Jinan's Hidden Gem: Ramada Encore Shanghe - Unbelievable Hotel Deal!
Jinan's Hidden Gem: Ramada Encore Shanghe - Seriously? Unbelievable Deal! (My Chaotic Take)
Okay, so I stumbled upon this place, the Ramada Encore Shanghe in Jinan, China. And honestly? I'm still reeling. Like, unbelievable kind of reeling. Usually, "unbelievable deal" is code for "you'll be sleeping on a futon next to a roaring furnace." Not this time. This place seriously surprised me. I mean, I’m talking genuinely surprised. So, let's get into this… and I'm going to try and not be too polished, because let's face it, life isn't.
Accessibility? Let's Talk About It (Important Stuff First!)
Right, so first things first – and this is crucial for some. Accessibility matters. While I didn't personally need it (knock on wood!), I did my homework. They mention facilities for disabled guests, and I saw elevator access everywhere. I could see things were set up for ease of movement, which is a huge plus. Now, it’s always best to call ahead to confirm specific requirements – don't just take my word for it! They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property, which, hey, makes you feel safer, right?
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, Pandemic Times)
Okay, so this is where I REALLY perked up. Because, let's be honest, I'm a bit of a germaphobe these days. And the Ramada Encore Shanghe? Solid. They're taking this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. And, get this: you can even opt-out of room sanitization if you want! (Though, honestly, I'd probably opt in… I'm that guy.) Safe dining setup? Check. Hygiene certification? I saw something that looked like it, but I need to confirm this. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Seems to be the case. I swear, I saw the staff practically measuring distance with a ruler, though I was being silly.
Internet – Because, Duh (And Free WiFi!)
Alright, alright, let's get to the nitty gritty - WiFi! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked! I'm not kidding. I could catch up on anything and the Internet/ Internet [LAN] were good and available everywhere. I'm not sure, but I think I saw Wi-Fi in public areas. A good hotel without good internet? I'm out!
Rooms – Finally, A Place To Crash (And Actually Relax)
Okay, so the rooms. I'm talking about, you know, what you actually spend your time in when you're not out exploring. They're great. Seriously. Air conditioning? Obviously. Blackout curtains? Heck yes. I could sleep till noon (if I didn’t have meetings). Plus, the details! Bathrobes, slippers, safety box, high floor, soundproofing, window that opens and a mini bar! (I’m a sucker for a mini bar, even if I mostly just stare at it). They had complimentary tea and a coffee/tea maker – a lifesaver in the mornings. And a desk, because sometimes you do need to work. They have non-smoking rooms. They have interconnecting room(s) available and couple's room! These are all good news.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Because, Fuel!
Okay, so this is where it gets interesting. I mean, let's be honest – I judge a hotel by its food. And, they had options. Several restaurants! Breakfast [buffet], which I always try. You can get Asian breakfast or Western breakfast, depending on your mood. There's a coffee shop, so you're not desperate for caffeine. A snack bar for those late-night cravings. Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please. I was too lazy to eat too much, but I can confirm that there's Asian cuisine/Western cuisine in restaurant. I think they had a vegetarian restaurant if you're into that (I tried to be, but it was really difficult). There's even a poolside bar! Oh, and they have a happy hour, which, well, that's always a win.
Ways To Relax – Because Vacation, Duh!
Okay, here's where things get really interesting. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Pool with view? Maybe if you squint. Fitness center? Yep, and I swear I was going to use it every day. But you know how it goes. They also promise a spa/sauna experience plus a steamroom! I didn’t get to try it out! I could swear I saw a spa. They talked about stuff like body scrub, body wrap, massage, and a foot bath. I didn’t have time to test these (I'm busy, okay?!) I felt like I needed all of these!
Services and Conveniences – Because Life Is Easier This Way
Okay, this is where they really try to impress you. Concierge? Check. 24-hour front desk? Absolutely essential. Daily housekeeping? Thank goodness! Laundry service? I needed that. Dry cleaning? Yep. Luggage storage? Indispensable. Plus, a convenience store (because you always forget something). Cash withdrawal? They even have currency exchange! I saw things like invoice provided, iron, ironing service, elevator, smoking area… they even have a gift/souvenir shop! Oh, and… an airport transfer?? Yes please!
For the Kids? (And, Okay, Maybe Big Kids Too)
Okay, here's where the Ramada Encore Shanghe shows its, uh, family-friendly side. They have babysitting service, so if you do have kids and want some alone time, there's that. Family/child friendly? Yep. Kids facilities, and even a kids meal! The little ones will be well taken care of.
Getting Around – Convenient Locations
Car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], taxi service, car power charging station, valet parking… everything available to move around effortlessly.
Now, The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, I’m not going to lie. There were a few small things. The gym could be bigger. The coffee at the buffet wasn’t the best, but definitely drinkable. And sometimes, the staff's English wasn't amazing. But honestly? It's China. I figured it out. And they were always friendly. And, hey, for the price? Seriously not a dealbreaker.
Oh, and, I found it a bit difficult to book some of the spa stuff and the room service took forever. Small inconveniences, nothing big.
My Quirky Moment – The Pool!
Okay, here's a moment. I went to the pool, which, as mentioned, is awesome. I'm not a great swimmer, but I love floating. I'm pretty sure I spent a solid hour just drifting around, feeling like a giant, slightly sunburned marshmallow. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Bottom Line: Book It. Seriously.
Look, I’m a cynical traveler. I’ve stayed in some real dumps. But the Ramada Encore Shanghe genuinely surprised me. It’s clean, it’s safe, the rooms are comfortable, and the amenities are top-notch, especially for the price. And that’s without mentioning the staff.
So, here’s the deal:
UNBELIEVABLE OFFER!
Book your stay at the Ramada Encore Shanghe today and get this: GET 15% OFF ON ALL STAYS IN THE MONTH, FREE SPA TREATEMENT AND FREE BREAKFAST BUFFET!!! Hurry before it’s gone!
Don't wait. Book it. You won't regret it.
Masteri Thao Dien: Luxury 1BR in Ho Chi Minh City - Unbelievable Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, utterly delightful, and probably slightly disastrous world of my trip to the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Jinan Shanghe in Jinan, China. Forget perfect Instagram filters; we're going raw, real, and probably slightly embarrassing.
The Jinan Jamboree: A Mostly Chronological Train Wreck (But in a Good Way, I Swear)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Noodle Negotiation
- 7:00 AM (ish) – Ugh, the Flight (and the Existential Dread): Woke up feeling like a deflated balloon. Plane food is ALWAYS the same: vaguely beige, vaguely suspicious. But hey, we're headed to China! Excitement level: 4 out of 10. Still, I can’t help but feel a shiver of adventure, mixed with the mild terror of being utterly lost in a place where I cannot speak the language.
- 1:00 PM (local time) – Jinan Airport Arrival: The First Glimpse of Chaos: Okay, it's happened, I've landed. Jet lag is already whispering sweet nothings in my ear. The airport is huge. Finding the right exit was like navigating a particularly tricky level of Mario Kart.
- 2:00 PM – Taxi Tango: Flagging down a taxi… a linguistic battle! My phone's translation app became my best friend (and occasionally my enemy, as it occasionally produced gibberish). The driver, bless him, just smiled and nodded a lot. We eventually made it to the hotel, which looked… well, it looked like a Ramada Encore. Clean, functional, no real surprises. But hey, a bed is a bed!
- 3:00 PM – Check-in and the Quest for the Perfect Noodle Broth: The hotel staff were lovely, even if my Mandarin was… let’s just say, interpretive. Once settled, the stomach rumbled. FOOD, glorious FOOD! I wandered the streets, my face a mask of confused hunger, attempting to find some authentic local eats. I pointed, I mimed eating, I used every phrase in my tiny Mandarin vocabulary (mostly "thank you" and "one beer, please"). Finally, I found a noodle shop. The resulting noodles? Glorious. Broth of the gods. And I accidentally inhaled like half the bowl in a single gulp. Oops. But worth it
Day 2: A Hill, a Temple, and a Near-Disaster with a Chopstick
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast Buffet Blues: The hotel breakfast. Standard international fare. But I am obsessed with the little pre-made pastry buns. The sheer variety of options, the way they all taste vaguely the same…it's fascinating. Plus, the coffee was STRONG, which I definitely needed.
- 10:00 AM – "The Hill": Went to a park at the foot of a hill with a temple atop it. The landscape, the colours, the hustle and bustle of the people around me – I felt so incredibly far removed from everything. I tried to hike up the hill, but I'm not exactly built for strenuous exercise. The views were worth it, in an "I'm slightly out of breath but this is amazing" kind of way.
- 12:00 PM – The Temple of Serenity (and Loud Tourists): The temple itself was stunning – incense smoke, chanting, gorgeous architecture. I tried to meditate, but I’m too easily distracted, so it was more like a half-hearted attempt at inner peace before getting drawn into people-watching.
- 1:30 PM – Noodle Round Two (and Chopstick Catastrophe): Back to the noodle shop! This time, I ordered with slightly more confidence (thanks to the translation app). Let's just say my chopstick skills are still… developing. I spent a good five minutes chasing a slippery noodle around the table, practically attacking my meal. Eventually, I gave up and just shovelled with a spoon. Victory! (Sort of).
- 3:00 PM – Rest & Recovery: I collapsed back at the hotel, jet lag hitting hard, and for the next few hours, I basically morphed into a human potato on the bed.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner – the Unexpected Delights: I stumbled upon a small, family-run restaurant. The food was incredible. The people, so kind, despite the language barrier. I ate, I laughed (mostly at myself), and I felt a genuine connection with the place. That meal? Pure joy.
Day 3: The Park of Dreams & The Final Noodle Embrace
- 9:00 AM – Buffet, Again: The buffet is starting to feel familiar… and I'm starting to become a connoisseur of the pastry buns.
- 10:00 AM – "The Park": They have a park near the hotel. I spent a couple of hours just wandering around, watching people play games, practice Tai Chi, and generally enjoying the day. The air was crisp and clean, and it was a welcome change from the bustling streets.
- 1:00 PM – Farewell Noodle Feast: One last noodle-filled lunch. This time, I was a little more competent with those pesky chopsticks. I felt a pang of sadness that I was leaving.
- 2:00 PM – Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble: The obligatory souvenir hunt. I needed to grab something to remind me of this whirlwind trip. I opted for a few small trinkets.
- 3:00 PM – Packing and the Anticipation of Home: Packing. The inevitable post-holiday blues are starting to creep in. But the memories? Priceless (and slightly messy, just like the trip itself).
The Aftermath:
Back home, everything feels… different. I look at the photos, the videos I recorded, and I just remember. The chaos, the delicious food, the friendly faces, and the neverending quest for the perfect noodle broth… It was a trip full of mishaps, wonderful moments, and a healthy dose of "what have I gotten myself into?" But would I do it again? Absolutely. Just maybe I'd pack a few extra pairs of chopsticks… and maybe a dictionary.
Bali Paradise: Your Private Pool Escape Awaits (2BR Villa #ZN22)
Okay, spill the tea! Is the Ramada Encore Shanghe ACTUALLY a hidden gem or is it just... a Ramada?
Alright, alright, settle down, eager beavers. Here's the deal: Shanghe is... well, it's Shanghe. Think "far out in the sticks" but with a surprisingly decent hotel. I went in with zero expectations. Seriously, I was picturing a dusty motel on the side of a highway. But the Ramada Encore? It's... alright. Let's just say it exceeded my rock-bottom expectations. I mean, "hidden gem" might be a stretch, unless your definition of "gem" is a slightly polished pebble you found on the side of the road but hey, it was a good stay.
What about the location? Shanghe... is that like, near anything fun?
Okay, here comes the truth bomb: Shanghe is NOT the heart of Jinan. It's... out there. My internal compass was spinning, looking like a confused toddler. "Where am I?" I asked myself upon the bus ride, like I got off at the wrong stop. You're definitely not stumbling out of the hotel and into a vibrant nightlife scene. More like "stumbling out of the hotel… and wondering where to get that weird durian fruit I forgot." You'll need to go to Jinan proper for the big attractions, the food scene blah blah blah. The hotel is geared towards business travelers and possibly some people who just want a relaxing escape from chaos, but really just a "quiet" escape, it is.
The "unbelievable hotel deal" part... elaborate! How cheap are we talking?
Now, here's where things get interesting. The price? It's... *chef's kiss*. Let's just say you might actually *gasp* get some change back after paying for the room. Like, you could buy a whole extra plate of dumplings with the savings. I remember one time, I felt like I practically ROBBED the hotel. Seriously, I almost felt guilty. (Almost.) I remember finding it was on sale, as if it was a "we ran out of rooms in the city so here is the secret place to rest your head" deal. It's a deal that makes you question if they even *want* your money. But, also, maybe they *do* want your money, they have bills to pay, I don't know.
Give me the lowdown on the rooms. Are they comfy? Clean? Do they have air conditioning that actually WORKS?
Okay, room rundowns. They're decent. You're not getting a suite fit for a king, but the beds are comfortable enough. Cleanliness? Generally, yes! I mean, I'm not a germaphobe, but I didn't spot any suspicious critters or dust bunnies plotting world domination, at least, not that I noticed... The air conditioning... Ah, that's the wildcard. Sometimes it's blasting arctic air, sometimes it's whispering a gentle breeze. I'd recommend packing a sweater and a fan. I had a great air conditioning episode, it was so cold, that I really enjoyed, the room was perfect, just what I needed. It was a blessing. And the bathrooms? Functional. Adequate. They have showers. Sometimes the water pressure is a bit weak, but hey, it's Shanghe!
Breakfast. Spill. Is it a buffet? Worth getting up for?
Okay, okay, breakfast. This is where things get tricky. It's a buffet, yes. Is it amazing? Probably not. But it *is* included in the price, so score! I remember trying the noodles. I recall one time, I found the buffet underwhelming, so I went to the local shops, I'm glad I skipped the breakfast completely, because I could buy anything for a really special price. It’s enough to get you going, but don't go expecting Michelin-star quality. It's your basic eggs, toast, maybe some questionable sausages... Look, just manage your expectations and you'll be fine.
Any other amenities? Like a gym? A pool? A disco? (A disco would be amazing.)
Let's see... gym? Possibly. I *think* I saw a sad-looking treadmill and some weights in a corner somewhere. I seem to recall a pool too though it may have been some kind of mirage because when it was time to go, the pool had vanished. Disco? Absolutely not. Although, I'm picturing a hotel disco, in the middle of nowhere, and it does sound awesome. Maybe you could bring your own playlist and start one yourself? You'd probably be the only one there.
What was the BEST part of your stay? Give me something good!
You know what? The staff. Honestly, the staff was mostly really friendly and helpful. There was this one woman at the front desk who, I swear, could speak five languages and had a smile that could melt glaciers. She was beyond helpful. And the times I really needed help, they were willing to go out of their way even. It wasn't perfect, I mean, maybe things weren't running like clockwork, but they tried. That's what I really appreciated. It's the people that made a stay in Shanghe more bearable.
And the WORST? Don't sugarcoat it.
Okay, the worst... Okay, I think the isolation. It's the location, man. It's not a bustling metropolis. You're kind of stuck. It's not a bad thing, I think, you should prepare if you're going to Shanghe. It's fine if you want a quiet getaway if you don't want to be bothered with anything, but if you want to go out and explore, you'll need to plan your transport carefully and set aside some time. I'm the kind of person who loves to just wander into a new restaurant without a map and without any plans and that part was missing for me and I didn't enjoy it that much.
Would you go back? Seriously.
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. If I needed a cheap, clean place to crash near Shanghe, absolutely. I mean, if I could somehow transport a decent restaurant and a bar into Shanghe, the value proposition would skyrocket. It's not going to be a vacation spot, but for a pit stop it's fine. I'd go back. I guess. Don't tell anyone I said that, okay?
