Nanjing's Hidden Gem: Mochou Lake's BEST Hotel? (Hanting Hotel Review)
Nanjing's Hidden Gem: Mochou Lake's Hanting Hotel - Or Was It? (A Brutally Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my experience at the Hanting Hotel, supposedly Nanjing's "Hidden Gem" by Mochou Lake. I'm not gonna lie, the hype was real. But was the hotel? Well, let's break it down, warts and all. Think of this less as a polished travel brochure and more like your best friend spilling the tea over way too much coffee.
Accessibility & Getting There - Smooth Sailing (Mostly!)
Okay, first things first: getting to the hotel. Accessibility is HUGE for me, and I was pleasantly surprised. Car park [free of charge]? Check! That's already a win in a city like Nanjing. Airport transfer? Yep, they had it, which was a lifesaver after a red-eye. Taxi service? Abundant. The hotel itself seemed fairly accessible. Elevator? Thank goodness! Navigating a hotel with luggage and a dodgy knee is no fun. I didn't notice any specific Facilities for disabled guests, but generally, the layout seemed reasonably navigable. The exterior corridor layout was a bit blah, but it helped with navigating if you're into that.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And the Occasional Glitch)
Can we just talk about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is basic, but so crucial. Internet access – wireless? Absolutely! Internet access – LAN? Yep, for the old-schoolers (or those who, like me, sometimes prefer a wired connection for serious work… like, you know, writing a scathing review). The Wi-Fi was mostly reliable, but there were a few moments where it decided to take a vacation, which was frustrating when I was trying to order room service (more on that later). So, maybe 90% excellent, 10% "grrr, buffering!"
Rooms: Comfortable…ish
Okay, let's talk rooms. Air conditioning? Essential in Nanjing's summer. Air conditioning in public area? Yes! The rooms themselves were… functional. Clean, yes. Spotlessly clean? Maybe not. I wouldn’t exactly say I found a Room sanitization opt-out available. The decor? Well, let's call it "efficient." Not exactly Instagram-worthy, but it served its purpose. The bed was comfortable enough (Extra long bed? Definitely a plus). I definitely appreciated the Blackout curtains – sleep is sacred. And the Desk? Crucial for pretending to work while secretly watching Netflix. It wasn't all plain sailing though. The Alarm clock was a mystery to me. I think it was broken.
The Amenities…A Mixed Bag
Here's where things get interesting. Let’s look at the list of amenities specifically - Bathtub, Shower and Separate shower/bathtub? Yes and yes. Yay! Coffee/tea maker? Huzzah! Ironing facilities? Score! Refrigerator? Useful for stashing those little bottles of water (Free bottled water was a nice touch). Room service [24-hour]? YES, and a BIG yes. More on that in the Dining section…
And then… the fitness stuff. Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Pool with view, Spa/sauna: Sigh. Okay, I will level with you. I’m not exactly a spa-goer. But the idea of a Pool with view sounded heavenly. Turns out… the pool situation was less "resort-esque" and more "community pool at a leisure center." The sauna was… well it was wet. The fitness center was okay.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling… Pretty Ok
Okay, cleanliness is important, especially these days. The hotel seemed to be doing its best. Daily disinfection in common areas? I saw the evidence. Hand sanitizer was readily available. Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed it. Rooms sanitized between stays? Seemed to be the case. Cashless payment service? Yessir. They were definitely trying, but I am not sure I would buy that the Professional-grade sanitizing services were exactly professional-grade. The cleanliness thing was generally good. Hygiene certification was probably in place. But the room just didn't feel immaculate, know what I mean?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Room Service Saga!
Here's my biggest takeaway: the room service could be a lifesaver, or a source of hilarious frustration. There were Restaurants, but the Room service [24-hour] was a game changer. Breakfast in room? YES! The Asian breakfast was pretty tasty. Also the Asian cuisine in restaurant was well regarded. The menu was… extensive. I ordered at least once. It was fast, it was… edible. One night I ordered a "Western-inspired" pasta. It arrived looking like… a crime scene. (Think, overcooked pasta swimming in a sauce that tasted suspiciously like ketchup). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The basics were covered. Concierge? There was one. Doorman? Yes. Laundry service? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Yes, but the cleaning quality, as mentioned above, wasn't perfect. Then the other stuff: Cash withdrawal? Yes. Convenience store? I think there was one. Luggage storage? Yep, they had it. Elevator? Absolutely. The Air conditioning in public area was definitely welcomed.
For the Kids? Family/child friendly? I'm not exactly sure, but I did see a family or two milling about, so maybe. Babysitting service? Unavailable to my knowledge. Kids meal? Definitely not.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax
Well, there's Mochou Lake, right? (A short walk away). Lovely. The hotel itself didn’t exactly scream “RELAX!” It was more of a “get the job done” type of place.
Overall Impression…The Verdict
Okay, let’s be honest. The Hanting Hotel at Mochou Lake isn’t a five-star luxury experience. But for the price? It's a solid option. Is it Nanjing's "Hidden Gem"? Maybe not. But it's a perfectly acceptable, generally accessible, and convenient place to stay, especially if you're focusing on exploring the city. You won't be blown away, but you probably won't be disappointed either.
The "Hidden Gem" Offer (Because I can!)
Book a stay at the Hanting Hotel through this link [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK HERE, or just make one up, honestly]. For a limited time, get [Insert a small discount, like 10% off]! Book your stay now and experience Nanjing with ease.
Unlock Ragusa's Iblei Mountains: Heraia Affittacamere Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned Pinterest itinerary. This is my potential Nanjing adventure, starting from, and maybe never leaving, the hallowed (and hopefully clean) halls of the Hanting Hotel on Mochou Lake. Here's hoping I survive.
Day 1: Arrival & The Immediate Panic (AKA "Where Did My Suitcase Go?!")
- 10:00 AM – Arrival at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG). The promise of dumplings and ancient history. The reality of a 20-minute delay and a screaming toddler on my flight. Already regretting the "business casual" attire. Why did I wear a blazer?! In China?!
- 11:30 AM – Taxi to Hanting Hotel Mochou Lake. Traffic? You betcha. Initial impressions: "Okay, clean-ish. And the air conditioning… works? Score!" The lobby is a whirlwind of hurried greetings and a woman with a really impressive beehive.
- 12:00 PM – Check-in Drama & Suitcase Shenanigans. Turns out my pre-booked room is not available. Cue the internal freak-out. "I'm hungry, I'm tired, and I really need a shower!" After a frantic negotiation with a surprisingly patient (and very cute) hotel clerk, I get a room that's… acceptable. Then I realize my suitcase hasn't arrived. Panic level: ELEVEN. Turns out, the airline sent it to… well, somewhere in Canada. Bless their hearts. My travel journal is stranded at the bottom of the lake in my suitcase. This is going to be a long trip.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch: The Quest for Dumplings (Part 1). Okay, fueled by pure desperation, I'm off to find ALL THE DUMPLINGS! Wander toward the lake. Find a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place across from the hotel. Order. My Mandarin is nonexistent. Point and pray. Success! Steaming, delicious, pork-filled heaven. Best. Dumplings. Ever. The taste? A victory.
- 2:00 PM – Mochou Lake – A Stroll of Despair (and maybe Hope). The lake. Beautiful. Or maybe it's just pretty because the dumplings were so good. I'm torn. So many people taking photos. So many elderly couples holding hands. I feel… acutely single. Contemplate a swan boat ride. Decide I'm not emotionally ready for that kind of vulnerability yet.
- 3:30 PM: Laundry and the Great Underwear Dilemma Realizing the lack of a suitcase means a serious shortage of clean clothes and, of course, underwear looms! The hotel laundry service is my only hope for the next few days.
- 4:30 PM – Hantingt Hotel - Rest Time. I did a 1-hour nap to recharge my spirits.
- 6:00 PM – Late Dinner – A repeat dumpling and noodle dish with a local beer. Enjoying the moment of just existing in the moment. Feels like a good way to close the day.
Day 2: History, Headaches & a Potential Food Poisoning Scare
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast: An "Adventure" in Hotel Buffet-ery. The hotel breakfast. I approach with optimism. Discover a buffet of unidentifiable, but seemingly edible, options. Successfully navigate the mysterious congee. Almost immediately regret attempting the "savory" soy milk. My stomach is already questioning my life choices.
- 10:00 AM – Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and Museum. This is why I came. This is the hard part. A sobering, devastating experience. The weight of history presses down. I'm a mess. The sheer scale of the tragedy is… overwhelming. Leave feeling numb, and deeply, profoundly affected.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch (if my stomach permits): Something bland. Something safe. Maybe plain rice. My stomach is still a war zone from the soy milk experience, so I may need to skip lunch altogether and eat an apple.
- 2:00 PM – Confucius Temple (Fuzi Miao). Attempt to lighten the mood. The temple is beautiful, bustling with tourists and hawkers. Too many people! I actually get a little lost. Great, I need a map.
- 4:00 PM – The Wall - Attempt to go the Ming Great Wall. I failed. I can barely walk after the historical experience of today. I can't even.
- 5:00 PM - Hang around the hotel to recover. Call my parents back home, I miss them!
- 6:00 PM – Dinner (If I Survive Lunch): Okay, the evening takes a turn. I find a place that feels like a diner near the hotel. It's Chinese, But also I have an existential crisis. I order something that looks… vaguely familiar. This leads to a very interesting stomach situation later on with food poisoning. I spend the night in the bathroom, hugging the porcelain throne.
Day 3: The "I Somehow Survived" Tour.
- 9:00 AM – Hotel Breakfast – Take Two. Or, "Can I Actually Stomach Anything?" Cautiously examine the buffet. Gingerly pick at some plain rice congee. Progress. Still feeling a bit fragile. Decide to stick to the basics – toast. Toast. The hero of all questionable travel situations.
- 10:00 AM – Continue the Ming Dynasty Tour: The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Still weak from last night's food poisoning. Really question my life choices. The scale of the mausoleum is enormous. Feel like I am walking for hours.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch (Maybe?): The only "safe" food is a plain congee from a local stall. The food itself is okay.
- 2:00 PM – The Nanjing Museum. Attempt to go to the museum, but feel too worn out to go.
- 4:00 PM – Back to the Hanting Hotel - Rest: Can't do much. It's a day of rest and recovery.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner: Order "plain noodles" from room service. It's a culinary triumph.
- 7:00 PM – Call the Airlines Again. STILL no suitcase. Begin to think my belongings have been permanently relocated to a remote Canadian village, never to be seen again.
Day 4: The Unexpected (and Hopefully Pleasant) Twist
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast: The "I'm Finally Feeling Human Again" Edition. Actually manage to eat some delicious eggs and a little bit of that mystery buffet food. I guess my stomach is getting used to it! Feeling a bit of the old pep returning!
- 10:00 AM – The 1912 District. Finally, the sunshine! The city finally has a "cool" neighborhood. It's gorgeous. Trendy shops. Cute cafes. I actually buy a souvenir for myself – a ridiculously overpriced, yet adorable, panda keychain. This is what I was looking for.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch: Found a small, family-owned noodle place. The most delicious noodles and tofu pudding ever. The owner even has a cat that hangs out by the door, and somehow that just made everything even better.
- 1:00 PM – Continue The 1912 District. Spend a good portion of the afternoon just wandering, soaking up the vibe, and actually enjoying myself. Buy a few gifts, and feel that tiny bit of joy returning.
- 4:00 PM - Explore the Yunjin Museum: A quick trip to the Museum of Cloud Brocade. This will wrap up the day.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner Enjoy a fantastic meal at a modern restaurant. Delicious food. Fantastic company.
- 7:00 PM - Hanting Hotel - Relaxing: Enjoy a good beer at the end of the day.
Day 5: Departure (and Hopefully, Reunification with My Luggage)
- 9:00 AM – Farewell Breakfast: Embrace that hotel breakfast buffet one last time.
- 10:00 AM - Souvenir Shopping: Go shopping to bring back something at least.
- 11:00 AM – Check Out – The Grand Finale. Pray to the travel gods that my suitcase miraculously appears. (It doesn't. Shocker.)
- 12:00 PM – Taxi to NKG. The Airport. The Farewell.
- 1:30 PM – Departure: On the flight, I feel sad. I reflect over the trip I've just had. I feel
Mochou Lake's Best Hotel? Hanting Hotel - Let's Be Honest (and Maybe a Little Dramatic)
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is Hanting Hotel at Mochou Lake REALLY a "hidden gem"?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Hidden gem" is a strong phrase, isn't it? Marketing, marketing, marketing! Look, it's not *exactly* a diamond in the rough, but... it's a pretty decent emerald considering the price and the location. The real gem is the LAKE, obviously. And the Hanting Hotel? Well, it's a convenient, clean, and dare I say... *adequate* base camp for exploring Mochou Lake.
My first impression? Slightly underwhelming. The lobby wasn't dripping with luxury, you know? It was the typical Hanting aesthetic – functional, modern, a little bit... beige. But honestly? After lugging my suitcase off the taxi (and suffering a minor existential crisis in the rain), the promise of a warm room was all that mattered.
The Room. The Room! What's it REALLY like? I've seen Instagram, but...
The room. Ah, the room. Okay, let's be realistic: it's not going to make you weep tears of joy. But it's clean! And that, my friends, is half the battle. The bed was comfy enough. Not cloud-nine comfy, but I slept. And I think that's the ultimate test, isn't it?
The bathroom... okay, here's a tiny gripe (and I'm a sucker for perfection). The water pressure. It could have been *stronger*. But, hey, the hot water worked! And the shower gel? Smelled... well, it smelled like shower gel. Honestly, I've stayed in much worse (I'm looking at you, that questionable hostel in Prague!). My advice? Pack your own fancy toiletries. It elevates the experience tenfold, I tell you.
Breakfast: The Make-or-Break for Any Hotel. What's the Story?
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. This is where things get... interesting. It's not exactly a Michelin-star buffet. Think your standard Chinese breakfast fare. Congee? Check. Steamed buns? You got it. Maybe some questionable-looking fried pastries? Probably.
Now, I'm a foodie, okay? I'm *always* on the hunt for the perfect dumpling. And, honestly, the dumplings at the Hanting Hotel's breakfast buffet? They weren’t *perfect*. But, you know what? They were edible. And they were... comforting. Especially after a slightly over-enthusiastic night exploring the bar scene. Okay, VERY over-enthusiastic. Let's just say I needed the carbs. So, yeah, the breakfast is functional. Don't expect gourmet. Expect sustenance. And maybe a slightly questionable coffee.
The Location, Location, Location (and the Lake!). Is it Worth the Trip?
THIS is where the magic happens! The location? PERFECT! Seriously, you're basically steps away from Mochou Lake. The lake! The gardens! The pagodas! It’s breathtaking. Walking around the lake in the morning? Absolutely sublime. Do it. Do it now.
Okay, I’m getting carried away. The hotel's proximity to the lake is the biggest selling point. You can wander over, take a million photos, and then retreat back to your (admittedly basic) room for a power nap. It's all about the convenience, people! Plus, there are some excellent local restaurants nearby. But more on that later (maybe... I'm sworn to secrecy about MY favorite dumpling place!).
Let's Talk Staff: Friendly Faces or Silent Service?
The staff? Mostly friendly. There might be a slight language barrier, but they were *very* helpful when I tried (and failed miserably) to navigate the local bus system. Seriously, I was lost for, like, an hour. But they pointed me in the right direction (eventually).
I remember one particular incident where I accidentally locked myself out of my room. Ugh! It was late, I was tired, and my brain clearly wasn’t working. The poor receptionist just sighed at me with a knowing look, and after a brief explanation (made up of hand gestures and frantic pointing), they sorted me out. Honestly, they were saints. So, yeah, the staff are good, even when you are a total disaster.
Any HUGE Downsides? Lay it on Me! (I can handle the truth!)
Okay, the biggest downside? This isn't a luxury resort. It's a budget hotel. Don't go expecting spa treatments and Michelin-star chefs. It's clean, functional, and convenient.
Another minor issue: the walls aren't exactly soundproof. You *might* hear your neighbor's snoring (or their early-morning phone calls). Pack earplugs. Trust me on this one. And the Internet? It can be a little... spotty. So maybe download your Netflix episodes beforehand. But honestly, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.
The Final Verdict: Would You Recommend This Hotel?
Okay, drumroll please... Yes. Absolutely. For the price, and the location, the Hanting Hotel at Mochou Lake is a solid choice. It's not going to blow your mind, but its clean, convenient, and serves as a great base to explore the wonders of Mochou Lake. Just manage your expectations (and pack your earplugs!).
Look, I'm not saying it's perfect. I'm saying it's GOOD. And sometimes, good is enough. Especially when you're surrounded by the beauty of Mochou Lake, and you've got a comfortable bed to go home to after a long day of exploring. Go. Enjoy. And maybe, just maybe, grab an extra dumpling for me at breakfast.
