Shanghai Station's BEST Kept Secret? Lavande Hotel Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the messy, wonderful world of the Lavande Hotel near Shanghai Station. And let me tell you, finding a "best kept secret" in Shanghai is like finding a decent cup of coffee in Paris – a damn miracle. This ain't gonna be your polished, corporate review. This is me spilling the tea, the good and the… well, let's just say the less good.
SEO-tastic (But Real) Lavande Hotel Review: Shanghai Station's Best Kept Secret? Let's Find Out!
First, the name. "Lavande Hotel." Sounds fancy, right? Like you're about to be swathed in lavender luxury. Well, hold your horses. It's more… aspirational. Still, location, location, location! Smack-dab near Shanghai Station – perfect if you're hauling luggage (or, like me, feeling a general sense of existential dread because you’re traveling again).
Accessibility: The Reality Check
Okay, let's get real. My friend uses a wheelchair, and we were both curious if this hotel was accessible. We'll get into specifics, but I checked and here's the lowdown:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes, partially. They've got elevators, thankfully. But maneuvering around the entire hotel? Not quite. The corridors felt a little tight in some areas and they did not specify where is the accessible rooms, a detail it should be on the website. So, while it's better than some places I've seen, it's not perfectly streamlined. So you have to confirm with the hotel staff.
- Elevator? YES! Thank goodness. Because lugging your stuff up several flights of stairs would be a tragedy.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They listed this, so, again, check with front desk, but the hotel is not perfectly designed for this.
- Overall: Be sure to research this before booking if this is a concern.
Rooms: The Good, The "Meh", and the Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi? YES! And in every room! Thank the internet gods! Speed? Acceptable. Enough to stream a movie and pretend I’m not drowning in emails.
Internet Access Yep, you guessed it. Plenty of internet, and LAN
* Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Absolutely. Needed, especially in that Shanghai humidity.
- Alarm clock: Standard. You can set your own schedule.
- Bathrobes: Fancy! It was nice to lounge for a moment, honestly.
- Bathroom phone: Oh, yeah. For emergencies. Or, you know, calling room service for more dumplings.
- Bathtub: Heavenly. Not all rooms have it.
- Blackout curtains: *Essential. Shanghai’s a city that *never* sleeps, but I do.*
- Carpeting: It's there. It's not the plushest, but it's there.
- Closet: Standard.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes! A lifesaver for a caffeine addict like myself.
- Complimentary tea: Excellent.
- Daily housekeeping: Spot on! Cleanliness is next to… well, sanity, especially in a busy city.
- Desk: Useful, though I mostly used it to dump my bags.
Extra long bed: YES.
- Free bottled water: Bless up. Hydration is key.
- Hair dryer: Yep.
- High floor: Some rooms, nice views.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: If you're traveling with a big group.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless: Gotcha covered.
- Ironing facilities: Wrinkle-free travel, here I come! (Just kidding, I live in a permanent state of rumpled chic.)
- Laptop workspace: Check.
- Linens: Clean, crisp, and standard.
- Mini bar: A few things to snack on!
- Mirror: Many.
- Non-smoking: Yes!
- On-demand movies: Great if you're bored.
- Private bathroom: Essential.
- Reading light: Good for late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator: I usually use it to chill my water bottles.
- Safety/security feature: Always good!
- Satellite/cable channels: Lots of TV.
- Scale: Oh, the horror. (Just kidding, I don't use it.)
- Seating area: Nice if you’re not just crashing on the bed.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Depending on the room.
- Shower: It's a shower.
- Slippers: Nice touch.
- Smoke detector: Important.
- Socket near the bed: Thank goodness.
- Sofa: Some rooms!
- Soundproofing: Pretty good!
- Telephone: Still a thing.
- Toiletries: The basics.
- Towels: Plenty of them.
- Umbrella: Shanghai rain, you sneaky devil.
- Visual alarm: Good for accessibility.
- Wake-up service: Yup.
- Window that opens: A godsend for fresh air. (Not always safe in the city, though.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Era Realities
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to know!
- Cashless payment service: Easy peasy.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hygiene certification: I'm a germaphobe – good!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Makes sense.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Tried to do. Very hard sometimes.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Again, good to hear.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: They give you the option. I did not take it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They should.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: ALL good!
Food and Drink: Dumpling Dreams and Coffee Comas
- Asian breakfast: I sampled the Asian breakfast, and it's… well, better than instant noodles!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes, and it's pretty decent.
- Bar:
- Bottle of water:
- Breakfast [buffet]: I'm a buffet fiend, so this was a win in most cases.
- Breakfast service:
- Buffet in restaurant:
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: A bit weak, but it's there.
- Coffee shop: Needed this, stat!
- Restaurants: A few.
- Room service [24-hour]: Lifesaver after a long day.
- Snack bar:
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: A Brief Interlude
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Yep, I’m sure it’s modern.
- Spa/sauna: Okay, I did NOT go but the photos were a little sad.
- Pool with view: Oh god, no.
- Massage: Did not inquire.
- Steamroom: Did not go.
- Swimming pool: No. No pool.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks (and the Drawbacks)
- Airport transfer: They’ll take you.
- Cash withdrawal: Handy.
- Concierge: Helpful folks!
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: Yay!
- Elevator: YES!
- Ironing service: Yes!
- Laundry service: Important when you live out of a suitcase!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly polished, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is life shoved onto a travel schedule. We're going to Shanghai, baby, specifically the Lavande Hotel near the Railway Station. Prepare for chaos, beauty, and the general messiness that is me and travel.
Shanghai Shenanigans: A Lavande Hotel Rhapsody (and a Whole Lot More)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Shanghai Shuffle
- Morning (or, Let's be Honest, Late Morning): Landed in Pudong (PVG). Jet lag? Oh, you betcha. That transatlantic flight was brutal, and let's not even start on the legroom situation. Seriously, they’re shrinking seats, not expanding them! Immigration was a breeze, surprisingly. Maybe my perpetually bewildered expression helps? Grabbed my bag (miraculously unscathed, praise all that is holy).
- Afternoon: The Metro Meandering: Okay, this is where things got interesting. I’d pre-booked a shuttle to the hotel. It was supposed to work. It absolutely did not. Apparently, my carefully crafted itinerary (ahem) had a glitch. Cue the panic. Cue the sweating. Cue the hasty decision to take the Metro. The Shanghai Metro is a beast of efficiency that could put Berlin to shame. But the signs? They're in both Chinese and English, blessedly, but figuring out the right line, the right direction, the right station, with a backpack that felt like it was filled with bricks? Pure comedy. Found a helpful young woman with a very patient smile who guided me, bless her heart. I almost lost my phone in the scramble getting on the train. Almost. Then, there was the sheer volume of people… it's like being in a human river, constantly flowing.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Lavande Hotel and Immediate Regrets (Kidding, Mostly): Finally, finally, arrived at the Lavande near the Shanghai Railway Station. It's… minimalist. Like, really minimalist. Think clean lines, stark white walls, and a distinct lack of cozy, inviting vibes. The air conditioning was cranked up to a glacial setting, and my first thought was, "Will I survive the night?" Checked in (smooth process, actually), dumped my bags, and immediately went in search of food. Needed sustenance after that Metro adventure. Found a tiny noodle shop down the street. The noodles were delicious, intensely flavorful, and cost about a dollar and fifty cents. Pure bliss. After that, I collapsed on the not-quite-cozy bed, and passed out.
- Midnight (probably): Woke up to the sounds of Shanghai. The city never sleeps, it seems. The sounds of car horns and the general buzz of the city were coming from my window. Decided to enjoy the view of Shanghai from my window, for just a few minutes.
Day 2: Bund, Bamboo, and Brotha's
- Morning: A Stroll Along the Bund (and Dealing with the Crowd): Woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed (thank you, noodles). The Bund is stunning. Seriously, the Art Deco buildings, the views of the Pudong skyline… it's postcard-perfect. Except of course, everyone and their grandma were there too. Seriously, the crowd was a wall of people. Managed to snag a few decent pictures (miraculous!), and then retreated to a calmer side street for a decent coffee. Found a street vendor selling breakfast snacks that were amazing.
- Afternoon: Yu Garden and the Unexpected Tranquility: Yu Garden! Absolutely loved! The garden was a beautiful oasis of calm. The details are exquisite. The koi ponds were so still and peaceful. The crowds, thankfully, thinned out a bit here. The contrast between the manic energy of the city and the peace here was genuinely soothing. Wandered through the teahouse area afterward, sampling a few different teas, a delightful experience.
- Late Afternoon: Took a boat from the Bund across the Huangpu River to Pudong. The view from the boat was amazing, and the skyline!
- Evening: Dinner at a Brotha's, a Taste of the Real Deal!: Decided to take my friend's advice and try a restaurant called Brotha's that provides genuine Shanghai cuisine. The environment was unique and the people were welcoming. Even though it was hard for me to understand, my friend helped me order some dishes. The food was a combination of the new and the old. Each bite was a new experience. I loved it!
- Night: Back to the Hotel, Wondering Why My Feet Hurt So Much: Returned to the Lavande. The hotel room felt less like a sterile box and more like, well, a slightly more sterile box. Read for a while, then crashed.
Day 3: More Metro Mayhem, a Temple's Whisper, and a Possible Meltdown
- Morning: The Train Station and Shopping Street: Checked out of the Lavande (good riddance! (just kidding, it was fine)). I had a train to catch. First time in a Chinese train station. I have to admit I'm impressed. I made it on time. Bought some things in a shopping street near the train station.
- Afternoon: Trying to get on the train. The train was delayed for about 30 mins.: After that, I waited for the train. After waiting for half an hour, and finally on the train.
- Evening: Train Ride: A long train ride, but with comfort and peace.
Day 4: Final Thoughts (and Likely a Sore Back)
- General Thoughts: Shanghai is a sensory overload. It's beautiful, chaotic, frustrating, and utterly captivating. The food is incredible. The people are generally friendly (even if, sometimes, there's a bit of a language barrier). The contrasts – the gleaming skyscrapers next to the older neighbourhoods, the sheer number of people everywhere – are what make it so unique. My feet hurt. My back aches. I've eaten more noodles than I care to admit. But I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
- Recommendation: Book a room with a view at the Lavande. It might not be cozy, but at least you can watch the city unfold outside your window. And pack comfy shoes. Seriously.
- Biggest Lesson Learned: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. It helps. Also, embrace the chaos! It's part of the charm.
- Final Word: Shanghai, you magnificent, messy, wonderful beast. I'll be back (after I've recovered from this trip).
(P.S. I almost forgot! There was that time I accidentally ordered a dish with duck intestines. Let's just say the experience was… memorable. And that's the story of Shanghai.)
Escape to Paradise: La Locanda Azzurra, Italy Awaits!
Shanghai Station’s BEST Kept Secret? Lavande Hotel – My MESSY Review!
Is Lavande Hotel *actually* a “secret”? Come on...
Okay, okay, secret might be a *slight* exaggeration. More like, a well-kept… *whisper*… amongst savvy travelers! Seriously, I wouldn’t have known about it if my friend didn't practically drag me there after a train delay from hell. I was a sniveling mess needing a place to crash and she was all, "TRUST ME. Lavande. Near the station. You'll thank me." And I, being the grump, was all, "Yeah, yeah, just get me a bed." Turns out… she was right. But "secret"? No. Popular? Absolutely. Overhyped sometimes? Potentially – depends on your expectations (and how many screaming children are in the adjacent room).
So, what's the *vibe* at a Lavande Hotel? Is it fancy? Trendy? Or just… a hotel?
Trendy-ish. Think… a slightly more sophisticated version of IKEA meets zen garden. Seriously, it’s all minimalist design, muted colors (lots of grey, people!), and those weird, vaguely artistic light fixtures. But I'm not gonna lie, that minimalist feeling is a *godsend* after the chaos of Shanghai Station! It's like… a visual palate cleanser. My first impression? That's a nice change of pace.
And I *love* the smell – some kind of calming, lightly floral scent they pump in. It’s intoxicating. Almost suspiciously so. Like, is it a mind-control tactic to make you book another night? Maybe. But hey, it works. Another time I stayed and I swear I could still smell it when I boarded the train. I spent the journey sniffing my sleeves. Don't you judge me!
The rooms… are they any good? That's the real question!
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Generally, yes. The rooms are usually clean. Mostly. I've had a couple of instances where the cleaning wasn't *quite* up to my (admittedly high) standards. Once, I found a rogue hair on the pillow, and let me TELL you, I was *not* happy. I mean, come on! It's a hotel! Cleanliness is the *bare minimum* required.
But… and this is a big but… the beds. OH. MY. GOD. The beds. They're like sleeping on a cloud. Seriously. They're so comfortable! I swear, I could have slept for a week straight. That's the saving grace right there. And the lighting is *perfect* for Instagram. Seriously.
Size-wise? They're decent. Not HUGE, but perfectly functional. And the bathrooms? Modern. Stylish. And the *shower*. That's where Lavande really shines. The water pressure is fantastic. It’s a blissful experience after a long day of navigating the Shanghai metro.
Is it noisy? Proximity to the train station is a double-edged sword, right?
Yes and no. The *convenience* to Shanghai Station is AMAZING. Seriously. You can practically roll out of bed and onto the platform. But… the noise… that's the trade-off.
Look, you're going to hear train announcements. You're going to hear the occasional car horn. And, depending on your luck, you might hear… other things. Like, let’s just say, I had a *memorable* night where I was serenaded by karaoke from the next room. It wasn’t good. Not even a little bit. I could've gone out and serenaded them back with my off-key rendition of 'Despacito' but I'm a pacifist.
So, bring earplugs. Trust me. And maybe a white noise app on your phone. Seriously, the noise is the *one* thing that genuinely annoys me.
And the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
Mixed bag, honestly. The staff is generally polite. Some are *exceptionally* helpful. Others… well, let's just say communication can sometimes be a challenge. English proficiency varies wildly.
I had a fantastic experience once where a staff member went above and beyond to help me find a lost item (my phone, naturally). She spoke decent English and was genuinely concerned. But I’ve also had moments of… awkwardness. Like, trying to explain a broken lightbulb with Google Translate and a lot of frantic hand gestures. So, be prepared. Download a translation app on your phone, just in case. It could save you some frustration
Anything ELSE I should know? Like, hidden quirks or weirdness?
Oh, there are quirks, alright! Let’s unpack them!
* **Breakfast:** The included breakfast is… simple. Let's put it that way. Expect noodles, some questionable pastries, and the ubiquitous hard-boiled eggs. Don't expect a gourmet experience. But it fills a hole.
* **The “Free” Water:** They have a water dispenser in the hallways. Take advantage. Staying hydrated is key.
* **The Elevator Drama:** Never. Trust. The. Elevator. Especially during peak hours. It's often packed. Give yourself extra time. Or take the stairs! It's good exercise (and less claustrophobic).
* **The Location is GOLD:** Seriously. It's steps from the train station and close to the Subway, which means access to the rest of Shanghai is really convenient. You can get around easily.
And one last, important detail... always, *always* double-check your bill. I've had a couple of instances of minor errors. Nothing major, but still… pay attention.
Would you recommend Lavande Hotel near Shanghai Station?
Look, despite the minor flaws, the noise, and the occasional "interesting" breakfast, YES, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
**For the convenience alone, it's worth it.** If you have an early train or late arrival, it's a life saver. The beds are divine. The design is pleasing (mostly). And for the price, it’s a good value.
If you're a light sleeper or a super picky hotel snob, maybe look elsewhere. But for the average traveler, especially those on a budget or those who just need a comfortable place to crash near the station, Lavande Hotel is a solid choice. Just pack those earplugs, lower your expectations on the breakfast, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. I'll probably be back. Again. Even if I am secretly hoping for a different color scheme next time.
