Shanghai's BEST Hotel Near the Cruise Terminal? (Ji Hotel Review!)
Ji Hotel Shanghai Cruise Terminal: My Honest (& Slightly Messy) Review
Alright, folks. Let's talk about the Ji Hotel, specifically the one near the Shanghai Cruise Terminal. I'm not going to lie, after a long, jetlagged journey, or a cruise full of questionable buffet food, the proximity to the port is EVERYTHING. But does the Ji Hotel deliver beyond just convenience? Buckle up; this is going to be less a perfectly polished travel brochure and more a diary entry from a slightly grumpy, but ultimately optimistic, traveler.
First Impressions (and the Jet Lag Blues):
Finding the hotel was relatively painless, thank goodness. After an airport transfer (yes, they had a Airport transfer service – thank the heavens!), the last thing I wanted was a scavenger hunt. The Check-in/out [express] option was a lifesaver. I stumbled through, gave them my passport, and vaguely understood the instructions, even with my brain feeling like scrambled eggs. The Front desk [24-hour] is a HUGE plus, especially when you arrive at some godforsaken hour.
The lobby? Clean. Modern. Functional. Think IKEA chic with a hint of Shanghai. Nothing particularly breathtaking, which, honestly, after the chaos of travel, was a relief. The Air conditioning in public area was glorious, a welcome blast of cool air after the sticky Shanghai humidity. And, I’ll be honest, I was already planning my escape route to the room.
My Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly):
Inside, it's all pretty standard, but in a good way. My room wasn't HUGE, but it had all the essentials, plus some unexpected perks. The Wi-Fi [free] was reliable (hallelujah!). I’m a digital nomad wannabe, so good internet is a non-negotiable. The bedside Socket near the bed was a simple luxury I appreciated (for charging my phone while doomscrolling). The Blackout curtains were a GODSEND. They completely obliterated the outside world, allowing me to completely ignore my responsibilities (and the time difference) and nap like a hibernating bear.
The Free bottled water was a nice touch. Hydration is key, especially after a flight, and the Coffee/tea maker meant I could avoid interacting with the world for at least an hour in the morning. The Desk was functional, if a little cramped. The Soundproofing was surprisingly good, except for a brief moment when someone seemed to attempt to move a grand piano across the floor above me, I’m assuming.
Bathroom Bliss (or Minor Grievances):
The bathroom was… adequate. The Separate shower/bathtub situation was nice, although I’m firmly in the “shower only” camp. The Toiletries weren’t exactly luxury-grade, but they got the job done. The water pressure was decent, and the hot water lasted longer than I expected. The Hair dryer was… well, it worked.
There was an Additional toilet, which is always a plus when you’re sharing a room. And yeah, the Mirror was a welcome sight after hours on a plane.
Eating & Drinking: A Mixed Bag (And My Crummy Diet):
The Asian breakfast was available (of course; we’re in China!). I’m a sucker for Asian food, which helped alleviate the first day woes. The Breakfast [buffet] was passable, though I wasn't blown away. The best part? They had coffee. And the occasional Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Did I try any of the fancier options? Nope! I was too concerned about my diet, but also, too concerned about getting to the cruise terminal. I remember glancing at the A la carte in restaurant and the International cuisine in restaurant options. It all looked… acceptable, but the thought of navigating a full-blown restaurant after the travel and my own personal anxieties was too much. Maybe another time.
There was a Coffee shop and a Snack bar, which seemed convenient, but I stayed in my room and ate my own snacks. I did sneak into the Poolside bar to grab a bottle of water.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pretty Darn Good, Surprisingly:
OK, this is important. The Cleanliness and safety features were impressive. I was very happy to see signs of COVID-19 precautions. Hand sanitizer everywhere! Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol. They even offered Rooms sanitized between stays and the Room sanitization opt-out available. It felt reassuring. I didn't need the Doctor/nurse on call, but it's nice to know it’s there.
There was also a decent amount of security: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour]. Fire extinguisher. The Smoke detector and Smoke alarms gave me some peace knowing I wouldn't go up in flames.
Accessibility: A Quick Look-See:
I don't need accessibility features, but I always look out for them. The hotel has Elevator, which is great. They list Facilities for disabled guests, but I can't speak to the specifics. I didn't notice any obvious red flags, and I would expect a modern hotel like this to prioritize it.
Things to Do (Besides Cruise):
I didn’t have a lot of time, to be honest. The Swimming pool seems nice, but I didn’t get a chance to use it. Ditto the Fitness center. There's a general lack of information listed beyond the pool and the gym!
Services & Conveniences: Mostly Smooth Sailing:
The Laundry service was a godsend after a long trip. The Concierge seemed helpful, even though I mostly communicated through weary gestures. They have luggage storage too. The Cash withdrawal machine was a lifesaver because the nearest bank was a trek.
The Bad Bits (Because No Hotel is Perfect):
- The location, while ideal for the cruise terminal, isn’t exactly central Shanghai. You're a ways from most of the major attractions.
- The food wasn't amazing.
- My room key mysteriously stopped working once. Minor annoyance.
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My Verdict:
Would I recommend the Ji Hotel near the Shanghai Cruise Terminal? Absolutely. For proximity to the port, it's a winner. For cleanliness and safety, it's also a winner. It's not a luxury resort, but it's a solid, reliable, and reasonably priced option for travelers. Just don't expect a culinary masterpiece or a breathtaking view (unless you're really into parking lots). It's a good place to regroup, recharge, and then get on that cruise (or escape the cruise, in my case!). And for me? That’s a win. I'd stay there again. And that, my friends, is the highest praise I can give. (Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.)
Escape to Luxury: Starway Hotel's Unrivaled Zibo Station Comfort
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a hot mess, a gloriously chaotic glimpse into a trip to Ji Hotel Shanghai Baoshan Wusong International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai, China. And yes, I'm bringing the drama.
Day 1: Shanghai Shenanigans – The Arrival (and Immediate Regret?)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Or, more accurately, drag myself out of bed after a night of questionable packing choices (why did I bring that sweater?!). The usual pre-trip jitters are in full swing. I swear, I’ve got a stomach knot that could rival the Great Wall itself.
- 9:30 AM: Taxi to the airport. Let the games begin! Traffic is, predictably, a nightmare. I’m already sweating and muttering under my breath. "This is a vacation," I tell myself, but the voice sounds suspiciously like my stressed-out inner monologue.
- 12:00 PM (Shanghai Time): Touchdown! The humidity hits me like a wet blanket. Instantly. "This is going to be interesting," I think, a mixture of excitement and abject fear battling it out in my brain. Finding the airport pickup for the Ji Hotel feels like navigating a labyrinth. I swear, half the signs are in a language I don't understand. Eventually, through sheer stubbornness (and a lot of pointing), I find my ride.
- 1:30 PM: Arrive at Ji Hotel. Finally! The lobby is clean, modern, and… well, beige. I'd envisioned something a bit more… Shanghai-esque, but hey, at least it's air-conditioned. Check-in is smooth. I've secured a room with a supposed "harbor view." Let’s see if it holds up.
- 2:00 PM: Room reveal! Oh. My. God. Okay, so the harbor view is… partially blocked by another building. And some scaffolding. And a crane. My initial disappointment turns into a fit of giggles. This is so utterly me. I should've known.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack. Sort of. I chuck stuff onto the bed, mentally reorganizing my entire closet back home. I'll get to the unpacking later, maybe. Probably not.
- 4:00 PM: Wandering around. I decide to check out the Wusong area. I want to see where the cruise terminal is, and I'm hoping to find a decent street food vendor. Getting slightly lost, of course. The language barrier proves tough, but hand gestures and a lot of smiling get me through. I spy a small dumpling stall. Oh, yes.
- 5:00 PM: Dumpling heaven (and a potential stomach ache). The dumplings are phenomenal. Crispy, juicy, and utterly addictive. I eat about a million of them (okay, maybe eight). I'm pretty sure the vendor is judging me, but I don't care. This is living!
- 6:00 PM: Cruise terminal recon. The terminal itself is quite impressive. Huge, modern, and humming with the anticipation of journeys. I can't help but imagine the stories held within the walls. The couples waving goodbye, the children with wide eyes eager for adventure. It’s beautiful, and I get a burst of that travel-induced melancholy – the bittersweetness of new experiences mixed with the feeling of being profoundly small in the grand scheme of things.
- 7:00 PM: Trying to find a proper dinner. Wandering, again. I end up at a noodle shop. The menu is a mystery, but the people are friendly. I point to the picture of something that looks vaguely edible and hope for the best.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner arrives! It's delicious. I have no idea what I ordered, but I ate it with gusto. A couple of Chinese people are taking pictures of me while I slurp my noodles, I don't care.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. The jet lag is kicking in. I crash on the bed and start planning tomorrow's activities. I'm already exhausted and incredibly excited.
Day 2: The Quest for Authenticity (and Possibly More Dumplings)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up… eventually. Sun is shining, so the partially blocked view doesn't seem to bother me. Caffeine is a must.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Pretty standard continental fare. Decent coffee, which is a win.
- 10:00 AM: Venturing out again. Time to find some real Shanghai. I'm thinking the Old Town, maybe. My map-reading skills are, well, optimistic.
- 11:00 AM: Public transportation adventure! The subway is packed, and I'm a bit terrified. But I manage to get on the right train… I hope.
- 12:00 PM: Lost in the Old Town. It's chaotic, beautiful, and overwhelming. So many smells. So many people. I love it. I get completely turned around, but I don't care. That's the fun!
- 1:00 PM: More dumplings! This time, xiao long bao (soup dumplings). I burn my tongue on the first one, but it's worth it. Pure bliss.
- 2:00 PM: Trying to bargain for souvenirs. I am terrible at this. I end up paying twice what I should have for a silk scarf. Oh well. It's a good story, right?
- 3:00 PM: Wandering aimlessly. I stumble upon a tea house. The serenity is much needed after the sensory overload of the Old Town. I try a jasmine tea. Perfect.
- 4:00 PM: Trying to navigate my way back to the hotel… again. I'm starting to think I need GPS.
- 5:00 PM: More food. I am sensing a theme here. I find a place serving delicious noodles again. This time it's a spicy Sichuan noodle dish that makes my eyes water. I am in love.
- 6:00 PM: Shower time. Even in my hotel room, it feels like I'm coated in a thin layer of street dust.
- 7:00 PM: Planning a relaxing evening, but will need to go out later to get some snacks.
- 8:00 PM: Early night. The jet lag is claiming me. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, whatever they may be.
Day 3: Cruise Dreams and Departure Day (and a Farewell Feast)
- 8:00 AM: The last day! It's here. Wake up. Again. Coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Trying to get a good view of the water from somewhere and get some breakfast. I've got a flight to catch, but I can't help but be a little sad that the trip, this messy, imperfect, glorious trip, is almost over.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. The pressure is on. I don't want to be that person buying airport junk.
- 11:00 AM: The hotel breakfast is a little depressing. I'm craving one last Shanghai meal.
- 12:00 PM: Final dumpling run! Seriously. I track down one of those dumpling stalls. This time, I'm braver. I try some new fillings. Yes, I take a picture with the vendors. They're my new best friends.
- 1:00 PM: Goodbye to the Ji Hotel. Check out. Cab to the airport. I feel like I need a nap.
- 2:00 PM: Airport security. It's a zoo, but I make it through.
- 3:00 PM: Flight time. Boarding the plane. As the plane takes off, I look down at the city, the lights shimmering. This trip was imperfect, chaotic, and downright messy. But it was also wonderful. I felt every emotion, got completely lost, and ate some of the best food of my life. And that, my friends, is what truly matters. Until next time, Shanghai.
- 5:00 PM: Safe at home. Exhausted, content, and already dreaming of the next adventure.
This is just a rough sketch, of course. I'll probably rewrite it a million times. But that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? The imperfection, the surprise, the glorious mess of it all.
Escape to Paradise: Fang's Hidden Gem, Sleeping Tree Hotel
Ji Hotel Shanghai Near the Cruise Terminal: The Unfiltered Truth (and My Regrets)
Is Ji Hotel *really* the BEST hotel near the Shanghai Cruise Terminal? Like, officially?
Okay, "BEST" is a strong word, isn't it? According to marketing, maybe. According to my sleep-deprived, luggage-laden brain after a 14-hour flight and a frantic taxi ride from Pudong Airport? Probably. Let's just say it's *convenient*. And after wrestling with the sheer chaos of getting to the ferry, convenience is practically a religious experience. My advice? Scope out options *before* you land. Don't be like me, panicking because you have to catch a ship!
How close is the hotel *actually* to the cruise terminal? I'm seeing conflicting information. Lies?!
Okay, this is where things get a little... subjective. "Close" in Shanghai terms means something different. It *is* close. Like, a short taxi ride (if you can *find* a taxi, which is a whole other saga – I swear I saw a taxi driver disappear into a cloud of exhaust at one point). I vividly remember the sheer *relief* of seeing the Ji Hotel's neon sign after the cab driver dropped me off. But it’s no sprint. Don’t plan on walking with your luggage if you value your sanity. I thought I could…and I almost wept. Trust the taxi. Or better yet, book a car service *in advance*. Learn from my mistakes, future cruise goers!
What's the *vibe* of the Ji Hotel? Is it, you know, clean? Modern? Or something else entirely?
The vibe? Clean-ish, I guess. Modern-ish. It's definitely... functional. Think of a slightly upscale airport hotel that's been trying *really* hard to be trendy. The lobby had that minimalist-chic thing going on, which, after a long flight, just kind of made me feel even *more* tired. I think they were going for “Zen,” but I felt more “Zen-adjacent, and also desperately needing a coffee.” The rooms are small, but hey, you're not there to live. You are there to catch your cruise! The key is, is it *clean*? Yes. Mostly. My expectations were probably low, given I was a desperate cruise traveler, so I wasn’t going to complain about a little dust.
The breakfast situation? Worth it? Are we talking stale croissants and questionable coffee, or a buffet of deliciousness?
Okay, the breakfast. This is where things get…interesting. They *do* have breakfast. It's included if you book the right package, which, again, DO. I vividly remember the buffet. It was… abundant. Cereal? Check. Bacon, which was surprisingly good. Some kind of unidentifiable, but probably delicious, noodle dish. And the coffee? Let’s just say it wasn't the best I’ve ever had. I'd describe it as… "brown liquid with a caffeine-like effect." But, after the jetlag, did it *matter*? No. Did I drink three cups? Absolutely. Was I fueled up and ready to go? You bet your bottom dollar. So, worth it? For me, yes. But if you’re a coffee snob, pack some instant.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English? (And please, tell me about that elevator!)
The staff? Mostly helpful. English varies, but there's usually someone who can get you through the basics, like "Where's the taxi?" and "Can I have more coffee?" Pro tip: learn a *few* basic Mandarin phrases. It goes a long way. They're certainly patient, and they are super efficient! Remember that taxi saga I mentioned? Yeah…the hotel staff helped me find one when I was practically weeping. They are the true heroes. And the elevator! Oh, the elevator. It's small. It's slow. It's the kind of elevator that makes you question your life choices while you're waiting. I swear, I aged a year every time I took it. My biggest regret? Not taking some sort of video!
Is there anything *around* the hotel? Like, restaurants? Shops? Or am I trapped in a hotel vortex?
Okay, "around" is another relative term. There are definitely *things*. There's a small convenience store nearby – perfect for grabbing snacks and water (because, let's be real, you will need snacks). Restaurants are…scattered. Don’t expect a gourmet experience. Consider it a place to refuel, not a culinary experience. I remember stumbling out of the hotel, delirious with hunger, and finding a noodle place. It was simple, cheap, and exactly what I needed. So, not a vortex, but definitely not a vibrant nightlife scene, either. Plan accordingly. And if you see a street vendor selling suspiciously cheap dumplings? Go for it! (Just carry some Tums, just in case.)
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? Yes. (Insert exasperated sigh). It's a convenient, clean, and a perfectly serviceable place to crash before a cruise. Just go in with realistic expectations. It's that simple. If I were to return, I’d book a more expensive hotel, but even then, it’s a hotel. You’re mostly there for a cruise, not the hotel. Consider it a necessary evil on the path to adventure. And hey, after the chaos of the Shanghai airport and the sheer *terror* of cruise boarding lines, the Ji Hotel is honestly not the worst thing in the world. Just order the instant coffee before you go. Trust me!
