Shanghai's Hidden Gem: GreenTree Inn Xidu Business Hotel Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the wonderfully confusing, sometimes surprisingly delightful, and occasionally…well, let's just say interesting world of the GreenTree Inn Xidu Business Hotel in Shanghai. This ain't your five-star, white-glove affair. This is… experience-driven travel, folks! And trust me, I have plenty of experiences to share.
The Long and the Short of it (and the Wi-Fi, Dear God, the Wi-Fi!):
Firstly, let's get the practical stuff out of the way. Because, you know, you need to live before you can experience life. Accessibility: Didn't really scope out the hard-core accessibility stuff, but the elevator was there, and that’s a plus for most people. Internet Access: Okay, the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a claim, not a promise. Consider this the start of the "messy" part of my review. There was Wi-Fi. Sometimes. Mostly. When it felt like it. The Internet [LAN] situation was… well, I'm not sure I even saw a LAN cable outlet. Let's just say, pack your patience (and maybe a portable hotspot). But hey, Wi-Fi in public areas, mostly around the lobby, was a bit better. Shrugs.
Cleanliness and Safety - The "Trying Hard" Section:
Look, this is China. Things are different. And I mean different. But the GreenTree Inn Xidu tries. They've got the essential Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere (thank goodness!), and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even had Hygiene certification up on the wall, which, frankly, gave me a little piece of mind. I was very happy to see they had Rooms sanitized between stays. The Room sanitization opt-out available made me smile.
Now, the Hot water linen and laundry washing? Felt clean. The Sterilizing equipment? Don’t know, didn't see it, but hopefully it's there. They also had First aid kit (thank God, I'm prone to tripping) and a Doctor/nurse on call. All good things. The Cashless payment service was also pretty handy.
The "Dining, Drinking, and Snacking" Saga:
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The Asian breakfast was…an experience. Let's leave it at that. They had a Buffet in restaurant, also with Asian breakfast options, which, let's just say, offered a vast variety of things I couldn't identify. However, they did offer a Breakfast takeaway service, useful for those who weren't feeling "adventurous."
There's a Bar (more like a… stocked shelf with some seating, and a happy hour), a Coffee shop (same deal), and a Snack bar (think, instant noodles central). The Restaurants? There's one. You have a A la carte in restaurant, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can try Asian cuisine in restaurant, or International cuisine in restaurant, which I, quite frankly, avoided. There was some Soup in restaurant. I did see Bottle of water, so, you know, hydration is key. My advice? Plan to eat out elsewhere.
The "Things to Do" and the "Ways to Relax" (or at Least Attempt to):
Alright, let’s be real. This isn’t a resort. But, there's a Fitness center. I peeked in. It looked… functional. They have a Spa/sauna (I'm guessing it was a spa room with a sauna inside). No Pool with view, but they did have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. However, I would advise, check before you pack your swimsuit. They offer Massage services. I can't comment.
Services and Conveniences: The "It's Got Something For You" Department:
The Daily housekeeping was on point, which was a blessing. They have a Concierge (who may or may not speak perfect English, but they try). The Elevator works! Laundry service. The Car park [free of charge] is a big bonus. This hotel features a Front desk [24-hour].
The Rooms: My Personal Inner Drama.
Let's get to the heart of the matter, the rooms themselves. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver after battling the Shanghai humidity, truly. Blackout curtains? Essential for sleeping off jet lag, which I had plenty of to do, but I wish they made it a bit darker, to be fair. The Bed? Okay, yes, it was clean and with some Linens, maybe a bit firm for my liking (but I’m a princess, so…). The Bathroom (private, thank goodness) had the basics: Shower, Toiletries. They provided Free bottled water.
They also have an Alarm clock, a Coffee/tea maker, a Desk, a Hair dryer, an In-room safe box. Most importantly, the room was non-smoking. Slippers? Check. Wi-Fi [free]? Mostly check. The Window that opens was a definite plus. The décor? Let's say… minimalist. But the essentials were there, and hey, I lived in it, right?
The "Hidden Gem" Angle (or, How This Review Gets Its Soul):
Here's the thing. The GreenTree Inn Xidu Business Hotel isn't perfect. Not by a long shot. But… it's honest. It's unapologetically, authentically… GreenTree Inn. And, for the price point, it's a great deal, a hidden gem? More like a rough diamond, if you ask me.
My "Single Experience" Deep Dive:
Let me describe my first morning in Shanghai. I had the jet lag, the anxiety of navigating this enormous city for the first time, and the faint disappointment of the aforementioned "breakfast." The Wi-Fi was down. The coffee was lukewarm. I was ready to cry.
And then, the maid knocked. She didn't speak much English, but she smiled. She cleaned my room, cheerfully and efficiently, and gave the place her own special touch. And it started to dawn on me that the GreenTree Inn Xidu, despite its flaws, was trying. It was working hard. And, it was… okay. After that, I took a walk.
The Offer: Embrace the "Un-Perfect" and Discover Shanghai:
Are you looking for a polished, predictable hotel experience? Maybe this isn’t for you. But… are you adventurous? Do you appreciate a good deal? Are you looking for an experience that’s real? (and affordable?).
In this case, the GreenTree Inn Xidu Business Hotel is the perfect place to stay.
Here's the deal:
- Affordable Basecamp: A clean, comfortable space to call your own in the heart of Shanghai.
- Convenient Location: Offers easy access to all the best Shanghai attractions without the premium price tag.
- Experience it! Be prepared for a memorable, one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Book with me and get:
- Free Wi-Fi (crossed fingers!)
- A guaranteed slightly-above-average experience to be remembered, or at least an interesting story to tell.
Click here to book and embrace the adventure!
Jamtara FarmStay: Escape to Rural India's Hidden Paradise
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is GreenTree Inn Shanghai Fengxian Xidu Business Hotel, Shanghai, China – MY adventure, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster of soy sauce, existential dread, and a whole lotta "what was I thinking?"
Day 1: Shanghai Shenanigans (Or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the… Crowds?")
- Morning (ish):
- The Arrival Debacle: Okay, so I thought I’d be some sophisticated international traveler, smoothly breezing through customs. Nope. Picture this: me, glassy-eyed from the fourteen-hour flight, wrestling with a gigantic suitcase that clearly held way too many "just in case" outfits. Customs guy just stared at me, and my passport photo looked suspiciously guilty. Finally, freedom! And then… the taxi. Let's just say my Mandarin is limited to "xie xie" (thank you), which isn't exactly helpful when you're trying to explain precisely where the GreenTree Inn is. We eventually got there, after much flailing and pointing. (Pro-tip: learn to point really well before you come to China.)
- The GreenTree Inn Experience: Honestly? It’s fine. Clean enough. The air conditioning is blasting (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), and the bed is probably comfy. Let's be real, the standards are what you make out of them.
- Afternoon:
- First, Feed the Soul (and the Stomach): Headed straight out for food. Found a little noodle shop nearby the hotel. The menu was all in Chinese, I smiled awkwardly, and pointed at something that looked vaguely like pork and some greens. Turns out, it was pork! And delicious! And surprisingly spicy! It was a glorious, messy, face-stuffing experience. I'm not even going to pretend I know what the other ingredients were. Ignorance is bliss, people.
- A Walk in… Somewhere?: Armed with a map that made absolutely no sense, I decided to explore. Got wonderfully (and hilariously) lost. Stumbled into some kind of bustling market. The smells! (Good and bad). The sounds! The sheer energy of it all! I felt like a tiny, terrified explorer in a place full of wonder.
- Evening:
- Dinner & Stares: Found another restaurant, this time bravely attempting to order something I could vaguely understand. More staring. More pointing. Managed to score some dumplings. The best I've ever had. Seriously. I'm going to spend the next few weeks trying to replicate those dumplings. And failing miserably. Oh, and everyone in the family seemed to be staring, which is probably normal.
- Jet Lag & Existential Crisis: Back to the hotel. The jet lag is hitting like a ton of bricks. Sitting on the bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I should've stayed home and watched reruns. Probably a little dramatic. But hey, that's travel for ya. Embrace the crazy.
Day 2: Shanghai's Shiny Side (And My Utter Lack of Direction)
- Morning:
- The Great Breakfast Gamble: GreenTree Inn breakfast included?! Yes. I ate it. It was… an experience. Some kind of congee (rice porridge) situation with mystery meats. Okay, maybe it could be better… I took a shower and got ready to enjoy the rest of the day!
- Tourist Tango: Attempted to navigate to the Bund. (Apparently, it's a "must-see.") Got royally lost again. Wandered through a maze of alleyways, dodging scooters and street vendors. Honestly, the getting-lost part is half the fun.
- The Bund (Finally!). And… wow. Just. Wow. The towering skyscrapers. The shimmering river. The sheer scale of it all. It was everything I imagined, and more. Spent about an hour just staring, mouth agape, feeling utterly insignificant in the best possible way.
- Afternoon:
- The People's Park: Strolled through People's Park, a pocket of green in the concrete jungle. Watched people doing tai chi, couples picnicking, kids flying kites. Again, I felt like an outsider, but a very happy one. This city has an energy that's seriously infectious. It's also exhausting.
- Evening:
- The Maglev Train (Sort Of): Thought about but was too lazy.
- Dinner & The Karaoke Experience (Maybe): Another restaurant mission. This time, I'm aiming for something slightly adventurous. Maybe hot pot?! Or… oh god, the karaoke bars. I am terrible at karaoke. But maybe… just maybe… I'll give it a try. What could possibly go wrong? (Famous last words, right?)
Day 3: Fengxian District & The Unexpected (Maybe I'll Actually Do Something Useful!)
- Morning:
- Fengxian, Here I Come: Okay, time to switch things up. Getting out of the immediate tourist bubble and exploring Fengxian. What is there? I have no idea. But hey, adventure! It might involve a lot of train-hailing.
- Coffee Confusion: Searching for my morning caffeine fix. This is proving a challenge. Apparently, the "Starbucks everywhere" myth is exaggerated. Found a little independent coffee shop. Ordering was… a challenge. A lot of pointing and miming. But, hey, I got coffee! Strong coffee!
- Afternoon:
- The Humble Temple: Found a charming, quiet temple. Spent an hour or so wandering around, just soaking up the atmosphere. Very peaceful. Very beautiful. Felt a little bit more grounded and less like a complete idiot. Win.
- Evening:
- The "I Tried" Dinner: Back in Fengxian. Found a restaurant that, to my surprise, had an English menu! Joy! Ordered… a giant platter of… stuff. Delicious stuff. Some things I recognized (chicken, rice), other things… not so much. Ate everything. No regrets.
- Reflections & Realizations: Sitting in the hotel room, feeling a little bit less overwhelmed and a little bit more… okay. This trip is messy. It's exhausting. It's filled with moments of sheer panic and utter confusion. But it's also incredible. It's about pushing my boundaries, trying new things, and embracing the chaos. And maybe, just maybe, that's what life is all about.
Day 4: Shanghai, So Long (or Until Next Time!)
- Morning:
- Last Breakfast Panic: The last congee session. I will miss the hotel breakfast, but I am so ready for some Western food.
- Souvenir Shopping (and the Great Bargaining Battle): Final attempt to buy souvenirs before leaving. Had to try bargaining like a pro. Definitely failed, but made it entertaining! The shopkeepers were clearly amused.
- Afternoon:
- Final Food Fight: Had a last meal.
- Farewell, Shanghai! Taxi back to the airport. One last, desperate attempt to find the right gate.
- Evening:
- Homeward Bound (and Already Planning the Return!): On the plane. Tired. Exhausted. But also… exhilarated. Shanghai, you beautiful, chaotic, and utterly captivating city. I will be back!
Notes (and Ramblings):
- Language Barrier: Learn some basic Mandarin phrases. Really. It'll save you a lot of headaches.
- Transportation: Taxis are plentiful, but be prepared for some interesting driving. Public transport is an option too.
- Food Adventures: Be brave! Try everything! (Probably not everything. Don't push it.)
- Embrace the Mess: This is my story. It won't be perfect. It'll be full of mistakes. But that's the fun of it. So go out there, get lost, and have an adventure, even if it's slightly ridiculous.
- The GreenTree Inn: Still fine. Still comfy. Still the place where I retreated to lick my wounds and recharge. Perfect for weary travelers and people who like to be left alone.
- Final Thoughts: I loved this trip. Would I do it differently? Probably not. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY.
This trip isn't a travel guide - it's an experience. Don't be afraid to get messy, make mistakes, and just generally embrace the chaos. Shanghai? You're an absolute whirlwind of awesomeness. And I can't wait to come back and get lost all over again.
Escape to Paradise: Matana Cafe & Resort, Mae Sai (Chiang Rai)
GreenTree Inn Xidu Business Hotel: The Real Deal (Or Maybe Not?) - Your Honest Answers
Alright, let's be honest. You're looking at the GreenTree Inn Xidu Business Hotel and thinking, "Is this a diamond in the rough, or a dodgy corner I should avoid?" Trust me, I've been there. I've stared at the little green tree logo and wondered IF I’d regret everything. So, here's the lowdown, messy, honest, and with a healthy dose of 'been there, done that' from this weary traveler.
Is the GreenTree Inn Xidu Business Hotel REALLY a "hidden gem"? Or just... hidden?
Okay, let's unpack this. "Hidden gem" implies something *special*. I wouldn't say it's *that* special. It’s more like... a *functional* place to crash, a kind of utility apartment in the middle of a bustling city. You’re not going to find Instagrammable views or a Michelin-starred breakfast buffet. But, depending on your definition of "gem," it *could* be. If your definition is "cheap and relatively clean," then yes. Yes, it is. If, however, you're thinking "breathtaking vistas and a luxurious spa," then steer clear. You are in the WRONG place.
What's the *actual* location like? Is it easy to get around?
Alright, location, location, location! This is where things get interesting. The Xidu area is not exactly *in* the heart of Shanghai. It's a bit... further out. That means you'll probably need to rely on the Metro or taxis. The Metro is generally your friend, it's efficient and relatively cheap, but you might have a bit of a walk from the station.
One story that comes to mind: I remember getting *utterly* lost one night. I'd been exploring, the sun had set, the language barrier was a monster, and I was starting to panic. I mean, legitimately, full sweat-inducing panic. I eventually hailed a taxi, showed the driver the address (thank goodness for Google Maps!), and he just... stared at me. Then he took me, eventually (after navigating a maze of back alleys), and it cost me a small fortune. So, yeah, location… it’s not *ideal* if you're a first-timer who relies on walking everywhere. But if you’re cool with the Metro and taxis, it’s manageable. Just maybe download a taxi app beforehand... and learn a few basic Chinese phrases. Your sanity will thank you.
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. Are they... livable? Clean?
Livable? Yes. Luxurious? Certainly not. The rooms are… well, they are functional. They usually have a bed (thank goodness!), a TV (with a *lot* of channels you probably won't understand), and a bathroom (fingers crossed it’s clean!).
Cleanliness is… variable, which is probably the understatement of the year. I've had rooms sparkle and I've had rooms where I felt like I needed to deep clean *before* I unpacked. It's a bit of a gamble, truth be told. My advice? Upon arrival, do a quick once-over. Check the sheets. Check the bathroom (especially the corners!). If something feels off, don't be afraid to ask reception! Just accept that you're not paying for the Ritz, you have to manage your expectations.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
This is another mixed bag. Some staff members are lovely, incredibly helpful, and will go out of their way to assist you. Others… well, let's just say the language barrier can be a challenge. English proficiency is generally limited, so prepare for some charades or the use of translation apps. Smile, be patient, and try your best! "Ni hao" and "Xie xie" (hello and thank you), will get you far.
I remember one time, I accidentally locked myself out of my room in the middle of the night. My phone was dead, I was exhausted, and I was *completely* lost. One very kind staff member (who spoke very little English) eventually managed to get me back in. It was a long and slightly comical experience, but it showed that they *did* care, which made all the difference. So, yes, the staff *can* be helpful... just have realistic expectations about the level of English spoken.
Is the breakfast any good? I'm kind of a breakfast person…
Breakfast… ah, breakfast. This is where the GreenTree Inn often *falls* short. Sometimes it's included, sometimes it's not. And sometimes, even if it’s included, you might wish it wasn't. It's usually a rather basic buffet with a selection of (often) unfamiliar Chinese dishes. Expect congee (rice porridge), noodles, steamed buns, and maybe some questionable-looking sausages. Coffee? Well, you’re better off bringing your own instant coffee.
I fondly recall the “mystery meat” incident. It looked like… something. It tasted like… *something*. I'm still not entirely sure *what* it was, but I definitely didn't want seconds. Now, I'm not saying it's *always* bad. But if you're a breakfast snob like me, you might want to factor in finding a decent cafe nearby. There’s always the option of hitting up a local street food stall, which can be a MUCH more exciting (and potentially delicious) experience.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? I NEED my internet!
Wi-Fi… well, it *exists*. It's generally functional, but don't expect lightning-fast speeds. Stream HD movies? Maybe not. Checking emails and browsing the web? Probably fine. It can be a bit spotty at times, and the signal strength can vary depending on your room. So, be prepared to maybe have some offline entertainment on hand or to find a more reliable cafe if necessary.
Are there any restaurants or shops nearby?
Yes, but… again, it's not the most glamorous location. You'll find some local restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance. Expect to see some options for noodles, dumplings, and other classic Chinese fare. Don’t expect trendy cafes or high-end boutiques. It's more… practical. Embrace the local experience, explore the hidden gems (of local food!), and enjoy the authenticity. It’s a chance to see the “real” Shanghai, not just the touristy bits.
