Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel, Urumqi's Times Square Gem!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel, Urumqi's Times Square Gem! - Finally, a Hotel That Gets It! (Or Does It…? Let's See!)
Okay, folks, listen up! I just got back from the Starway Hotel in Urumqi, and let me tell you, it's… well, it's an experience. The marketing material, the glossy photos, the promises of "unbelievable" luxury… it's a minefield, really. Did it live up to the hype? Did it disappoint? Did I find a cockroach wearing a tiny bathrobe? (Just kidding… mostly.) Let’s unpack this beast, shall we?
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and The "Hmmmm…"
Finding accessible hotels can be a nightmare, and I'm happy to report that Starway Hotel appears to try. Look, I didn’t swing though with a wheelchair, but they list "Facilities for disabled guests." The elevator is a definite plus. However, the devil is in the details, right? I'd absolutely want to confirm specific features like the bathroom accessibility and door widths before booking for anyone with mobility challenges. It's a solid "provisional" checkmark, I'd say.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Unconfirmed. Need to check directly with the hotel to get the facts.
Staying Connected (or Trying To): Internet, Internet, Everywhere!
Okay, the internet. This is where things get… interesting. They advertise Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and other internet options. My experience? It was… patchy. One minute, streaming Netflix like I was tethered to the cloud; the next, fighting with a dial-up modem from the 9ties. Wi-Fi in public areas was marginally better, but honestly, I spent more time troubleshooting than actually using it. Don't rely on it for vital work meetings, but it's fine for catching up with family and sending a few emails. Internet [LAN] and Internet services exist… theoretically. I did not have a chance to test these but if the Wi-Fi is a mess, I don't have high hopes.
The Big Question: What’s There to Do (Besides Survive the Wi-Fi)?
This is where the Starway Hotel comes alive. It's a playground for those seeking pampering. Let's just wade in, shall we?
- Ways to Relax: Oh boy, are there ways to relax! They've got the works: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I dove headfirst into the spa facilities.
- The Pool: A Pool with view and an Outdoor swimming pool – they're both pretty incredible, especially after a long day trekking around Urumqi. The view is… decent. Not life-changing, but definitely calming. I did spend a good hour trying to figure out how to take pool photos without looking like a total narcissist. (Verdict: Fail.)
- The Fitness Center and Gym: I might as well have. This is where the guilt comes in. It's not just a gym, it's a full-on, "I'm-pretending-to-be-healthy-on-vacation" experience. I did not partake. My apologies.
The Spa Dive: My One-Word Review - "Worth It."
Okay, so I'm not usually a spa person. I’m more of a "sit around and watch TV in my pajamas" kind of guy. But listen, after a chaotic travel day, the spa experience was transcendent. Seriously. I went for the massage and figured I’d tough out the rest. But the Sauna, then the Steamroom, were just… sublime. The masseuse was a miracle worker. The tension that's been knotted in my shoulders for years? Gone! I went full-on "ahh" face. The Foot bath was a nice added treat! This whole experience? Definitely a highlight.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Quest for a Decent Coffee)
- Restaurants & Dining: The food options are, well, plentiful. The hotel boasts Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant. They also offer A la carte in restaurant, and Buffet in restaurant.
- I had their Asian cuisine. The spicy noodles were good. The dumplings? Mmm, not so much.
- Breakfast [buffet] was, well, it's a hotel buffet, so… you know. The usual suspects. A bit hit-or-miss, but the omelet station was a saving grace. Western breakfast option.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: Decent. Not life-changing, but it fulfilled the caffeine requirement to get me through the morning.
- Snack bar & Poolside bar: I might have had too many chips and too much soda. Whoops.
- Room Service: 24-hour! A definite plus after a long day.
- Alternative meal arrangement & Breakfast in room: These are available.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes, please!
- Soup in restaurant & Salad in restaurant: shrugs
Cleanliness, Safety & The "Are-We-Gonna-Survive-This-Trip?" Quotient
This is where Starway Hotel tries really hard to impress. They were really, really focusing on this.
- Anti-viral cleaning products & Hygiene certification: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays & Room sanitization opt-out available: They mentioned it during check-in.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They acted like they were.
- CCTV in common areas & CCTV outside property: Check.
- Smoke alarms & Fire extinguisher: Present and accounted for.
- Doctor/nurse on call - I was going to be fine.
- First aid kit: Good always to check it.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Big Ones)
From a convenience perspective? The Starway Hotel is a winner.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Food delivery, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service, Valet parking. It's got it all.
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning: Crucial. Urumqi can get hot.
- Business facilities: You've got Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Xerox/fax in business center. It's a serious contender for business travelers.
The Rooms: My Personal Fortress of Solitude (With Some Quirks)
Here's where we get into the nitty-gritty of the rooms themselves:
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Things I loved: The Bathtub was a godsend after a day of exploring. The Blackout curtains, even better. I slept like a baby. The Coffee/tea maker was useful.
- Things I did NOT love: The Wi-Fi again! The bathroom layout felt cramped, and the mini-bar was a tad overpriced. The carpeting was alright.
For the Kids:
- Family/child-friendly & Babiesitting service: A decent choice for families.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Available. The location is pretty central, so getting around is easy.
Overall Impression: Is Starway Hotel Worth the Hype?
Here's the messy, honest truth: The Starway Hotel is a package deal. It makes some serious promises and delivers on many. The spa? Fantastic. The food is varied. The rooms? Nice. The Wi-Fi? Needs a serious overhaul!
- If you’re after a place to unwind, indulge in some pampering, and don’t mind a few minor hiccups, then yes, Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel, Urumqi's Times Square Gem! is a good option for you. Just temper your expectations, pack your own pocket router, and book that spa appointment ASAP!
My Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. (Minus a star for the wonky Wi-Fi and slightly confusing layout.)
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**Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel, Urumqi - Your Oasis in the Heart of the City!
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Urumqi: Or, How I Learned to Love the Airport Bathroom (Maybe) - A Messy Itinerary
Okay, so here's the deal. I'm in Urumqi. Specifically, the Starway Hotel on Guangming Road. Sounds glamorous, right? Think less "Silk Road Adventure" and more… well, let's just say "functional." My stomach's currently doing a weird tango after the airplane food, so forgive the rambles. Also, I'm terrible at itineraries. Like, seriously. But here's a vague plan, sprinkled with the reality of my existence.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Airport Contemplation
- Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Flight landed! Finally. The air here…different. Thin? Maybe. Definitely dusty. Passport control was a blur of frowning faces (I haven't learned any Mandarin, which is probably a minor problem). Finding the "official" airport taxi was a quest. Followed a guy in a fluorescent vest, hoping he was legit. He probably was. I think.
- Anecdote: The airport bathroom. Oh, the airport bathroom. Let's just say it was an experience that involved squatting, a questionable automatic soap dispenser that seemed to be filled with… I don’t even want to know. But hey, at least it was clean-ish. And the silence… pure, blissful silence (minus the questionable plumbing sounds). Spent a good 20 minutes just staring at the flickering fluorescent lights, questioning all my life choices.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Check-in. The hotel lobby is surprisingly large, like a slightly tired ballroom. Tried to charm my way to a better room (my Mandarin consists of "Xie xie" and a lot of pointing). Got laughed at. Fair. Settled into my room. It has a view of… another building. The view isn't the focal point. The bed, however, seems comfortable enough. Need to explore this place. But first, nap.
- Emotional Reaction: Jet lag is a beast. Body screaming for sleep but mind buzzing with the thrill (fear?) of being in a completely new place.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Stumbled out for dinner. Found a… place. Everything was in Chinese. Pointed randomly at a picture of what looked like… noodles. They were spicy. Very spicy. My mouth is still on fire. Had a beer to cool down. That helped. Kind of. Tried to walk around the area. It's bustling. So many people! So many lights! The street performers are fascinating, even if I don't understand a word.
- Observation: The air here has a distinct, smoky quality. Is it pollution? Barbecuing? Mysticism? All of the above?
Day 2: Markets, Mountains, and a Minor Crisis of Confidence
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decided to be adventurous. Went to the Erdaoqiao Market. Holy smokes! So much… everything! Spices, scarves, dried fruits that looked like alien eyeballs. Got completely lost in the maze of stalls. The smells… a symphony of cumin, lamb, and something vaguely floral. Negotiating (badly) on a rug that probably doubled as a prayer mat.
- Imperfection: Spent way too much money. On a rug and far too many bags of dried apricots. I may have a problem.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Hired a… car? A driver? Couldn't communicate properly, but somehow ended up on a road trip to the Heavenly Mountains. The scenery was breathtaking. Mountains, snow-capped, that stretch out for miles. The air got crisp and clean. Took a gazillion photos.
- Quirky Observation: The driver kept blasting what sounded like Mongolian power ballads. I think? Absolutely loved the enthusiasm, even though I couldn't understand a word.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner. Found a restaurant that actually had an English menu! Victory! Ate lamb skewers. Delicious. But started feeling a little overwhelmed. Homesickness creeping in. Doubled down on the spicy food. Bad idea. Called some people back home, and the conversation helped.
- Emotional Reaction: This is tough. Amazing, beautiful, difficult. It makes me feel simultaneously thrilled and utterly exhausted.
Day 3: Museum Madness, Coffee, and the Quest for Decent Wi-Fi
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Headed to the Xinjiang Regional Museum. Learned a lot about the history and culture of the region. Mummies! Silk! Ancient artifacts! Impressive. Slightly overwhelming, but fascinating. The museum was an oasis of calm and air conditioning, which was a much-needed relief.
- Messier Structure: The museum was awesome but I got lost in the ancient artifacts and wandered around like a disoriented penguin.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Found a coffee shop! Sweet, caffeinated relief. The coffee was… fine. But the Wi-Fi! Non-existent. Attempted to connect for a solid hour, the desperation was real. Managed to upload a blurry photo to social media. A small victory.
- Rambles: Tried to find a decent coffee shop this morning, the place I ended up in was the sort of place where I'd expect a spy to find clues in a movie. The coffee was probably the highlight.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Walked around the times square and tried some local food. Not sure what it was, but it was cheap and delicious.
- Opinionated Language: The hotel is a mixed bag. The bed is comfy. The internet is a joke. The staff are trying their best, but communication is a challenge.
Day 4: Departure and Lingering Questions
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Packing. The inevitable regret over the souvenirs I bought. The emotional weight of all of the dried apricots. The airport bathroom… will it be worse this time? Probably.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Airport. More bathroom contemplation. The flight. Back to reality.
- Evening (5:00 PM Onwards): Reflecting. Urumqi. A sensory overload. A challenge. An adventure. Would I come back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm learning Mandarin. And bringing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. And maybe… a Pepto-Bismol subscription.
Okay, that’s the very, very rough sketch. It’s messy. It's imperfect. It’s me. And maybe, just maybe, it's the truest itinerary I could offer. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch… and an airport bathroom to fear, but also, maybe, to love.
Unbelievable Starway Hotel: Jiayuguan's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Urumqi's Starway Hotel: You Ask, I (Probably) Answer... From A Messy, Slightly Obsessed, Perspective
So, Starway Hotel. Is it really, *really* luxurious, or just Instagram-filtered fancy?
Okay, deep breath. Luxury? Yes. Instagram-filtered? Probably. Let's just say, the lobby *gleams*. Gleams like it's judging you and your travel-weary clothes. I walked in, and my jaw legitimately dropped. Marble everywhere. Chandeliers that could fund a small country. But then, I saw a slightly-too-visible dust bunny clinging to the edge of a priceless antique vase. And I thought... yep, this is real life. It's a *beautiful* mess. So yeah, it's luxurious. Think Gatsby-esque, but with, you know, the occasional minor imperfection. And trust me, the marble is WAY more impressive in person than any Insta pic.
What about the rooms? Are they actually worth the price tag?
Okay, the rooms. They're... something else. I splurged on a suite – because, let's be honest, when in Urumqi, right? – and I *almost* cried. Not from sadness, mind you. From pure, unadulterated *joy*. The bed? Cloud-like. The view? Spectacular. The bathtub? Seriously, it could fit a small family. (Don't judge me – I might have considered it). But here's the thing: they’re expensive. Like, bank-account-weeping expensive. Honestly, I justified it by telling myself I deserved to feel like royalty for *at least* 48 hours. And you know what? I kinda did. So, worth it? For a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Probably. For a regular Tuesday night? Maybe not unless you're REALLY into that whole "soaking in a tub of luxury" thing. Which, again, I’m totally into.
Times Square Gem? What's the location really like? Is it convenient? Is Times Square in Urumqi anything like the one in NYC?
Times Square... Okay, first things first: it's not New York's Times Square. Think… a more spacious, less chaotic version. Fewer giant screens, more… well, I'm actually not sure *what* more, but it’s definitely different. That said, the location *is* super convenient. You're right there in the thick of things. Shopping, restaurants, all within walking distance. I spent a whole afternoon wandering around, getting happily lost. Okay, maybe not *happily* lost. I did get a bit turned around trying to find the right entrance to that amazing noodle place. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? It's great for getting around, though. Public transport is decent enough and taxis are easy to hail (or at least, they were for me – I may have gotten lucky). Plus, the hotel staff can sort out any transportation woes.
The food! Please tell me about the food! Is the breakfast buffet worth waking up for?
Oh. My. Goodness. The breakfast buffet. Prepare yourself. This isn't just a 'breakfast buffet'. This is a *culinary experience*. Mountains of fresh fruit. An entire section dedicated to pastries. And the bread! Oh, the bread! I may have eaten an entire baguette – or maybe two. Don’t judge me. They also have a live cooking station where they'll whip up eggs any way you like. And fresh-squeezed juice… so much fresh-squeezed juice. The coffee was a little… weak, if I’m being honest, but everything else more than made up for it. Was it worth getting out of that cloud-like bed? YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. I'd go back just for the breakfast, and I’m not even a big breakfast person. So yeah, it's worth waking up for. Set multiple alarms. You *cannot* miss it.
Any major drawbacks or annoying experiences? Be honest!
Okay, buckle up. Honesty time. There were a few… bumps. The language barrier, while manageable with some basic Mandarin and Google Translate, presented a few challenges. I once accidentally ordered a plate of something that looked suspiciously like… yak brain? (Don't worry, I politely declined). Also, the internet was a little… spotty at times. Not a *dealbreaker*, but annoying when you're trying to work or, you know, post Instagram stories of that ridiculous bathtub. The other thing? The sheer *size* of the hotel. It’s easy to get lost. I spent a good twenty minutes wandering around the corridors trying to find the gym, which, by the way, was ridiculously well-equipped. But the corridors looked the same, and I was convinced I'd entered some sort of hotel labyrinth. I finally gave up and ordered room service. Which, speaking of which, was *amazing*. But, yeah… get a map.
What about the staff? Are they helpful and friendly?
Generally, the staff were… excellent. Super polite, always trying to help, and really patient with my terrible Mandarin. I had one minor snafu with the minibar (I apparently misunderstood the "complimentary" items), but they handled it with grace and a smile. They also went above and beyond to help me find a local tailor to fix a wardrobe malfunction (don't ask!). And I have to give a special shoutout to the concierge. They helped me sort out a last-minute tour and even arranged for a taxi to get me to the airport in record time. So yeah, super friendly and helpful. Although… one time, I asked for extra towels, and they brought me about twenty. I'm not sure if it was a miscommunication or a sign of their *extreme* generosity. Either way, my bathroom was swimming in towels for a couple of days. Can't complain, really.
Okay, let's talk about THAT bathtub again. Seriously, *experience*...
Alright, alright, let's get this straight: the bathtub. It deserves its own paragraph. Its own *chapter*. It was… cavernous. And deep. And the jets... oh, the jets. I spent *hours* in that tub. HOURS. I brought a book, some snacks, and a bottle of the local wine (which, by the way, was surprisingly good). The water temperature was perfect. The jets massaged every single aching muscle from my epic trek through the local marketplaces (because, retail therapy, duh). At one point, I swear I could hear the faint strains of classical music coming from the speakers in the bathroom. Or maybe I was dreaming? It was all a blur of bubbles and bliss. It was genuinely therapeutic. I emerged from the tub feeling like a new person. Refreshed. Reborn. Ready to face... well, probably more shopping. But in the best possible way. ThatHotel Explorers
