Shanghai Bund's BEST Hostel: Unbeatable Views & Epic Adventures!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and potentially life-altering experience that is booking a stay at "Shanghai Bund's BEST Hostel: Unbeatable Views & Epic Adventures!" Now, before we get lost in the sheer brilliance, let's be honest, the name alone promises a certain level of… well, epic-ness. Let's see if they deliver. And just to be clear, I'm not some robot spewing generic hotel reviews. I'm a real person, with real opinions, who's ready to spill the tea (or the Jasmine tea, since we're in Shanghai, yeah?).
First Impressions: "Is That the Bund? I Can See Forever!"
Okay, let's get this out of the way: the views. They're not lying. "Unbeatable" is putting it mildly. I mean, wow. Just… wow. The photo doesn't even BEGIN to do it justice. You're talking panoramic views of the Bund, the iconic skyline… it's the kind of view that makes you forget about the jet lag, the questionable street food you ate earlier, and the fact that you probably still haven't mastered chopsticks. I think I maybe even teared up a little. Not gonna lie. (Don't judge me. The jet lag!)
Accessibility: Navigating the Adventure, One Step at a Time (Mostly)
Right, so, the accessibility. This is crucial. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I’m looking for information. Is there an elevator? Because hauling luggage up five flights of stairs after a 14-hour flight? No, thank you. (Turns out, yes, there's an elevator! Thank goodness. The view alone would have been worth the climb, but my knees are thanking the elevator gods). We’d need to dig deeper, maybe call the front desk to get a better sense of the specific offerings for guests with mobility challenges. Are the common areas accessible? The rooms? That's information that needs to be readily available.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: We need to verify this. Nothing is worse than getting excited about a meal with a view only to discover it’s only accessible by, like, a trapeze artist.
Internet: Stay Connected, Even When You're Totally Lost (and Lovin' It)
Okay, internet. This is the digital age, people. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is music to my ears. I mean, seriously, who doesn't need to Instagram their breakfast with that view? Or check emails, or stalk their ex, or whatever else people do online these days? They also boast Internet [LAN] – for those of us who are old-school and like a wired connection. Internet services? Hopefully, they have some computer access if you need to print out flight confirmations or emergency cat pics. Wi-Fi in public areas? Essential for the Instagramming the view, obviously.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Sauna? Pool with a View? SAY NO MORE (Except…wait…)
Okay, here's where things get really interesting. They claim to have a lot of stuff. Let's break it down, shall we?
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Pool with view/Swimming pool [outdoor] – Okay, a pool with a view? Consider me intrigued. A sauna? And a steamroom? Are we sure this is a hostel and not a secret agent retreat? I'm cautiously optimistic. This kind of luxury is usually reserved for those with trust funds and private jets.
- Fitness Center/Gym/fitness – Alright, I might have to drag myself away from the pool to burn off all the dumplings I'm inevitably going to devour.
- Massage, Body Wrap, Body Scrub: Okay, they are SERIOUS. This hostel is starting to sound like a mini-vacation escape within the vacation.
But wait. Here's the kicker. Where is it all? The website is vague. The photos are beautiful, but they don't show me exactly where the spa is, or if the pool is actually as gorgeous as the photos suggest. A little more transparency here, please! I need to know if these amenities are actually real, and not just wishful thinking. This is the kind of information that could actually swing a booking decision.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because, Let's Face It, Nobody Wants to Get Dengue…
Okay, let's be real: traveling in a foreign country, things can get… unsanitary. Hygiene is key.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays, Sterilizing equipment - Okay, I'm feeling better already. This is a huge selling point, especially these days. They're taking hygiene seriously.
- Hand sanitizer: Yes! Everywhere! Please!
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit - Always good signs. And a clear sign that they care.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing – Vital for keeping those travel clothes fresh.
- Individually-wrapped food options - (if breakfast is included, that is… we'll get to that)
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – Respecting social distancing!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Staff trained in safety protocol
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Will My Stomach Survive?
Okay. Food. This is important. Like, really important. Especially since I'm picturing myself glued to that pool, recovering from a body wrap.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western Breakfast, Western Cuisine in Restaurant – Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant – Okay, so a mix of Asian and Western food makes me happy. A buffet? Yes! The option of a la carte and breakfast service hints at flexibility.
- Bar, Poolside bar, Happy hour. – Bar? Poolside bar? Happy Hour? Okay, I'm in. This is starting to sound like a party. A delightful, sunset-view, dumpling-filled party.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Bottle of water, Snack bar: - Essentials! (and free bottled water is always appreciated)
- Restaurants, Room service [24-hour]: Room service? 24-hour room service? Okay, they're making my life easy.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: – Okay. Everything. They probably have some stuff I'm not sure that I want, but probably ought to try now.
Services and Conveniences: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The little details can truly make or break a stay.
- Air conditioning in public area, Elevator – Crucial for a comfortable stay.
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman – Extra touches that add that little touch of class.
- Currency exchange, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safe deposit boxes, Cash withdrawal – Convenient and practical.
- Food delivery – Because sometimes you just want to order in.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Business facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events, On-site event hosting – For the business traveler or event planner.
- Facilities for disabled guests – Crucial for ensuring everyone feels welcome
- Gift/souvenir shop – To grab last-minute gifts for my family… if any of them are still on speaking terms after discovering I’ve spent all my time at the pool.
- Invoice provided - For those who need it.
- Ironing service, Dry cleaning – For a wrinkle-free trip.
- Smoking area – If that's your thing.
- Terrace - More things to enjoy, more views to soak in!
- Xerox/fax in business center - If you're stuck in the 20th century.
For the Kids: (…Or Just the Inner Child, Who Am I Kidding?)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal – I don't have kids, but it's good to know they cater to them as well. They seem to think every person has an inner child!
Access: Safety, Security, and… Not Getting Robbed
- CCTV in common areas and outside property, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour security, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature – Safety first! Excellent.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private] – Easy and discreet. Very nice.
- Non-smoking rooms, Soundproof rooms – Important.
- Exterior corridor: Just something to be aware of.
**Getting Around: Navigating Shanghai Like a
Escape to Paradise: OYO 90440 Good View Inn Awaits in Sri Aman!
Okay, here's a ridiculously honest, messy, and hopefully hilarious travel itinerary, lived and breathed from within the (in)famous Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel. Buckle up, buttercups. This might get a little… intense.
Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund: My Existential Hostel Odyssey
Day 1: Landing in the Land of Soup Dumplings & Existential Dread (and hopefully not bedbugs – fingers crossed!)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Alright, let's be honest. Woke up on the wrong side of the internet. Flight was fine, except I'm pretty sure the guy next to me snored in Morse code. Shanghai… here I am! Dragged my slightly-too-big backpack through Pudong Airport. Customs? Smooth sailing. Found the Maglev… which felt like I was teleporting into the future. Then, of course, the real adventure began: navigating the Shanghai Metro. Lost count of how many times I almost faceplanted. Mental Note: Invest in a good map app. And maybe a helmet.
Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Found the damn hostel! The Blue Mountain Bund. It… looks like the pictures, which is a small miracle. Check-in was okay, though the receptionist seemed slightly traumatized by my arrival. My room? Shared dorm. Praying to the travel gods for pleasant roommates, and not the "loud snorer, feet-smell-like-stinky-cheese" variety. Unpacked. Discovered my travel pillow (Mr. Snuggle-Pillow, I’ve missed you!). Took a deep breath and did the "inspection" thing with the bed. You know, the one where you’re looking for creepy crawlies? So far, so good. Went back to my backpack and found my little notebook - a little book to collect experiences and thoughts.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Hunger pangs! Decided to be brave and venture out. Found a little dumpling shop nearby. Xiao Long Bao! Heaven. Absolute, juicy, porky, soup-filled heaven. Burned my tongue the first time. Twice. Three times. Worth it. Fought the urge to order a second basket. Resisted. (Mostly). The little old lady running the place gave me a look that said, "tourist." I'm sure she sees hundreds of us everyday but it was a really satisfying dumpling lunch in the end.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM): The Bund! Yep, the famous one. Wow. Just… wow. The architecture! The flashing lights! The sheer scale of it all… it's overwhelming. Took about a million photos (mostly blurry). Got totally lost in the crowds. Almost got run over by a scooter. Learned to yell "小心!" (Xiǎoxīn! Be careful!) at the top of my lungs. Managed to find my way back to the hostel before dark and was pretty satisfied, though my feet were screaming.
Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Hostel chaos! Met some other travelers in the common area. The pool table that's seen better decades, conversations were varied, from the existential dread of backpacking to the best noodle place in the city. Someone attempted to teach me some Chinese phrases. I think I mostly learned how to say, "I don't understand." Dinner: cheap noodles from a street vendor. Delicious, greasy, perfect. Attempted to Skype my mom. Internet connection: spotty. Her face froze mid-sentence. Probably for the best. Early night… hopefully. Fingers crossed for a decent sleep.
Day 2: Lost in the French Concession and the Art of Not Getting Stabbed (Metaphorically)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Slept surprisingly well! Roommate #1, a charming girl from Germany, was lovely. Roommate #2… let's just say, he made some unique noises. French Concession time! Wandered the streets. Gorgeous architecture. So peaceful… until I tried to order a coffee. My Mandarin skills: nonexistent. Ended up with something that resembled motor oil. Took a deep breath and went with the flow!
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Found a tiny, tucked-away dumpling house (again!). Seriously, if I could eat these things all day, every day, I'd die a happy (and very plump) person. This time, I managed to order (with considerable effort)!
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Yu Garden. Beautiful. Crowded. Overwhelming. Got pushed through a throng of people like a tiny, insignificant pebble. Learned the art of the "shoulder through" technique. Worked on my photo-taking skills (slightly improved – maybe). Had a very intense staring contest with a goldfish. He may have winked.
Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Dinner with some hostel mates! A lively group, got talking about our most embarassing moments. Some of the stories were epic. Drinks. More drinks. Karaoke. My rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was, by all accounts, a crime against music. Woke up at 3AM with a massive headache and the distinct feeling I'd lost my dignity somewhere between the dumpling shop and the karaoke bar. Went to bed.
Day 3: Shanghai’s Underbelly & The Relentless Search for Clean Socks
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, recovery mode. Sore feet. Sore head. Sore everything. Actually found a convenience store and got some greasy breakfast and a bottle of water. Laundry search: ongoing. My clean sock situation is dire. My room? A mess. My life? Possibly a mess. But, hey, still breathing!
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Went to Tianzifang. Art district. Souvenir shops. Cafes. More dumpling houses (this is a pattern, I know). Got haggled over a trinket I probably don’t need. Managed a polite but firm "Bù yào" (No, thank you.) Felt like a real local. Walked around the streets enjoying the day, the sun, and the various people I met.
Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Tried to find a local street food market. Succeeded! Ended up in a place that seemed to only serve food I couldn't identify. Took a gamble on something that looked like a deep-fried… thing. Tasted… interesting. More drinks. The hostel's atmosphere is starting to become old hat, but its still got its quirks. Trying to avoid the "loud snorer" roommate. Wish me luck. Early(ish) night tonight. Tomorrow? Who knows. Shanghai is a chaotic, confusing, beautiful, and occasionally terrifying rollercoaster, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Shanghai Bund's BEST Hostel: Unbeatable Views & Epic Adventures! - FAQs (But, Like, Actually Useful)
Okay, So, Is This Place *Really* as Amazing as Everyone Says? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not)
Look, I’m not gonna lie, the photos? They’re good. REALLY good. That panoramic view of the Bund? Yeah, it’s Instagram gold. But real life, as always, is a bit… messier. I mean, yes, the view is breathtaking *when* you can actually see it. One day it was a pea-souper fog. Couldn't see the bloody ferry! So, you gotta factor in the weather. And also... the occasional drunk dude belting out karaoke at 3 AM. (More on that later…)
But honestly? Yeah, it's pretty amazing. Especially if you like hostels. If you’re expecting a five-star hotel with room service and fluffy robes… you’re in the wrong place. This is a hostel, remember? Think communal showers, shared snacks, and the constant hum of… *life*. I’d say it’s a solid 8/10, maybe even a 9 if you get lucky with the bunkmates.
What’s the Deal with Those “Unbeatable Views”? And, Like, Can I Actually SEE Them?
Alright, the views. They’re the main selling point, right? And they’re… there. Most of the time. The hostel is right on the Bund, that’s true. You’re looking *at* Lujiazui, the fancy skyscrapers, the Pearl Tower… But here's the deal: Shanghai is known for both its stunning skyline and its, shall we say, *enthusiastic* pollution. So, you might wake up to blinding sunshine, or a thick blanket of smog that makes you question the meaning of existence.
I got lucky on my first morning. Crystal clear, perfect light, the whole shebang. I thought, "This is it! This is why I travel!" Then, the next day? Whiteout. I could barely see the window. So, plan accordingly. Check the weather forecast obsessively. And maybe bring a good book, just in case. Seriously. Because you will *need* it.
Are the "Epic Adventures" Truly Epic, or Just… Adequate?
"Epic Adventures." That's a loaded phrase, isn't it? Look, no one's going to hand you a sword and send you on a quest, that it. But the hostel *does* organize some stuff. Walking tours, dumpling-making classes, pub crawls… They're good. Sometimes. I'm more of a go-your-own-way kinda gal, so I didn’t partake in a lot of the set activities.
I struck out on my own, found an amazing little noodle shop on a side street (seriously, the best noodles of my life!), accidentally stumbled into a vintage market, and got hopelessly lost in the French Concession. THAT was my epic adventure. Your mileage may vary. But yes, the hostel can help point you in the right direction for *your* kind of epic. Just don't expect to slay any dragons.
What’s the Room Situation Actually Like? Is it, You Know, *Clean*?
Clean-ish! I mean, it *is* a hostel, right? You're sharing a room with a bunch of other humans. And humans, bless their hearts, aren't always the tidiest creatures. The dorm rooms are basic: bunk beds, lockers (bring your own lock!), and maybe a small table. The sheets *seem* clean. Shower time is chaotic, best to shower when everyone's out exploring - better flow and less chance of a cold shower.
My tip? Bring your own flip-flops for the shower. ALWAYS. Also, earplugs. Oh, the earplugs. Remember the 3 AM karaoke? Yeah, you'll need them. And maybe a travel-sized bottle of disinfectant wipes. Just in case. (I’m not saying it’s unclean, I'm just… thorough.) And, maybe, try to get a corner bed. Less traffic.
The Food, God, The Food! (Or, Where Should I Eat?)
Okay, food. This is a big one, and I will be forever indebted to this city for my food discoveries. The hostel *offers* some stuff… breakfast is usually pretty basic, with the usual suspects, and the evening meals - the occasional dumpling night are great for meeting people and it’s a decent deal, if a little on the greasy side. But get *out* there! Shanghai's a *feast* for your face.
My personal recommendations? Street noodles, go for it. They're cheap, they're delicious, and you can’t beat the energy of the street. Then look for a xiao long bao (soup dumpling). The broth explodes in your mouth! Don't be afraid to try anything! Don’t be scared of trying something new. Embrace the weird and wonderful! Then wander around and find the little hole-in-the-wall joints. My all-time favourite? That noodle shop, the one with the… ah, right! I’ll be vague here, but it was a revelation. Seriously, if you’re on a budget, this is the place to be. And I'd happily never eat in the hostel canteen. You get one life, right?
Tell Me About the Vibe. What Kind of People Hang Out There?
The vibe is… pretty good, actually. It’s a classic backpacker scene. Young, vibrant, and eager for adventure. You’ll find solo travelers, groups of friends, digital nomads… the usual suspects. A good mix of different nationalities, which is always a plus. I met a lovely guy from New Zealand, we went and saw a Jazz Show. Amazing.
BUT, there is *always* that one guy. You know the type. The guy who's been “traveling” for six months (and will tell you about it for the whole time). The guy who loudly pronounces his dietary restrictions during breakfast. The guy who monopolizes the common room. *They* are to be expected. It's just a part of the hostel experience. Embrace the chaos. Make friends. Avoid the awkward. This is how you build a life, right?
Seriously, that Karaoke… What’s the Deal?!
Okay, so the karaoke. This deserves its own category. Because… wow. Apparently, the hostel has a deal with some karaoke bar down the street. Which sounds lovely, right? Community bonding, good times, a chance to unleash your inner rock star. Wrong wrong wrong.
One night (and it was a long night) some very enthusiastic patrons, after a few too many Tsingtaos, decided to serenade the entire hostel with – and I am not making this up – a medley of ABBA AND…Roam And Rests
