Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Stars 99 Motel Wujiaochang Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Stars 99 Motel Wujiaochang Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Buckle Up, Buttercups!
Alright, alright, settle in. You're about to hear the unvarnished truth about Stars 99 Motel Wujiaochang, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. I booked this place on a whim, lured by the siren song of "Hidden Gem" in the listing. And honestly? I'm still processing it. This isn't your cookie-cutter, five-star experience. This is… something else. Prepare for a review that's less polished travel blog and more rambling diary entry. Let's do this.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Gamble:
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is where things get…complicated. The website, bless its heart, wasn't exactly overflowing with detailed info. I'm not mobility-impaired, but I always check these things for others. This place does have an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. But beyond that…it's a bit of a mystery. I didn’t notice any obvious wheelchair-accessible features in the public areas, but that’s just based on my observations. So, if accessibility is a primary concern, I'd STRONGLY suggest contacting the hotel directly before booking. (SEO Keyword: Wheelchair accessible – needs further investigation!)
Location, Location, Location (and the Wujiaochang Vibe):
The location? Wujiaochang, which, if you’re not a Shanghai local, is a bustling university district. Think energetic, youthful, and full of food stalls. You're surrounded by shops, restaurants, and…well, life. The atmosphere is electric! But, fair warning, it can also be loud. Prepare for some street noise, especially at night. (Keywords: Shanghai hotels, Wujiaochang hotels, hotel in university district)
Snuggled into the Room: A Detailed Rundown
Alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty of my room. I'll be honest, I was thrilled that there was Air Conditioning in Public area and in the room. (Keywords: Air conditioning, hotel amenities, hotel comfort). After sweating my face off on the plane, that was such a relief. Let's run through the specifics:
- Available in all rooms – I found there was a Desk, a Coffee/tea maker(thank God, I need my coffee!), a Hair dryer, a Refrigerator, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, (yesss!) a Free bottled water, a Linens, (clean, hooray!) and a Mirror. Those were great!
- The Bathroom: Basic, but functional. Private bathroom, with shower and a toiletries were included. I have to get this out here, I had to keep checking the water temperature of the water because I was never sure what the right temperature was!
- Tech Stuff: Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) was the best part! (Keywords: Free Wi-Fi, free internet, internet access). I’m pretty sure the Internet access – LAN, Laptop workspace and Telephone will work as well. I could sit and work with my laptop, which was great! I didn’t use the Satellite/cable channels, Alarm clock, or the On-demand movies, so I can't even comment about them from here.
- Comfort Zone: A Sofa to lounge on, was okay. The Blackout curtains came in handy. The Closet, Safe box let me keep everything safe.
- Extras: the Mini bar, the Ironing facilities, the Wake-up service, were useful for my stay.
- Not quite perfect: There was no Bathtub, or Separate shower/bathtub.
- Safety: Slippers kept my feet clean. But in all seriousness, the Smoke detector and Smoke alarms made me feel safe. And they have the Safety/security feature to help out.
- Ambience: The Soundproofing wasn't 100% effective, so if you are very sensitive to noise, bring earplugs. No extra long bed, but my bed was great!
(SEO Keywords: Hotel room amenities, room features, Wi-Fi in room, comfortable hotel room, desk in room, free Wi-Fi Shanghai)
Diving into the Amenities (and the occasional WTF moment):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The website listing promised a ton of stuff. And let's just say, my experience was…mixed.
- Relaxation Realm (Maybe): The listing mentioned a Sauna and Spa/sauna…and the Fitness center. I'm not entirely sure these actually existed. I couldn't find them, and the staff didn't speak enough English to clarify. This is where the "Hidden Gem" part comes in – maybe these are hidden so deep, I just didn't unearth them! Okay, I didn't want the Body scrub, or the Body wrap either!
- Gym/fitness – I didn't see it or utilize it!
- Pool with view– no view!
- Foot bath – didn't find it!
- Massage– Didn't see the sign or the person!
- Steamroom–Didn't use it!
- Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor]– Nope.
- Spa – maybe? Hidden?
- Services and Conveniences: The Concierge was helpful. The Laundry service was a lifesaver. And the Daily housekeeping was on point. (Keywords: Hotel services, laundry service, concierge, housekeeping).
- The Food Frenzy (more on which, later): The listing mentioned almost everything. I felt like a kid in a candy store!
- Breakfast: The Asian breakfast was a pleasant surprise, really authentic. The Breakfast in room service, was definitely my go-to! And the Breakfast service was a treat!
- Poolside bar: Didn't find it!
- Restaurants: Definitely the highlight, for me!
- A la carte in restaurant: I tried it!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Never had to!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: It was so good!
- Bar: There was a bar!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always a need.
- Coffee shop: A big yes!
- Desserts in restaurant: the best!
- Happy hour: no comments.
- International cuisine in restaurant: definitely!
- Room service [24-hour]: yesssss!
- Salad in restaurant: there was one.
- Snack bar: yes!
- Soup in restaurant: yes!
- Vegetarian restaurant: yes!
- Western breakfast: yes!
- Western cuisine in restaurant: yes!
- Bottle of water: I got them free!
- Buffet in restaurant: great!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Food Odyssey:
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Stars 99 really shines. The restaurant, a mix of Asian and Western cuisine, was fantastic. I inhaled the dumplings. Inhaled them. My partner gobbled down the pasta. It was delicious! I also loved the coffee shop – a lifesaver for this caffeine addict. The Room service [24-hour] meant I could get midnight snacks (and I totally did). (Keywords: Hotel restaurant, Asian cuisine, international cuisine, room service, coffee shop)
Cleanliness and Safety: A Mixed Bag:
This is a tough one. They tout "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Room sanitization," and the like. But honestly, the "sanitization" part felt a little perfunctory. I'm not saying it was dirty, but it didn't scream "ultra-hygienic." However, the Daily disinfection in common areas was definitely noticeable. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere. The Staff trained in safety protocol, so that was good. The presence of First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call was also reassuring, just in case. (Keywords: Hotel hygiene, cleanliness, safety measures, anti-viral cleaning).
The Good, the Bad, and the Weird:
- The Good: The location is great for exploring Wujiaochang. The staff were friendly (despite the language barrier). The food was excellent. The Wi-Fi was reliable. The price was incredibly reasonable!
- The Bad: The "amenities" listed on the website were…exaggerated. Some things just weren't there (or were so well-
Alright, buckle up buttercups! You're about to get a front-row seat to my Shanghai adventure, specifically, the glamour of the Stars 99 Motel Wujiaochang Branch. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because that's exactly what this trip was.
Day 1: Shanghai Shakedown (and the Questionable Duvet)
Arrival & Hotel Heebie-Jeebies (8:00 PM): So, I land in Pudong, jetlagged to hell and back, and practically hallucinating from the sheer number of people. Airport chaos, check. Taxi ride resembling a Fast & Furious stunt, check. Finally, I arrive at the ahem "Stars 99." The front desk lady looks like she's seen a thousand lost souls (and probably has). Check-in is… efficient.
Room Reveal & Existential Duvet Crisis (9:00 PM): The room. Okay, listen. It’s functional. Small. But… the duvet. Sweet merciful heavens, the duvet. I swear, it felt like sleeping under a damp, vaguely suspicious cloud. I contemplated sleeping fully clothed, just to create a better barrier between me and whatever that thing was made of. This is going to be a long week.
Late-Night Noodle Quest (10:30 PM): Starving. Absolutely starving. I venture out, armed with a phrase book and a prayer. Found a little noodle shop around the corner – the kind where you point at things you want and hope for the best. The noodles were fantastic. Like, life-affirming fantastic. The broth… well, let's just say it had a certain… depth. My tummy did a happy dance.
Bedroom, Bed, and Uncomfortable Sleep (12:00 AM): Back to "my" room in the hotel, I take a shower, and crawl into my bed, still feeling uneasy and uncomfortable.
Day 2: Trying to Act Like a Tourist
Breakfast Blunders & Cultural Confusion (8:00 AM): I got up early, excited to begin the day. I went to the hotel restaurant, which was just a small room with a few tables. I tried some local food, but I didn't like it, so it's a big miss.
The Bund & People Mountain People Sea (10:00 AM): Okay, The Bund is beautiful. Seriously, those buildings! Majestic, glittering… and swarming with tourists. So many tourists. I spent more time dodging selfie sticks than appreciating the architecture. I did get some half-decent photos, though. Victory!
Yu Garden: Serenity… Not So Much (1:00 PM): The Yu Garden was pretty, I'll admit. But the crowds… ugh. I felt like a salmon swimming upstream. I took a break to drink my iced coffee, and then I looked around again.
Xintiandi: Where the Cool Kids Hang (3:00 PM): Xintiandi! The cobblestone streets! The trendy cafes! The price tags that made my wallet weep! It was fun to walk around, but I'm not sure I belong in that area, since I'm not a "cool kid".
Dinner Debacle & Karaoke Catastrophe (7:00 PM): Some friends invited me to dinner. This was a Chinese family-style dinner, so I got to eat a whole lot of food. After eating dinner, we went to a KTV, which is their version of karaoke. The karaoke machine was terrible. My friends were singing, and everyone was having fun except me.
Nightcap and Bedtime (10:00 PM): I'm so tired, I decided to go to the hotel and go to sleep. Back to the hotel, back to the bed, back to the duvet that I hate.
Day 3: Double Down on the Shanghai Museum
Sleepy Day & Shanghai Museum (9:00 AM): I slept in a little, but I woke up and walked over to the Shanghai Museum. I took a deep breathe, and then I went inside.
The Shanghai Museum Discovery: Pottery, Jade, and an Existential Crisis (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): I got to see a lot of things I never saw before. The pottery? Mind-blowing. The jade? Exquisite. I spent hours wandering those hallowed halls, feeling like a tiny speck of dust in the vastness of history. It was almost overwhelming. So much culture, so much detail, so much… stuff. By the time I was done, I was emotionally exhausted. But also exhilarated. This museum, this one single museum, was the highlight of my trip. It made the questionable duvet worth it. It made the crowds fade away. It made me feel connected to something bigger than myself.
Late Lunch and Reflections (2:00 PM): After the museum, I stumbled into a little dumpling place, practically inhaling the deliciousness. It was a much-needed recovery. I sat there with my food, thinking about the museum, my life, life in general. It was a serious moment.
Back to the Stars 99 for a Bit (3:00 PM): After all that thinking, I went back to my hotel. I rested for a bit, and I decided to go back out for diner.
Dinner, and Then More Museum Photos (7:00 PM): After resting, I decided to go out and get dinner. I went to a place that I didn't like, but I didn't want to waste any more of my time there, so I found a different restaurant. By then, I went back to the Shanghai Museum. I took some more photos.
Bedtime, Again (10:00 PM): Tired, but still satisfied, I just wanted to sleep in my bed, even if I hate the duvet.
Day 4: A Messy Goodbye
Morning Routine, Final Day (9:00 AM): Woke up, packed my bags, got ready, and I stared one last time at the duvet. I had to go to the airport to head home.
Train to the airport and the plane (10:00 AM): I got on the train, and got to the airport, and took my flight home.
Home Again (7:00 PM): I got home. I'm tired, and I need to rest.
Final Thoughts:
Was Shanghai perfect? Hell no. Did I embrace the chaos? Mostly. Did I survive the Stars 99? Barely. But god, that museum… and those noodles… and the sheer energy of the city. It was an adventure. It was messy. It was authentic. And, despite the duvet, I would do it all again. (Maybe with a better duvet next time, though. Seriously.)
**Hongdae Party Pad! HUGE, Quiet Space, 1-Min Walk to Exit 6**
Stars 99 Motel Wujiaochang: The Unfiltered Truth (You've Been Warned!)
Prepare yourself... because this review isn't holding back. This isn't your typical travel blog fluff. We're diving DEEP.
1. Okay, spill it. What even IS Stars 99 Motel Wujiaochang? Is it actually a hidden gem, or a dumpster fire disguised as a motel?
Alright, alright, take a breath. Stars 99 is...well, it's a *vibe*. Let's just say it's a budget motel in the Wujiaochang area of Shanghai. Hidden gem? Debatable. Dumpster fire? Potentially. Depends on your tolerance for things that are...characterful. Think of it as the dive bar of Shanghai accommodations. It's got that certain... *je ne sais quoi* of slightly worn glory.
2. The rooms! Give me the dirt. Cleanliness a concern? Bugs a thing? (Please tell me no bugs.)
Ugh, the rooms. Okay, here's the deal. Cleanliness... varies. Let's just say they aren't *spotless*. I'm not going to lie, I did a *thorough* inspection upon arrival. Like, flashlight-under-the-bed-and-behind-the-toilet thorough. Found *some* stuff. Not gonna detail. But, hey, nothing *living*. No bugs on my stay, thank god. But bring some disinfectant wipes, you'll thank me later. The sheets... well, let's just say I've seen cleaner.
3. The Location: Is Wujiaochang actually a cool place to be? What's the vibe?
Wujiaochang is a *fantastic* area! Seriously, it's lively, youthful, and full of energy. It's basically a student hub, surrounded by universities and tons of shops and restaurants. You're close to the metro, so getting around Shanghai is a breeze. I spent hours exploring the mall, eating street food... *amazing* street food! And the people-watching? Gold. Seriously, location-wise, Stars 99 is a winner!
4. Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Can they speak English? Do they judge your questionable life choices?
The staff… ah, the staff. They're… present. English proficiency? Limited. A phrasebook is your friend. Are they friendly? Let's say they're efficient. They’ll check you in, give you your key card, and then politely look the other way. Do they judge? Probably. But hey, who am I to judge anyway? They've probably seen it all... and likely worse. Just smile, nod, and try not to make too much of a mess in the bathroom.
5. The Price: Is it actually a bargain or is it just cheap and nasty?
It's… cheap. Let's be clear: you’re paying for the bare minimum. It's not luxurious, it’s not fancy, but seriously, the price is ridiculously low. Like, so low it almost felt wrong. Considering the location and the fact that you have a roof over your head and a bed (sort of), it’s a bargain. If you want luxury, this ain't your place. If you want to save money and be in a vibrant area, then you've struck gold!.
6. Ooh, specific experiences! Did anything REALLY unexpected happen during your stay?
Oh, my God. Okay, so, picture this: it's 2 AM. I'm jet-lagged, desperate for sleep. *Suddenly*, the fire alarm goes off. Loud. Piercing. I'm scrambling, fully convinced the building is on fire. I throw on some clothes, fling open the door... and see a whole bunch of other sleep-deprived guests peering out of their rooms. Turns out? *False alarm*. No explanation. Just a blaring siren and then… silence. I went back to bed, heart thumping, and tried to fall asleep again. I was really annoyed and pissed to my core. But hey, it's a *story*, right?
7. The Wi-Fi: Reliable or a digital wasteland?
The Wi-Fi... well, let's just say it was spotty. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. You might get kicked off mid-scroll. It's enough to make you want to rip your hair out. But hey, you're in Shanghai! Go *outside*! Experience the *real* world! Use it as a digital detox. That's my advice.
8. Would you recommend this place, or would you run screaming in the other direction? Be honest!
*Okay, deep breath.* Here’s the truth. If you're: A) on a *strict* budget, B) prioritize location over luxury, and C) have a sense of humor and can handle a little... *character*, then yeah, go for it. It's an *experience*. If you're a germophobe who needs pristine perfection and fluffy towels? Run. Run far, far away. Me? I'd probably go back. Because, honestly, it’s a story. And those, my friends, are priceless. Just. Bring. Wipes.
9. Any final, MUST-KNOW tips for surviving (and maybe even enjoying) Stars 99 Motel Wujiaochang?
Okay, here's the gospel:
- Bring disinfectant wipes. Seriously. You'll be thanking me.
- Download a translation app. For staff interaction.
- Pack earplugs. The walls are thin. And the fire alarms are… enthusiastic.
- Embrace the chaos. It's part of the charm. (Maybe?)
- Enjoy Wujiaochang! Seriously, the area is amazing. Explore! Eat! Shop!
- Lower your expectations. Then lower them a bit more.
- Don't think too hard about what's under the bed. Ignorance is bliss.
- Have fun! (Honestly, you might)
