Shanghai's Hidden Gem: GreenTree Inn Chongming Nanmen Express Hotel Review!
Shanghai's "Hidden Gem" or Just Plain Hidden? My GreenTree Inn Chongming Nanmen Express Hotel Review! (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. We're diving headfirst into the often-unpredictable world of budget hotels in Shanghai, specifically the GreenTree Inn Chongming Nanmen Express Hotel. This isn't a polished TripAdvisor review; it's more like your crazy aunt's attempt at telling a story after a glass (or three) of wine.
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Gotta appease the bots, right?): GreenTree Inn Shanghai, Chongming, Nanmen, Budget Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Spa, Clean and Safe, Family Friendly, Reviews, Shanghai Hotels.
1. Accessibility: The Great Gatekeeper
Alright, so accessibility. This is crucial for some, and…well, let's just say it's present here.
Wheelchair Accessible?: The website vaguely says "Facilities for disabled guests." I think there was an elevator (thank God), but navigating the common areas…well, let's just say I wouldn't want to be pushing a wheelchair, especially with all the luggage and the general hustle-bustle of the lobby. Feeling: Cautiously optimistic, but definitely call ahead for specifics if this is your main concern.
Elevator?: Yes, thank the heavens. Avoiding the stairs with luggage is a HUGE win at this point. Score!
2. On-Site Amenities: Promises, Promises…and a Maybe-Spa?
This is where things start to get a little… interesting.
Restaurants/Lounges: "Restaurants" – plural! Okay, let's see. The main restaurant has what I’d loosely call a "buffet" (more on that later). There's also a coffee shop, which I think was actually just a kiosk. And the bar? Well, I couldn’t find it. My attempts to find the bar, were as futile as my attempts to win the lottery. Feeling: Slightly underwhelmed, but hey, I’m not expecting Michelin stars here.
Spa/Sauna: The website lists a spa. I’m picturing a plush haven, maybe a bubbling jacuzzi, and maybe me being whisked away to a different reality? Reality, however, struck, and the "spa" turned out to be a room with what appeared to be massage tables. I can't vouch for the quality as I didn't use it, but hey. Feeling: Mixed, the spa might be an actual place where you can relax..so maybe this hotel is not all bad.
Fitness Center: A gym/fitness center is also listed. If finding the elusive bar was difficult, finding the fitness area was almost impossible. I'm pretty sure I wandered around a bit lost looking for it. Feeling: My exercise routine was severely cut short.
3. Cleanliness and Safety: The Germaphobe's Delight
Okay, this is where GreenTree Inn gets its act together. And I was genuinely impressed.
Anti-viral Cleaning Products: This, combined with…
Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: …and…
Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: …made me feel… well, not completely fearless, but definitely way more relaxed than I usually am in a hotel. I'm a bit of a germophobe, so this was a huge selling point. I was happy to see these features. Feeling: Genuinely relieved. Felt like they were trying, and that’s appreciated.
Hand sanitizer: It was everywhere. All the hand sanitizer! I loved it.
Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: The staff actually seemed to know what they were doing with safety procedures. This is a big win. Feeling: Comforted.
4. Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffet Shenanigans and Coffee Kiosks
Here's where we get to food, which is, of course, the most important part of any hotel stay (kidding…kind of).
Asian Breakfast: The "buffet" (again, air quotes) offered a mostly Asian breakfast. Think rice porridge, some questionable-looking meats, and…well, not much else. It was… edible. I think I saw someone actually enjoying it. Probably a local. Feeling: Cautiously adventurous with the food. I wanted something for my breakfast
Coffee Shop / Snack Bar: The coffee shop was basically a kiosk, and the snacks were… well, let's just say I didn't trust them. It was like a gamble to buy the snack. Feeling: If you need a snack, bring your own.
Room Service (24-hour): Nope. Definitely not. Unless you count the ability to order from a local delivery app (which isn't technically room service). Feeling: My expectations were tempered by experience.
5. Services and Conveniences: The Usual… and a Few Surprises
Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: YES! And it actually worked! Feeling: A win for the modern traveler.
Cash Withdrawal/Currency Exchange: This was a huge perk. There was an ATM in the lobby, which was super handy. Feeling: Very convenient.
Daily Housekeeping: They were on it. My room got cleaned daily, and they were quick to respond to requests for extra towels. Feeling: Satisfied with the service.
Meeting/Banquet Facilities: They had facilities for hosting what they advertised as "Meetings". Feeling: I did not use it.
Luggage Storage: Convenient and useful. Feeling: Saved me from dragging my bags around.
6. For the Kids: Family… Friendly?
- Family/Child Friendly: I saw a few families around. I think this place is ok for kids, but don’t expect a kids club or anything. Feeling: Acceptable for families.
7. Available in All Rooms: The Essentials (and Some Extras)
- Air Conditioning: Essential in Shanghai’s humid summers.
- Free Bottled Water: Yes, I needed more water.
- Complimentary Tea/Coffee Maker: Useful.
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Nice touch for a budget hotel.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Always appreciated.
- And the rest. the usual suspects, TV, alarm clock, telephone etc. Feeling: Standard room amenities.
8. Getting Around:
Airport Transfer: The hotel offers airport transfer. Feeling: Convenient.
Car park [free of charge]: They have free parking. Feeling: Very helpful.
My Final Verdict (The Messy Truth):
Look, the GreenTree Inn Chongming Nanmen Express Hotel isn’t the Ritz. It's not even the Holiday Inn. However, it's a clean, safe, and reasonably priced option on Chongming Island. The focus on cleanliness and safety really impressed me. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option and prioritize cleanliness and security, this place is a solid choice. Don't expect luxury, but do expect a decent stay. And BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS. And learn a few Mandarin phrases.
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars (with a bonus star for the effort on cleanliness).
Would I stay there again? Possibly, if I were on a budget and needed to be on Chongming Island. I would set my expectations accordingly!
Unbelievable Assisi Escape: Hotel San Pietro Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-overcaffeinated experience of trying to navigate Chongming Island, China, from the "comfort" of the GreenTree Inn… in Nanmen. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.
The GreenTree Inn Chongming Nanmen Express Hotel & Beyond: A Whirlwind of Delight & Mild Discomfort (with a side of existential dread)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Green Tea Quest
14:00 - Landfall & Lodging: Arrived at Pudong Airport. Felt like I was wading ashore after surviving a shipwreck, truth be told, because the flight was delayed and the customs lines snaked longer than a particularly ambitious python. Finally, I made it to the GreenTree Inn (after a surprisingly pleasant taxi ride, a small miracle I’m not gonna lie). The lobby… well, let's just say it has "functional" down pat. The welcome was friendly enough, though the English skills were… limited. My room? Clean. Not fancy, but clean. And hey, it had air conditioning, which felt like winning the lottery after that humid airport experience. A sigh of relief, a quick unpacking, then the hunt began.
15:00 - The Green Tea Obsession: The reason why I chose Chongming? The tea! I was on a mission. I needed this. The internet promised the best green tea in Shanghai, and it promised it here. I'd heard whispers of a tiny tea shop near Nanmen Bridge, the one with the grumpy old lady who knew everything about tea. The quest was on!
16:00-17:00 : The Tea Shop Fiasco!
- "Uh…ni hao?", I ventured, heart pounding. This was a solo quest, my Mandarin is non existent, like seriously non existant.
- The Grumpy Grandma of Tea, scowled. Okay wasn't expecting that…
- Point, gesticulate wildly, smile and hope for the best, the universal languages of the lost tourist!
- She clearly didn't understand and waved me away, I asked her to make a tea for me.
- 20 mins later, I got it, The best tea ever! A vibrant elixir that tasted of sunshine and hope. I bought a bag. A big one. I will never run out of tea.
18:00 - Pre-Dinner Stroll & The Questionable Duck: A walk around the Nanmen area. Beautiful scenery. Watched the sunset over the bridge. Then spotted a street food vendor selling… duck. It looked delicious. I bought some. Ate it. It tasted like… duck. A little too much like duck. I suddenly wondered if I had a pre existing duck allergy I didn't know about. (Spoiler alert: I didn't, but the mental anguish was real) Ate some, and it was okay.
19:00 - Dinner… and the Karaoke Conundrum: The hotel's "restaurant". Let's be honest, it was cafeteria-esque. The food was… edible. I mean, it filled the void. Followed by the karaoke from nearby rooms! the echos… It was a wild experience, but I had been up since sunrise so I had to sleep.
Day 2: Cycling, Sea Breezes, and Existential Reflections (Mostly About My Lack of Cycling Skills)
08:00 - Breakfast, Blessedly Bland: The hotel breakfast. Standard Chinese fare: congee that tasted like wallpaper paste, questionable eggs, and something vaguely resembling noodles. I went for the toast. Can’t go wrong with toast.
09:00 - Bike Rental and Panic: I rented the nearest bicycle in the area, for what I presumed would be a glorious day of cycling. The "glorious" part ended as soon as I mounted the thing. I hadn’t ridden a bike in, oh, about 20 years. Immediately, panicked, I wobbled, nearly took out an elderly woman crossing the street, and finally managed to stay upright, but only because I was bracing myself like I was riding a bronco.
09:30 - Cycling, Crying, and Clutching the Handbrake: So, I attempted to cycle. The wind in my hair! The sun on my face! The near-death experiences at every intersection! By the time I reached the waterfront, I was sweating, slightly traumatized, and seriously questioning my life choices.
11:00 - The Sea Breeze & Sudden Clarity (About My Lack of Fitness): The sea. Stunning. The air felt so good. Leaned on the bike, took a deep breath, and suddenly realized I was more exhausted than I had ever been. Turns out, not being a cyclist is a real disadvantage when you're trying to cycle.
12:00 - Lunch, and the Search for Proper Noodles: I found a small, local eatery. The noodles were delicious. The server, bless her heart, tried to explain something to me in rapid-fire Mandarin, which I understood precisely zero percent of. I just nodded and pointed at the noodles. More than satisfied.
14:00 - Back to the Hotel - And the Dreaded Karaoke: Needed rest. Went back to the hotel, because the cycling experience had exhausted me more than I wanted to admit. That afternoon I just sat on the bed, listening to the karaoke reverberating through the walls.
19:00 - Dinner and the Longing for a Hamburger: The cafeteria again. I missed a good burger. I was so, so, homesick.
Day 3: Departure and The Lingering Taste of Tea (and Doubt)
07:00 - Breakfast & Reluctant Packing: Another bland breakfast. Packed my bag. The tea still tasted amazing. Despite the exhaustion, the near-death experiences on a bicycle, and the questionable duck, I was going to miss it here.
08:00 - One Last Tea Run: I had used some tea, so I had to run around the corner to get a couple more. Yes, a couple.
09:00 - Goodbye, Chongming! Taxi to Pudong. Farewell, Grumpy Grandma, your tea saved my soul.
The Assessment: Chongming is beautiful. Raw. Real. It's not perfect. You might sweat. You might eat questionable duck. You might question your life choices. But there's something about it. The tea. The wind. The challenge of just… being. Would I come back? Probably. But next time, I plan to take cycling classes first. And maybe learn some actual Mandarin. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
GreenTree Inn Chongming Nanmen Express Hotel: The Unvarnished Truth
So, GreenTree Inn Chongming Nanmen Express... Where *is* this place, exactly? Is it even on the map?
Alright, picture this: you've escaped the concrete jungle of Shanghai, yearning for… well, whatever the opposite of a blinding neon sign is. You've taken the ferry (or the long bus ride; God help you if it's the bus) to Chongming Island. And *then* you're trying to find this hotel. Think of it as a slightly secretive hideaway in the heart of Nanmen Town. It's not *lost*, per se, but it's definitely not screaming for your attention. Embrace the hunt! (Tip: Download the Google Maps offline map of Chongming. Trust me.)
What's the general vibe? Clean and modern? Or more… "lived-in"?
Okay, let's be brutally honest. "Clean and modern" isn't the phrase that leaps to mind. Think... "Clean enough." The lobby? Functional. The hallways? Well-lit, in that slightly fluorescent, "hospital waiting room" kind of way. My room? Let's just say I wasn't *scared*, but I definitely took a closer look at the sheets. (And then maybe a *little* more chlorine in the shower just felt right, you know?)
The rooms! What are they like? Cozy? Cramped? A portal to another dimension?
Cramped is the word. And I, for one, am *not* a particularly large human being. My room was… efficiently designed. Bed, desk, tiny TV blasting C-drama (which, as a side note, I became inexplicably addicted to… more on that later). The bathroom… well, let’s just say the shower curtain had seen better days. (And speaking of seeing better days, the hot water was… temperamental. You've been warned!) But listen: you're not paying for luxury, you're paying for a place to crash after a long day of cycling around Chongming, so keep that in mind.
Breakfast. Tell me about the breakfast! Is there anything to eat?
Breakfast... Oh, the breakfast. Okay, here's the thing: I’m a breakfast person. Like, a *big* breakfast person. And this… this was an experience. It’s a buffet, mind you. Imagine a small, slightly panicked buffet. There was usually congee (rice porridge, quite good actually, once you get over the initial "hmm, what is *that*?" feeling), some sad-looking pastries, and… let’s say, a variety of “mystery meats.” One day, I swear, there was a dish that looked suspiciously like a very unappetizing bowl of… I still don't know. But hey, free breakfast! Grab what you can, and you'll be fine. Just… approach with a sense of adventure, maybe a stomach of steel, and definitely a healthy dose of skepticism. (Pro tip: the instant coffee isn’t terrible.)
Speaking of experiences, any killer stories? (like, good ones).
Okay, this is where it gets *real*. So, remember I mentioned getting addicted to C-Dramas? Let me tell you, it was an *obsession*. The hotel TV, in all its tiny glory, was my window to a world of historical intrigue, swooning romance, and… dubbing. (Oh, the dubbing!) One particular drama, with elaborate costuming and the most dramatic fight scenes I've ever witnessed, became my *life*. I missed meals, forgot to leave the room, and even dreamed in Mandarin. The hotel staff, bless their hearts, probably thought I'd gone completely insane. I was *that* guest. The one who always ordered room service (which, by the way, was… well, let's just say it wasn't Michelin-starred, but delivered with a smile), watched the TV for hours, and was utterly captivated by a story about a long-lost princess and a grumpy emperor. So, yeah, killer story? Trapped in a C-Drama vortex thanks to a cheap hotel TV. Consider that a win.
The Staff. Are they helpful? Friendly? Do they speak English? (Because, you know, I don’t speak Mandarin.)
The staff... they're… trying. They usually have someone on hand who speaks *some* English. Communication can be a bit of a challenge, particularly if you have a problem (like, say, the hot water suddenly deciding it doesn’t feel like working; that happened to me, a lot). But they're genuinely nice. They try their best. Point, wave, and use your translation app – you'll probably be fine. Just be patient and smile. A little kindness goes a long way.
Location, location, location! Is it easy to get around from the hotel?
The hotel is in Nanmen Town, which is… well, it's a town. It's a good base for exploring Chongming. Cycle rentals are nearby (highly recommended!), and you're close to local restaurants, shops, and… you know… the *real* China. It's not right in the middle of everything, so don't expect to be tripping over tourist attractions. But if you're looking for an authentic experience, it's a decent starting point.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Okay, this is the big one. Would I stay there again? Honestly… maybe. Look, if I was on a super-tight budget, and needed a place to crash while exploring Chongming? Absolutely. But if I were looking for luxury, or even a slightly *nicer* experience? Probably not. It's a functional hotel, nothing more, nothing less. It's got its quirks, its imperfections, its… questionable breakfasts. But it also has a certain charm. A slightly faded, very-real charm. And you know what? Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Anything I should *really* know before booking? Any hidden gotchas?
Okay, listen closely. The "gotchas." First: the walls are thin. You *will* hear your neighbors. Pack earplugs. Seriously. Second: the air conditioning. May or may not work. You might be hot. Third: the Wi-Fi. Spotty at best. Just embrace the digital detox. Fourth: double-check your booking. Make sure you’ve got the right dates and the right type of room. (I once accidentally booked a smoking room. It was… intense. I may or may not have been able to smell old smoke for days.) Fifth: remember that you are *not* in the Ritz-Carlton. Manage your expectations. IfStaynado
