Jinan Shandong University's BEST Hotel? Jinjiang Inn Select Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, steaming, sometimes slightly baffling world of the Jinjiang Inn Select, supposedly the BEST hotel near Shandong University. I'm talking SEO-optimized, messy-human-experience review time! Let's get REAL.
First Impressions – And, Uh, Directions (Accessibility, Getting There, and Initial Vibes):
Alright, let's be honest, finding this place wasn’t exactly a breeze. My GPS was having a moment, and I swear, I saw more scooters than actual street signs. Accessibility-wise? Hmm. The entrance looked pretty standard, a ramp that seemed wheelchair-friendly (though I didn’t actually test it with a wheelchair, so take that with a grain of salt, please!). Car parking was a definite plus – free of charge and right on-site! That saved me the usual city parking nightmares. The doorman was a friendly face, thankfully, because I looked a little lost (and probably a little sweaty).
The Check-in (and the Unspoken Importance of Air Conditioning):
Check-in was surprisingly quick and painless -- contactless, even! Thank god for the internet. The front desk was available 24/7. That's a huge comfort if you're arriving at a weird hour, or, you know, just have questions at 3 AM (like, “Is this actually a Jinjiang Inn?”).
Inside the Room – Comfort and (Minor) Quirks:
My room… well, it was a room. It had a bed, a desk, and a TV. Air conditioning? Absolutely crucial! Thank goodness, because the Shandong summer can hit hard. Blackout curtains? Yes! Bless whoever decided those were necessary. Though, I did notice, the lighting felt a little…hospital-esque. Also, note to self: bring an extension cord. The outlets weren't exactly where I needed them to be, and I ended up awkwardly draped over the bed trying to charge my phone. Wi-Fi [Free] was a godsend. I mean, I work online!
The Bathroom Situation (and the Magic of Cleanliness):
Cleanliness is a big deal for me, especially after a long journey. I was happy to see that rooms are sanitized between stays. Everything looked sparkling clean – professional-grade sanitizing services were clearly in action! Hot water linen and laundry washing is on the list, and I believe it. The shower? Fine. Perfectly functional. The toiletries? Standard, but presentable. No complaints there. Separate shower/bathtub were available and additional toilet was in offer, though I did not use the offer.
The Questionable Spa and the Non-Existent Pool With a View:
Okay, the “spa.” Spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool (indoor) -- the listing promised these things. I will politely say… the promise of a pool with a view seemed incredibly optimistic. The fitness center wasn't exactly state-of-the-art, but at least it existed (and wasn't being used!). I didn’t venture into any body scrubs or wraps, but, I certainly felt I needed one after my travel. Massage and Foot bath are available. I'm not sure if the spa was for real.
Food and Drink: The Breakfast Bonanza (and the Curious Case of the “Asian Cuisine”):
Breakfast! Asian breakfast was offered, and the main offer was Breakfast [buffet]. Asian cuisine in restaurant and, yes, a vegetarian restaurant are available. Oh lord, it's a buffet. The buffet was…well, buffet-y. Some of the food was surprisingly tasty (the little dumplings! Amazing!), and some of it… not so much (the questionable mystery meat). The coffee/tea in restaurant was adequate. Happy hour? No.
Internet, Internet Access – Wi-Fi, and More Glorious Wi-Fi:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I was able to get work done, video call family, and generally avoid going completely stir-crazy. Internet access – wireless was available, though I did not see Internet [LAN] and Internet services.
Cleanliness and Safety in The Age of…Everything:
Daily disinfection in common areas. That's reassuring! Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol – I saw them wearing masks and generally being vigilant. Room sanitization opt-out available if you dare! Anti-viral cleaning products in action, I imagine. It felt… safe.
Things to Do (Or Not Do) and Ways to Relax (If You Can):
Honestly, this isn’t exactly the place for a vacation. There is Bicycle parking available. It's more of a functional, "get-your-head-down-and-get-things-done" kind of place. The shrine might be interesting.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Difference):
Daily housekeeping. A lifesaver! Dry cleaning? Excellent! Elevator? Indeed! Convenience store? Score! The luggage storage was helpful. The concierge was also available for questions.
For the Kids and Family Fun:
I didn’t see any kids, so I can't say. The family/child friendly is on the list. Babysitting service? I doubt it. Also, no pets.
Security (Because Peace of Mind is Priceless):
CCTV in common areas. CCTV outside property. Front desk [24-hour]. Safety/security feature! Smoke alarms. Fire extinguisher. Smoke detector.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It? (And My Honest Opinion):
Alright, is the Jinjiang Inn Select near Shandong University the best hotel? Maybe not. Is it the perfect hotel? Definitely not. But… for the price, convenience (especially if you're visiting the university), and the peace of mind that comes from the seemingly good hygiene practices, it’s a solid choice. It’s clean, functional, and the staff is nice.
My Emotional Reaction: I felt… relieved. It wasn't luxurious, or particularly glamorous, but I survived my stay, I was able to work productively, and I felt reasonably safe. It's a good, decent place to lay your head.
Compelling Offer - Book Now and Get a Free… Dumpling!
Okay, here's the deal, dear reader:
Want a clean, convenient, and (mostly) stress-free stay near Shandong University? Book your room at Jinjiang Inn Select today using the link below, and as a special bonus, we will offer you a free dumpling! It may not be a perfect experience, but it gets the job done.
Click Here To Book and Get Your Free Breakfast Dumpling! (Well, okay, maybe not the dumpling, but you get the idea!)
Tangerang Dream: Modern 1BR Tuscany Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Jinan adventure that’s less "polished Instagram influencer" and more "slightly bewildered tourist with a penchant for questionable street food." This is the Jinjiang Inn Select Jinan Shandong University Shanda South Road itinerary you didn't know you needed. Prepare for glorious imperfections.
Day 1: Arrival, Ramen Regret, and the Quest for the Perfect Pillow
- 14:00 - 15:00: Arrival and Initial Panic. Flight landed, luggage claimed (miraculously, my socks actually made it), and now… the hotel. Finding the Jinjiang Inn Select was a minor victory, mostly because the taxi driver kept mumbling about "foreigners" and "lost souls." (Maybe he knew something I didn’t.) The hotel lobby? Clean. Smell of floor cleaner and a faint undercurrent of… chicken. Intriguing. Check-in was smooth, blessedly, though the front desk guy looked like he’d stared into the abyss one too many times.
- 15:00 - 16:00: Room Inspection and Pillow Crisis. The room itself? Kind of… beige. Generic. But hey, clean sheets! (Essential.) My true nemesis, however, was the pillow situation. Rock hard. Seriously, I think it was filled with actual bricks. This is a major problem. I spent a solid 45 minutes harassing the poor housekeeping staff for a softer alternative. Found one! Sort of. It's like a small, fluffy boulder. This will be a battle.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Ramen-tastic Fiasco. Okay, so I thought I could handle the local ramen. Famous last words. Found a place nearby, steaming bowls of goodness… or so I thought. It was spicy. Oh, it was spicy. And the noodles? Apparently, they were made of cement. My tongue is still on fire. I think I might have sweat off a solid ten pounds. Lesson learned: always ask about the spice level. Always.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Evening Stroll (with a side of existential dread). Attempted a walk around the area. Jinan is… big. Really big. Got vaguely lost near Shandong University (hence the hotel's name, duh). Saw some students, they seemed perfectly normal. I, on the other hand, felt like a fish out of water, wandering around with my face red, regretting the Ramen. Didn’t see anything particularly noteworthy, besides a street vendor selling what appeared to be deep-fried… something. Decided to live for another day.
- 20:00 - Bedtime (Pillow Battles Commence). Back to the hotel. Confronting the pillow again. I’m fairly certain I’ll wake up with a crick in my neck. Might just fashion a pillow out of my socks at this point. A nice, fluffy-ish sock pillow would be. Okay, sleep tight.
Day 2: Springs, Sensory Overload, and the Ballad of the Missing Bus
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast of Champions (or, More Likely, Instant Noodles). The hotel breakfast buffet? A culinary adventure I chose to skip. Opted for the instant noodles I wisely packed. At least I knew what I was getting.
- 09:00 - 12:00: The Magnificent Baotu Spring (and the Tourist Shuffle). Okay, Baotu Spring is genuinely beautiful. The water bubbling up, the gardens… it's all very serene. Except for the hordes of tourists, all jostling for the perfect Instagram shot. Managed to squeeze in and snap some photos. Tried to ignore the selfie sticks and the screaming kids. Mostly failed. But hey, the water was pretty.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Lunchtime (the triumph of dumplings!). Found a local dumpling place. These dumplings were the absolute real deal. Juicy, flavourful, and without the spice-induced regret of the ramen. This is what I came for, the experience that I needed.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Daming Lake (and the Great Bus Debacle). Daming Lake was supposed to be the relaxing part of the day. It was relaxing… until I missed the bus. The bus I desperately needed. Ended up wandering around the lake aimlessly for an hour, muttering to myself. This is the level of chaos I'm capable of. Eventually found a taxi.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Shopping, Swindlers, and Survival. Found myself wandering around a busy market, a maze of stalls that were selling literally everything. Tried my best to haggle for a scarf, got massively ripped off (obviously), and then fled for my life. Found a coffee shop and chugged two espressos to recover from the shock. The people here are more clever than me. No, I'm not buying a silk scarf.
- 18:00 - 21:00: Dinner and a Night Cap of Regrets. Found a restaurant that sounded promising, but it's probably a bit more than my budget can handle. Ended up ordering a plate of fries to avoid spending too much.
- 21:00 - Nighttime: Pillow Fight (Round 2). Another night, another struggle with the brick of a pillow. Might start constructing a pillow fort at this point. Send help (and a decent pillow). Tomorrow, more spring adventures, hopefully without a bus-shaped disaster.
Day 3: More Springs, Goodbye Hugs, and the Post-Trip Blues (Already)
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast (I'm Surrendering to the Hotel Buffet). I'm not going to lie. I gave up. The hotel buffet. It is what it is.
- 09:00 - 12:00: Return to Black Tiger Spring. I had heard about Black Tiger Spring, and so I went there to see it with my own two eyes. The water was beautiful, but the place was so packed again that it ruined my mood.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Lunch (The Last Dumplings) I spent another hour grabbing a last bowl of dumplings before reluctantly packing my suitcase.
- 14:00 - 15:00: Check Out. Smooth sailing, thankfully.
- 15:00 - Airport. I'm leaving for home.
- 15:00 - 19:00: Flight. Taking off from the airport.
So there you have it. Jinan, in all its chaotic glory. It might not have been perfect (far from it), but it was me. And that, my friends, is a trip worth taking. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap to recover from the pillow.
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Jinan Shandong University's BEST Hotel? Jinjiang Inn Select Review! (Prepare for Real Talk)
Okay, spill the tea: Is this Jinjiang Inn Select actually "Select"? I mean, is it good?
Alright, let's be real. "Select" feels…optimistic. It's not the Ritz, folks. But is it good? THAT depends. If you're expecting fluffy pillows and room service 24/7, go find a fancier place. If you're a broke student or a traveler prioritizing location over luxury, then, yeah, it *can* be good. It's a solid, functional hotel near Shandong University. Emphasis on "functional." My first impression? Clean-ish, which is a major win in my book after some of the places I've crashed in during my travels.
What's the location like? Is it actually "near" the university? Because, you know, some people lie.
Okay, location? GOLD. Seriously. You can practically roll out of bed (if you're like me, and it wouldn't be pretty) and stumble onto campus. It’s super close. Perfect if you’re visiting a student, have a conference, or are just a hopeless romantic longing to wander around a beautiful campus (that's me, by the way. Don't judge!). Crossing the street is like, the most strenuous activity you'll need to do. Bonus points if you are an early bird, a little stroll around the campus at dawn is magnificent. Forget about those nightmare morning commutes, this place is a lifesaver. I swear, I added a few extra hours of sleep just because of the location.
The rooms...tell me everything! Are they tiny? Do they smell? What's the deal?
Rooms...right. Prepare yourself. They are…compact. Think efficiently designed. Like, you could probably touch all four walls at once if you really tried. But hey, they're clean-ish (I’m saying it again, it bears repeating!), and the beds are… well, they're beds. Not the most luxurious, but definitely sleep-able. No smells, thank goodness! I’m incredibly sensitive and the air conditioning was usually good, and important in Jinan's ever changing climate. The bathrooms had the usual suspects – shower, toilet, sink. Nothing fancy. I remember one particular stay when the hairdryer tried to murder me (almost caught fire, seriously!). I called down, and the staff was quick to fix it, which was a plus. Still, remember to check your electronics before you use them.
Breakfast? Is it worth dragging yourself out of bed for? Is it, like, actual food?
Breakfast…oh, breakfast. This is where things get…interesting. It’s included, which is a huge plus for us budget travelers. Don't expect a gourmet experience but there are usually a few options. Expect a buffet! Noodles, steamed buns, some veggies, maybe some (suspect) scrambled eggs. The coffee is… coffee. Drinkable, if you're desperate. Frankly, I'm more of a pastry person, and the (sometimes stale but still edible when dipped in coffee) offerings here was a life saver. One morning, I was so tired, I just grabbed a few buns and ate them in my room. No regrets. It's not Michelin star but it fills a hole and gets you going, if you are patient.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Do they speak English?
The staff… is a mixed bag, to be honest. Some are super friendly and helpful, trying their best. Some…well, their English might be a little rusty. Basic communication is generally possible, but don’t expect in-depth conversations. They were always polite, though. There was one time, I needed to print something urgently, and the front desk helped me, bless them! They went above and beyond. Those little acts of kindness make a big difference.
Amenities - anything cool? A gym? A pool? A secret portal to another dimension?
Okay, let's temper expectations. No gym. No pool. No portal to another dimension (as far as I know...). This is a budget hotel. The "amenities" end with the Wi-Fi (which usually works). There’s a small shop with snacks and drinks. That's pretty much it. Honestly, I was so busy exploring the campus and eating street food that I didn't need anything extra. You're not paying for frills, you're paying for a convenient and clean-ish place to rest your head.
Give me the hard truth: Would you stay here again?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. For the price and the location, it’s a winner. If I needed to be near Shandong University, I'd book it again in a heartbeat. It's not perfect, but it's reliable. You know what you're getting: a clean-ish (again!) room, a decent location, and a breakfast that'll probably fill you up. It's not the most luxurious experience, but it’s functional and it does the job!
Anything I should watch out for? Any potential landmines? Spill!
Okay, a few things. The air conditioning can be a bit temperamental. Check the temperature when you arrive, and be prepared to adjust it. Also, the Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty at times, so have a backup plan (like, you know, a data plan). Don't expect amazing views from the window – you're probably going to be looking at another building. And finally, don't expect Michelin-starred breakfasts. But hey, those are minor inconveniences. Mostly. My biggest tip: bring some snacks. You never know when the noodle craving will hit. And, you know, the "select" part is relative. Go in with your eyes open, and you'll be fine.
Any other recommendations for exploring Jinan?
Okay, if you're in Jinan, make sure to visit Daming Lake! It's beautiful. Seriously, wander around, take some pictures, and soak it all in. Also, try the local cuisine! Jinan has some amazing street food. If you're feeling adventurous, try some of the local specialties. The food scene is truly amazing! Just... be careful with where you eat. My stomach definitely had a few adventures. Don't be afraid to explore, get lost, and just have fun! Jinan is a cool town. I had some of the best memories of my life there.
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