Beijing's BEST Happy Valley Hotel? (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Alright, buckle up, folks, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling (maybe slightly questionable) waters of Beijing hotel reviews! Forget the stiff, corporate jargon – this is the real deal. We're talking about the Hanting Hotel near Happy Valley, and yeah, I stayed there. More than once. Let's just say I got acquainted with the place.
First Impressions and the Accessibility Rundown (Sorta):
So, getting there. Accessibility: Okay, this is where things get a little… adventurous. Beijing traffic is, well, let's call it "energetic." The Hanting claims to be easily accessible, and technically, yeah, you can get there. But navigating the sidewalks? Let's just say a wheelchair user might need a Sherpa. The hotel itself has an elevator, which is a HUGE plus, and I think (though I can't 100% confirm having not personally tested it) they have facilities for disabled guests. But do your research, and call ahead. This isn't the Four Seasons, folks.
Getting Around: I'm a sucker for a good taxi, and thankfully, those are easy to hail. There is also Car park [on-site], so thumbs up! Airport transfer available? Probably, but double-check.
The Cleanliness and Safety Circus (and the COVID-19 Dance):
Let's be real, COVID-19 changed everything. And the Hanting takes it seriously, sort of. There are signs everywhere. Hand sanitizer pumps are plentiful. They say there’s daily disinfection in common areas. I saw staff wiping things down, but…honestly? Sometimes those wipes looked a little… used. They claim Anti-viral cleaning products are used. I'm choosing to believe them. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available. I didn't opt out. Mostly because I forgot.
The Room: Where the Magic (and Mild Disappointment) Happens:
Okay, the rooms. Let's be honest, they're not the Ritz. They're more… functional. But for the price? Totally acceptable. Now, do not expect palatial luxury. You'll get Air conditioning, a mini bar (stocking? Variable. Try and see. It's part of the adventure! ), a TV (with, uh, limited English-language options), and free Wi-Fi. (A MAJOR win, by the way! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!). They tout Internet access – wireless. My phone worked, so… success! The Bed? Fine. The Pillows? Meh. The Blackout curtains? Crucial. Essential. A lifesaver after a day of sightseeing and… well, everything in Beijing. Other perks? Complimentary tea, Free bottled water, essential after breathing the Beijing air! Additional toilet, Ironing facilities, Hair dryer. Okay, okay, I can't remember everything!
Cleanliness: Mostly good. Everything felt reasonably clean. Daily housekeeping is a plus. They say Rooms sanitized between stays. I'm trusting them. If they aren't, well, I survived.
Rooms felt reasonably safe, with Safety/security feature and a Smoke detector.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster:
The Asian breakfast included! It’s a buffet of sorts. (There's also Breakfast [buffet]). You might find a Western breakfast option, but don't hold your breath for gourmet. It's…adequate. Asian cuisine in restaurant is definitely something to see, if you dare! The coffee/tea in restaurant is there. The Coffee shop? I hope so…
Okay, honesty time. I spent one day at the hotel because rain ruined my plans and didn't want to brave the streets. I ate every meal at the Hanting and regret nothing. The food wasn't 5-star, but it was tasty and it filled my stomach. I'm a simple person, and they delivered.
The dining experience is just… there. You get what you expect.
Things to Do (Or, Well, Not Really AT the Hotel):
Hanting isn't about the hotel experience. It's about a place to crash after a day of exploring Beijing. Happy Valley (the amusement park) is nearby, hence the name. Otherwise, expect a bit of a wasteland in terms of in-house activities. They have a Gym/fitness center, though I couldn't find it, so who knows? The pool with view? Definitely not.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Useful:
They do have a 24-hour front desk. Which is pretty handy. Concierge? Ha! Not really. But the staff tried their best, and were generally helpful (once you figure out the language barrier). Daily housekeeping is a win. I think the Dry cleaning could be good. Laundry service too. Cash withdrawal? Yes, they have it. Convenience store? The bare minimum is available.
They claim to have Facilities for disabled guests. Check out the notes at the top of the document.
Internet Services:
Internet – LAN: Probably exists. Internet services: They provide some access to the internet. Wi-Fi in public areas: present and works! Wi-Fi for special events: don't know, don't care!
For the Kids:
Don't expect a Disney World experience. They might have Babysitting service (check first). It's not really a Family/child friendly environment. Might as well just ignore this category.
My Overall Verdict (Confessions of a Hanting Veteran):
Look, the Hanting near Happy Valley is not going to win any awards for luxury. It’s not perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges. BUT. It's clean, it's safe (enough), the staff tries, and for the price, it's a solid base camp for exploring Beijing.
The Takeaway: A Slightly Chaotic, But Authentic, Beijing Experience
The Hanting Hotel near Happy Valley isn't perfect, but it is good for the price. It is great for an explorer, who wants a place to hit the sack and relax. It's your portal to the magic of Beijing.
The Amazing Offer!
Book your stay at the Hanting near Happy Valley today (using a link -- which I can't provide, because this is not a real-world advertisement). And you'll receive a free map of the local area, AND a free drink at the hotel bar.
So, is the Hanting the "BEST" hotel in Beijing?
No. Definitely not. But it's a damn good deal, and I'd stay there again. And that, my friends, is the real mark of a genuinely decent hotel. Book now, and get ready for an adventure!
H2DO Hotel Samut Prakan: Thailand's Hidden Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned itinerary. This is… my attempt at surviving Beijing, specifically while using the Hanting Hotel near Happy Valley. Let's see if I can even remember where I was going.
Beijing Bonanza: A Chaotic Chronicle (Starting at the Hanting Hotel, Pray For Me)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (aka, "Lost in Translation, Again")
- Morning (ish, because jet lag is a cruel mistress): Land at Beijing Capital International Airport. Oh, the airport! It's massive. Like, "can-you-even-find-your-luggage" massive. The initial thrill of "I'm in China!" quickly fades when you realize you haven't mastered Mandarin. My face is a mess, I'm certain the humidity has turned my hair into a sentient swamp thing. Find the airport express train – thank god for signs with English translations. Still, I stumble around, nearly tripping over a particularly determined suitcase.
- Midday (Lunchtime, and the Quest for Food Begins): Actually finding my way to the hotel (Hanting Hotel Beijing Happy Valley Wangsiyingqiao) was an adventure in itself. Armed with a map and a prayer, I took the subway. The sheer number of people… incredible! I ate the cheapest lunch possible, a noodle place near the hotel. The noodles were delicious for like, thirty seconds, but the rest of the meal was… an experience. I definitely needed the bathroom.
- Afternoon (Hotel Hell?): Check into the Hanting. It's… fine. Clean enough, I guess. The decor is a bit…sterile? Like a hospital room with a slightly more cheerful color palette. The air conditioning seems to be on a perpetual "Arctic Blast" setting. I unpack (a feat in itself, my suitcase exploded on arrival), then immediately collapse on the bed and question all my life choices that led me here.
- Evening (Happy Valley Adjacent): I thought I'd be all adventurous and explore Happy Valley! (It's right nearby, right?). Well, the crowds were immense. I lasted approximately ten minutes. I ended up getting a street food snack (probably the wrong kind, but hey, YOLO) and watched the sunset from a bench. Honestly, it was the best part of the day. My feet hurt, my stomach growled, and I felt utterly, gloriously, disoriented. Love it.
Day 2: The Forbidden City and My Eternal Quest for Coffee
- Morning (The Forbidden City: So Many People, So Little Sanity): Today, I'm a tourist! And that means… the Forbidden City! I get up super early, because, according to the internet, the crowds will consume you. I take the subway (I'm becoming a pro!). The Forbidden City is immense, like a city inside a city. The architecture is incredible, seriously jaw-dropping. But the sheer volume of people… it's like being swept along in a human river. Lost my friend for a solid fifteen minutes. Panic mode: activated. The scale of it is just… mind-numbing. Like staring into the Grand Canyon, only with thousands more people. And the coffee. Oh, the coffee.
- Midday (Coffee Catastrophe): I NEED COFFEE. Desperately. I scour the Forbidden City (and the areas surrounding it) for even a hint of caffeine. It's like searching for a unicorn. Eventually, I find a tiny, overpriced cafe, only to realize the coffee tastes like burnt tires and sadness. The experience: Unforgettable. I just went back to the hotel, I swear.
- Afternoon (Temple of Heaven - A Bit Less Crazy): Decided to be slightly less insane and check out the Temple of Heaven. Much calmer, very beautiful. Watched some old guys practicing Tai Chi, which, was pretty neat. This felt a little less like a human stampede and a bit more like, you know, actually enjoying myself. But by this point, I'm still caffeineless, and about ready to snap.
- Evening (The Hotel, and a Real Food): Dinner… at the hotel's restaurant. Okay, maybe not the Ritz. It was okay. I miss my cat.
Day 3: The Great Wall (and a Potential Existential Crisis)
- Morning (Great Wall… and Great Regret): Getting to the Great Wall by public transport from the hotel is an adventure in itself. But I made it. It’s the Mutianyu section of the Wall, and it's magnificent. Seriously, the view is spectacular. But climbing it… oh man. Those steps! My calves are screaming. The climb is brutal. I stopped every five feet just to catch my breath. I swear I was climbing a mountain. A very, very long mountain. And the views… are breathtaking. I kind of stared out into the vastness and had a small moment where I questioned everything I’ve ever done.
- Midday (Picnic Fiasco): I brought a picnic to eat at the top of the wall. Which was nice in theory… the reality was wind. And more wind. And the near certainty that my sandwich, which was filled with something that had a vague resemblance to meat, would be devoured by a hungry bird. But who cares. I was on the Great Wall. And I am living my life
- Afternoon (Back to Reality): The journey back to Beijing felt like a complete blur. My legs were jelly, and I was covered in sweat. And, let's be honest, probably a bit of dirt, too.
- Evening (Shopping and Food): Wandering around a Beijing shopping district. Trying to find some souvenirs, and getting utterly lost. Somehow, I stumbled upon a dumpling restaurant. Those dumplings… changed my life. Seriously. I ordered like, three plates. And I still wanted more. I think I could live on dumplings alone.
Day 4: The Summer Palace and the Lingering Taste of Dumplings
- Morning (The Summer Palace - Peacefulish): The Summer Palace is gorgeous. The lake, the gardens, the architecture. Finally, some peace! I enjoyed taking in the beauty around me and pretending I was an emperor.
- Midday (Lunch and the Search for Comfort Food): I tried to find a Western-themed restaurant to finally give my stomach a break. I ended up finding a pizza place. It wasn’t great, but it was a familiar taste from home.
- Afternoon (Backpack): After the summer palace, I decided to make my way back to the hotel to check out.
- Evening (Departure): Saying goodbye to Beijing! A city that both challenged and humbled me. The final dumpling.
Post-Trip Reflections (AKA, "Beijing, You Crazy Thing")
Beijing wasn't perfect (understatement of the century). I was lost, I stumbled, and I probably made a fool of myself more than once. But you know what? I loved it. The chaos, the crowds, the food that both delighted and confused my tastebuds. It was an adventure. And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Maybe next time, I'll learn some Mandarin. And definitely invest in a good coffee maker for the hotel room.
P.S. The Hanting Hotel near Happy Valley… it’s fine. Just… bring your own pillow (and a good sense of humor). This trip was a whirlwind of amazing and the awful, and I wouldn't trade it for anything, you know.
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Beijing's BEST Happy Valley Hotel? (Or Maybe Not... My Hanting Hotel Shenanigans!)
Okay, spill the beans: Is the Hanting Hotel near Happy Valley actually *good*?
Alright, alright, settle down! "Good" is a… loaded word, my friends. Let's just say it depends on your definition of "good." Honestly, if you're picturing pristine, five-star luxury? Nope. If you're picturing a place to crash after a day of screaming on rollercoasters (and maybe downing a questionable street meat kebab or two)? Then, YES. It's functional. And sometimes, functional is all you need. It's the *perfect* hotel for a rollercoaster refugee like yours truly.
Also, it's like... you know you're not getting a Michelin star stay. But you're also not paying a Michelin star price. It’s all about the *vibe*, and the vibe is definitely “practical traveler who values sleep.”
What's the *location* like? Is it actually *near* Happy Valley? (Because I've learned to be skeptical of hotel marketing…)
Okay, this is where the Hanting gets some SERIOUS points. YES. It’s actually *near* Happy Valley. I'm serious! You can practically smell the churros from the hotel. Okay, maybe not *literally* smell the churros, but you can definitely see the park from the hotel, and that's the important thing. It's like a short taxi ride, or a slightly-longer-but-still-doable walk. I'm lazy, so I always took a taxi. It made life easier. And cheaper than some of the nicer hotels further away. The location is a total win – especially after you’ve ridden the Crazy Mouse and your knees are threatening mutiny.
The *Rooms*. Tell me about the rooms! Give me the gritty details.
Alright, here's where we get *real*. The rooms are… well, they’re serviceable. Don't expect a spa-like experience. Think… practical, functional, and a little bit… basic. My room always smelled faintly of… well, I'm not sure what, but it wasn't particularly offensive. Maybe cleaning products? Maybe the ghost of a previous guest? Who knows. I just cracked the window a bit and soldiered on.
The beds are usually okay, not the best ever. But after a day of dodging screaming teenagers and attempting to get on every ride in Happy Valley I was exhausted. The sheets are clean (I think), the towels are… well, they’re *towels*. The bathroom is small, but it has a shower. And crucial for me, it has hot water. Very important after braving the Beijing heat. I had one time where I was so tired, and the water was so hot that I just stood there. I stood there for like… five minutes. Just letting it run. Pure bliss.
And, um, the walls? Well, I wouldn't count on them being soundproof. Let's just say if your neighbors are hosting a karaoke party, you will... *know*. I brought earplugs. They were essential. And a testament to my dedication to sleep.
Any *amenities*? Free breakfast? A pool? A concierge who speaks more than two words of English?
Breakfast? Yes, technically. But let's be honest, it's not exactly a culinary highlight. Think… a buffet of lukewarm congee (rice porridge), questionable pastries, and instant coffee. It's edible. It fills a hole. It gets you going, but don't expect gourmet. I usually just grabbed a quick bite and then bolted for Happy Valley.
Pool? Nope. Concierge who speaks fluent English? Maybe. I usually just pointed and grunted, which seemed to work fine. They were always very polite, even when I was bleary-eyed from lack of sleep. There are other things you can do. Like, there's a little shop right next door where you can buy snacks and drinks. That was always a plus. And the staff, although not overly fluent in English, were always incredibly nice and tried to help, even if we were communicating with a combination of frantic pointing and using a translator app I got on my phone.
Okay, what about the *price*? Worth the money?
This is where the Hanting Hotel REALLY shines. It's CHEAP. Like, really, really cheap. For the location and what you get, it’s worth the money. You're paying for a place to crash, a convenient proximity to Happy Valley, and perhaps a very faint sense of adventure. You're not paying for luxury, and you're not paying for a life-changing experience. But your wallet won't be crying for mercy, which is always a good thing when planning a trip to Beijing.
I remember one time I managed to snag a room for like, twenty bucks. Twenty! That's less than a fancy drink. The only problem was the guy in the room next to me had a loud cough. But hey, that's what earplugs are for, right?
What about the *overall experience*? Would you recommend it?
Okay, final verdict. Would I recommend the Hanting Hotel near Happy Valley? Yep. With some caveats. If you're the type who needs a fluffy robe and a pillow menu, run far, far away. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, convenient base camp for your Beijing adventure, especially if Happy Valley is on the itinerary? Then it's absolutely worth considering.
It's not perfect. It's not luxurious. But it's clean enough, the location is fantastic, and it won't break the bank. Plus, it's got character! And maybe a bit of mystery. Who knows what you'll find? Maybe a slightly wonky shower head, a questionable breakfast pastry, and a memory you'll laugh about later. And isn't that what travel is all about?
I’ve stayed there multiple times. I will probably stay there again. It’s like… a familiar… if slightly worn, old friend. It gets the job done. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Anything *weird* or *memorable* happen during your stays at the Hanting Hotel? Did you have any unusual experiences?
Oh, you bet! Memorable is putting it mildly. Okay, so this one time, I was completely exhausted. Like, soul-crushingly weary after a whole day of dodging crowds and riding the rollercoasters in Happy Valley. I literally just wanted to fall into bed and slip into a coma of blissfulWhere To Sleep In
