Shanghai Star Inn: Disney, Ocean Park & Airport Luxury Near Shanghai!
Shanghai Star Inn: Disney, Ocean Park & Airport Luxury Near Shanghai!
Shanghai Star Inn: My (Often Hilarious) Stint Near Disney (and the Airport…and Ocean Park? Wait, Which Ocean Park??) – A Review You (Probably) Actually Want to Read.
Alright, let's be real. When you’re booking a hotel near Shanghai, "luxury" is a word that can be thrown around more liberally than MSG into a bowl of noodles. But the Shanghai Star Inn? Well, it… it tries. And honestly, it's that effort, that sheer attempt, that makes it kinda endearing. Plus, you're probably exhausted from a transatlantic flight or battling hordes of tourists at the Shanghai Disneyland. So, let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is gonna be a ride. (And maybe a slightly bumpy one.)
First Impressions: The Airport…and that Other Park…
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: the location. The breathless marketing promises "Disney, Ocean Park & Airport Luxury Near Shanghai!" My initial reaction? "Ocean Park? Is there a secret Ocean Park I've missed? Hong Kong's Ocean Park is, like, a full-day trip away!" Turns out, "near" is a relative term. You're definitely closer to Pudong Airport (which is a HUGE plus, especially if you're running late like I ALWAYS am) than Disneyland, and maybe, JUST maybe, a really determined kid who could RUN THE DISTANCE could reach some… aquatic… thing. The point is, if you really want Disneyland, factor in a taxi.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… With Potential for a Laugh.
- Wheelchair accessible? I didn't personally test this, but the website says they have facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, so that's a good start. I'm always skeptical of these things, but hopefully, they've put some thought into it.
- Elevator: Yes, thank god, because after a long flight, I'm not climbing stairs.
- Accessibility (general): I have to be honest, I'm no expert on accessibility, but the hotel appeared to have wide hallways. Hopefully, they have ramps and all that jazz.
Rooms: Comfort, Quirks, and the Mystery of the "Complimentary Tea"
Okay, the rooms. Let's start with the good:
- Air conditioning: Crucial. Shanghai summers are brutal. It was blasting cold air and it was awesome
- Free Wi-Fi: Thank goodness! I needed to text my friend, to tell them that I had arrived safely.
- Comfortable bed and pillows: After a long flight, this is GOLD. My back was SO thankful.
- Blackout curtains: YES! Slept like a baby in the semi-darkness.
- Free bottled water: They knew their clientele.
Now, the quirks:
- "Complimentary Tea": Okay, it said complimentary tea. But the tea bags were… questionable. Let's just say they were probably not Earl Grey. I might have even been a bit afraid to make a cup.
- The TV channels: Lots of channels, but most of them were in Chinese. Which is fine, because I did make an effort to learn a few phrases, but I ended up watching a lot of…well, nothing.
- Bathroom phone: WHY? I had a moment of pure confusion where I was staring at it, wondering who I was going to call.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing Shenanigans & COVID-Era Considerations
- Cleanliness: Generally, things seemed clean enough. I didn't see any suspiciously glistening surfaces. Okay, let's be honest, I'm a bit of a germaphobe in hotels.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Room sanitization opt-out available & other COVID-19 safety measures: The hotel seemed to be trying really hard to make you feel safe. Hygiene certification was present, there were hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, and staff were wearing masks. The whole experience was slightly… clinical. Not a bad thing post-pandemic, but it did feel a little lacking in that "cozy, relaxing" vibe.
- Daily disinfection in common areas & Rooms sanitized between stays: Good to see they're taking this seriously.
- Safe dining setup & Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: I didn’t eat in the kitchen, but everyone should be making an effort.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff seemed professional and knowledgeable.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet Dreams to… Well, Experiences.
- Breakfast (Buffet): Okay, the breakfast buffet. This is where things got…interesting. The Asian breakfast options were pretty good the omelets were to die for. The Western breakfast, though? Let's just say my dreams of croissants and perfectly brewed coffee were slightly… dashed. The coffee was a bit like dishwater,
- Restaurants: There were a few restaurants on-site. I tried one. The food was… edible. Not bad, not amazing.
- Room service (24-hour): Always a win. Especially when you wake up at 3 AM thanks to jet lag and need a snack.
- Poolside Bar/ Bar: I did not use these. Maybe next time.
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge Smiles to Laundry Lamentations
- Concierge: The concierge was helpful, but the English was sometimes… strained. But they tried their absolute best, and that's what matters.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always made up beautifully.
- Laundry service: Convenient, but it took a long time for my clothes to arrive, the clothes came back nicely folded, which made up for the tardiness.
- Luggage storage: Handy for early check-ins or late check-outs.
- Business facilities: They had a business center with a printer, fax, etc. Essential for those who need it.
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities
- I didn't see any kids stuff.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams & Gym Reality
- Fitness center: I looked at the fitness center. It was… adequate. I think it had a treadmill and a few weights.
- Spa/Sauna: The spa sounded promising, but I didn't have time. Next time!
Getting Around: Airport Bliss & Taxi Troubles
- Airport transfer: The airport transfer was smooth and easy. That's a major perk.
- Taxi service: Taxis are readily available, but be prepared for communication barriers. I attempted to show the driver the hotel address on my phone, and he just stared at it blankly. I ended up just pointing and hoping for the best
- Car park [free of charge]: Free car park.
My Verdict: A Solid Choice with Quirks.
The Shanghai Star Inn isn't perfect, but it's a perfectly acceptable place to crash near the airport. The rooms are comfortable enough, the staff tries hard, and the airport transfer is a godsend. The location is a bit misleading if you're picturing Disney.
Would I stay again? Probably. Especially if I need to be near the airport. It's not glamorous, but it's clean, safe, and the price is right. And hey, if you're lucky, maybe they'll have upgraded the coffee! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to hunt down a decent croissant.
Escape to Zibo: Luxury Shell Hotel Awaits in Pu Songling!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're getting my actual, no-filter, stream-of-consciousness itinerary for a trip to the Star Inn in Shanghai's Lingang New Area. This isn't some polished, airbrushed travel brochure. This is the real deal. Prepare for chaos, questionable choices, and a whole lotta feelings.
Shanghai Scramble: Star Inn & Beyond - Prepare for Takeoff (And Maybe a Small Crash Landing)
Day 1: Arrival & That Hotel… (Oh God, The Hotel)
- Morning (or, more accurately, "The Middle of the Night" - Thanks, Jet Lag!): Drag your weary self out of the Pudong International Airport (PVG). Seriously, that airport is HUGE. Like, "could get lost for a week" HUGE. Pre-booked a taxi…hopefully learned my lesson this time and did it in advance! (Last time nearly missed the bus and then arrived at the Star Inn dishevelled, grumpy, and smelling faintly of airport pretzels. Not a good look.) Finally, after a lot of pointing and a very confused driver, we are at the Star Inn. Praying it's not a complete disaster.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Check-in. Pray again. The online pics looked decent, but let's be honest, budget hotels can be anything from "surprisingly charming" to "a portal to another dimension of grime." Hopefully, the bathroom doesn't smell of damp socks. My biggest fear is always the shower. Is it a trickle? Will the water be scalding hot? Or both? Seriously, the water situation is crucial to my sanity.
- Afternoon: Unpack? Maybe. I'm usually too overwhelmed by the new surroundings to unpack immediately. Instead, I'll probably just collapse on the bed, stare at the ceiling and mentally prepare myself for the life-altering adventure the internet promised. Maybe a quick scan of the room for bed bugs. Don't judge. It's a legit concern! Then, a quick wander around the block to get my bearings, and a small snack, from a local small shop.
- Evening: Dinner. Absolutely must eat something incredibly local. Maybe some xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from a tiny hole-in-the-wall place. I'm terrible with chopsticks, so I'll probably make a mess and splatter soup everywhere. But hey, immersion, right? Then, a stroll to the nearest convenience store to stock up on snacks (because jet lag + unfamiliar city = perpetual hunger). Collapse back at the hotel, battling the urge to fall asleep in my clothes. Try to watch some tv so am not too sleepy, and just for funsies, and watch something in Mandarin Chinese.
Day 2: Disney Dreams & Existential Dread (Mostly Disney)
- Morning: Disney Day! Yes, that Disney. Shanghai Disneyland. Okay, so this is a big one. I've heard mixed things – massive crowds, long lines, potentially soul-crushing. But I'm a sucker for a good theme park, and the pictures look AMAZING. Book the train tickets in advance. This is crucial.
- Midday/Afternoon: Disney! Hit the rides. Scream a lot. Eat all the snacks. Try to get those coveted photos in front of the castle. Probably fail miserably. I'm not exactly a graceful photographer. Prepare for the lines. Bring a portable charger. And maybe a small emotional support animal (I'm kidding… mostly). This is where most energy will get spent.
- Evening: Disney fireworks! This is supposed to be a can't-miss. Try to secure a good viewing spot. Cry from happiness (or exhaustion, who knows?). Then, the mad dash for the train back to the Star Inn. Hope I don’t get trampled. Reflect on what is being learned or taken from this experience.
Day 3: Ocean Wonders & Fishy Encounters (and Possibly Seasickness)
- Morning: A trip to the Haichang Ocean Park. I love everything about the ocean, sea creatures, and the thrill of discovering the amazing world underneath the water. Again, research directions, book tickets to avoid wasting anytime queueing!
- Afternoon: Ocean Park! Watch the dolphin show. Get splashed. Gawk at the beluga whales (they're so… otherworldly). Maybe take a ride on that terrifying rollercoaster. Or maybe not. Depends on how brave I'm feeling today. I’m not sure if I have a heart for all that thrill!
- Evening: Still at the Ocean Park? If not, head back to the hotel early or head to the local shopping mall for some dinner and to soak up even more local life.
Day 4: Nature, Wildlife, And Maybe a Little Misery (at the Zoo)
- Morning: Head to Shanghai Wildlife Park! I love animals, even though a lot of them, I can't stand but still love them. This is where I might see my first Panda! (Fingers crossed. Panda cuteness is vital for mental health.)
- Midday/Afternoon: Explore the Wildlife Park. Try not to get eaten by the tigers (figuratively, of course). Take a million photos of everything that moves (and some things that don't). Probably get hopelessly lost. Probably get rained on. Prepare for a long walk.
- Evening: Relax, reflect, and then order some takeaway.
- Maybe: Consider a visit to the Dishui Lake. It's supposed to be pretty, but I'm not much of a lake person. Unless there are more pandas. Then, I'm in.
Day 5: The Journey Home (and the Post-Trip Blues)
- Morning: Pack. Try to fit everything back into my suitcase. Fail spectacularly. Suffer a crisis of identity on what to keep or throw away.
- Midday: Taxi to the Pudong Airport. Say a small prayer that the traffic gods are on my side.
- Afternoon/Evening: Fly home. Spend the entire flight reliving the trip in my head. Start planning my next adventure, even before I've fully recovered from this one. Mutter about wanting more local experiences and the desire to return and make it happen. The post-trip blues always hit hard. But, hey, at least I have the memories (and the blurry photos) to prove I was actually there.
Miscellaneous Ramblings & Unrealistic Expectations:
- Food Adventures: I will try stinky tofu. I might regret it. I will eat everything I can get my hands on. (My stomach may or may not thank me.)
- Language Barriers: I know approximately five words of Mandarin. I'll be relying heavily on Google Translate and wild hand gestures. Expect embarrassing moments. Embrace them.
- Perfect Moments: I'm hoping for random acts of kindness from strangers. I'm hoping for some beautiful sunsets. I'm hoping to feel a deep connection to the city. I'm also prepared for all of that to get completely overshadowed by a rogue mosquito bite.
- The "Imperfect" Stuff This is where all the imperfections will come to the forefront. Lost luggage. Language barriers. Misunderstandings. Getting on the wrong train. Being hopelessly lost and alone. These are the moments that make a trip truly memorable. And also create the best stories.
So, there you have it. My totally unedited, probably slightly insane, itinerary for Shanghai. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it. And hopefully, your trip to the Star Inn will be much more organized and less… me.
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Shanghai Star Inn: Disney, Ocean Park & Airport – Should YOU Even Bother?! A Deep Dive (Because I Kinda Regret Not Doing More Research!)
Alright, Spill the Tea: Is the Shanghai Star Inn ACTUALLY close to EVERYTHING?
Okay, so… "close" is a relative term, right? They *say* it's near Disney, Ocean Park, and the airport. And technically, they're right. But picture this: after a 14-hour flight from, let’s say, *cough, cough, London...* you're *DYING* for a comfy bed. This Inn… well, it's not EXACTLY a hop, skip, and a jump. Google Maps lied a little. It's a taxi ride to everything, which means depending on the Shanghai traffic, you might be contemplating if you should just lay in the middle of the road because at least the mattress will be more comfortable than this ride. Disney's a decent taxi trip. The airport wasn't too bad, but the *idea* of 'near'… needs a serious rethink.
Look, it's *near* as in, 'within reach'. Just be prepared for some serious travel time. Bring snacks. Download some podcasts. Pray to the traffic gods. And seriously, pack some earplugs. You'll need them for the plane AND occasionally, the walls of the hotel itself. More on that later…
The Rooms: Luxurious or… Let's Just Say "Functional"?
Haha, "luxury". Bless their hearts. The rooms are… functional. Let's go with functional. The bed? Fine. Pillows? Eh, could be better. Think slightly deflated marshmallows. The decor? Kind of… well, think beige on beige with a hint of, "we tried". There was a TV, though! And it had channels. (I may or may not have spent a solid hour trying to find English-speaking ones, only to end up watching a subtitled cooking show about making dumplings. I've never even *eaten* a dumpling!)
One thing that kinda freaked me out? The cleanliness. It’s definitely… a work in progress. I found a hair on the bathroom sink. MY hair? No. A hair from the previous guest, or the one before that. I'd rather not know. But hey, at least the shower worked. After a day at Disney, a shower is a freaking *miracle*, so I didn't really complain. I just held my breath a *lot*. And the view out the window? Let's just say I wasn't exactly gazing upon a breathtaking Shanghai skyline. More like… a parking lot. But hey, at least it was quiet-ish. Mostly.
Okay, Spill the Beans on the "Airport Luxury." Is it a Lie?
Airport luxury? Oh, honey, no. Let's be real. This isn't the Ritz-Carlton, people. It's… convenient-ish. The fact that it's near the airport *is* a plus, I will give them that, especially after a long flight. BUT, again, it's not *right there*. A taxi ride is still required. Think of it as a slightly less stressful airport experience than trying to find a hotel at 3 AM from the airport directly.
Is it a good place to crash for a connecting flight? Yes. Is it the pinnacle of luxury? Nope. Think of it as a comfy pit-stop, a place to decompress before going to your next adventure. It's good for what it is, and no more.
The Breakfast: Should I Even Bother? (Because I'm REALLY not a morning person)
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. Listen to me, okay? If you're expecting a Western-style spread of eggs and bacon, you're in for a shock. It's… well, it's generally a Chinese breakfast. Which means, if you're like me, you might be spending your morning cautiously poking at unfamiliar things. Think congee (rice porridge) and a variety of… shall we say, *mysterious* side dishes. There were definitely some tasty things. I enjoyed some savory buns.
My advice? Go in with an open mind. Try everything. And if you see something that looks truly terrifying? Take a picture. Then maybe… skip it. Grab some instant noodles from the nearby convenience store. Sometimes your stomach just needs what it knows.
Oh, and the coffee. My god, the coffee. Let's just say it's… *thin*. Bring your favourite instant coffee. You'll thank me later. I brought like five packs. I wasn't the only one.
Disney Shanghai: WORTH THE HYPE? And, More Importantly, Is This Hotel a Good Base for it?
Okay, Disney. This place…. wow. The park itself? Absolutely fantastic! I’m talking the rides, the atmosphere, and watching the little kids’ eyes light up when seeing Mickey Mouse… pure magic. Disney Shanghai is incredible. Even if you are 30, it’s still amazing.
Now, about the Star Inn being the *perfect* base for it… well, it’s okay. It’s not ideal. Think of it as a launchpad. A tired launchpad. You'll be happy you’re there when you're completely exhausted after a day dodging screaming toddlers, but don't expect to stroll in. You'll need a taxi or rideshare, and the journey can take a bit. So, plan accordingly. Pack snacks and drinks for the trip. And maybe throw in some noise-cancelling headphones for the ride. Trust me, you'll need these.
Honestly, if you're *all* about Disney, there might be slightly closer options, but this is doable. Just don't expect to roll out of bed and be at the castle. That would be amazing, but it's not this hotel. Still, the convenience of being near the airport might make the slightly longer Disney commute worth it. Especially if you are tired after your plane ride. Consider your priorities, people!
Ocean Park: Another Taxi Adventure?
Ocean Park… I did not go, but I did look into transportation options. Seems very similar to Disney. Taxi. Probably some traffic headaches. So, plan on some travel time. I'd recommend booking a driver ahead of time if you have the option, because flagging one down in the area might be a pain. I've heard great things about Ocean Park, though! If you go, tell me what it looks like.
The Staff: Friendly or… Lost in Translation?
They were… nice. Generally. The staff were trying. They were polite and generally helpful with what they could. English wasn't their strong suit. Pointing and using Google Translate became your best friend. I'm pretty sure I ended up using a lot more hand gestures than I do in my everyday life. Cangzhou's BEST Hotel Near the New Bus Station? (Shell Hotel Hejian Review)
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