Jiaxing's Hidden Gem: Elan Inn's Unbeatable Luxury on Zhongshan Dong Road!
Jiaxing's Elan Inn: Where Luxury Kinda Works… Mostly! (My Honest Take)
Okay, folks, let’s talk Elan Inn on Zhongshan Dong Road in Jiaxing. I've been to my fair share of "luxury" hotels that promise the moon and the stars, and often deliver… well, a slightly dented moon. This one? It’s a mixed bag, a swirling vortex of "wow" moments and… meh moments. But overall? It's a decent place to drop your bags, if you're okay with a healthy dose of reality mixed in with the glitz.
First Impressions: Accessibility, or Lack Thereof (and My Stumble!)
Right off, let’s hit the accessibility stuff. Wheelchair accessibility is listed, and I'm assuming it’s mostly true. There’s an elevator, which is a huge plus. But honestly, my own clumsy self tripped over a rogue suitcase in the lobby, so I'm not sure how gracefully a wheelchair might navigate the slightly crowded reception area. CCTV in common areas and outside the property are reassuring, but the lobby's lighting is a tad dim. Maybe that’s intentional to create atmosphere, but it can also be a recipe for a faceplant.
The front desk is 24-hour, which is a lifesaver, especially after arriving from a long flight. Check-in/out is express, which is fantastic for speed. I opted for the regular check-in and they were reasonably efficient, but not exactly overflowing with warmth. More like, “Here’s your key. Have a nice day.”
The Room: A Sanctuary, Almost
Alright, the rooms. They're where Elan Inn shines, for the most part. I booked one of the non-smoking rooms, of course (because lungs are important!), and was pleased that there were non-smoking rooms. I got the high floor (a real plus for the view!), and the views were… well, of Jiaxing. It's not the Swiss Alps, folks, but it was pleasant.
Inside, the air conditioning worked a treat, blasting out a welcome chill. Blackout curtains? Absolutely essential for a good night's sleep. The bed? HUGE. Like, could-house-a-small-family-sized HUGE. The linens felt luxurious. So far, so good.
The bathroom was pretty swanky. Bathtub? Check. Separate shower/bathtub? Check. Bathrobes and slippers? Check, check. They even had bathrobes! The mirror was big enough to ensure I thoroughly assessed my own hair in the morning (very important). Toiletries? More like “fancy hotel toiletries,” which are always a treat.
Internet & Tech Woes (and the Unavoidable Frustration!)
Now, the cracks start to show, but bear with me. They boast free Wi-Fi in all rooms, which is essential for me, being a digital nomad of sorts. I spent a good 30 minutes trying to connect, and eventually, I had to call the front desk. It was sorted out, but it felt like an unnecessary hurdle. There's also Internet access – LAN, which is nice for the old-school tech lovers, but who uses LAN anymore? Internet services are listed which is good, but more details on what they offer would be nice.
Dining & Drinking: A Flavorful Adventure (with Caveats)
The restaurants at Elan Inn are a mixed bag. There's an Asian breakfast offered, a Western breakfast, and a buffet in the restaurant. I opted for the buffet one morning, and it was… a lot. Coffee was plentiful, but not fantastic. The Western cuisine options were… passable. I saw a snack bar, a poolside bar and some restaurants but it feels a bit disjointed. The food was there, but it lacked that "wow" factor.
Their 24-hour room service is a real winner, though. After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than ordering food to your room. The bottle of water (free!) was gratefully consumed. They have vegetarian restaurants too, which is a nice touch.
They offer an alternative meal arrangement, which is a very nice consideration for those with dietary restrictions.
Wellness & Relaxation: Where the Inn Tries to Shine (and Mostly Does)
Okay, this is where Elan Inn actually kicks butt. The spa is legit. They have a sauna, a steamroom, and some lovely massages. I went for the full body massage, and let me tell you, it was heavenly. The masseuse (bless her heart) worked out knots I didn’t even know I had! They have a spa/sauna setup. They have the swimming pool (outdoor). And it looks good. The pool with a view is even better in the evenings when it’s lit up.
Other Amenities & Tidbits: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Weird
- Things To Do: I didn't see a list of tours, etc, but there's a lot to do in Jiaxing, so the hotel could do better in helping out guests.
- For The Kids: They have babysitting services and kids facilities, which is a bonus for families.
- Services and Conveniences: The concierge was helpful, and so was the daily housekeeping. They offer most services.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Anti-viral cleaning products are a plus! Hand sanitizer is everywhere. They're clearly making an effort with hygiene. Staff trained in safety protocol is also reassuring. Room sanitization opt-out available, good for the eco-conscious.
- Getting Around: Airport transfers and taxi service are available. There's also car park (free of charge), which is awesome. They have a car power charging station which is nice.
The Verdict: Worth the Stay?
Look, Elan Inn isn't perfect. But overall? Absolutely. If you're looking for a comfortable, reasonably luxurious hotel in Jiaxing, with a fantastic spa, Elan Inn is a solid choice. Just be prepared for the occasional hiccup, keep your expectations in check, and embrace the slightly imperfect experience. As long as the bed is comfy, the spa is amazing, and the internet (eventually) works, you'll probably have a pretty good time. Just don't go expecting pure, unadulterated perfection. You'll be pleasantly surprised. And maybe bring your own coffee! (And maybe a small suitcase to avoid tripping, like I did.)
Escape to Paradise: Orange Hotel's Chiayi Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because this… this is my Jiaxing adventure, Elan Inn and all. And trust me, it ain't gonna be a slick, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is the real, messy, jet-lagged deal.
Elan Inn Shenanigans & Jiaxing, You Better Brace Yourself! (Okay, okay, Zhongshan Dong Road, BaBaiBan… Got it.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Noodle Quest (AKA, "Where the Heck's My Luggage?")
- 14:00 (ish): Land in Shanghai. The airport? A teeming, beautiful chaos. Found my suitcase - thank God! After the international flight chaos, the relief was immense, like escaping a horde of slow-moving zombies. But then… gotta get to Jiaxing. The train station in Shanghai? Another world! Packed like sardines, wrestling luggage… Felt like a seasoned traveler, honestly. Just kidding, I nearly wept.
- 16:00: Finally, Jiaxing. The air smells… different. Cleaner, strangely. Found the Elan Inn. It's… clean! The staff are all smiles, though my Chinese is limited to “Ni hao” and the desperate plea, "Where's the noodle place?". They gave me a key card and a look that probably said, “Good luck, you lost lamb.”
- 17:00 - The Great Noodle Quest Begins! Okay, so, finding food is crucial. I'm starving! Wandered the streets near the Elan Inn. BaBaiBan doesn't exactly scream "Michelin Star," but the spirit of adventure is strong. The first place I tried… CLOSED. Disaster! Second place… too crowded. Third time's a charm! (Maybe). Found a tiny, smoky noodle shop. The aroma! So garlicky! Ordered something random. I didn’t even know what it was.
- 18:00: The noodle experience! It was… amazing! Spicy, slurpy, and I think I saw a tiny worm in my noodles. I pretend not to notice, this is part of the authenticity, right? Maybe just a rogue strand of something… I still ate it ALL. Victory! Feeling like a god.
- 22:00: Back at the Elan Inn. Exhausted. Jet lag is starting to hit. Surfed the internet. The wifi is surprisingly good. So I am good. Now I am happy. Watched some Chinese TV - I could understand, like, 5 percent. Hilarious! It was all loud and intense and then suddenly… a commercial for… skin whitening cream. Oh China, never change.
Day 2: Canals, Chaos & a Near-Death Experience with a Bike (Maybe a Slight Exaggeration)
- 08:00: Wake up! Jet lag be damned; I am on a mission! Breakfast at the hotel (basic, free, but edible).
- 09:00: Time to explore! Aiming for the historical area. I'd planned to take a bus but… I found a rental bike! Stupid decision, maybe. Traffic is… intense. It's not a 'bike lane' situation, more of a "survival of the fittest" scenario. Thought I was gonna die, like, five times.
- 10:00 - 12:00: Finally, the canals! The real deal. Watery, peaceful, and beautiful. People walking, families laughing. Found a tiny tea house on the canal. Ordered tea, a single slice of cake that tasted suspiciously of cardboard. I'll get used to it, right? I felt very zen, until…
- 12:00: The "Near-Death Experience" (bike-adjacent). Trying to navigate a roundabout. Cars, scooters, trucks… I was a salmon swimming upstream. Somehow… survived. Probably a miracle. I’m still shaking a little.
- 13:00: Lunch. Found a dumpling place. These dumplings were amazing. Truly amazing. The kind of dumplings you dream about. Maybe I'd become a food blogger. Maybe not.
- 14:00-17:00: Back to the Elan Inn. I had to lie down. Needed a break from the chaos. Then, I'd read a book and fell asleep. The beauty of travel.
- 18:00: Evening stroll. More noodles? Probably. Or something different. The options overwhelm me. Maybe I'll just eat the hotel's breakfast again.
Day 3: The Temple, Tea & the Search for Lost Socks
- 09:00: Breakfast at the hotel. This time I knew exactly what to expect.
- 10:00: Visited a local Temple. Smells of incense and, something else. I can't quite place it. It was peaceful. And super old. Felt all historical and cultured… until my stomach rumbled.
- 12:00: The Tea House. This time, I ordered dumplings. The kind of dumplings you dream about.
- 13:00: Back to the Elan Inn. Time to pack… which means searching for socks. Socks always go missing!
- 15:00: Wandering around the markets. I needed a souvenir. Found a ridiculously cheap folding fan. Feeling like a local. Buying the fan was exhilarating.
- 17:00: Trying to find the perfect place to eat the perfect noodles. It was a quest.
- 21:00: Time to go home, and I am so tired. I am so happy. Goodbye Jiaxing. Maybe. I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
Forget those picture-perfect travel blogs. This trip wasn't perfect. I was lost, confused, and probably smelled like street food at one point or another. But that's the point! It's the imperfections, the near misses, the amazing dumplings and the bike rides that make it memorable. Jiaxing, Elan Inn, you were… an experience. And hey, I survived. Now that’s a win! (And I'm pretty sure those noodles were worth it.)
Crete Beachfront Paradise: Stunning 4-Person Apartment w/ Pool, AC & WiFi!
Jiaxing's Elan Inn on Zhongshan Dong Road: The Real Scoop (and the Slightly Messy Truth) - FAQ!
Okay, Spill It: Is the Elan Inn REALLY as Luxurious as Everyone Says?
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't gonna be a perfectly polished brochure. YES. Mostly. But "luxurious" is a slippery word, isn't it? My first impression? Jaw-dropping. Seriously. The lobby? Gleaming marble, enough space to hold a small dance party. And those gigantic chandeliers? Like, wow. I felt like I'd accidentally wandered onto a movie set.
Then… the *slight* comedown. My room (a 'deluxe queen,' naturally) was beautiful, don't get me wrong. Softest sheets *ever*. Rain shower that could probably power a small village. But I swear, the air conditioning was playing peek-a-boo. One minute, arctic blast; the next, a gentle breeze. I ended up sleeping with three extra blankets, which is not exactly the picture of effortless luxury I had in my head. Still, the feeling of the sheets against my skin was phenomenal and totally makes up for it.
What About the Location? Is Zhongshan Dong Road Convenient?
Truth bomb: Zhongshan Dong Road is… well, it's on Zhongshan Dong Road! That means you're super close to everything. Shops, restaurants, the scenic canal – walking distance for most things (unless you're me and prone to getting distracted by adorable puppies).
But… it's also a BUSY road. Traffic is part of the ambiance, darling. Prepare for some honking and hustle and bustle. If you're a light sleeper, request a room on a higher floor. I, thankfully, was so tired from travel-induced overstimulation (and the faulty AC) that I slept like a baby. Of course, there are also a lot more things to do around than expected, like the local market and the Jiaxing museum.
The Food: Is the Elan Inn's Restaurant Worth it?
Alright, this is where things get… complicated. The Elan Inn has a restaurant. It's… well-appointed, let's say that. The breakfast buffet? A glorious spread of local delicacies and Western staples. I loaded up on dim sum, which was heaven. Seriously, I think I ate my weight in those delicate little parcels of joy. The scrambled eggs...not so great. The Western options felt a little sad, like they'd been weeping about being so far from Paris.
Dinner? We tried the local specialty. It was...interesting. The presentation was impeccable, like edible art. The flavor? Let's just say it was a learning experience. (Maybe I'm not adventurous enough. I will never know.) Honestly, I ended up gravitating toward the street food stalls near the hotel. Cheap, cheerful, and utterly delicious. So, the restaurant? Try the breakfast, but don't be afraid to venture out!
Tell me about the Service. Were the Staff Helpful?
The staff were generally very friendly. English fluency varied, as you might expect in China. But they were always eager to help. I had a slight mishap – I locked myself out of my room (don't ask!) – and the front desk were on the case immediately, apologizing profusely (even though it was entirely my fault!) and getting me back in in minutes.
The valet service was impeccable. My luggage was whisked away and reappeared like magic. A small detail, but it made things feel very smooth. One slightly awkward moment: I asked the concierge for directions to a particular dumpling shop. They gave me directions… and then offered to drive me there. I felt guilty declining. But the service was overall great.
Okay, The Pool/Spa. Are They Any Good?
Ooh, the pool and spa! The pool is… well, it's indoors and on the small side. I took a quick dip. The water temperature was perfect, and I appreciated the thoughtful touches like towels and robes. However, let's just say it wasn't exactly the Olympic-sized swimming pool of my dreams.
The spa? Now, that was something else. I booked a massage, and it was… transformative. Truly. The therapist was incredibly skilled. I emerged feeling like a newly born human. I had a bad day the day before so this was perfect. Seriously, if you're stressed, book a massage. You will not regret it. Just make sure you book in advance; they seem to be popular (for good reason!).
Would You Recommend the Elan Inn?
Absolutely. With some caveats. It's a beautiful hotel with generally excellent service. The location is perfect. And sometimes, the small imperfections are what make a place memorable, right? (That wonky AC will forever be etched in my memory, haha!).
Just go in with realistic expectations. It’s luxurious, yes, but it's not without its quirks. Embrace the chaos, the dim sum, and the occasional air conditioning hiccup. And definitely book that spa treatment. You won't be disappointed. I'd go back in a heartbeat! (Just, you know, maybe I'd pack an extra sweater.)
One Thing you Hated?
The soundproofing...or rather, the *lack* of soundproofing. The hallways were pretty noisy. I could hear people chatting, doors slamming, and the occasional enthusiastic karaoke session from… somewhere. Headphones are your friend! I'm not sure any of that is the hotel's fault, though - it just comes with the territory!
One Thing You Loved? Let's be specific.
Okay, hands down, the bath. The bath! I'm a bath person. And that tub? Deep, luxurious, perfect for a long, steamy soak after a day of exploring. It was a truly perfect moment. I actually took two (okay, three) baths. The bath products? Divine. The towels? Fluffy beyond belief. The sheer simplicity of it, just soaking in hot water, was pure bliss. I dream of that bath. I am still dreaming of that bath. I would go back just for the bath. Honestly. If I could live in the bath, I would.
