrace them! (Or pack earplugs. Seriously.)
Is the staff friendly? I'm always worried about the language barrier.
Oh, absolutely! The staff are lovely. It's like a family running the place. Even with my terrible Mandarin, we managed to communicate. Smiling is a universal language, right? They were genuinely helpful, always trying to assist with directions or whatever I needed. There might be a slight language barrier but it's not been a problem for me.
What about the food? Is breakfast included? Is it any good?
Breakfast is included! It’s usually something simple – maybe a rice porridge with some pickled vegetables, some baozi (steamed buns), maybe some fried eggs. It wasn't a Michelin star experience, but it was filling and delicious and what I needed! It gives you a real feel for the local culture. And trust me, after a long day of navigating the Shanghai metro, you'll be grateful for a plate of hot food.
Okay, let's get real for a second. Did you *actually* enjoy it? or are you just being polite?
Okay, fine. Here's the truth. The first time, I was a little taken aback. I mean, it wasn't what I was expecting. The location was a pain to get to, the walrus-like AC drove me mad… But, and its a *huge* but, it grew on me. The second time? I went in with my eyes open to the imperfections. I liked that the inn was a little offbeat. I really, *really* loved the quirky atmosphere and the feeling of being somewhere genuinely local, far from the usual tourist traps. Seeing the same warm faces when I did return made it even better. I embraced the slightly-too-small room and the rickety furniture. The lack of frills just felt… liberating. Plus, it was *way* cheaper than the hotels downtown, and that, my friends, is always a win. So, to answer your question: Yes, I did. I completely and utterly enjoyed it. And I can't stop telling people.
What's the best part about staying at Xinzhuang Longzhimeng Inn?
The best part? The *experience*. It's not just a place to sleep; it's a window into a different side of Shanghai. You're away from the flashy skyscrapers and the crowds, experiencing a different kind of charm. You’re amongst real people, not just tourists. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe, and see a completely different (and arguably more authentic) side of the city. The chance to feel like you're actually exploring, not just ticking off tourist attractions. It's a place to get lost in the side streets, try the local food, and just… be. It’s a messy, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable experience. And *that*, my friends, is what traveling is all about. Go for it. Just pack your sense of adventure!
Anything I *shouldn't* expect? Or some things to definitely bring?
Don't expect luxury. Don’t expect a flawless experience. Don’t expect everything to be in English! Definitely bring:
- Earplugs (the AC, remember?)
- A translation app (Google Translate will be your best friend).
- An open mind. Seriously, this is key!
- Comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
- Maybe some snacks, just in case you miss western food.
