Beijing's HOTTEST New Hotel: Yongding Road's Hidden Gem!
Beijing's HOTTEST New Hotel: Yongding Road's Hidden Gem! - Believe the Hype (Mostly)
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm back from… well, somewhere vaguely near the Yongding Road in Beijing, and I have opinions. And a slight jetlag headache. And a sudden, deep craving for dumplings. (This review is going to be fun.) Prepare yourself for a deep dive into the "Hottest New Hotel" in town – a place I’m tentatively calling "Yongding Road's Hidden Gem!" because, let's be honest, marketing is important.
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Let's be real: when I first HEARD about this place? I thought, "Another cookie-cutter luxury box. Yawn." But duty calls, and a critic must critique. Thankfully, this place… well, it's got some serious redeeming qualities.
Getting There & Getting In: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
- Accessibility: This is where things get good right off the bat. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevator? Absolutely. Facilities for disabled guests? They've thought about it. I'm talking ramps, properly sized doorways, the whole shebang. Seriously, big props to the architects and planners on this one. It's a refreshing change from the sometimes-clumsy adaptations you find elsewhere.
- Accessibility (again, because it's important): Airport transfer was seamless. The driver was polite, the car was clean, and they even had a (slightly crumpled, admittedly) newspaper waiting. Score! The car park [on-site] is plentiful, and the car park [free of charge]? Even better. Now, I think there were dedicated spots for accessible parking too, which again, gets a gold star. Getting around Beijing can be a nightmare, so this is a big plus.
- Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private]: Both available. I opted for the express because, frankly, I was hangry. Check-in was fast, efficient, and blessedly free of unnecessary chit-chat. (Unless you count my grumbles about the weather. Which, let's face it, probably counts.) Front desk [24-hour] is a must, and you can tell these folks have been trained. They’re professional without being robotic – a delicate balance.
Rooms: Oasis of Calm (with a Few Quibbles)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential in Beijing summers, trust me), Internet access – wireless [free], Wi-Fi [free] – YES! Additional toilet - double yes! Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (who uses these anymore?), Bathtub (essential for a good soak after battling the Beijing traffic), Blackout curtains (holy grail), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (critical), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (thank you, angels), Desk, Extra long bed (appreciated), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (for the view!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (tempting), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (weighing up the dumpling consumption, naturally), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens. - I'm convinced they've thought of everything.
- Room Decorations: A bit… generic. Don’t get me wrong, it’s clean, modern, and inoffensive. But it lacked a little bit of… soul. A pop of local art? A quirky local touch? Something beyond the beige and gray? I crave character! Perhaps that's just me. Maybe they're going for a blank canvas to cater to everyone.
- Internet, Internet, Internet: Internet access – LAN - yes, if you're into that. But Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms is the real win, especially if you're working (or, you know, binge-watching). The connection was generally good, though I might have experienced a slight hiccup during peak dumpling-ordering hour. #priorities
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly!)
- Restaurants: There are several, each with its own vibe. Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and even a Vegetarian restaurant. My inner foodie was thrilled.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Buckle up. It’s massive. Asian breakfast options galore (noodles, congee, dim sum… oh my!), and a decent Western breakfast selection too. I actually loved the coffee/tea in restaurant – no weak hotel coffee here! They also offered Breakfast takeaway service which proved very handy when I was running late for an early start. The entire presentation, however, was a little crowded and chaotic (a common theme in Beijing, really).
- Bar: A sleek, sophisticated space. Happy hour was… happy! Seriously, good cocktails, a cool ambiance, and a much-needed escape from the general hubbub.
- Poolside bar: Didn't try it. (Remember that whole jetlagged, dumpling-obsessed thing?) Next time!
- A la carte in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. It seems they have thought of it all!
And Here, a Little Anecdote: One night, I was starving. Like, "I could eat a horse" starving. The room service menu looked tempting. I ordered a burger (sometimes you just need a burger, you know?). It arrived promptly, but… it had this weird, slightly burnt taste. And the bun… it was a bit stale. Was I disappointed? Absolutely. Was I going to complain and ruin the evening? Absolutely not. (I was too hungry.) Maybe I should have opted for dumplings instead. Still, 24-hour room service is a triumph when the jet lag hits hard!
Ways to Relax: Pamper Yourself (or Not, Your Call)
- Spa/sauna: Pool with view, Sauna, Spa: The spa area is gorgeous. Seriously. I spent a solid hour in the sauna, sweating out all the stresses of the day. The Body scrub and Body wrap options looked tempting, but I chickened out. Next time, for sure.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Good equipment, clean, and not overly crowded. A lifesaver after all those dumplings.
- Foot bath, Massage: I didn't indulge, but the menu looked extensive.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: I didn't get a chance to take a dip, thanks to the weather, but the outdoor pool looked inviting!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe (and Sanitized)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They are taking it seriously. You get the distinct impression that they’re going above and beyond to ensure your safety. It was reassuring.
- Cashless payment service.
- Doctor/nurse on call.
- First aid kit.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Smoke alarms.
- Smoke detector.
- Safety/security feature.
- Security [24-hour].
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: This is a hotel that cares.
Services and Conveniences: Pretty Darn Good
- Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safe deposit boxes, Taxi service, Valet parking. You name it, they probably have it
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy reality of my Beijing adventure, centered around the glorious, air-conditioned haven of the Hanting Hotel Beijing Yongding Road New Branch. This is not your perfectly curated Instagram feed, my friends. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly sweaty truth.
Day 1: Arrival… and the existential dread of chopsticks.
- Morning (ish - let's be real, travel always messes with your sleep schedule): Touchdown Beijing! The air… well, it’s definitely there. First impressions? Massive airport. Immigration was surprisingly smooth, though I swear the officer gave me a side-eye when he saw my passport photo. Maybe I aged like milk on the flight?
- Transportation Roulette: Finding the right airport express train felt like navigating a minefield. Thank god for the little old lady who pointed me in the right direction. She probably does this a hundred times a month. Bless her heart.
- The Hotel! (Hanting Hotel Beijing Yongding Road New Branch): Finally! Check-in was a breeze (thank god for the international front desk worker who spoke English better than I do). Room is small, but impeccably clean. The air conditioning is bliss. Seriously, I could live here. The view? Uh… mostly the neighboring buildings. But hey, quiet, and safe. And there's a little mini-fridge! Score!
- Afternoon: Food Glorious Food…and the Chopstick Struggle is REAL:
- Lunch Panic: Decided to be adventurous and venture out. Found a tiny noodle shop near the hotel. Ordered something that vaguely resembled "Chicken Noodles" on the menu. It arrived. It was… good. But the chopsticks! Dear God, the chopsticks! I felt like a toddler trying to catch a greased piglet. Noodles were everywhere. I'm pretty sure I ate more off my face than in my mouth. The locals just watched me, probably placing bets on how much longer I’d last. I’m officially a chopstick FAILURE.
- Post-Lunch Regret (and Ice Cream): Walked around Yongding Road. Saw a park. Sat on a bench (mostly just to escape the chopstick shame). Grabbed some ice cream from a street vendor. It was… aggressively sweet. But perfect.
- Evening: Exhaustion and the Comfort of Netflix:
- Dinner: Decided to play it safe and order room service. Fried Rice. Delicious and utensil-friendly.
- Bedtime Routine: Showered. Changed. Fell onto the bed. Decided Netflix was the best option. Fell asleep 5 minutes in. This is the REAL travel.
Day 2: The Forbidden City… and the Surprisingly Emotional Power of a Wall.
- Morning (a slightly earlier start this time, go me!):
- Forbidden City Fever: The Forbidden City. Oh. My. Word. Seriously. I knew it would be big, but… WOW. The sheer scale is mind-blowing. I walked for HOURS, lost in the immensity of it all. The architecture is stunning, and the history… I just stood in one of the courtyards and thought about emperors, concubines, and all the secrets those walls have witnessed.
- The Photo Fiasco: I tried to take a picture of this truly amazing gate, perfect framing, then a dude in a bright orange t-shirt walked right into it, right in the middle of the shot. Ruined. Took like five more until I finally got a decent shot that wasn't a tourist-cluttered disaster.
- Afternoon: Lost in Translation (and a Delicious Dumpling Conspiracy):
- Lunch Adventure (Take 2): Found a dumpling place nearby. This time, I thought I knew what I was doing. Ordered pork and shrimp dumplings. The menu? All in Chinese. I pointed. I smiled. I hoped for the best. They arrived. Perfect. And the woman behind the counter, she just kept smiling at me while I ate. I swear they knew I was struggling with chopsticks. They let it slide. Truly great people.
- Dumpling Domination: Seriously. Those dumplings. The texture, the fillings, the sauce… I’m still dreaming about them. This experience was so great, I feel I must go back.
- Lost Tourist Moment: Wandered around a hutong area. Got delightfully lost. Found a tea house. Had tea. Smelled the world. It felt beautiful.
- Lunch Adventure (Take 2): Found a dumpling place nearby. This time, I thought I knew what I was doing. Ordered pork and shrimp dumplings. The menu? All in Chinese. I pointed. I smiled. I hoped for the best. They arrived. Perfect. And the woman behind the counter, she just kept smiling at me while I ate. I swear they knew I was struggling with chopsticks. They let it slide. Truly great people.
- Evening: A Little Bit of Culture… and a Whole Lot of Karaoke (Maybe?).
- Dinner near the hotel: I've learned a little Chinese. So I ask the waiter for something "delicious" and was delivered a wonderful meal.
- Contemplating Karaoke: I’m tempted to brave the karaoke scene. But honestly, my voice sounds like a strangled cat. Maybe not tonight. We’ll see. (Spoiler alert, I chickened out. Maybe tomorrow.)
Day 3: The Great Wall…and the existential dread of heights.
- Morning:
- Great Wall of China: The Great Wall. The Great Wall! The journey to the wall was an adventure in itself. Getting up there… I had to take a deep breath. The view from the top is… breathtaking. And terrifying. I'm not great with heights. But I pushed myself and walked along it, feeling like I was walking on the back of a dragon.
- The Climbers: I saw the other tourists, and I was impressed by their climbing skills.
- The Climb: Okay, it's amazing. The views were gorgeous. But I'm not gonna lie… it was a workout. My legs felt like jelly by the time I was done.
- Afternoon:
- Ate lunch: It was a small place, but the food was very good.
- The Return: Back to the hotel.
- Evening:
- More room service, more Netflix. That AC, though… pure, unadulterated bliss. Thinking of staying here forever.
Day 4: Temple of Heaven… and the lingering taste of chopstick humiliation
- Morning:
- Temple of Heaven: The Temple of Heaven. The architecture is stunning. It feels very peaceful.
- Afternoon:
- Shopping trip: Buy your stuff!
- Evening:
- Another dinner: Going back to the dumpling place. I am serious, I miss it.
Day 5: Departure… and the Promise of Return (and Improved Chopstick Skills, hopefully).
- Morning:
- Last breakfast: The same noodles from the first day, I loved it.
- Farewell Beijing: Check out from the Hanting Hotel Yongding Road New Branch and say goodbye to the glorious air conditioning.
- Afternoon:
- Departure: Heading back home.
This is just a rough draft, of course. There were detours, wrong turns, and moments of sheer, unadulterated joy (and chopstick-related despair) that I didn't even have the energy to write down. Beijing is a city that grabs you, shakes you around, and leaves you wanting more. And yeah, okay, I might have become slightly obsessed with those dumplings. Don’t judge. And maybe, just maybe, next time I venture into the chopstick battlefield, I won't look quite so ridiculous. Or maybe I will. Who knows? The beauty of travel is the beautiful mess we make.
Korcula's Dream: 2-Bedroom Sea View Apartment at Loredana!
Yongding Road's Hidden Gem: FAQ - You WILL Have Opinions After This
Is this place *really* a hidden gem, or just another overpriced hotel trying to be cool?
Okay, deep breaths. Let's be honest. "Hidden Gem" is thrown around like confetti these days. And yes, Yongding Road's Hidden Gem *is*… trying. Very hard. But, here's the thing. I went expecting to hate it. I walked in, and honestly, the lobby looked suspiciously like something out of a glossy magazine. Think minimalist everything, a lobby smelling faintly of sandalwood and ambition, and a receptionist who looked like she'd just stepped out of a Zara campaign – utterly flawless, yet possibly robotic.
But then… the room. And *that* changed things. More on that later. For now, I'll say this: It *attempts* to be a hidden gem. Whether it *succeeds* depends on what you’re looking for. Are you after a perfectly curated Instagram aesthetic? Probably. Do you want something genuinely interesting and, dare I say, *slightly* flawed? You might be in for a surprise.
The Rooms: What's the deal? Are they worth the hype (and the price tag)?
Alright, rooms. Okay, let's talk rooms. The rooms are… a rollercoaster. First, they're gorgeous. Seriously. I walked in and actually gasped. Like, a legitimate, "Oh my god, these designers are *good*." The lighting is divine, the textures are everything – think plush velvet throws, the sort of wood that smells expensive, and a bathroom that looked like a spa, not just a bathroom.
BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there?)… there are these little quirks. The "smart" features weren't always… smart. I spent a good ten minutes trying to figure out how to turn the lights up. And the "complimentary" mini-bar? Mostly overpriced snacks that made me feel like I was being gently scammed. I mean, who charges that much for a bag of peanuts?!
So, are they worth the price? It depends. If you're after pure aesthetics, a luxurious escape from the chaos of Beijing, then… yes, probably. If you're on a budget and prefer functionality over sheer beauty, maybe look elsewhere. Bring your own snacks – *trust me*.
Let's talk about the restaurant…is it all style and no sustenance? Or is the food any good?
Okay, the restaurant. This is where things got… interesting. I went with high expectations – and a growling stomach. The space itself is stunning. HUGE windows, minimalist chic, and a view of… well, a busy Beijing street. Still, it *felt* fancy.
The food? Mixed bag. I went for the chef's tasting menu – and here’s where the rollercoaster REALLY took off. One course was divine, like, melt-in-your-mouth perfection (I'm still dreaming about the seared scallops). Another? Bland. SO bland. Like, I was convinced the chef had taken the day off. The service was… attentive, sometimes to a fault. My waiter kept topping up my water glass every two minutes, which, honestly, felt a bit suffocating after a while. I felt like I was being watched!
My advice? Order à la carte. And be prepared for some misses with the hits. Oh, and *definitely* order dessert. The pastry chef deserves a medal.
The Location. Yongding Road. Seriously? Is it centrally located?
Okay, Yongding Road. Let's address the elephant in the room. Not exactly… central. It's not THAT far out, but you're not going to be stumbling out the door and into the Forbidden City. You're going to be… taking a taxi. Or Didi. Or the subway (which, admittedly, is pretty efficient).
The upside? It's a relatively quiet area. Less chaos, less hustle. If you're after a tranquil escape, this could be a plus. The downside? Food options outside the hotel are… *limited*. You won’t exactly be drowning in dumpling houses. So, plan accordingly. Download a good delivery app. Trust me.
The Vibe: Who is this hotel *really* for?
This is the BIG question, isn't it? Who is this place *for*? Hmmm… Well, it’s not for the budget backpacker, that’s for sure. It's not for the "I just want a cheap bed" crowd. It's for… people who want to *feel* something.
It's for people who appreciate design, even if they’re a little cynical. It’s for people who don’t mind splurging a little on a beautiful room. It's for couples looking for a romantic getaway (despite the occasional service hiccups). It's for the stylish influencer who wants a photogenic backdrop for their Instagram shots. (You know who you are!) It's for people who want to *be* seen, yet still value a bit of peace.
Ultimately, it’s for anyone who wants an alternative. Not just another boring hotel. It *tries*. And sometimes, it succeeds, spectacularly.
The 'Hidden' Part: Is there anything *actually* hidden about this place?
This is where it gets… meta. The "Hidden Gem" is… not exactly *hidden*. It's on Yongding Road. People are talking about it. There were other bloggers taking photos in the lobby. I *literally* saw people posing for selfies in the elevator. The secret's out.
But… maybe the "hidden" part is the *experience* itself. The unexpected charm. The moments of sheer brilliance buried beneath the slightly-too-slick exterior. The feeling of finding something… *almost* special, even if it's a little flawed. Now *that* might be hidden.
Okay, so the *worst* part? What was the actual problem?
This is it. The moment of truth. What *really* bugged me?
The service. Or rather, the inconsistency of the service. One moment, attentive staff. The next? Invisible. The front desk was a hit or miss on the smiles or genuine warmth, and there were a few times I had to wait an inordinate amount of time for something that should have been quick.
But, actually - let’s dive deeper. The worst part wasn't just the service, it was the *feeling* of being… *watched*. Like they were trying *too* hard. Like everything was meticulously crafted and curated. It felt a little… artificial. I craved a bit of chaos. I craved a spilled drink. I craved… *life*. It was all a little too perfect. And perfection, let’s be honest, is boring. A bit of personality would have gone a *looong* way.
Would you go back? Be honest!
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Hanting Hotel Beijing Yongding Road New Branch Beijing China
Hanting Hotel Beijing Yongding Road New Branch Beijing China
