Unbelievable Qingdao Hotel Deal: Hi Inn Jimo Baolong Plaza!
Unbelievable Qingdao Hotel Deal: Hi Inn Jimo Baolong Plaza! - A Real, Messy Review 🤣🏨
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized, corporate review. This is real. We're talking about the Hi Inn Jimo Baolong Plaza in Qingdao, a place that promised me budget-friendly bliss and delivered… well, a mixed bag. Let's dive in, shall we? And let's be honest, I'm still unpacking (both literally and figuratively) this whole experience.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Can a Wheelchair Navigate a Budget Miracle?
So, accessibility - that's always a big deal. And I gotta say, the Hi Inn… it's a maybe. They say facilities for disabled guests are available, but the devil's in the details, right? The elevator was a godsend (essential!), but navigating the hallways… well, let's just say I'm glad I don't roll around in a wheelchair. Some areas felt tight. The front desk folks were generally helpful, but you could tell they weren't specifically trained in disability assistance. A mixed bag, but props for trying. The Exterior corridor was a plus, and there was CCTV in common areas (always a comfort, right?). The free car park was a huge win, though! (Car park [on-site] also listed, but I'm pretty sure it was the same one).
Cleanliness & Safety – Am I Gonna Catch Something? 🦠
This is where the Hi Inn kinda shines. They really are pushing hygiene these days. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Seemed like it, but you know that feeling of "did they really clean under the bed?" Yeah, I had it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Yup. Individually-wrapped food options? Mostly. Staff trained in safety protocol? They wore masks religiously. Safe dining setup? Seemed okay. The Hygiene certification made me feel a little safer, though it wasn't a guarantee. Rooms were non-smoking, thank goodness, and there were smoke alarms (phew!). The Doctor/nurse on call brought some peace of mind, given the context. Overall, the Cleanliness and safety score is… cautiously optimistic.
Rooms – The All-Important Sanctuary (Or Not?)
Alright, the Rooms. This is where the budget aspect really shows. My room was… functional. It had Air conditioning (essential!), Free Wi-Fi (bless!), and a desk (for the laptop). The bed… well, it was an Extra long bed, which was great for my 6ft frame, but the mattress was more "firm" than "comfy". Think sleeping on a plank. The Blackout curtains worked wonders for blocking out the streetlights, and I appreciated the reading light. They had the essentials: a Hair dryer, a Refrigerator (yay!), and a Coffee/tea maker (double yay!). There was Free bottled water which was a nice touch. The Private bathroom was… adequate. The Shower had decent water pressure, but the Toiletries were the kind you try once and then head to the nearest store. Towels? Thin but clean. Slippers? Yes! Bathrobes? Nope. The Soundproofing was… questionable. I heard the neighbors. A LOT. Wake-up service worked, though! I have no idea if there was Satellite/cable channels, as I was only at my room to crash. Overall, a somewhat un-memorable room.
Internet – The Unsung Hero (or Villain?)
Wi-Fi [free]? Yes! It was… usable. Internet access – wireless? Yes to that as well. I even saw that they have Internet access – LAN!? I didn't test that, but they had that too. Needed for work and communication, so that was great. The Internet services were basic, but acceptable. I think, I made it work at least.
Dining & Snacking – Food Glorious Food…or Not? 🍜
Okay, brace yourselves, because this is where things get… interesting. There's an Asian breakfast, a Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast takeaway service (which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver). The buffet itself, however… well, it was the usual budget fare. The coffee was definitely Coffee shop quality - not great, not terrible. They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant, but it was the same stuff. There were Restaurants on-site. I saw Asian cuisine in restaurant (obviously), and Western cuisine in restaurant – didn't try either. They did have a Snack bar (helpful!), and I think they had Desserts in restaurant, and Soups in restaurant, I think… there was Bottle of water, sure. Actually, there was a Poolside bar which could be a nice touch… if the view from the Swimming pool [outdoor] wasn't blocked… I was happy to have Room service [24-hour], though I didn't use it. A la carte in restaurant options probably too. I think I saw Vegetarian restaurant. I'm hungry, and I regret the Salad in restaurant now. The options are plentiful but quality felt lacking, if that makes sense.
Things to Do & Relax – (Besides Wondering What's For Breakfast?) 🧘♀️
Things to do? Well, not much at the hotel itself. They have a Fitness center, but I didn't check it out. No Spa, no Sauna, no Steamroom (sad face). Massage? Probably. The Swimming pool? Might have been nice, if it wasn't surrounded by buildings. The Poolside bar could have been fun, if the vibe was better. I guess there's some ways to relax, by just staying in the room… Foot bath? Oh! and they had Body scrub and even a Body wrap, I did not have time. So, yeah. Not a relaxing paradise, really.
Services & Conveniences – The Perks (and the Perplexing)
Services and conveniences? They have a Front desk [24-hour], which is always a plus. They offer Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage and Safety deposit boxes. So, the basics. The Convenience store was pretty convenient. They also have Cash withdrawal! The Elevator was key. They have Breakfast service, and they offer Food delivery. The Daily housekeeping was good overall, though I’m not sure I liked the random knocking when I was asleep. I appreciate the Facilities for disabled guests. They had Car park [free of charge] Car park [on-site], and they have Car power charging station too! Babysitting service available for those with families!
For the Kids – Family Friendly?
They advertised as Family/child friendly and, from what I saw, it seemed okay. I didn’t see Kids facilities in action nor a Kids meal to comment further.
Getting Around – Navigating the City
Airport transfer? Probably, but I didn't need it. Taxi service, yes. Valet parking? Nope. The Car park [free of charge] was clutch.
Bottom Line - The Verdict
The Hi Inn Jimo Baolong Plaza is… a budget hotel. It delivers what it promises, no more, no less. If you're on a tight budget and prioritize cleanliness and a convenient location (it’s near Baolong Plaza, duh!), it’s a viable option. Don't expect luxury, don't expect a spa day, and don't expect the best food you've ever tasted. But if you're looking for a clean, safe place to crash while exploring Qingdao, it'll do the trick. I’d give it a solid 3/5, maybe a 3.5 on a good day. I’d probably go back… but I’d bring my own pillow and my own expectations and hopefully a friend!
Escape to Paradise: Miramonti Penzion in the Slovakian High Tatras
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the delightful, slightly chaotic, and probably carb-loaded adventure that is my supposed visit to the Hi Inn Qingdao Jimo Baolong Plaza in Qingdao, China. Bear with me, because my pre-trip anxiety levels are already skyrocketing (thanks, packing!), and I'm basically writing this as I dream of dumplings.
PRE-TRIP PRECAUTIONS (AKA, PANIC MODE ON)
- Passport Check: YES, it's still valid. Thank GOD. (That's a huge, life-altering YES. Trust me.)
- Phrasebook Practice: "Ni hao" and "Xie Xie" are locked and loaded. Beyond that… well, let's hope the universe is feeling generous with Google Translate.
- Packing (the Great Debate): I have a travel-sized deodorant that I'm pretty sure is older than some of the attractions I'll be seeing. Should I pack a formal dress? Probably not. Should I want to pack a formal dress? Absolutely. (I always secretly hope for a glamorous, black-tie affair to break out.)
- Vaccinations: Check. Except for the one where I have to get a needle. I'm not doing that.
DAY 1: Arrival, Regrets (Maybe Already?) and the Quest for Food
- 7:00 AM: Alarm shrieks like a banshee. I groan, contemplate a career change (preferably involving sleeping), and drag myself out of bed. The thrill of adventure vs. the crushing weight of early hours… the adventure barely wins.
- 9:00 AM: Airport madness! Lines, security checks, and the distinct smell of stale coffee. My anxiety is now firmly lodged in my gut. I blame the coffee.
- 12:00 PM: Finally, on the plane. Thank the travel gods. I've got my book (a slightly trashy romance, because, you know, balance).
- Arrival in Qingdao (Time TBD): Jet lag. I’m calling it. I'll probably look like a bewildered zombie. Finding the Hi Inn… that's the real challenge. Pray for me.
- Afternoon: The Great Food Hunt begins. I imagine a glorious explosion of dumplings, noodles, and anything else I can point at and yell (politely, of course) "That one!". I'm already craving that.
- Evening at the Hi Inn: Settling in. Probably unpacking, which will be a mess. Trying to figure out how to use the TV remote. Ordering food. Cursing the fact that my phone charger doesn't work in the hotel. This is my life now.
DAY 2: Golden Beach, Crab and Cultural Overload
- Morning: MUST. SEE. GOLDEN BEACH. I've heard the sand is like…well, gold! Or at least, very yellow. Hoping the sea isn't too cold. Trying to remember my swim suit.
- Lunch: Seafood Time! Maybe crabs. Crabs are the best! Hopefully, with lots of delicious sauce. I will eat my weight in crustaceans, I swear.
- Afternoon: A Cultural Thing! I'm sure Qingdao’s got some amazing sites, but after beaches and food, my attention for things like history and art are…not high. But I should be open-minded! Okay, I'll try.
- Evening at the hotel: I will definitely be exhausted. Showering after a day in Qingdao, you understand. And maybe a beer or something. I love beer.
- Late Night: Staring at the city lights, wondering how I'm going to manage to sleep with all the excitement.
DAY 3: The (Potential) Disaster Day
- Morning: Okay, let's be honest: at some point, something will go wrong. A delayed train. A lost wallet. A sudden craving for haggis. I’m bracing myself. Probably will be something to do with communication.
- Afternoon: Hopefully, the disaster will be a minor one. Maybe I will have decided it's too hard to order and I will survive on snacks from a local supermarket.
- Evening: Seriously considering going back home. But the food. And the beach. And the fact that I can’t just give up when things get difficult. I will order more food.
- Late Night: Looking at my photos… realizing I had a great time.
DAY 4: Farewell and (Maybe) a Promise to Return
- Morning: Packing. The dreaded packing. Trying to fit everything back in, even though I bought more things!
- Afternoon: Heading back to the airport. Probably a last-minute dumpling run, because, well, dumplings.
- Flight: Looking back at my photos. Already missing Qingdao.
- Evening: If all goes to plan, I'll be home, exhausted, sun-kissed (hopefully), and already dreaming of my next adventure. And dreaming of more dumplings.
REFLECTIONS (AKA, POST-TRIP THOUGHTS, WHEN I ACTUALLY GET THERE)
- The Food: Did I mention the food? It was probably the best thing.
- The People: Everyone was super friendly, even with the language barrier.
- My Sanity: Possibly lost, but hey, that's what vacations are for, right?
So, there you have it. A messy, imperfect, and probably food-obsessed itinerary. Wish me luck (and maybe send dumplings)!
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Unbelievable Qingdao Hotel Deal: Hi Inn Jimo Baolong Plaza! – Seriously, Is It Real? (And Should You Believe the Hype?)
Okay, Let's Be Honest... Is this Hotel Really That Cheap?!
Alright, alright. Let's get down to brass tacks. The prices at Hi Inn Jimo Baolong Plaza... they’re tempting. I mean, I saw a price that made me initially suspect some sort of elaborate tax evasion scheme. Seriously, I spent a good ten minutes staring at my phone, convinced I’d misread something. Cheap? Yep. Suspiciously cheap? Maybe. I had to keep going back and checking. Like, *is* it really that cheap? The answer, as far as I could tell, is… yes. But, there’s always a catch, right? We delve into that later.
So, About the Catch... What's the Deal with "Jimo"? Is it a Secret Prison?
Jimo. That’s the location. It’s *not* Qingdao city center. Let me repeat that. IT IS NOT IN THE HEART OF THE ACTION. Think of it as… a bit further out. It took me a solid hour and a half, maybe two, on public transport (that included some confusing bus transfers where I definitely got on the wrong one at least once) to get to the beach. But, you know what? This is where I think the price justification is. It’s a trade-off, folks. Time versus money. If you're cool with a bit of a commute to the good stuff, you’re golden.
The Room... Is It Tiny? Like, "Can Barely Swing a Cat" Tiny? (Asking for a Friend...)
Okay, look. I'm not gonna lie. The room wasn't the size of a ballroom. It wasn't exactly palatial. It was... practical. Let's call it that. Think efficient, functional, maybe leaning towards minimalist. The bed was... a bed. Clean, though. The bathroom was… also clean. Tiny, yes, but clean. And for the price? I wasn't expecting the Ritz. I was expecting a place to sleep, and it delivered. Did I accidentally kick the wall a couple of times in the middle of the night? Maybe. Did it impact my sleep? Not really. I was too busy being shocked still about the price!
The Bathroom... Is the Shower Something Out of a Horror Movie?
The shower situation… that's where things got interesting. Look, the water was hot. Praise be! The pressure, however? Let's just say it was...optimistic. It was like a very enthusiastic drizzle. It’ll get the job done, right? The drain worked, which is a major win in any budget hotel. I remember one time, in some other cheap hotel abroad, and the shower was so bad I thought the entire room was flooding. This was not like that. Also, the toiletries were… well, they were there. Bring your own shampoo, people. Trust me. You'll thank me later.
Baolong Plaza? Is there, like, a Mall Nearby? Or Am I Trapped in Jimo Hell?
Baolong Plaza? YES! And this is a major win. It's literally right there. You can practically roll out of bed (assuming you can maneuver in the somewhat small room) and stumble into a food court. They have everything! Seriously. Chinese food, Western food, snacks, coffee. There's a supermarket too! Which, for a cheapskate like me, is heaven. I ate instant noodles for several meals, and only had to go a short distance to get them! You know, the ones with the MSG that stick to your ribs. The shopping is… well, it’s up to you, but at least you won’t be bored. I had to buy extra socks! The AC was on high the whole time, so I could see my breath.
Wi-Fi – Actually Works or Just a Legend?
The Wi-Fi… It was… fine. Look, I didn't try to stream HD movies or anything. It was fast enough to check emails, browse the internet, and make the requisite "I'm in China!" selfie posts. It wasn't flawless. There were a few moments where the connection cut out, or where I could have sworn the router was judging me for my online habits. But overall, it was usable. And hey, for the price, I’m not complaining. I’m sure there are places in 5-star hotels that have worse internet than this.
Staff... Are They Nice? Can They Speak English? Do They Even Exist?!
The staff were… well, they were there. Not rude. Not overly friendly. Perfectly serviceable. I managed to check in and check out without any massive language barriers. Some English, some pointing, some frantic translation app usage. I managed. They did help when I needed something. One time, the air conditioning went haywire, and they fixed it quickly. So, yeah. They exist. They're helpful enough. And they’re probably used to the tourists that show up on their doorstep looking to save some serious cash.
Breakfast? Or Starvation?
Breakfast… No breakfast. I mean, probably you could get something *somewhere* in the mall nearby. But it wasn’t included. This is where you need to bring your A-game, or at least your instant noodle supply. Or, you know, walk to the mall! I skipped breakfast every day. One day, I did buy a pastry from a bakery. They were... fine. This hotel is really all about saving that coin. And for some, maybe that’s enough to make it worth it.
Would You Stay Again? The Ultimate Question!
Honestly? YES. Absolutely. If I was on a budget and wanted to see Qingdao, but didn't want to spend my entire life savings on accommodation, I'd go back. It's not perfect. It's definitely not luxurious. It’s a little rough around the edges. But it's clean, it's functional, and THAT PRICE! The value proposition is off the charts. I'm not promising you a life-changing experience, but I *am*Stay Scouter
