Shanghai Expo Park Getaway: Jinjiang Inn Select Dezhou Road Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Shanghai Expo Park Getaway: Jinjiang Inn Select Dezhou Road Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Or Maybe You Will After This Hot Mess of a Review!
Okay, deep breaths. Let's dive into this, shall we? The Jinjiang Inn Select on Dezhou Road, right near the Shanghai Expo Park. I went in with…well, let's just say low expectations. Budget hotels, you know the drill. Cleanish. Functional. Forgettable. But this? This actually…surprised me. Repeatedly.
Accessibility: (Okay, Let's Get the Boring Stuff Out of the Way First)
Alright, alright, for all my accessibility-conscious travelers, here's the lowdown. Elevator? Check. I saw it. Facilities for disabled guests? From what I could gather, yes, they've got some – though I didn't personally experience any wheelchair needs. So, Cautiously optimistic check. It is what it is: better than nothing.
Internet: A Whole Lotta Wi-Fi, Please (And Thank You!)
FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Really, I was expecting dial-up, or pigeons to carry messages (though probably the latter would be faster in some hotel situations). And it actually worked! Connected, stayed connected. Score one for modern convenience. They also have Wi-Fi in public areas, which is always a plus. I didn't see any Internet [LAN] options, but honestly, who uses hard-wired internet in 2024 unless they’re a hardcore gamer or, I don't know, a government spy?
Cleanliness and Safety: Actually, I Wasn’t Expecting This…
Here’s where I REALLY sat up and took notice. Because honestly, traveling right now, you're always a little paranoid. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. They even offer a room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch if you're a germophobe of the "leave me alone" variety. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seems like it – everyone was masked (as the situation demanded) and they were pretty darn diligent about it. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. First aid kit? Probably. (I didn't need to check, thankfully). Hot water linen and laundry washing + Sterilizing equipment? I'm trusting they did it, and it looked like they did. This wasn’t the usual budget hotel flimsy attempt, it felt like they were actually trying. Hygiene certification? They probably are. Daily Disinfection is good.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Hustle… or Just Avoiding Starvation
Okay, so, this isn't the Ritz. But for what it is, it’s surprisingly decent. They have a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a snack bar. Breakfast [buffet]? Yep. And it's… fine. Asian breakfast?, Western breakfast? You get both, which is a bonus. There's coffee/tea in the restaurant, and if you're feeling fancy, you can get a bottle of water. I didn’t see any Happy hour action, and if i was after Asian cuisine in restaurant i had better look somewhere else, but it’s honestly enough to get you started for the day's adventure. Room service [24-hour]? Sweet mercy, yes! Which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver when jet lag hits at 3 AM. They also offer Breakfast takeaway service. And a la carte in restaurant. They also do alternative meal arrangement, so you can definitely choose to be fussy.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Trip Bearable.
This is where the Jinjiang Inn Select surprised me again. They have the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge (didn't need them, but they were there!), Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests (we covered that), Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes Car Park. They even have a Convenience store! It's small, but it's got the essentials – and even a few random things you didn't know you needed until you saw them. Xerox/fax in business center is a little anachronistic, but hey, if you need a fax, you need a fax. This place felt like they were trying.
For the Kids: Because Traveling with Tiny Humans is a Special Kind of Hell…I Mean, Adventure.
Family/child friendly? Yes, definitely. Babysitting service? I didn’t see any, but worth checking. Kids meal? Doubtful, but the buffet had enough options to scrape by. Seriously, if you're brave enough to travel with kids, then props to you.
Getting Around: Navigating Shanghai Without Losing Your Mind (Hopefully)
Airport transfer? Yep! Car park [free of charge]? Yes! A Godsend! Taxi service? Absolutely. Bicycle parking? I think so. Valet parking? Nah, not that kind of place.
And… The Room! (The Moment of Truth!)
Alright, let's be real. I wasn't expecting much. But…the air conditioning worked. Praise be! The bed was comfortable. The pillows were… well, they were something. There's free bottled water, which I always appreciate. Coffee/tea maker? Yep. Hair dryer? Yup. Bathroom phone? (Why?!). It's a non-smoking room, which is always a plus (unless you're a smoker, I guess). Satellite/cable channels? Sure. Wi-Fi [free]? (Check and check!)
The Room, the Good, the Bad, and the Unexpectedly Cozy:
Okay, I'll be brutally honest. This room wasn’t the Four Seasons. The décor was about as exciting as beige paint. But it was clean. That's the most important thing for me. It had a desk, and internet access, and a desk. And the window opened! (A rarity in some budget hotels). The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. I will say, that alarm clock was a bit of a beast – good thing I have a smartphone alarm. The slippers were a nice touch. It wasn't luxurious, but it was perfectly functional, and that's what matters when you've got a long day of exploring Shanghai ahead of you. The soap was a little… odd. But it got the job done. I also had a Separate shower/bathtub.
Things to do, ways to relax: Nope. Not really. You are at the hotel to sleep and recuperate.
The Quirks, The Chaos, and the Overall Vibe:
Okay, so I mentioned I was surprised, right? I think what got me the most was the vibe. It wasn't some sterile, soul-crushing budget experience. The staff, while not overly effusive, were helpful and seemed genuinely friendly. The whole place felt…efficient. Like they knew what they were doing. No weird smells. No questionable stains (always a win!). The elevator was swift, the hallways were bright, and the smoke detector was present, which is always a good sign. I guess the only drawback was that the decorations were a little bland. But hey, I am not here to be wowed, I am here to sleep and have a good day of travel.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Actually…yes. Absolutely. For the price point, and especially considering the location (seriously close to the Expo Park and easy public transport), this is a solid choice. It's not fancy, it's not luxurious, but it's clean, comfortable, and it works. They've clearly put effort in where it matters – cleanliness, safety, and the basics – and that's a win in my book.
So, the Unbelievable Part? That this budget hotel managed to exceed my very, very low expectations. It’s not perfect, and it might not be everyone's cup of tea but, considering the price and the location, I give it a solid thumbs up.
Ready to Book? Here’s My Persuasive Offer:
Tired of Budget Hotel Roulette? Stop the Madness! Book Your Shanghai Expo Park Getaway at Jinjiang Inn Select Dezhou Road and Get:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness and Safety: Skip the worry! They're serious about hygiene with anti-viral cleaning products, rigorous sanitation, and staff trained in safety protocols.
- Blazing-Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi: Stay connected without a hitch! FREE Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This is going to be less "polished travel brochure" and more "drunken diary entry" (with a healthy dose of jet lag). Here's my potential Shanghai saga, focusing on the glorious, and potentially slightly terrifying, Jinjiang Inn Select Shanghai Expo Park Dezhou Road… because let's face it, that name alone is a mission.
Day 1: Arrival… and the Dreaded Dim Sum Dilemma
- Morning (or, what feels like morning, depending on how evil the time zones are): Arrive at Pudong International Airport (PVG). Let's be honest, I'll probably be a hot mess. Sweaty palms, slightly panicked about the language barrier, and already craving a decent coffee. The airport should be a visual assault of flashing lights and people looking way more put-together than me. My first challenge: finding the blasted shuttle or taxi to the Jinjiang Inn. Pray for my sanity. Seriously.
- Mid-morning (aka "Help, I'm Hungry"): Arrive at the Jinjiang Inn. Okay, first impression is… functional. Probably clean-ish. A good start, I guess? Hopefully, the AC works, because I swear, the humidity levels in Shanghai could rival a rainforest. Settle in, unpack what little I actually brought (I always overpack but wear the same three things), and attempt to order a coffee from whatever's resembling a coffee shop near the hotel. Fingers crossed for edible.
- Lunchtime: The Dim Sum Debacle. This is where it gets interesting. I had grand plans of being a dim sum connoisseur. "Oh, I'll navigate the bustling markets like a local!" I thought. Yeah, right. I imagine myself lost, sweating, pointing wildly at things, and ending up with something… unique. Maybe I'll accidentally order a whole plate of chicken feet. (No judgment. Try new things, right?) Emotional reaction: A mix of excitement and sheer terror. This could be a defining moment. I'll report back.
- Afternoon: Exploring the Expo Park… or, at least, trying to figure it out. Okay, so I'm supposed to be in the Expo Park vicinity. That means taking a stroll, hopefully not getting utterly lost. I envision myself wandering around, admiring the architecture (or, more likely, marveling at the sheer scale of everything). I will undoubtedly take a million pictures and immediately forget where I took them. My inner monologue: "Ooh, pretty building! Wait, what's that thing supposed to be? Is that a… giant bouncy mushroom? Nope, I think I'm just tired."
- Evening: Dinner & Attempting Mandarin. Dinner time! This is where I'm going to embarrass myself further. Armed with Google Translate and a lot of enthusiasm (and probably some wine), I'll attempt to order something – anything – from a local restaurant. My Mandarin will probably be atrocious. But hey, at least I'm trying, right? Expect a post about my attempt to learn some basic words/phrases, such as “Can I have this?”, “Where is the bathroom?”, and “I am very, very sorry I did that.”
Day 2: The Bund, and a Cat Sanctuary? (Maybe)
- Morning: The Bund & Morning Coffee The Bund! Iconic Shanghai. I want to get up really early to view the buildings bathed in the morning light, take photos (of course), and try not to get trampled by other tourists. Maybe I'll just grab coffee and people-watch at a nice cafe, if I can find one. Emotional reactions: Awe, wonder, and the slight panic of being surrounded by a zillion other people.
- Mid-Day: A Temple… and the Art of Getting Lost. Okay, I want to visit a temple. I love temples, the quiet, the incense, the history. The problem? I'm geographically challenged. I'll probably miss the turn and end up in some back alley, which could be either a fascinating cultural experience or slightly terrifying. I have a feeling one of these may happen.
- Afternoon: Accidental Treasure… or, Something Unexpected. After a walk around the area, I will definitely stumbled upon something unexpected. Perhaps a hidden park, a quirky local market, or, the holy grail of my trip: a cat sanctuary! (Shanghai, please have a cat sanctuary.) This is where the adventure really starts. I'll embrace the chaos and see where the city takes me.
- Evening: Dinner, drinks, and the after-party. More delicious food, drinks, and all that Shanghai offers. Karaoke is likely unavoidable. Wish me luck; I can’t sing.
Day 3: The Journey Home… and Post-Trip Regrets
- Morning: Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble. Okay, I need to buy souvenirs. I'll spend an hour frantically searching for gifts, probably realizing I've forgotten someone important and scrambling for a last-minute treasure.
- Mid-day: Goodbye, Shanghai! A final, slightly teary-eyed walk through the city. One last look at the skyline, a final deep breath of the air (hopefully not too polluted… sorry, Shanghai).
- Afternoon: The Long Flight Home. This is where the post-vacation depression hits. I'll be reliving the trip in my head, wondering what I missed, what I should have done differently, and already planning my return. (Because, let's face it, I'll be hooked.)
- Evening: Back to Reality. Back home. The laundry, the bills, and the inevitable desire for another adventure kicks in. I'll be dreaming of dim sum, lost in the city, and maybe, just maybe, that cat sanctuary.
A Few Rambling Thoughts:
- Food: I am, first and foremost, a foodie. I will eat everything (or at least try). Expect detailed reviews of everything from street food to fancy restaurants.
- Transportation: Public transportation is probably the way to go. I'll probably make a fool of myself on the subway, but hey, that's part of the fun.
- Language barrier: I am NOT fluent in Mandarin. Google Translate will be my best friend. And hand gestures. Lots and lots of hand gestures.
- The Imperfections: This is not a perfect itinerary. I'll get lost, I'll make mistakes, and I'll probably wear the same clothes for days. That's the point.
So there you have it. Wish me luck. And if you see a slightly bewildered-looking tourist wandering around, clutching a map and muttering about dim sum, it's probably me. Come say hi! Just, maybe, bring a phrasebook… and a sense of humor. I'll need it.
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Shanghai Expo Park Getaway: Jinjiang Inn Select Dezhou Road Review (You Won't Believe This!) - The Messy Truth
Okay, let's be real. Was this Jinjiang Inn at Dezhou Road *really* that close to the Expo Park? I've seen the maps...
Look, the *maps* say one thing. The reality? Well, it depends on what you consider "close." We're talking "close enough that you won't be taking a helicopter" close. It's definitely walkable, assuming your feet aren't protesting too loudly after a day of Expo-ing (which, spoiler alert, *they will*). Expect a brisk-ish 20-30 minute walk, depending on your dawdling level. One day, after battling the crowds and a dodgy steamed bun, I *swore* it felt like a marathon. My shoes were practically begging for a mercy killing. So… yes, close enough. Don’t expect a postcard view from your window. You'll be getting the "Charming, utilitarian neighborhood, with a healthy dose of construction cranes" view.
The *room*. What was the room *really* like? Be honest. I'm bracing myself.
Alright, here's the thing. "Select" is in the name, so I was expecting… *something*. Let's just say "select" translates to "clean, functional, and potentially slightly reminiscent of a hospital room." Think… compact. Think… efficiently designed. Think… everything you need, squeezed into a space that makes you question your luggage choices. My initial reaction? "Wow, this is… beige." It’s not gonna win any design awards. But and this is a BIG but – the bed? Surprisingly comfortable. After walking for 12 hours straight at the Expo, that bed was an absolute *godsend*. I'm talking, I slept like a baby. A baby who'd just been through the wringer of the World Expo. The bathroom? Small, but functional. The shower? Hot water, always appreciated. Basically, it's a perfectly acceptable place to crash after a long day of cultural overload. Don't look for luxury, look for a place to recharge.
Breakfast – essential for a day of Expo exploration! Was it edible, or should I pack my own?
Okay, this is where we get into the… *interesting* part. The included breakfast. My advice? Temper your expectations. It's the classic Chinese hotel breakfast experience: a buffet of options that range from "surprisingly good" to "what *is* that?" There were usually some steamed buns (which I had a love/hate relationship with), some noodles, some congee (rice porridge – a safe bet), and a selection of… well, let's call them "mysterious" dishes. One morning, I bravely tried something that looked suspiciously like pickled vegetables and… let's just say my face did a very expressive impersonation of a lemon. Another day, the noodles were actually pretty darn tasty. So, pack a sense of adventure, and maybe some backup snacks. Seriously, you'll need them. Think of the breakfast as a gamble. You win some, you lose some. But hey, you're in China! Embrace the culinary chaos! I'd say, try it. But *definitely* have some instant noodles or a granola bar in your bag. Just in case.
Can you tell me *anything* about the staff? Were they helpful? Did they speak any English? (This is important!)
The staff were… generally helpful. English proficiency varied. There were a few folks who were pretty fluent, and a few who… were not. A lot of pointing and miming may be involved. I managed, though! They were always polite and tried their best. One of the receptionists, bless her heart, went above and beyond to call a taxi for me. I had a minor luggage-related disaster (more on that later), and she really, *really* helped me out. That kindness stuck with me. So, download a translation app. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. And be patient. Remember, you're a guest in their country, and they are doing their best. And most importantly, be friendly. A smile goes a long way.
Okay, the *location* beyond just closeness to the Expo. Anything interesting nearby? Street food? Shops? Nightlife?
Alright, this is where the Jinjiang Inn gets a little bit… *real*. The immediate area is, let's say, "local." That doesn't mean bad, it just means not necessarily geared towards tourists. There are small shops around, selling everyday items. Plenty of restaurants if you are open to trying something new. The biggest highlight? Probably the *street food*. Oh, the street food! You'll find little stalls selling everything from dumplings to skewers to… well, I'm not entirely sure what some of it was, but it smelled *amazing*. The area felt relatively safe, and I spent a few evenings just wandering around, soaking everything in. Nightlife? Not really. It's a quiet neighborhood. If you're looking for fancy bars and clubs, you'll need to head further into the city.
The Wi-Fi. A dealbreaker for me. Was it reliable?
The Wi-Fi… ah, the bane of many a traveler's existence. It existed. Sometimes. Okay, let's be honest, it was a bit… flaky. It would work fine for a while, then decide to give up the ghost at the most inopportune moments. Trying to upload photos of the Expo to Instagram? Prepare for some serious buffering. Video calls? Forget about it. I ended up tethering to my phone most of the time. So, lower your expectations. It's not the best Wi-Fi in the world, but it's there. Mostly. Have a backup plan. Download some offline maps. And embrace the digital detox. You're in Shanghai! Look up from your phone and enjoy the sights!
Let's cut to the chase: Would you stay there again?
Here's the deal. If I was going back to the Expo, and needed a *budget-friendly* and *convenient* place to crash, *absolutely*. It's clean, it's functional, and the location is good enough. The staff are helpful (mostly). But, and it's a big but, if I had more money to spend, I might look for something a bit more… luxurious. Or at least with more reliable Wi-Fi. But for the price, especially considering the proximity to the Expo Park, it's a solid choice. It’s not going to wow you, but it'll do the job. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a practical choice, not a romantic getaway. Think of it as a reliable *base* for exploring Shanghai. And after all, isn't that what matters most? Okay, maybe a little more reliable WiUptown Lodging
