7 Days Inn Shenzhen China World Trade Center Merto Station Branch

The location was a real plus, with Laojie Exit C and Dongmen pedestrian Street station nearby. For an affordable first stay, the rooms are a good deal on Agoda, though the newer 7 Days Inn a few meters away at #3023 Renmin south road is another option and costs more. It's a basic hotel with what you need for a normal rest: a good shower, toiletries, fresh towels each day, AC, and TV. The bed was Asian style, but the sheets and covers were good quality. The hotel looks worn despite the daily cleaning. My room, #1009 on the 10th floor, had no view window. Instead, there was an opening onto a narrow corridor facing the front wall. That opening and the walls let noise through, including sounds from other rooms and public works on the main road. Reception staff couldn't speak English, but they were helpful. With a translator, they found my Agoda booking, and check-in and checkout both went smoothly.

The one real upside is the location, close to shopping centres with plenty of food nearby. Otherwise, this is about as basic as a hotel gets, more like a transit room or love hotel. The rooms are 15-16 sqm, with white sheets, but cleanliness is questionable: there was hair left on the bathroom and room floors. My room smelled of cigarette smoke, which probably won't surprise anyone who's spent time in China.

It's an average sort of hotel, and I wouldn't say it's very suitable for foreigners.

I've stayed here many times and haven't run into any major problems. It's a practical budget place, so don't come expecting spotless amenities or impressive views. Some parts of the room are dated, but for the price it's quite adequate. There's no refrigerator, which could be inconvenient for a longer stay, but laundry is free if you bring your own detergent. The hotel is in Luohu district, close to the station and downtown, and the price is very affordable. Getting to Guomao Station and Laojie Station is easy, and a new station has opened right across from the hotel, giving access to three subway lines.