JI Hotel Shaoxing: Shangyu's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Getaway!)
JI Hotel Shaoxing: Shangyu's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Getaway!) - A REALLY HONEST Review!
Alright, listen up, folks! I've just returned from a stay at the JI Hotel Shaoxing: Shangyu, and you know what? This place is a trip. Forget the glossy hotel brochures; I’m here to give you the real deal. This isn't just a review; it's a confession. Let's dive in, shall we? Because honestly, I need to vent a little… in a good way, mostly.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, "The Great Elevator Debate")
Finding this "best kept secret" wasn't super straightforward. Signage could be a bit clearer. Accessibility, that’s a big one to start with. While the hotel itself IS mostly wheelchair accessible (elevator access to rooms and public areas), the approach to the lobby was… well, let's just say my friend, who uses a wheelchair mentioned a few minor bumps in the road, literally. They're clearly trying, bless 'em. Definitely check with them beforehand to be 100% sure it meets your needs.
Rooms: Nesting in Luxury (with a sprinkle of "did I leave the iron on?")
Okay. The rooms. Let’s talk rooms. I'm a sucker for a good room, and the JI Hotel delivers. My room was a haven. The blackout curtains are the bomb. I slept like a beached whale. The bed? Heaven. Seriously. My back thanked me. The air conditioning – essential, especially when you're braving the Shaoxing humidity. There was even a bathtub and a separate shower. Luxurious. I loved the slippers and bathrobes – a nice touch. There was a desk which was crucial, since I had some work to do. I had a window that opens which I appreciated, it wasn't a skyscraper, but I could at least get some fresh air.
The little things that made everything better: The free bottled water, the coffee/tea maker (essential!), the complimentary tea – these are the things that make a hotel "home" for a few days.
But the minor imperfections - the room was immaculately clean, but I admit, I found myself checking the smoke alarms and fire extinguisher multiple times, just to be sure. The room could have used one more mirror, as someone who likes to look at themselves, but still, not a big deal. The ironing facilities where a welcome touch, I don't know about you, but I like to look as though I didn't roll out of bed.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional questionable choice)
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff: the chow. The Asian breakfast was solid. Think noodles, congee. If you're into it, you'll be happy. The buffet restaurant itself – again, solid. The variety was there, so every breakfast was a new adventure. I tried the Western breakfast once. A slight mistake. Stick with the Asian flavors, trust me. The coffee shop served up a decent cup, though I definitely splurged on a coffee and a dessert in the restaurant one day which I regret nothing.
The poolside bar situation? Magnifico! I'm not sure what was better, the drinks or the view. Happy hour was a bonus (that's a fact!)
And the room service… 24 hours, baby! Perfect for those late-night cravings and early morning caffeine fixes. The bottle of water in the room? Essential.
Service & Conveniences: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
The staff were exceptionally polite. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations. I made use of the daily housekeeping - it was a lifesaver! The laundry service rescued me from my travel laundry bag. And the luggage storage made checkout a breeze. There's even a convenience store for those emergency snack runs.
The front desk was 24-hour and Contactless check-in/out was a definite plus. There's car parking free of charge which is always a win. The elevator was also fast.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa-tastic or Nah?
Okay, now for the good stuff - the relaxation! The swimming pool was epic. The pool with a view was magnificent, especially at sunset. The views were also very good, but that's an honest review. They also have a fitness center (I'll be honest, I didn't use it). The spa was the real deal. I got a massage – pure bliss. Definitely worth it. I was super impressed by the steamroom. And I considered the sauna, but I was so relaxed from the massage, I just sat and stared at the wall.
Cleanliness & Safety: Seriously Impressive
This is where the JI hotel really shines. I'm talking hygiene certification, daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization between stays. They're taking this seriously. They offered hand sanitizer everywhere. They even used anti-viral cleaning products. It felt secure – staff trained in safety protocol, CCTV in common areas, safe dining setup. I felt comfortable and taken care of.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
I didn't have any kids with me, so I can't give a personal opinion on the kid's facilities or babysitting service. But the hotel is family-friendly, so this is something to bear in mind.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Airport transfer is available (I didn't use it but good to know). Taxi service is readily available. There's even bicycle parking for the adventurous types.
Internet: Wi-Fi Warriors Rejoice!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – hallelujah! Reliable internet throughout. Important.
The “Secret” is Out! My Final Verdict
So, is the JI Hotel Shaoxing: Shangyu a "best kept secret"? Yeah, I'd say so. It's a gem. It's got the luxury, the amenities, and the service down pat. Are there minor imperfections? Sure. What hotel doesn't? But the positives far outweigh the negatives. It’s a solid choice, especially for a romantic getaway, or anyone wanting a relaxing escape.
Now, for the BIG offer!
Are you ready to escape? Book a stay at the JI Hotel Shaoxing: Shangyu today and receive: A FREE upgrade to a room with a balcony (Subject to availability!) PLUS a complimentary breakfast for two AND a 20% discount on all spa treatments! Don't miss out on this chance to experience luxury at its finest! Use code "SECRETESCAPE" when booking!
Click here to book your escape now! [Insert Link Here, Of Course!]
Tokyo Luxury: HUGE 4-Bed Apartment w/ Balcony - Shinjuku!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is me, wrestling with jet lag and trying to figure out how to order noodles in a language I barely understand, all while "experiencing" JI Hotel Shaoxing Shangyu Economic Development Zone in Shaoxing, China. Let's dive in… or stumble, depending on the day.
Day 1: Arrival. Or Maybe Not.
Morning (ish, because who knows what time it actually is…): Land at Shanghai Pudong. Hmmm, okay, that's a sprawling airport. Passport control? Check. Customs? Pray I don't accidentally bring in the entire black market. Now, the train to Shaoxing. This is where it gets interesting. Finding the right track felt like deciphering a hieroglyphic puzzle. Eventually, after a frantic dance with a very patient, if slightly bewildered, local, I found my way. First impression of the train? Clean, efficient, and blessedly air-conditioned.
Afternoon: ARRIVING at Shaoxing. Okay, now for the taxi to JI Hotel Shaoxing Shangyu Economic Development Zone. The taxi driver? Speed racer. I swear, we hit warp speed at one point. I clung to the seat, eyes glued to the terrifying display on the meter. The hotel… well, it exists. The lobby seems promising enough – clean, modern, a whiff of something floral that might be actual flowers or potent air freshener.
Evening: The room. Ah, the room. It's clean! The bed is… a bed. But where’s the, erm, view? I'm pretty sure my view is… the building next door. No matter! I'm hungry. Dinner time.
- The Great Noodle Catastrophe: This is where my Mandarin skills reach their peak: absolutely atrocious. I bravely ventured out. I found a noodle place. I pointed, gestured, and used the universal language of "hungry face". Success! A bowl of… something… arrives. It's… spicy. Surprisingly, tear-inducingly spicy. My face is beet red, my nose is running, and I'm pretty sure I’m now sweating out all the water I drank on the plane. But, dammit, I'm going to eat the whole thing! (Spoiler: I almost did. Victory!). The noodles were good though, even if my stomach is now doing the rumba.
Night: Jet lag is hitting hard. I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be asleep, but my brain is still in "let's-solve-the-world's-problems" mode. Okay, first impressions of Shaoxing… a mix of gleaming new buildings and older, more traditional ones. The air is… different. A little hazy, a little… exciting? This town feels like it has secrets.
Day 2: Exploring Shaoxing…or My Limited Perception of Shaoxing.
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. It's a buffet. Not the kind of buffet I'm used to, though. Mysterious, slightly oily things abound. I cautiously try a little of everything. There's something resembling congee… and also, something that looks like pressed duck tongues. Nope. I stick to the bland bread and questionable coffee. Fueled (or, rather, barely fueled), I decide to try to see something.
- Afternoon: Let's be honest, I had ambitions for today. I had grand plans. Museums! Ancient bridges! Cultural immersion! Instead, I wandered. I got lost. I saw a lot of what I think are power plants. I tried to buy a bottle of water and almost bought a whole case. The language barrier is a formidable beast, folks. I'm constantly communicating through charades and the sheer force of will.
- Late Afternoon: I’ve retreated to the hotel. Defeated, but not defeated. I made it to a park! It was lovely, actually. Lots of beautiful willow trees, the kind you expect for Chinese poetry. I saw some older people doing Tai Chi. Wish I would have picked up some, I need to learn a little calmness. I'm beginning to realize that my perception of "culture" might involve less museums and more… the texture of everyday life. The way people walk, the sounds, the smells, the vibe.
- Evening: Dinner. Avoiding the noodle place. (Maybe. The memory of those noodles is still haunting me.) I venture to a more Western-style restaurant I found online. The food is…okay. Good, even. Now I am reflecting on the day and I am feeling more confident. Maybe I am getting the hang of this. Feeling content, but still a bit anxious for what tomorrow holds.
Day 3: Diving Deep… Into One Specific Experience.
Morning: Let's turn up the charm, maybe there could be a guided tour?
Afternoon: The One Thing. I visited the old town and made my way to a boat ride. The boat ride down those ancient canals, beneath those graceful stone bridges, oh, it was something else. The boats, the narrow waterways, the reflection of the buildings in the still water… it's like stepping into a painting.
The Boat Ride and the Old Lady: I'm rowing along. The sun, the breeze, perfect. Suddenly, a tiny, ancient lady hopped onto the deck of the boat. She spoke no English, I spoke… well, you know. She started to sing and hum a beautiful melody. It was a very touching moment. I think I might have teared up. She sold fresh vegetables and I brought with me a handful of what she sold, and just like that, I was transported. I even get to visit her stall again tomorrow.
The Intensity of Observation: It’s a different pace! I’m just letting the world wash over me. I am not making notes or taking photos, I just let it live in my memory. I can never remember anything else!
Evening: The boat ride. I cannot stop thinking about this!
Day 4: Embracing the Absurd (and My Imperfect Mandarin).
- Morning: Back to the noodle place. This time, armed with a translation app and a new sense of courage. Success! I get noodles, and they're… delicious. No tears this time. Victory!
- Afternoon: I try to visit the old lady and her stall. I had a hard time, she's been moved! I ask a local and he tries to help.
- Evening: I can't believe it! I found her. The stall is bustling with activity, the old lady is surrounded by people buying vegetables. I buy a few of her goods, and she gives me a smile. It was a very good day. Good vibes.
Day 5: Departure (and a Hazy Farewell).
- Morning: Packing. Saying goodbye (in my heart).
- Afternoon: The train ride back to Shanghai. Another slightly terrifying taxi ride. The airport crowds, the sheer logistics of it all… it's a whirlwind.
- Evening: Goodbye to the hotel, goodbye to Shaoxing, goodbye to my sanity. I am going back to the real world!
Final Thoughts:
Shaoxing, you were messy, confusing, spicy, and gorgeous. You tested me. You made me question my ability to communicate and navigate. You gave me an afternoon that I will never forget. You were a complete adventure.
P.S. If anyone knows where I can find a REALLY good English-speaking guide, let me know! And maybe a tutorial on how to order food without causing a culinary crisis. Seriously, though… this was amazing. Worth every confusing, spicy, and slightly terrifying moment.
Unbelievable Hotel Deal in Dezhou, China! (Hanting Hotel)
JI Hotel Shaoxing: Shangyu - The Real Deal (Or Is It?) - Your FAQs, Answered (Mostly)
Okay, spill it… is this "luxury getaway" hype *real*? I've seen some pictures...
Alright, let's be honest. Luxury? Yeah, *kinda*. It's not like, dropping-a-grand-a-night-at-the-Ritz luxury. Think… polished, modern elegance with a healthy dose of "trying really hard." The lobby? Stunning. That giant crystal chandelier? Instagram-worthy. My jaw actually *did* drop when I walked in. But I was also juggling my suitcase, already sweating from the Shaoxing humidity, and praying I could actually work the elevator (which, spoiler, took me a good five minutes).
So yeah, pretty. But let's not call it the Four Seasons. The 'secret' part? Absolutely. Finding decent English speakers was an adventure in itself. Bring your translating app and a sense of humor. Trust me, you'll need both. And speaking of trust... the picture of the infinity pool? I *think* I saw a sliver of it from my room, but the angle on the website is clearly magic. The reality is a lot more…practical.
The Rooms! What are they *really* like? Cause those photos are always… you know… staged.
Okay, the rooms... They're clean. Very clean. Like, surgically clean. Which, after a long day of exploring (and let's be real, dodging scooters in Shaoxing), is a *blessing*. The beds? Comfortable. Pillows? Fluffy. I slept like a… well, like a log. A very well-rested log. There are some nice touches, like a little seating area and surprisingly decent toiletries. (Seriously, I hoarded the conditioner – it was amazing!)
But the devil's in the details, right? My room faced… a construction site. Seriously! Beeping trucks and hammering away. Earplugs? Essential. Also, the "smart lighting" system? It took me a solid half-hour to figure out how to turn on the bedside lamp. Spoiler: it involved a hidden panel and a prayer to the tech gods. And the view… let's just say it wasn't quite the postcard they showed online. Still, it *was* clean. And the AC worked. Always a win in China.
The Food! I'm a foodie. Is it worth it? What about the breakfast? Spill!
Okay, food. This is where things get a little… complicated. The hotel restaurant? Pretty. The service? Well, the staff are lovely, but sometimes the language barrier is… epic. Expect lots of pointing and miming. The menu? A mix of local Shaoxing cuisine and Western-ish options. (I'm pretty sure their idea of a club sandwich involved a questionable amount of mayonnaise.)
Breakfast? Mixed bag. The buffet offers a vast array of… things. You'll find congee (rice porridge - love it or hate it, you'll see it), noodles, some seriously questionable sausages, and a *lot* of mysterious pickled vegetables. The coffee? Not great. Seriously, bring your own instant. On the plus side, they had these little sweet buns filled with red bean paste that were heavenly. And I did find a decent scrambled egg. So, you know, win some, lose some. Expect, on some level, to just embrace the unexpected. "Oh, is that… fish? For breakfast? Alright then!"
The Pool. You mentioned it... Is it the Instagram fantasy or what?
Okay, okay, the pool. Let's dedicate a whole section to the pool. Because… the pool. The website photos show this glorious, infinity-edge spectacle of turquoise water, with perfectly manicured palm trees and sun loungers. Reality? Well, let's just say it's seen better days.
First off, that 'infinity edge'? Let's call it a 'maybe-infinity-if-you-squint-and-block-out-the-adjacent-buildings' edge. It's a bit… underwhelming. The water itself? Clean, thankfully. But the sun loungers… some were broken. Some were stained. And the whole area felt a bit… neglected.
I went on a hot day and it *felt* hot, though, like the air was thick and the sun was baking. I just wanted to cool off. I dived in, which was great... until some guy thought it was a great idea to do *a cannonball* right next to my head. My hair's a mess, my goggles filled up with water, and I'm pretty sure I swallowed some chlorine. But... after maybe ten minutes, the relief of being in water? It was blissful, especially when compared to the humidity outside. I'm not even a huge pool person, but that day? It was *everything.*
Honestly? After a while, I didn't even care about the broken loungers or the maybe-a-little-bit-murky water. I just floated there, staring up at the sky, and for a few fleeting moments, I felt... relaxed. So the pool? Not perfect. But it *did* its job. And hey, I got a good story out of it.
What's there to *do* around the hotel? Shangyu itself... is it worth exploring?
Shangyu… It's definitely *not* a tourist hotspot. Expect a lot of local life. The hotel is a little bit out of the main area, which is both good and bad. Good: Quieter. Less chaotic. Bad: You *will* need a taxi or Didi (the Chinese Uber) to get anywhere interesting.
There are some local parks, a couple of temples, and a few shopping streets filled with… well, stuff. It's a chance to experience real China, away from the big city crowds. But don't expect dazzling attractions. It's all about soaking up the atmosphere, wandering around, and trying to decipher the menus (that are rarely in English). The locals are generally friendly, though, and very curious about foreigners. Be prepared for some stares and smiles.
Pro tip: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Even a simple "Ni hao" (hello) goes a long way. Or, like me, start with "Xie xie" (thank you) and hope for the best.
The Verdict: Should I stay here? Lay it on me straight!
Okay, the honest truth? The JI Hotel Shaoxing: Shangyu is… a solid choice. It's not perfect. It's not five-star luxury. It's not without its quirks. But it's clean, comfortable, and generally pleasant. If youExplore Hotels
