I didn't choose the noisy chain hotels in the Xinzhuang commercial district when I came to Minhang, Shanghai to discuss the project. Instead, I casually booked the Jinyan Hotel Shanghai on Chunshen Road. I originally only thought it was close to the subway, but after living there for three days, I realized that this old building with a 90s style hides a rare slow paced and relaxed feeling in Shanghai.
After leaving Exit 5 of Chunshen Road Subway Station, walking 320 meters, you can see the sign of Jinyan Building, without even taking a few extra steps for navigation. The attitude of the front desk when checking in was gentle and friendly. Knowing that I was going to a meeting in Xinzhuang Industrial Zone the next day, they specifically reminded me of the subway schedule during the morning rush hour and even gave me a guide card to nearby convenience stores, saying that if I wanted to buy late night snacks, I didn't have to take a long detour. The moment I pushed open the door, I immediately felt the reality of the old hotel: the room area was larger than that of other chain hotels in the same price range, the independent dressing room was hidden behind the door, the luggage was spread out without blocking the aisle, and the furniture had a warm feeling worn by time, without the cold plastic smell of the new hotel.
What surprised me the most was the quietness here. I closed the window at night, and I could hardly hear the sound of traffic outside. I rushed to the plan for two consecutive days until late at night, and after lying down for less than ten minutes, I could fall into a deep sleep without the trouble of being woken up by late night traffic in hotels in the city. The next day, I got up early to have a buffet breakfast. The price of 30 yuan per person was more than expected. The hot Congee, steamed steamed buns, and clear mouthed dishes, even the local Wonton in Shanghai were cooked delicious. I didn't have to make a living to eat cold bread, but my morning appearance was relaxed.
After checking, I found out that this building opened in 1999 and can be considered as an old business hotel in Minhang. The facilities do have a bit of a vintage feel, without fancy smart robots. You have to go downstairs to pick up a package by yourself. The main power switch is hidden behind the pillow at the bedside. On my first day in the room, I searched for it for a long time and almost forgot to turn off the main power. My phone couldn't charge. But these small inconveniences cannot cover up its thoughtfulness: the parking lot is open for free, and friends who come by car do not have to find expensive parking spaces in the surrounding area; The basic items such as luggage storage and wake-up service were done steadily and thoroughly. Even the front desk helped me process the meeting materials that I needed to print at the last minute without charging any extra money.
When I have free time, I take a walk along the surrounding area and can walk for more than ten minutes to reach the Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre. The evening breeze carries the smoke and fire from nearby residential areas, which is much more comfortable than crowded on Nanjing Road. The hotel's grand banquet hall and over a dozen conference rooms are kept clean and tidy. When I passed by, I saw many companies holding their annual meetings here. The supporting professional audio and projection equipment can fully meet the needs of various meetings.
Before leaving, I dragged my suitcase towards the subway station. Looking back at the building of Jinyan Building, I suddenly felt that it was like a microcosm of the Minhang area: without the fancy marketing of internet famous hotels, but relying on solid maintenance and proper service, it left a stable place for every passing guest to stay. Next time I come to Minhang, I will definitely choose Jinyan Hotel Shanghai - compared to the hustle and bustle of the bustling city, this down-to-earth tranquility is the most rare thing in business trips.Show more