After a frustrating experience at the Xiangchang Business
Hotel, I moved to the Jiangsu Hotel in Shenzhen’s Futian District, hoping for a
better stay. Though not without its quirks, the Jiangsu Hotel provided a
cleaner, more comfortable environment with superior service, making it a
significant improvement over my last accommodations.
Upon arrival, the difference between the Jiangsu Hotel and my previous stay was immediately apparent. The room was clean, the decor basic but well-maintained, and the staff genuinely helpful. The double bed was comfortable, the bathroom spotless, and the room didn’t smell like smoke—a critical factor for me after my prior ordeal.
The hotel’s location added to its appeal. Situated near
Shenzhen Central Park and connected to the Shenzhen Metro and Link—a network of
underground malls—it was convenient for navigating the city without stepping
into the elements. Whether it was raining or unbearably hot, I could travel to
my office with ease.
That said, my stay didn’t start without its challenges. The
first room I was assigned had a broken air conditioner. After unpacking, I had
to move to another room, only to discover the door wouldn’t work. I was then
moved to a third room, where another guest mistakenly believed it was their
room. To complicate matters, several rooms smelled like cigarette smoke, which
was a dealbreaker for me, especially as I was planning to stay for a month.
Finally, after two hours and five room inspections, I
settled into a room that met my expectations. It was on the fifth floor, clean,
and smoke-free. The view overlooked a construction zone—not ideal but tolerable
given the other positives. While the process was exhausting, the staff’s
friendliness and persistence to accommodate my needs were much appreciated. Although the room lacked luxury, it was a
million times better than my previous hotel and came at a slightly lower price
of around 320 RMB per night.
The hotel also featured a laundry room with free washers and
ironing boards, though there were no dryers. This was a nice touch for
long-term travelers like me, even if drying clothes had to be improvised.
One of the hotel’s strongest selling points was its
location.
- Proximity
to Central Park: Just a short walk away, Shenzhen Central Park offered
a refreshing escape from the city’s bustling streets.
- Shenzhen
Link: The underground malls running along the metro line were a
standout feature, making it easy to shop, eat, or commute without facing
Shenzhen’s sometimes extreme weather.
- Vibrant
City Life: Shenzhen is a dynamic city, and the Futian District is its
beating heart. Surrounded by modern architecture and bustling streets, the
area feels youthful and energetic, with most residents appearing to be in
their twenties.
Despite its many positives, the Jiangsu Hotel wasn’t without
its flaws. The air conditioning in some rooms needed repair, and the booking
process occasionally led to mix-ups. Additionally, while the hotel was clean,
it showed its age in certain areas, and some amenities felt outdated.
The Jiangsu Hotel offered a much-needed reprieve after my
disastrous stay at the Xiangchang Business Hotel. It wasn’t perfect, but it was
clean, comfortable, and well-located, with a friendly staff that worked hard to
resolve issues. It provided excellent
value for a long-term stay in the heart of Shenzhen’s Futian District.
For travelers seeking an affordable yet functional option in
Shenzhen, the Jiangsu Hotel is worth considering. Just be prepared to advocate
for your needs and keep your expectations realistic. Sometimes, it’s the small
victories—like a clean room and a smoke-free environment—that make all the
difference.
Rojo Rating:
- Location: 5
- Facilities: 5
- Amenities: 5
- Décor: 4
- Staff: 7
- Food: 4
- Cleanliness: 5
- Comfort: 4
- Uniqueness: 4
- Value: 6
Total: 49/100