Unbelievable Beijing Luxury: Hanting Hotel's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Beijing Luxury: Hanting Hotel’s Hidden Gem! – My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived – and mostly loved – a stay at the Hanting Hotel in Beijing. Forget those sterile hotel reviews, this is the real deal, full of the good, the bad, and the slightly-too-much-massage-oil-on-my-back experience. And spoiler alert: it’s unbelievable in the best way possible.
First Impressions and Accessibility (and My Slightly Clumsy Attempts at Grace):
Let's be honest, getting around Beijing can be a journey. But the Hanting, thankfully, is surprisingly accessible. The elevator? Spot on. Ramps? Present and accounted for. Now, I'm thankfully not using a wheelchair, but I definitely appreciate the thoughtful touches. Makes lugging all my camera gear (and my questionable fashion choices) a heck of a lot easier. The facilities for disabled guests seem genuinely geared towards functionality, not just window dressing. The entry ways can be a bit tricky given that the Hotel is not very well marked from the main street, but there are good taxi services to get to the hotel
Room Revelations (and My Struggle to Stop Touching Things):
My room was a haven. Seriously. A freaking haven. The air conditioning blasted (much needed after a day of Beijing humidity), the blackout curtains were like a hug for my sleep-deprived soul, and the bed? Oh. My. God. Extra long. Cloud-like. I swear I dreamt of dumplings the whole time. And the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the tech gods! I was able to upload all 500 photos I took. Also the additional toilet, in most western hotels, is a must.
They also have non-smoking rooms (hallelujah!) and the windows actually open. A small luxury that makes a HUGE difference. And you know what else really charmed me? The complimentary tea. Simple, but a nice touch after a long day of navigating the Silk Market. Everything was spotless. Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. They even had anti-viral cleaning products (which is comforting in the post-pandemic world), and I appreciated the rooms sanitized between stays. You can also opt out of room sanitization.
Now, there was one minor hiccup. The desk felt a little…wobbly. Not a dealbreaker, but it did make me question my typing skills. But honestly, the carpet was so soft, I almost didn’t care.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Waistline's Worst Nightmare):
Okay, let's get to the real reason we stay at hotels: the food. The Hanting delivered. Big time.
Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious free-for-all. I stuffed myself with Asian breakfast, tried a little bit of everything, and devoured the coffee/tea in restaurant. Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant both had their time to shine. Buffet in restaurant – need I say more? The restaurants themselves were clean and well-staffed. The coffee shop had a good selection of coffee. I found the bottle of water in the room a nice touch. The desserts in restaurant were too sweet for my tastebuds and are very expensive. I skipped out one time on the breakfast takeaway service to take in the sights.
And the room service [24-hour]? A lifesaver after a long day of exploring. I may or may not have ordered a salad in restaurant and a mountain of french fries at 3 AM. Don't judge.
There's also a poolside bar, for the people who want to live the high life.
Spa, Sauna, and Sweat (My Inner Zen vs. My Inner Pig):
Right, so here’s where things got extra. I plunged headfirst into the spa offerings. And let me tell you, it was intense.
The pool with view? Stunning. The sauna was a sweaty embrace. The steamroom? A cloud of pure, blissful moisture. And the massage…oh, the massage. I opted for a body scrub and a full body massage. I think I even saw a foot bath available. Be prepared to surrender to relaxation, because this is the real deal. I was completely lost in the moment and my worries melted away.
The fitness center was well-equipped, though I have to confess I mostly admired it from afar. After all that food, I was certainly thinking of going here, but there was also the Spa/sauna which got my entire attention.
Services and Conveniences (They Thought of Everything… Almost):
The Hanting is a well-oiled machine. The front desk [24-hour] staff were friendly and helpful, the luggage storage service saved my back, and the daily housekeeping ensured my room was always spotless. There's a convenience store for those last-minute snack attacks, and the concierge was super helpful with getting me taxis and giving tourist suggestions. I appreciated the cash withdrawal service.
However, and here’s the minor gripe: the internet access – LAN connection in the room was a bit clunky. I struggled with it a bit, but the Wi-Fi [free] smoothed that over, ultimately.
Accessibility and Safety (The Things That Matter):
The Hanting takes safety seriously. Excellent CCTV in common areas, fire extinguisher, and security [24-hour] make for a safe environment. The smoke alarms seem reliable, and I felt comfortable, even wandering around late at night. The security officers were kind.
Things To Do (And My Complete Failure to Do Them All):
Beyond the hotel itself, Beijing is a treasure trove. The Hanting is well-placed for exploring (though you'll need to factor in travel time). The hotel can arrange airport transfer, which makes arriving and departing a breeze. They can also call you a taxi service.
For the Kids (Though I Didn't Test This One Out Personally):
The hotel offers babysitting service, and there are family/child friendly options. This is good to know. I personally didn't use any of it, but its there.
The Verdict (And Why You Should Book Now):
The Unbelievable Beijing Luxury: Hanting Hotel is a hidden gem. It's clean, comfortable, and packed with amenities. The staff is helpful and friendly, and the spa offerings are truly divine. Sure, there might be a minor wobble in the desk, but that's a small price to pay for an overall phenomenal experience.
My Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (minus half a star for the wobbly desk).
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Unbelievable Yilan Escape: 12-16 Person Mansion! (Mo Guesthouse)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! You're about to embark on a mental trip to the Hanting Hotel Beijing Huangcun Qingyuan North Road. Prepare for a rollercoaster – because that's how I travel. Forget pristine, perfect itineraries. This is the real deal, folks.
My Beijing Debacle (and Potential Triumphs): A Hanting Hotel Log
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Wall of Tiredness
- Morning (aka, the Endless Flight): Landed in Beijing. Jet lag? Oh, honey, that's a lifestyle at this point. The airport was a chaotic wonderland of people, luggage, and the persistent aroma of instant noodles. Finding the guy with my name on the sign felt like winning the lottery. He was late, the van smelled faintly of gasoline, and my luggage – well, let's just say it's a testament to its durable construction.
- Afternoon (The Hotel Hustle): FINALLY arrived at the Hanting. The lobby? Functional. The air con? A little too functional. Felt like I'd stumbled into a cryogenic chamber. Check-in? Smooth enough, thankfully. The room… well, it's a hotel room. Beige. Functional. Surprisingly, the bed looked inviting. This is where the good stuff begins.
- Evening (A Glimmer of Hope…and Noodles): Absolutely, the first thing I did was crash. Slept for a good three hours. Then, ravenous, I stumbled out, searching for sustenance. Found a little dumpling shop. The menu was all in Chinese, and my Mandarin is… nonexistent. Pointed at a picture. Ended up with a mountain of delicious, greasy dumplings. Best mistake ever. Tried to walk around the Qingyuan area, ended up getting lost. Felt like I was the only non-local. The place was buzzing with life, even at 9 pm. Wonderful chaotic vibe.
- Night (The Walls of Sleep): Back to the room. The sounds of Beijing drifted in, traffic, murmurs, the faint chime of a bicycle bell. Settled in. Bed felt like a hug. Slept like a rock, until the inevitable jet-lag induced 3 AM wake-up call.
Day 2: Temple Tantrums and Street Food Nirvana
- Morning (Temple Trials): Today, I planned to see the Temple of Heaven! Packed my water bottle, donned my walking shoes, felt like I was ready to conquer the world. The Temple was beautiful, everything you dream of and more. But it was also packed. The crowds were relentless. Managed to snap a few photos and tried to channel my inner zen amongst the tourists. Honestly, half the time I was just trying not to lose my bag.
- Afternoon (Street Food Salvation): ESCAPED the crowds, and the heat, went to a park. The park was a welcome escape, people playing cards, doing tai chi, all in a relaxed style. Then, Street food time! Found a little alley. My stomach and I agree to a full immersion experience. The smells were overwhelming, but the good kind. Tried skewers of… something. Spicy, delicious, and probably a slight risk of food poisoning. Would do it again. The memory still makes my mouth water.
- Evening (Lost in Translation…and a Little Bit of Shopping): Wandered the streets. Found a local market. The bargaining game? A total disaster. I suspect I paid triple what the locals would have. But I now own a questionable silk scarf. The victory is mine. Finally, back at the hotel. I took a bath. Decided, while submerged, that I simply needed to eat ALL of the Beijing Duck.
Day 3: The Forbidden City Frenzy… and the Eternal Question of Laundry
- Morning (Forbidden City Frenzy): The Forbidden City. A must-see. Did NOT expect the endless queues to buy tickets. The Forbidden City? Magnificent. Overwhelming. Majestic. Also, hot. So. Hot. Every time I raised my head to stare at the buildings and take in the details, I was jostled. Found a quiet corner and just sat. Just observed. Feeling like a tiny speck in a huge place.
- Afternoon (Laundry Lamentations): The hotel's laundry service? Overpriced. Decided to do my own laundry in the bathroom sink. Fail. After an hour, the clothes are still not dry. It's a disaster. The drying rack is useless. I hang my clothes all over the room.
- Evening (A Night on the Town… Sort Of): Exhausted, I ordered delivery. The menu was once again in Chinese. I prayed for the best. Ended up with something that looked vaguely like chicken, but the sauce was amazing. Watched some terrible Chinese TV. Fell asleep before the credits rolled.
Day 4: Back to the Real World (aka, Airport Anticipation)
- Morning (Last-Minute Scavenging): One last walk around the neighbourhood. Bought some green tea. Bargained with a fruit seller and got some fresh oranges. The hotel breakfast was… well, it's a hotel breakfast.
- Afternoon (The Beijing Farewell): Check-out was simple. Hailing a taxi felt like another lottery win. The journey to the airport was quiet. Looking back, I'm gonna be honest. This trip was rough around the edges. But that's the amazing thing about traveling. It's never perfect. It's always a bit messy. It's a little bit about discovering new things and a lot about feeling like a complete idiot at times.
- Evening (Turbulence and Take-Off): The airport. The waiting. The inevitable delays. The moment the plane soared into the sky… finally!
Final Thoughts:
Beijing, you beautiful, chaotic, bewildering place. I love you. My Hanting Hotel experience was functional, it was comfortable, it was… beige. Would I go back? Absolutely. Armed with better Mandarin (hopefully), a stronger stomach, and a much more realistic understanding of the world. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally conquer that laundry situation.
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Unbelievable Beijing Luxury: Hanting Hotel's Hidden Gem! (Or Is It?) - The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Mostly.
Okay, spill it! Is the Hanting Hotel in Beijing *really* a "hidden gem" or just a budget-friendly place with a fancy name?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because the truth is… complicated. Look, "hidden gem" is a strong word. It's more like a slightly tarnished (but still shiny-ish!) diamond in the rough. The Hanting? Yeah, it *can* be amazing. But let me tell you about my first experience. Picture this: jetlagged, starving, clutching a crumpled map like it was a winning lottery ticket. Found the hotel. Looked great online, right? Pristine photos. Reality? The lobby smelled faintly of… well, let's just say "Chinese cooking" and not in the Michelin-star way. It wasn't *bad*, per se, but it was *memorable*. So, gem? Maybe a slightly dusty one. Definitely not a fake, though. It's a real hotel! (Mostly.)
What's the *best* thing about the Hanting, in your opinion? And I mean, *really* the best. Spill the tea!
Alright, the *best* thing? Honestly? Location, location, location! Seriously. I stayed in one that was *ridiculously* close to the subway. Like, stumble-out-of-bed-and-onto-the-train close. Beijing is massive, and being near public transport is a lifesaver. You can navigate the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, all those Instagrammable places, with ease. Plus, there were fantastic street food stalls nearby. Think steaming dumplings, spicy noodles, the kind of stuff that makes you forget all about the weird lobby smell. That location was a game changer for me. It's a huge win. (And, okay, sometimes the AC *actually* worked. That's a win too, in Beijing's summer heat.)
And the *worst*? Don't hold back!
Okay, *worst*? Oh boy. Where do I even begin? The "breakfast buffet." (And I use that term *very* loosely.) One time, I swear, I saw a plate of… something. Brown, vaguely gelatinous… I couldn’t even identify it. And I'm usually pretty adventurous with food! Another time? The hot water stopped working during my shower. At, like, 6 AM. In *winter*. Brrr! That was a deeply unpleasant experience. And, let's be honest, the soundproofing is… well, let's just say you'll become intimately acquainted with your neighbors' snoring. It's not exactly the Ritz, folks. Prepare yourself for some, er, "rustic charm."
Let's talk rooms. Are they actually "luxury" like the ads suggest? Dish the dirt!
"Luxury"? Hah! Okay, let’s recalibrate. "Clean and functional" is probably a more accurate description. The rooms are usually small. Very small. Think "efficiently designed" rather than "spacious oasis." The decor? Well, let’s just say it's…minimalist. By which I mean, there’s not a lot *there*. You'll find a bed, a tiny desk, a TV (with, admittedly, some fun Chinese channels), and a bathroom that might or might not have sufficient hot water. I had one room where the *entire* shower leaked into the bedroom. The hotel moved me quickly, at least! So, "luxury"? Nah. "Adequate, and hopefully clean"? Yeah, probably. Pray for a good mattress, because you'll need it after a day exploring.
Tell me about the staff. Helpful? Friendly? Or, well, do they even speak English?
This is where things get *really* interesting. The staff's English proficiency varies wildly. Some speak excellent English; others… not so much. This can lead to some *hilarious* communication breakdowns. Like the time I tried to order a taxi and ended up, somehow, getting a massage appointment. (Which, actually, wasn't the worst thing, come to think of it…) They *try* to be helpful. They *really* do. They're often super polite and eager to please, even if what they say isn't quite what you were expecting. My advice? Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. It’ll go a long way. And be patient. Sometimes, the language barrier creates some truly unforgettable moments! That is the best part, in all honesty.
Any tips for first-timers staying at the Hanting? The *essential* stuff.
Okay, listen up, rookies! Here are my non-negotiable tips:
- Pack earplugs: Seriously. The aforementioned snoring. The traffic. The general city noise. Trust me.
- Bring your own toiletries: The provided shampoo? Let's just say it won't win any awards.
- Download a translation app: Google Translate is your friend. Especially if you want to order food that isn't gelatinous.
- Check the reviews *carefully* before booking: Not all Hanting Hotels are created equal. Location is key! Read up on that specific branch.
- Embrace the chaos: Things might not always go smoothly. But that's part of the adventure! Roll with it! And laugh! (A lot.)
- Carry some cash: Just in case the card machine is, shall we say, "experiencing technical difficulties."
- Be prepared to compromise. This is not the Four Seasons. You're getting a cheap room. Get over it. Enjoy all the things the city has to offer.
You mentioned a "weird lobby smell." Is that a constant thing? And do they have elevators? (I have mobility issues.)
Okay, let's tackle these one at a time. The lobby smell... Look. It *can* be a constant thing. It's definitely a "thing." Sometimes it's stronger than others. It's like a lottery. You win, or you lose. And the smells! One time, it was this weird floral thing. Another time, something that smelled almost like bleach. It varies. Prepare yourself. (Air freshener is your friend.) And elevators? Yes, most (but not all!) Hanting Hotels *do* have elevators. HOWEVER... I have stayed in one that claimed to have one... but it was out of order for the entire week. I had to climb all the stairs I hated, the one time. Definitely check this *before* you book, especially if you haveOcean By H10 Hotels
