Unbelievable Nanjing Stay: Hanting Hotel Shanxi Rd. Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Unbelievable Nanjing Stay: Hanting Hotel Shanxi Rd. Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Seriously, I'm Still Reeling
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Hanting Hotel on Shanxi Road in Nanjing, and honestly? It was… an experience. And by "experience," I mean a rollercoaster of surprisingly fantastic moments, slightly questionable decisions, and the lingering scent of… well, let’s just say “cleanliness procedures.” This isn’t your polished, PR-approved review; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, with extra sprinkles of my own personal neuroses.
First Impressions & Getting There (and the Great Taxi Debacle):
The hotel is smack-dab in the middle of Nanjing's bustling Shanxi Road, which means prime shopping and food territory. That's awesome. What wasn't awesome? Finding it. My taxi driver, bless his cotton socks, clearly hadn't grasped the concept of GPS. We circled the block approximately five times. FIVE. Times. I swear I saw the same noodle shop owner give me the side-eye each time! ( Getting around: Taxi service is available, but maybe pre-load the address and a visual map on your phone. Just a thought.) The exterior itself isn’t exactly jaw-dropping; a fairly standard, modern-ish building. But hey, I'm here for the inside, right?
Accessibility & Those Awkward Elevator Moments:
(Accessibility): Surprisingly good! The hotel boasts (Elevator) access, which is essential for anyone lugging around suitcases the size of small cars (like yours truly). They also mentioned (Facilities for disabled guests) which I didn't personally need, but it always warms my heart to see hotels thinking about everyone.
Check-in (and the Mystery of the Missing Smile):
(Services and conveniences): There was a (Contactless check-in/out) – that's a win in these pandemic times. The front desk staff (Front desk [24-hour]) were… efficient. Not exactly bursting with smiles. But hey, maybe they’d had a rough day. ( Daily housekeeping) was consistent. And the (Luggage storage) was a lifesaver after checkout while I was still exploring and eating.
The Room: A Tale of Two Halves (and a Slightly Creaky Bed):
(Available in all rooms): Let’s dive into the good stuff, shall we? My room was… well, it was a room. Clean, generally. But here's where the "unbelievable" part starts to creep in. My room boasted (Air conditioning) – critically important in Nanjing's humid summer. (Free Wi-Fi) in the room, a godsend. ( Internet access – wireless;). (Additional toilet) – surprisingly useful, honestly. (Interconnecting room(s) available) – good for families. However, my bed… oh, my bed. It was a (Extra long bed), which was a massive plus for a tall girl like me. However the bed creaked every. single. time. I moved. I’m not exaggerating, it was like sleeping in a pirate ship. I tried to ignore it, I truly did.
There was also a nice (Desk) and (Reading light) which was great for working. The (coffee/tea maker) was welcome in the morning, but after a week of instant coffee… I was dying for a decent latte. The (Refrigerator) came in handy for the, erm, questionable desserts I bought from the street vendors. And the bathroom? It was functional. Had a (Separate shower/bathtub), good water pressure. Standard. Not spectacular. Honestly? It felt like everything was just… there.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Good, Mostly):
(Dining, drinking, and snacking): Okay, let's talk food. Firstly, they had (Restaurants). I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a (Breakfast [buffet]) because, well, carbs. The breakfast spread at Hanting included both (Western breakfast) and (Asian breakfast). I found myself piling my plate high with baozi and noodles on the regular, though I did miss my morning coffee (more on that in a sec). They had a (Coffee shop) but the coffee was… well, at least it was hot.
The (A la carte in restaurant) options for lunch and dinner were pretty decent, with a lot of (Asian cuisine in restaurant) and a few (Western cuisine in restaurant) offerings. I enjoyed a particularly delicious plate of… I don't even know what it was, but it was amazing. (They also had (Vegetarian restaurant) for anyone with dietary restrictions). They also provided (Bottle of water) daily – which is always appreciated.
( Poolside bar), ( Bar) and (Happy hour) were also available, but I didn’t make it. (Snack bar) was an awesome find! The menu in the restaurant listed both (Soup in restaurant), (Salad in restaurant) and (Desserts in restaurant) which made me happy.
Ways to Relax (or Attempt to):
(Ways to relax:) Ooh, this is where it got interesting. They advertised a (Spa) and, if I understood correctly, a (Sauna). I was intrigued. Turns out the "spa" was more like a tiny room with a massage chair. A massage chair is not a spa. It is a chair. The Sauna? Not quite the tranquil Scandinavian experience I dreamed of. My hopes were dashed. So, relaxation? Not quite.
Cleanliness and Safety (and the OCD Angle):
(Cleanliness and safety): Okay, this is where the hotel really shines. During the pandemic, I'm obsessed with cleanliness. Hanting took this seriously. The staff were diligent about (Daily disinfection in common areas), and there were hand sanitizers everywhere (Hand sanitizer). I also witnessed the staff cleaning my room which was nice (Rooms sanitized between stays) and they used (Anti-viral cleaning products). I always travel with my own, but I was pleased to see they took it seriously.
They also had (Staff trained in safety protocol), (First aid kit) and (Doctor/nurse on call). If you are OCD like me, you may already find peace with (Sanitized kitchen and tableware items).
Internet & Tech Stuff:
(Internet): The internet was good! (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) and (Internet access – LAN). I could stream movies, work on my laptop. No complaints here. Also (Internet services) were perfect. I didn't try to use the (Internet services (Wi-Fi in public areas) though.
Things to Do (Beyond the Noodle Shops:
(Things to do): The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring Nanjing. It’s close to shopping areas (obviously), some historical sites, and the metro. Also, (Car park [free of charge]).
The Quirks & Imperfections:
Okay, here's the real tea. The creaky bed. The slightly underwhelming "spa." The taxi driver's navigation skills. But here's what I loved. The location was amazing. The staff, while not overly effusive, were always helpful when I needed them. The breakfast, despite the coffee deficiency, was generally delicious. It wasn’t luxurious. It wasn’t perfect. But it felt… real.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely. Despite its quirks, and the slight let-down of the spa, Hanting Hotel Shanxi Road offers a solid, comfortable, and convenient base for exploring Nanjing. It's not a five-star experience, but it's a solid three-star with a great location, good cleanliness standards, and a few "unbelievable" moments that make it memorable. Just remember to bring your own earplugs (for the creaky bed!) and prepare to navigate the city like a pro (or at least, have a good map app handy). And if you see the noodle shop owner giving you the side-eye, just smile and order a double portion; it’s a small price to pay for a great Nanjing experience.
Escape to Paradise: Wild Dunes Resort Residences Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on an itinerary so authentic, it'll make your travel agent's head spin. Forget perfectly polished; this is the messy, glorious truth of my Hanting Hotel Nanjing Shanxi Road adventure. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster, the questionable food choices, and the sheer, unadulterated chaos of me, me, exploring Nanjing.
My Nanjing Fiasco: A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Quest for Decent Coffee (and Sanity)
- Morning (or What Passes for Morning After a Red-Eye): Landed in Nanjing. Jet lag is already a sentient being, clinging to me like a particularly clingy toddler. Immigration was a breeze. I even managed a smile (mostly because I was trying to appear conscious). Found the Hanting Hotel - it was…well, it was there. Located on Shanxi Road, which, according to my pre-trip Googling, is supposed to be a bustling area. Now, if I could just find somewhere that serves a coffee that doesn't taste like muddy dishwater. This is my Everest. My coffee Everest.
- Mid-Morning: Okay, after wandering around Shanxi road for what felt like an ice age, the coffee situation is DIRE. Finally, found a place called "Luckin Coffee". The line was long, but hey, it was caffeine! I order the most absurdly sweet, iced monstrosity they offer. (Hey, gotta embrace the local customs, right? Right?). The first sip…instant sugar rush. I think I can see colors I've never seen before.
- Afternoon: I meant to check out the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. But, my sugar-fueled brain decided that taking a nap in my hotel room was a superior plan. Woke up with a crick in my neck and a feeling like I'd been run over by a bus. Honestly, considering my current caffeine levels, that might be a good analogy.
- Evening: Finally, drag myself out of the hotel. Dinner. Okay, so… I'm a fan of soup dumplings, and I found a place that has them. I didn't know anything about the restaurant but, based on the line of hungry people, I knew I was in the right spot. They are delicious, like little pockets of pure, delicious molten soup. Ordered way too many. And now it's time to face the ultimate test: navigating the Nanjing subway. Wish me luck. And please, send help (chocolate, preferably).
Day 2: The City Walls & the Emotional Wall
- Morning: Okay, public transport! The subway wasn't quite as terrifying as I'd imagined, mainly because it's super efficient. Headed for the Nanjing City Wall. The scale of the wall is just…mind-blowing. Standing up there, looking at the city sprawling out beneath you, felt like being on top of the world, also made me realize how tired I am. Took more pictures than a professional photographer (probably without the skill).
- Mid-day: A bit of a wander through the Confucius Temple area. The architecture is beautiful, all red and gold and intricate carvings. Felt slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, so I retreated. Found a small teahouse and tried to unwind. The tea was delicious and the quiet was heavenly.
- Afternoon: The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall Attempt 2.0. This time, I actually made it. I cannot overstate the emotional impact. The exhibits are intensely moving, raw, and unflinching. I'd read about it, but nothing prepared me for being there. The sheer scale of the atrocities, the personal stories… it's a punch to the gut. I cried. A lot. I felt exhausted emotionally. It's a difficult experience, but one that is absolutely vital to witness.
- Evening: Still processing the Memorial Hall. Need a distraction. Found a street food market. Tried all the things I could get my hands on. Washed it down with some fruit juice (more sugar to combat the lingering sadness). Fell into a food coma at a table.
Day 3: Linggu Temple and the Great Escape
- Morning: Linggu Temple! Gorgeous. Serene. The perfect antidote to yesterday. The air smelled of incense and possibility. Wandered around the complex, lost in the peace. The architecture, again, is stunning. Started to get lost in thought.
- Mid-day: Okay, this is where things get a little…weird. I decided I wanted to try to climb Purple Mountain. Sounds like a great idea, right? Wrong. The stairs. The endless stairs. I thought I was going to die of exhaustion. I gave up and went to a small village for lunch. Delicious noodles. Best noodles I have ever had.
- Afternoon: Found a small boutique and bought a ridiculously expensive silk scarf. Hey, I deserved it after the stair debacle. Shopping is my therapy.
- Evening: Planning my exit strategy. What's the quickest way out of Nanjing? I need to begin my travel plans to my next destination. Hmmm…
Day 4: Departures… and Regrets
- Morning: Got up early to grab some breakfast. It didn't go well.
- Afternoon: Heading to the airport. Felt a weird mixture of relief and sadness. Nanjing is a complex, beautiful, and challenging place. It's left its mark, for sure.
- Evening: On the plane. Already missing the soup dumplings. And the chaos. And the coffee (even the bad coffee). Another city checked. The world remains vast. And on to the next adventure.
Unbelievable Nanjing Stay: Hanting Hotel Shanxi Rd. - You WILL Believe This Now! (And Maybe Regret It...)
Okay, Spill It! Is This Hanting Hotel REALLY That Bad? Or is it just...Hanting?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Bad" is a strong word. Let's just say... expectations need serious recalibration. It's Hanting, you know? The budget beast. Think Ikea furniture, but for your soul. The real question is: *how budget* are you feeling? Were you expecting a Ritz-Carlton? Then, yeah, prepare to be disappointed. Were you expecting the kind of place you'd happily let your grandma stay? Probably not that either. Think... functional. Like, it *functions* as a place to sleep. And that's about as enthusiastic as I can get on a Monday morning after a bad coffee.
The "Cleanliness" Question: Dish Soap Optional?
Oh, BOY. This is where it gets messy. Let's just say my first impression wasn't stellar. I walked in, and BOOM - a faint smell of... well, let's call it "previously lived in." Like, a ghost of a previous guest's aftershave mixed with a hint of... something else. I'm probably being overly sensitive, right? RIGHT?! But then I looked under the bed. Don't look under the bed. Unless you *want* to see the dust bunnies that have evolved into fuzzy little apartment complexes. And the bathroom? Ehhh, let's just say I took an extra-long shower after that adventure. Bring your own Clorox wipes. Seriously. I *wish* I had.
The Rooms: Tiny Prison Cells? Or Livable Space?
Okay, let's be real. You're not getting a suite. You're getting a...room. Small. Compact. Efficient, shall we say? Think of it as a carefully curated collection of necessary items, crammed into a box. The bed? Fine. Firm. The kind of bed you'd probably collapse on after a long day of exploring Nanjing. The TV? Probably has more channels than you'll have time to watch. The view? Mine looked out onto a brick wall. Charming. But hey, it was quiet! That's progress. (Note: I don't recommend this place for couples wanting some romance)
Location, Location, Location! Is it Convenient?
This is where Hanting pulls a rabbit out of its hat. The Shanxi Road location? Pretty darn good. Close to the metro, which is your lifeline in a city like Nanjing. Bars, restaurants, shops – all within a manageable walking distance. You're not in the dead center of the action, which, honestly, is a plus for avoiding the total tourist chaos. You have a lot of food to choose from. All the street vendors! All the markets. *All the things*. It's decent.
The Staff: Friendly Faces or Indifferent Robots?
The staff was... well, they were *there*. Not overly enthusiastic, not actively hostile. Somewhere in the middle, which, let's be honest, in many budget hotels, is a win. They were helpful, in a slightly muted kind of way. My Chinese is horrendous, and they (mostly) understood my frantic hand gestures and butchered Mandarin. Did they go above and beyond? Nah. But they got the job done. No complaints, really - although I DID have a small problem with a towel that looked like it had a life of its own. The manager was understanding (but wasn't *that* sorry).
Let's Talk About THAT One Experience: The Towel. (And Why I'll Never Forget It)
Okay, buckle up. This is a story that will haunt my dreams. I went to grab a towel after a shower... and it was *stiff*. Like, board-stiff. Like... you could use it to build a small fort. I tried to, you know, pat myself dry... and it was like rubbing myself with sandpaper. I figured, okay, maybe it's just a one-off. But then I looked closer. There was... something embedded in the towel. A tiny little piece of... *something*. I don't even want to speculate. I shrieked. A primal, involuntary shriek. I threw the towel across the room and considered just... going naked for my stay. Seriously. My already-low trust in the hotel's sanitation levels plummeted to negative infinity. I reported it, of course. The manager mumbled something about "washed recently," and gave me another towel. Which, thankfully, was only *vaguely* abrasive. The towel incident... it broke me, a little.
The Breakfast: A Culinary Adventure (Or a Crime Against Food?)
Breakfast? I bravely ventured down once. Think... a buffet of questionable choices. The "scrambled eggs" had a consistency that defied scientific explanation. The coffee? Instant, and tasted like sadness. There were some... other items. But honestly, I didn't want to risk it. My gut instinct was: RUN. So I ran. Out the door, to a nearby street vendor selling baozi. My advice? Skip the hotel breakfast. Embrace the street food. It's cheaper, tastier, and probably safer.
Would You Stay There Again? The Verdict?
Here's the truth: Probably. Why? Because it's cheap. And the location is good. And sometimes, you just need a place to crash after a long day of sightseeing, and the towel incident is fading into an admittedly funny(ish) memory. But. And this is a big but. If my budget allowed it? HECK NO. I'd be at the fanciest hotel I could afford, scrubbing my hands with industrial-strength sanitizer, and ordering breakfast in bed. But for the budget traveler, with low expectations and a strong tolerance for the unknown? Hanting Hotel Shanxi Rd. is... *an option*. Consider yourself warned. Bring sanitizer, maybe a hazmat suit, and definitely, definitely bring your own towel.
Any Tips For Surviving?
* Bring the basics: Soap, shampoo (the provided stuffQuick Hotel Finder
