Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Unveiling the Hanting Hotel by Dishui Lake!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the Hanting Hotel by Dishui Lake in Shanghai, and trust me, this isn't your grandma's sterile hotel review. Forget the polished perfection; we're getting real. This place… well, let's just say it's got layers. And that's what makes it a hidden gem, right? Let's go!
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Right off the bat, this place is a mission to find. Seriously. Getting to Dishui Lake is a trek in itself (especially if you're coming from, say, Pudong Airport, which I was. [Airport Transfer, anyone? Actually, yeah. They got that. And I'll get back to it.]). It’s out in the boonies, which, depending on your vibe, can be a huge plus. It's far enough away from the hustle and bustle of central Shanghai that you can actually breathe. And that alone, after a long flight, is worth its weight in, well, Shanghai dumplings.
Accessibility: Let's Get Real (and Inclusive)
Okay, so Accessibility.. They have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator (thank God!). The website vaguely mentions accessibility (which, frankly, is a common theme in China - more on that later), so I can't personally vouch for how thorough it is, but the bones are there. Look, this isn't the Four Seasons – manage your expectations.
Getting Around: Navigating the "Easy"
Airport transfer: YES! Seriously, book this. The public transport to Dishui Lake, while technically possible, will leave you questioning every life choice. The hotel arranges a car (probably a taxi) and…voila! No stressful commutes = good start. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking are nice too.
The Hotel: First Impressions & the Room!
The lobby is, shall we say, functional. Think clean, well-lit, and not exactly Instagram-worthy. But hey, I wasn’t there for the lobby. I wanted a bed.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad & the Unexpected.
My room? [Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.] Okay, so… It was… clean. Emphasis on "clean." The Air Conditioning worked, which is a huge win in Shanghai humidity. Blackout curtains? Lifesavers. Free Wi-Fi that actually worked? A miracle. The bathrobes were fluffy, at least. The bed was…comfortable, but not something I'd write home about [Extra long bed, though – bonus points for tall travelers!]
The downside: (it's still a budget hotel, people!) No fancy toiletries. It had the basics, so don't expect amazing shampoo.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (and Semi-Sanitized - a must nowadays)
This area is where Hanting surprisingly shines. They've got plenty of measures in place. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment You kinda get the feeling they're really trying. Did I feel 100% confident? Maybe not, but they were doing something, and that's more than some places can say. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms Add these on top of that, and you sleep pretty well.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Shanghai Adventure
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
The breakfast buffet was… well, it was a breakfast. Expect a mix of Chinese and Western options. (Eggs…some kind of sad-looking bacon…toast that was definitely older than me) The coffee was passable. It’s included in the room price, so don't expect too much. Breakfast takeaway service, if you had to run. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement options are available.
The room service (24/7!) was a saving grace on a couple of tired evenings. The menu was basic, but the food was warm and filling. Bottle of water? Yep, you get one. Which is useful.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or, How to Avoid Shanghai Burnout)
Pool with view, Sauna, Spa: Uhm, I didn't see these. Website descriptions said there is a Pool with view, Spa/sauna: I'm a bit skeptical. Could be a long forgotten dream of past visitors. Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Possible, didn't get to it, but the walk around the lake is a good start! Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage are there (according to what the hotel says).
Getting Around (Within the Hotel…and Beyond)
Elevator? Yes. Elevator. Necessary, if you have heavy luggage (and, let's be honest, who doesn't?).
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Bar, Babysitting service, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Cashless payment service, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
Wi-Fi for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events are all good, I didn't get to test these. Daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly.
For the Kids: (Family Vibes)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, – This is probably why I saw quite a few people with kids, which is a great indication of the place.
The Quirks (Because Every Hotel Has Them)
- The language barrier can be real. Brush up on your Mandarin (or, you know, download a translation app). Google Translate is your friend!
- The walk to the lake itself is lovely.
- The price is right. Seriously. For the location and what you get, it's a steal.
My Honest Opinion: The Verdict
Look, the Hanting Hotel by Dishui Lake isn’t going to win any awards for luxury. It's no Ritz-Carlton, and it's not trying to be. But…it’s honest. It’s clean, comfortable, and, crucially, it works. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option in a location that gives you a proper break from the craziness of Shanghai, this is it. It's a perfectly acceptable place to crash after a long day of sightseeing (or, you know, working). It's a solid choice!
Final Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars (for what it is)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's polished travel itinerary. This is a Hanting Hotel Shanghai Lingang Dishui Lake Shanghai, China – SURVIVAL GUIDE (and hopefully, some genuine enjoyment!)
Day 1: Shanghai: The Great Concrete Jungle (and My Personal Struggle with Chopsticks)
- Morning (Like, REALLY morning - jet lag is a beast):
- 6:00 AM (God bless the rooster, even if I can't understand a word he's squawking): Wake up in the Hanting. Okay, "wake up" is generous. More like, be jolted awake by the sun blasting through the blinds and the incessant chatter filtering in from the hallway. My brain is still back in… well, wherever home is. The room is…adequate. Cleanish. The air conditioning is either a blizzard or a sauna. No in-between.
- 6:30 AM: Shower. Realize I forgot my travel shampoo. Panic sets in. This is a recurring theme, folks.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Now, this is where things get interesting. The hotel breakfast (included, thank the heavens) is a… buffet. A Chinese buffet. I cautiously approach the noodle station. (I'm scared of noodles. They're long and slippery, like the eels of the culinary world). Attempt to order, fail miserably, end up with a plate of something vaguely resembling fried dough and a mysterious broth. This is my official introduction to Chinese cuisine: Confusing, delicious, and probably going to give me a stomach ache.
- 7:30 - 8:30 AM: I have a walk outside and I see some people exercising with a music. I take some time to watch them and I think I'm not really flexible to do what they do.
- 8:00 AM: Coffee. Necessary. Now, this is a real problem. The coffee is… watery. Like, "I think this used to be coffee" watery. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I chug it down and pray for caffeine to kick in before I start falling asleep standing up.
- Afternoon: Dishui Lake Adventure… Maybe?
- 10:00 AM: Actually, finally go. I'm here to see Dishui Lake! It's supposed to be beautiful. Take a taxi. Negotiating the price is a whole adventure in itself, involving frantic pointing, gesturing, and the occasional "Ni hao!" (my entire Mandarin vocabulary). I think I get ripped off slightly, but hey, the driver's face was priceless when I tried to mime wanting to pay with a credit card.
- 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Arrive at Dishui Lake. Okay, it is pretty. A huge, man-made lake. The air feels… surprisingly clean. Take a leisurely walk. Get slightly lost. Wonder if the swans are plotting my demise. Notice the Chinese do what they do best, they take a photo every single moment and they take a photo of everything. They are so patient and they love it!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in Dishui Lake - another Chinese restaurant. I ordered some soup that I thought I knew, but it was salty and spicy. I couldn't eat it all. I'm already missing my usual food.
- Evening: The Hotel's Charm (and My Growing Hunger)
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Nap. Jet lag is winning. Hard.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner. I'm on my own tonight. Stare at the hotel restaurant menu. Everything looks… foreign. I order something vaguely resembling chicken. It arrives. Not sure what to make of it. After 2 hours of sitting, I decide to walk outside to get some snacks in the street. It was a good choice.
Day 2: Shanghai Chaos Continued… and a Food Revelation!
- Morning:
- 7:00 AM (Again with the rooster!): Wake up. Okay, slightly less disoriented. Maybe.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. Attempt to be more adventurous. Success! I find something vaguely familiar (scrambled eggs! Praise be!). And… I get the coffee right this time? miracle.
- Afternoon: Shanghai Exploration… Attempt 2!
- 9:00 AM: Visit a park. I didn't expect to see a park! But it was nice. More people taking pictures for sure.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Ok, I'm not a fan of Chinese food. But I found a place that serves "western" food. I ordered a pizza!
- Evening: Reflections and Chopstick Trauma Redemption
- 6:00 PM I see some amazing and beautiful places in internet and I want to see all of them, but i'll stay here for some days only.
- 7:00 PM:Dinner: I try the food again. Ok, not so bad. I use the chopstick again. Almost. I still can't use them right but it's getting slightly better.
Day 3: Departure… and a Promise to Return (Maybe… With More Chopstick Practice)
- Morning:
- 7:00 AM: WAKE UP! Finally feeling human.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast (same as before). Actually, I can't belive it but I'm beginning to like the food here!
- Departure:
- 9:00 AM: Last minute packing. Realize I haven't bought any souvenirs. Panic!
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the Hanting. Sad to leave.
- 10:30 AM: Taxi to the airport. Wave goodbye to Shanghai.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, I'm tired. Shanghai was… intense. The language barrier was real. The food was… an adventure. But even with the jet lag, the chopstick failures, and the occasional feeling of being utterly lost, I loved it. China is like a different planet. The culture is mind-blowing. I'm leaving with a full heart and a burning desire to learn how to use chopsticks properly. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing my own shampoo. And maybe a translator. And definitely a book on chopstick etiquette.
P.S. If you see a slightly bewildered tourist wandering around Dishui Lake, probably me. Come say hi. And maybe offer some advice on how to navigate a Chinese menu. I desperately need it.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Bluestone, Nehru Place!
Hanting Hotel by Dishui Lake: The Unofficial Guide (Warning: Possibly Over-Enthusiastic)
So, dish, dish, dish... Hanting Hotel by Dishui Lake? What's the *actual* deal? Is it just another soulless chain?
Okay, deep breaths. I went in expecting beige-on-beige disappointment, the usual Hanting. But... *whispers* ...it's surprisingly charming. Okay, "charming" might be strong. Let's say "pleasantly functional" with a side of "unexpectedly scenic." It’s not the Ritz. You're not going to find chandeliers and butlers. But for the price? And the LOCATION? Seriously, the location is everything. More on that later. I’d go back. Maybe. Possibly. Depends on the mood, the weather, and the availability of that *amazing* street food cart outside (more on THAT later too!).
The Lake! Dishui Lake! Is it *really* as stunning as those promotional photos imply? Because frankly, those things are usually a LIE.
Okay, here’s the truth. The promotional photos? Enhanced, absolutely. The sunsets? They're real. Like, *gasp*-inducing real. I, a jaded travel veteran, found myself actually, legitimately moved by a sunset over that lake. Cloudy day? Still pretty! Rainy day? Romantic (as long as you’ve got an umbrella, because the provided ones... well, we’ll get to that). The walk from the hotel? Glorious. Especially early mornings when it's all quiet and the mist is rising. Seriously, pack your hiking boots for a proper lake experience and the hotel's proximity to the lake makes everything better.
The Rooms! What are they *actually* like? Are we talking cramped prison cell or... something else?
Alright, let's be realistic. We're talking Hanting. Don't expect a suite. They *are* compact. Efficient. Cleanish. I'd say cleaner than my apartment, which says a *lot*. My room was okay. The beds were soft enough, if a little...springy, if you know what I mean. But, and this is important, the *windows* were large! And, they actually worked! Meaning, you get that magnificent lake view even from your cramped room, especially if you can get a lakeside room. The bathroom? Functional. Hot water? Always. Did I accidentally flood it because I didn't know how to properly operate the shower? Maybe. Okay, yes. Let's just say I learned quickly. And the air conditioning? Glorious in the Shanghai summer.
Breakfast? Is it the usual sad buffet of mystery meats and questionable coffee?
Okay, so the breakfast… is… breakfast. It’s included, which is always a win. Don’t expect gourmet. Do expect a variety of Chinese and Western options. The eggs? Scrambled. The coffee? Let’s just say it fuels you. The congee? Surprisingly good. The pastry situation? Hit or miss. I found myself mainly sticking to the noodles and dumplings. Basically, it’s good enough for a fuel-up, but don't go in expecting a Michelin-star experience. It is what it is. And frankly, after a night of lake air and maybe a bit of Baijiu at a nearby restaurant, it was all I needed.
Transportation to and from the hotel? Is it a nightmare?
Ah, this is where it gets interesting. It's not *central* Shanghai. You're choosing quiet and nature over immediate access to the Bund. That said, the Metro is your friend. Dishui Lake station is a manageable walk (15-20 minutes, which is a lovely walk in good weather. Less lovely in the rain). From there, you are good, but it does take time (about an hour and change to get to the city). Taxis and ride-sharing are readily available, but be prepared for the occasional language barrier. The *best* part? The journey on the Metro is an experience in itself. I got to see people, everyday life, things I would never see if I just took a taxi. Plus, it's a way to truly feel like you are a part of Shanghai.
Anything *bad* to report? What's the catch?
Okay, okay, here's the truth. Imperfections exist. The Wi-Fi? A bit temperamental. The front desk staff? Generally helpful, but speak limited English. The supplied toiletries? Let's just say, pack your own. The aforementioned umbrellas? Thin, flimsy, and probably not going to survive a proper Shanghai downpour. My big issue would be the service. It wasn't particularly bad, but it wasn't particularly *good*. But you know what? It wasn't a deal-breaker. And, if you crave a more intense experience in a foreign country, I think there is a benefit.
Let's talk *that* street food cart! What is the food, what is the deal, and how is it so important?
Oh. My. God. The street food cart. Okay, so there's this little gem right *outside* the hotel. I don't even know the name. It’s a lady. She sells… everything. Noodles, dumplings, skewers, you name it. The food is utterly, ridiculously delicious. My first night there, I was tired and a little overwhelmed. I walked out, saw the cart, and just… went for it. No expectations. Just hungry. And then… BAM! Flavor explosion. Like, the best noodles I've had in years. Seriously. I went back *every* night. The dumplings? Amazing. The skewers? Perfectly charred. The prices? Dirt cheap. She doesn’t speak any English, but that’s part of the charm. It's a purely local experience. One night, I accidentally ordered something I couldn't identify. It was a gelatinous, slightly spicy, mystery meat. I have *no* idea what it was. But it was delicious. I’d go back just for that cart. Seriously. Run, don't walk. You will not regret it. And if you find out what that gelatinous mystery meat is, tell me!
Would you recommend it? Truly?
Honestly? Yes. With caveats. If you're looking for luxury, avoid. If you're looking for a convenient base for exploring *the city* specifically, maybe not. If you're looking for a budget-friendly escape with stunning scenery, a relaxed vibe, and access to some of the *best* street food in Shanghai? Then absolutely. I'm still thinking about that cart. And the lake. And those sunsets. It's not perfect. Far from it! But those imperfections are part of what made it memorable. It's a hidden gem, alright. Just don't tell *too* many people. We don't want to ruin it, do we?
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