Shanghai Songjiang Station's BEST Hotel? Hanting Premium Hotel Review!
Hanting Premium Shanghai Songjiang Station: My Chaotic Odyssey and Surprisingly Decent Stay
Right, let's get this straight. I'm a travel journalist, yes, but I'm also a total disaster zone. I booked the Hanting Premium near Shanghai Songjiang Station, and honestly, the thought of another hotel review filled me with dread. But hey, duty calls, and my expectations? Lower than a worm's belly.
(SEO & Metadata Alert: This is where we start the keyword dance: Shanghai Songjiang Station, Hanting Premium Hotel, accessibility, Shanghai hotel review, China hotels, Songjiang accommodation, clean hotel, affordable hotel, Wi-Fi, amenities, restaurant review, gym, spa, breakfast buffet, travel review, family hotel, business hotel)
First Impressions & the Accessibility Maze:
Arriving at Songjiang Station after a train journey that felt like a lifetime, I was already frazzled. Finding the Hanting Premium was straightforward enough; it's super close, which is a massive win after schlepping luggage. But let's talk about accessibility. I'd ticked the boxes, assuming everything was on par. Sigh. While the entrance seemed promising, the automatic doors weren't always…automatic. I spent a solid minute wrestling with them, muttering under my breath about the joys of modern technology failing me. (Accessibility, Elevator). The elevators were present, thankfully, and seemed decently maintained. But, and this is a big but, navigating the hallways with my oversized suitcase felt a bit tight. Not a deal-breaker, but if you use a wheelchair things might get a bit…challenging. (Facilities for disabled guests).
Rooms: Clean, Functional, and Suddenly, Unexpectedly Cozy?
The room? Predictably minimalist, but surprisingly clean. (Cleanliness and safety, Rooms sanitized between stays). This is crucial, especially these days with the, you know, the virus. I'm always suspicious of anything that promises a "sanitized" experience, but honestly, the room looked genuinely clean. No weird smells, no questionable stains. The Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly, a massive relief. (Internet Access, Internet access – wireless, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!). I practically inhaled the glorious speed. The Air conditioning did its job, battling the Shanghai humidity. The blackout curtains were essential for my sleep-deprived soul. (Non-smoking, Air conditioning, Blackout curtains). I was even impressed by the complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker. Small things, but appreciated.
But here's where it gets weird. After a day of chaotic travel and existential dread, I actually felt…comfortable. The bed was surprisingly good, allowing me to sink into a glorious sleep. The bathrobes were fluffy and not cheap-feeling. I almost feel guilty saying this, as I hate these hotels usually, but this wasn't half bad.
Dining and Drinking: The Breakfast Buffet Adventure
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. (Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Coffee/tea in restaurant). I'm not a buffet fan. I find the whole "pile your plate" concept inherently stressful. However, the Hanting Premium's breakfast buffet? Dare I say…decent? There was a surprising array of options: both Asian and Western cuisines (Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant). I did indeed try the congee, and, well, it was congee. There were also eggs, pastries, and a surprisingly decent coffee machine. However, there was no cappuccino. They did have a coffee shop, but I wasn't going to trek all the way there.
(Restaurants, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant). There's a bar too. I didn't venture in. After the congee, I needed a nap, not a cocktail.
Things to Do (Or Not): Gym, Spa, and the Elusive Pool
Okay, let's be real. I'm not a spa person. (Spa, Spa/sauna, Swimming pool, Gym/fitness, Fitness center, Sauna.) But the gym/fitness center… did exist, although I didn't go. (It’s hard to motivate when you are traveling.) I’ve got to give them credit for including one. I also saw a pool. An outdoor one. That had a view. But I did not attempt to use it. I'll be honest: I was far too busy collapsing in my comfy bed to consider anything remotely resembling exercise. The Spa/sauna felt too indulgent for this trip.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Invisible Shield?
The hotel seemed to take cleanliness seriously. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Staff trained in safety protocol). I saw staff sanitizing everything, which, for a hypochondriac like myself, was reassuring. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. They did provide individually-wrapped food options at breakfast, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Meh, and the Missing
The Hanting Premium offers a range of services and conveniences: (Services and conveniences, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service, Elevator, Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Facilities for disabled guests, Air conditioning in public area). The concierge was helpful with directions, even with the language barrier (my Mandarin is atrocious). Daily housekeeping was efficient and kept the room immaculate. Laundry service was available, but I was too lazy to use it. The currency exchange was simple. Free parking was a welcome bonus. I did not see the convenience store, but I do not need it, and there were no shops.
However, there was no fancy stuff like a doorman or valeting. The business facilities seemed basic, but that was fine.
(For the kids, Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal). While the hotel is probably not super kid-focused, it wasn't screaming "adults only" either. There were no obvious kids' facilities, but it's the kind of place that’s fine for families, I think.
My Emotional Verdict: A Surprisingly Tolerable Stay
Look, I walked in with low expectations and left feeling…pleasantly surprised. The Hanting Premium isn't going to win any awards for luxury, but it's clean, comfortable, and conveniently located near Shanghai Songjiang Station. The breakfast was decent, the Wi-Fi was reliable, and the staff was helpful.
(Overall, the Hanting Premium Hotel is worth considering if you need a place to stay near Shanghai Songjiang Station. Just adjust your expectations, and you might find, like me, that it’s a surprisingly decent option – as long as you sidestep those slightly temperamental automatic doors!)
Unbeatable Greensboro Getaway: Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unpredictable adventure that is…Shanghai, specifically, from the perspective of a slightly sleep-deprived, perpetually hungry traveler whose base camp is the Hanting Premium Hotel Shanghai Songjiang Station (fancy name, right? Let's see if the premium lives up to the billing).
My Shanghai Scramble: A Messy Itinerary (with a Healthy Dose of Doubt and Delight)
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Bewilderment
- Arrival (1:00 PM): Landed at Pudong. Hallelujah! The flight was a torture chamber. I swear, the guy in front of me reclined his seat approximately two seconds after takeoff. The absolute nerve. Anyway, the journey to Songjiang Station felt like something out of a low-budget sci-fi film. Giant, neon signs blurring past, everyone speaking a language I only vaguely comprehended, and the crushing weight of "Holy crap, I'm in China!"
- Train to Songjiang (2:30 PM): The Metro? Not my friend… the Metro is a beast. A wonderfully efficient, slightly terrifying, beast. Managed to fumble my way onto the right train, thanks to a kind elderly lady who clearly pitied my lost-in-translation expression. Bless her soul. The train was packed tighter than a can of sardines, but hey, at least I got a crash course in the art of personal space avoidance.
- Check-In & Hotel Assessment (4:00 PM): Hanting Premium, eh? Let's see… Lobby: Sleek, modern. Promising! Room… Well, it's clean. That's important. Bed's a bit firm (I'm starting to appreciate the lack of a sink here). Bathroom? Functional. Amenities… okay, not so much "premium" as… "bare essentials, but with a slightly posh font." Fine, I'll survive. I am starting to question the advertised "Free Wi-Fi"… it's working as well as my patience is.
- First Meal Fiasco (6:00 PM): Starving. Ravenous. Determined to conquer the local cuisine. Walked out of the hotel, turned left, and… a wall of menus written in hieroglyphics. My Mandarin vocabulary extends to "Ni hao" and "Xie xie." Ordered something at a tiny noodle shop by pointing at a picture of a bowl of… something. The anticipation! The mystery! The first bite… OH MY GOD. SOUP! It was the best soup I have ever had in my life. Savory. Umami-bomb. I practically inhaled it. Then I paid, using my fingers to count the money because numbers are hard.
- Evening Wanderings (7:30 PM): Walked through the neighborhood. Everything is brightly lit, and the noises are a beautiful assault on my senses. I saw a lady doing Tai Chi in the park, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
- Bedtime (10:00 PM): Finally. Exhausted. The jet lag is starting to kick in. I'm pretty sure the hotel pillows are made of lead, but I can't complain. Nightmares of missed trains and incorrect orders are on the horizon.
Day 2: Temples, Tea & Tourist Traps (with a possible existential crisis)
- Breakfast (8:00 AM): Tried to be adventurous! I think I ordered something that resembles a breakfast pancake with a questionable topping. It tastes like a combination of cardboard and existential despair. Lesson learned: Stick to fruit (which thankfully, seems to be everywhere).
- Yunjian Abbey (9:30 AM): Hopped on the Metro (I'm getting the hang of this… kinda). The temple was an escape from the city. I wandered, gazed and felt a calm I haven't felt in… well, ever? The architecture is stunning. The incense smoke smells amazing. Found a quiet nook and just… breathed. Pure bliss.
- Tea Ceremony (12:00 PM): Found a recommendation for a tea shop nearby, I wanted to experience the tea culture, so I went to it. It was incredibly intricate, kind of snobbish. Beautiful, delicate. The tea tastes different from anything I've had before. I think I like it, but frankly, I prefer a good, strong cuppa Yorkshire Tea.
- Lunch (1:30 PM): This time I have a bit of practice in ordering food so I am a bit better at it, I ordered some dumplings and they were so good.
- Shanghai Museum (3:00 PM): A bit of culture. This museum is HUGE! I got lost in the exhibits of bronze, porcelain and calligraphy. Feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.
- Yu Garden (5:00 PM) This has to be the most touristy place I've seen, but it's for a damn good reason. The garden itself is gorgeous, and felt like stepping into a painting. The crowds, though… they were a bit of a downer. I can't feel bad about it though. I need time to explore more.
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Back to the noodle shop. Decided to play it safe. I ordered a repeat of yesterday's soup, but the taste was off. I asked, and they admitted to changing cooks. I am very sad. I am starting to miss home.
- Evening Rant (8:30 PM): Okay, so, the Wi-Fi is still mostly useless. I'm starting to question my life choices. Maybe I should just go back to the hotel. Maybe I should've just stayed home. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something… but… tomorrow is another day, right?
Day 3: Songjiang Exploration (with a side of self-doubt)
- Sleep (10:00 AM): I decided that I could sleep later. I woke up at 7:00 AM. A bit of a failure.
- Songjiang People's Square (12:00 PM): After waking up, I decided to visit a local park! It's very enjoyable, a bit of an escape from the city.
- Songjiang Mosque (2:00 PM): I saw a mosque. It was very beautiful and I decided to take some pictures.
- Walk Around Town (4:00 PM): I got a bit lost, it was fun.
- Dinner (7:00 PM): I am getting more used to the restaurant, I decided to explore the food and I ordered something else.
Day 4: Departure (and a tiny, hopeful crack of optimism)
- Breakfast (8:00 AM): Oatmeal. I can't believe it's so good.
- Check-out & Metro to Pudong (10:00 AM): Smooth sailing, for once! I swear, the Metro is starting to feel… almost friendly? Maybe.
- Departure (1:00 PM): Saying goodbye to China. I am sad, but ready to go home. I still have a lot of things I want to do.
Final Thoughts (or, a rambling conclusion):
Shanghai has been… a lot. It's been overwhelming, beautiful, confusing, and occasionally, absolutely infuriating. There were moments of pure joy – that first bowl of soup, the quiet contemplation in the temple. And there were moments of sheer frustration – battling the Metro, fighting the Wi-Fi, and struggling to understand the locals.
But you know what? I'm glad I came. I made mistakes, I got lost, I ate some questionable meals. And that's okay. Because this trip wasn't about perfection. It was about adventure. It was about pushing myself outside my comfort zone. It was about seeing something new, and experiencing life in a way I never have before.
The Hanting Premium Hotel? Well, it's a hotel. It did the job. It was clean, safe, and provided a place to rest my weary head. The Wi-Fi could have been better, the pillows could have been softer, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter.
So, as I board that plane home, slightly sunburnt, a little bit heavier (thanks to all the dumplings!), and with a head full of chaotic memories, I'll raise a toast to Shanghai. And to the next adventure.
P.S. I'm definitely going back. Next time, though, I'm learning Mandarin. Wish me luck.
Indonesian Paradise Found: Hotel Merdeka Madiun Awaits!
Hanting Premium Hotel (Shanghai Songjiang Station) – The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But (Except Maybe a Few Rambles)
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is Hanting Premium at Songjiang Station Actually *Premium*?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Look, "premium" is a loaded word, right? I went in expecting... well, I *hoped* for a fluffy cloud of luxury. What I got was... a very solid, perfectly acceptable, and sometimes slightly baffling experience. Honestly? "Premium" is pushing it. Think "Above Average, Mostly Clean, and Definitely Convenient if You're Stuck Near Songjiang Railway Station."
Location, Location, Location! How Convenient is it *Really* for the Station?
Brilliant! This is their selling point, folks. It's literally a stone's throw away. Or, you know, a slightly sweaty, suitcase-wheeling, "please-don't-make-me-miss-my-train" jog. Seriously, the front door of the hotel practically kisses the station entrance. You can practically smell the delicious train fumes (in a good way, maybe?). This is where Hanting nails it. If you're catching a train, you can roll out of bed, brush your teeth (hopefully), and still make your connection. Time saved? Priceless. Stress reduction? Immense. My inner procrastinator *loved* it.
The Rooms: Cozy or Claustrophobic? Give Me the Real Deal!
Okay, the rooms... they're… functional. I stayed in a double. The space? Let's just say it wasn’t a ballroom. It was the perfectly respectable "I can unfold my suitcase, get a good night's sleep, and that's about it" kind of space. Now, I’m not the clingy, I can travel light, but for longer journeys, you might find yourself getting a little claustrophobic. It was clean, though. And the bed? Pretty comfy! And blessedly quiet at night, which is a win. No noisy neighbors pounding on the walls.
Also, and this is important, the bathroom… My bathroom was decent. Not fancy, but perfectly serviceable. The water pressure was respectable, which is a HUGE bonus, trust me, I've stayed in places where you'd be lucky to get a dribble.
Let's Talk Breakfast. Was It Worth Waking Up For?
Breakfast… Hmmm. Let's be honest. It's included, and it's… breakfast. Think "standard Chinese hotel breakfast buffet." There were dim sum, some noodles, some questionable looking scrambled eggs, and always, ALWAYS, a vast selection of pickled vegetables. Now, I *love* pickled vegetables, but even *I* was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer variety. Did it fill me up? Yes. Did it leave me craving a Michelin-star experience? Probably not. It's a solid "get the day started" kind of breakfast. Lower your expectations, and you might be pleasantly surprised. I survived. Multiple times.
The Staff: Friendly or Forgettable?
The staff were… fine. They were efficient, not particularly chatty. I think I maybe got one small smile? I don't speak Mandarin, so any conversation was limited to pointing, gesturing, and hoping for the best. They got me checked in, got me checked out, and kept the place reasonably clean. No complaints there. But no warm fuzzies, either. It's service, not a friendship.
Any Nasty Surprises? (Bedbugs, Ghosts, the Usual Suspects)
Thankfully, no bedbugs! (Thank goodness!) I did experience a slight hiccup with the air conditioning… which is a HUGE deal in Shanghai humidity. It was blasting freezing air at one point, and then it just… stopped working entirely. I, being dramatically hot, eventually called reception who sorted it out relatively quickly and with a minimum of fuss. So, a minor drama, but nothing that would make me run screaming into the streets (although the humidity *did* occasionally tempt me). Thankfully, no creepy ghosts or anything like that.
Now, About That A/C… It's Worth a Deeper Dive, Isn't It?
Okay, fine, let's double down on the A/C because it's really that crucial! It was high summer; it was oppressively humid. You walk out of the station, and it's like a giant, warm hug. I'm talking *sticky* hug. You get to the *bliss* of your air-conditioned room and then… WHAM! Cold, then nothing. I was convinced the hotel was trying to play some sort of a cruel joke.
So, I called reception, feeling a bit like a petulant toddler, and bless their hearts, they sent someone up immediately. The guy fiddled around, looked very serious, and after a bit of head-scratching got me a working A/C. But the whole fiasco left me feeling a little… untrusting. I spent the rest of the stay constantly checking the vents, fearing another breakdown. It's a minor thing, but in the grand scheme of things, it *slightly* tainted my experience. Seriously, learn from me: check that air conditioner BEFORE you fully unpack. Save yourself the existential dread.
Value for Money – Would You Stay Again?
This is where it gets interesting. If I needed a hotel RIGHT NEXT to Songjiang Station? Absolutely. The location is worth its weight in gold, especially if I had a train to catch. The price was reasonable. It wasn't exorbitant, but it wasn't rock-bottom cheap either. It was that "perfectly acceptable" price point.
If I had options? If I had the time? I might look around. But for convenience? Yes. I'd probably end up there again. I wouldn't classify it as a "destination hotel," but as a functional, clean, and convenient place to rest my head near the station? Absolutely. It's the travel equivalent of comfort food. You know what you're getting. And sometimes? That's all you need.
Any Quirky Observations You Noticed?
Okay, a few quick ones. The elevator? Perfectly functional, but had a slightly… clinical feel to it. The signage? In both Mandarin and English, but with some phrases that made me giggle. “Please don’t Disturb” became my new mantra. Also, the lobby had a slightly strange, almost *hospital-like* smell that I can’t quiteHotel Price Compare
