Nanjing Railway Station Hotel: Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals!
Nanjing Railway Station Hotel: Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals! - A Review That's Actually Real
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real skinny on the Nanjing Railway Station Hotel – and specifically, their 'Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals!' (insert skeptical eyebrow raise here). I'm not gonna lie, I went in expecting the usual bland, corporate hotel experience. But, as with most things in life, I ended up with a mixed bag that left me feeling… something. Let's unpack this messy, glorious experience, shall we?
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- Keywords: Nanjing Railway Station Hotel, Hi Inn Deals, Nanjing Hotels, China Travel, Accessible Hotels, Free Wi-Fi, Spa, Restaurant, Cleanliness, Reviews, Budget Travel, Nanjing Lodging.
- Description: Honest review of Nanjing Railway Station Hotel, focusing on cleanliness, accessibility, dining, and "Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals!" Includes experiences, observations, and quirks. Discover if this hotel is the right fit for you!
First Impressions (or, "The Battle of the Luggage"):
Okay, let's be real. Getting to the hotel from the Nanjing Railway Station was surprisingly easy. The name isn't lying! But the initial encounter… well, it wasn't love at first sight. The exterior… let's just say it's functional. Nothing screams "Instagrammable" – think more "efficiently-built brick rectangle." The lobby was… busy. A swirl of people, luggage, and the faint aroma of… something vaguely floral, and something else… perhaps cleaning solution?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Slight Sigh)
They claim to be accessible. And, okay, for the most part, they are. There's an elevator (essential!), and the common areas seem navigable for wheelchairs. But the devil, as always, is in the details. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice some potential issues: the ramps weren't always perfect, and the signage could be clearer. (Important: For anyone with mobility issues, call ahead and quiz them specifically about your individual needs. Don't take the claims for granted. Always confirm.)
Rooms: The Good, the Bland, and the Missing Toiletries (My Soap!)
The advertised "Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals!" promised a lot – and they didn't completely fail. My room was clean, which is always a huge win in my book. The air conditioning worked (a godsend in Nanjing's humidity), and the free Wi-Fi was actually decent (praise be!). The blackout curtains were AMAZING. Honestly, I could have slept through an earthquake (and maybe I did, who knows?). But… the décor? Let's call it "minimalist." Think beige, beige, and more beige. It was… clinical. There was a desk, a TV with a surprisingly good selection of channels, and… a distinct lack of my favorite, fluffy soap. I had to call down and ask for more toiletries, which felt a bit… silly. (Where was my soap?!?!)
- Important Note: They provide free bottled water, which is a plus!
- Another Plus: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - Yess!
Food, Glorious Food (and the Mystery of the Asian Breakfast):
I was genuinely looking forward to the food. The hotel boasts several restaurants, including a "Vegetarian Restaurant" and a "Western Cuisine" place (which, let's be honest, is a must for a homesick traveler.) And also, there's Asian Cuisine.
The "Asian breakfast", which, let's be real, is what I went for, was interesting. Imagine a buffet with a kaleidoscope of dishes – some familiar, some… not so much. There were noodles, dumplings, and a variety of steamed things that I couldn’t quite identify. I bravely tried a few things (with varying degrees of success). Let’s just say, I ended up sticking primarily with the dumplings (those were delicious) and a lot of coffee.
- Pro Tip: If you're adventurous, dive right in. If you're a picky eater, maybe stick to the Western fare, or bring your own snacks to the room!
- More Dining options: The coffee shop was open all day.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Okay, they have breakfast. (I mentioned that, right?)
- Asian Cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Again, dining options.
- Room service [24-hour]: Well, imagine you're so exhausted that you can't move to the restaurant, thank God.
Relaxation Zone: Spa, Pool, Fitness Woes (Saunas, Oh My!)
Okay, so they vaguely advertised a spa/sauna, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. My expectations were low (I'd seen the beige rooms).
- Spoiler alert: The pool was outdoors, but sadly it was closed, as it was the wrong time of year. (Damn.) But I did spot a pool with a view!
- The Fitness Center: It was cramped and smelled faintly of… well, sweat. The equipment was… let's say "well-loved." Think more "vintage" than "state-of-the-art." It's usable, but don't expect a luxury gym experience.
- Spa/Sauna: Sadly, I never found the time to visit the spa. Also, I don't know where the Spa/Sauna is.. or if it exists. (Oh well, this must be a joke.)
Cleanliness and Safety: A Glimmer of Hope (and the Hand Sanitizer!)
During the COVID-19 era, cleanliness is paramount. And, to their credit, the hotel seemed to take things seriously. There was hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff all wore masks. I noticed a lot of staff cleaning! The room was clean, and they claimed to be using anti-viral cleaning products. I was also relieved to see smoke detectors and the fire extinguisher.
- Important: I'm generally a germaphobe. If this hotel satisfied my "clean enough" metric, then it's probably a good sign.
Staff & Services: Smiling Faces and a Few Lost in Translation Moments.
The staff were genuinely friendly and tried their best. English wasn't widely spoken, but they were patient and willing to use translation apps (or, more often, just a lot of smiling and pointing). The concierge was helpful with local recommendations and helping me figure out transportation.
- Cash Withdrawal: Pretty basic
- Concierge: Helpful
- Daily housekeeping: Neat
- Dry cleaning: Needed.
- Laundry Service: I didn't ask for it.
- Luggage storage: They do it.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes
- Taxi service: Yeah, they handle it.
The "Unbeatable Hi Inn Deal" Verdict:
So, were the "Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals!" actually unbeatable? Well… no. But was it a bad experience? Not necessarily.
The Good:
- Cleanliness was top-notch.
- Convenient location.
- Decent Wi-Fi (free!).
- Friendly staff.
- Good price (relatively speaking).
The Not-So-Good:
- The décor is mind-numbingly bland.
- Accessibility could be improved.
- The fitness center wasn't great.
- My soap was missing! (The true tragedy!)
Overall:
The Nanjing Railway Station Hotel is a solid, no-frills option. It’s a place to rest your head, clean up, and use as a base for exploring Nanjing. It’s not a luxury experience, but it's generally clean, relatively safe, and offers decent value for the money, especially with those "Hi Inn Deals." If you’re looking for a fancy, stylish getaway, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a decent, functional hotel near the train station, you could do a lot worse.
Would I stay there again? Maybe. It depends. (And, honestly, whether they have my favorite soap next time.)
Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead: Thompson Hotel Luxury Unveiled!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and potentially slightly smelly world of… Hi Inn Nanjing Railway Station, China. And let me tell you, it’s not exactly the Ritz-Carlton. More like the… well, let’s just say it has character.
The (Accidental?) Itinerary: Nanjing Station Massacre Edition
(Disclaimer: Titles are dramatic for… well, dramatic effect. I’m not actually planning a massacre. Unless you count my suitcase’s ongoing war with the luggage carousel.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Oxygen (and a Bed)
- 8:00 AM (ish) - The Nanjing Station Gauntlet Begins: Landed in Nanjing, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed… which quickly morphed into bloodshot and slightly disheveled. The train station. Oh, the train station. It's a symphony of wheezing luggage, blaring announcements in a language I sort of understand, and the constant, unnerving feeling that you're about to be stampeded by a flock of very determined aunties. First hurdle: find the Hi Inn. This turned into a 20-minute odyssey involving frantic hand-waving, broken Mandarin, and the desperate hope that Google Maps wasn’t leading me astray. Spoiler alert: it wasn't, but it felt like it.
- 8:30 AM (almost) - The Check-In Blues (and Maybe Bedbugs): Found the Hi Inn! Hallelujah! Or so I thought. The front desk… well, let's just say the enthusiasm level wasn't exactly overflowing. The room was… smaller than advertised. And the air? Let’s just say the air quality in Nanjing is legendary for a reason. I think I could legitimately cut the air with a butter knife. But the bed looked vaguely clean, so I decided to embrace the chaos and chucked my bag onto it. (I still secretly checked for bedbugs, by the way. Don't judge me.)
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - The Battle of the Noodles and the Lost Translator App: Okay, time to eat. I ventured out in search of sustenance. This involved a foray into a street food market, a bewildered attempt to order noodles ("niú ròu miàn! - I think it's beef noodle soup!"), and a near-breakdown when my translator app completely crapped out. I ended up pointing at a steaming pile of… something… and praying for the best. Turns out, it was DELICIOUS. Victory! (Although I'm still not entirely sure what I ate.)
- 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall – Gut-Wrenching and Essential: Okay, time to get serious. I braved the journey to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. This place is powerful. Just… gut-wrenching. The sheer scale of the atrocity hits you like a ton of bricks. The stories, the photos… they stick with you. It's a difficult experience, yes, but it's utterly crucial to understand. Take your time, process it. I spent what feels like an eternity just staring at the names on the wall, just trying to comprehend the magnitude of the evil that happened there. And then I just cried. A lot. It's okay to cry. It's okay to feel.
- 4:00 PM - onward: The Long, Lonely Walk Home (and the Late-Night Snack Epiphany): After leaving the Memorial Hall, I needed to walk. Just to clear my head. The city felt different now, shadowed by the weight of history. Eventually, I stumbled back towards the Hi Inn. The walk… the buildings, the people, everything felt changed. Finally, back in my questionable room, the craving for some serious comfort food hits me. A late-night snack? You bet. Found a convenience store downstairs. Grabbed some instant noodles, a questionable energy drink, and a bag of something that looked suspiciously like dried squid. I think I'll regret that in the morning.
Day 2: Temples, Teapots, and the Great Wall (of Luggage)
- 8:00 AM - The Wake-Up Call From Hell (or, The Noisy Neighbor Edition): I woke up to the sound of… well, I'm not sure. Construction? A flock of angry chickens? A particularly enthusiastic karaoke session? It was loud. Really loud. I'm beginning to suspect that earplugs are a travel essential.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Temple Hopping and the Serenity Game: Today, I decided to embrace the temples. First up, the Jiming Temple. Beautiful! Fragrant incense, colorful architecture, and a general sense of… peace. I stood there for a while, just… breathing. Trying to find some inner zen. I failed.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Tea Time Tango: The Most Elegant Meal I've Had in Days: Then, a tea ceremony! Actually, that went well. You know, the tea rooms are a must. It's not like I'm an expert in tea by any stretch, but, well, they're the only place in Nanjing with great lighting. Nice, fresh tea, and some amazing snacks. I felt like a fancy rich person for an hour, and it was perfect.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Great Wall (of Luggage and the Great Wall of the World): Yes, I was supposed to go to the Great Wall. But, a major problem. As I was checking out of my Hi Inn, after a few attempts to call a Taxi, and after I paid for the hotel, I didn't know how to get to the train station. Turns out, it's far. So, it was kind of a stressful afternoon.
- (Rambling Alert!) I did some thinking while staring at the walls. This train station, this city, this trip… it's a mess. It's beautiful. It's hard. It's lonely sometimes. But, you know what? It's real. I have a feeling this trip will stick with me.
- 4:00 PM - Onward: The Train Station Saga, Part 2: The Farewell Buffet (and the Lost Backpack): Back at the train station. More crowds, more noise, more… well, more of everything. I decided to treat myself to a farewell buffet at the station. Bad idea. (I should've known.) After, I took the seat, and then I had to find my backpack, which was missing. I spent maybe an hour looking, and the station staff was helpful. Turns out, there it was, and I was able to board.
Emotional Takeaways (and Post-Trip Reflections, if I Survive):
- Highs: The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall; the tea ceremony. Those moments will stay with me forever.
- Lows: The air quality. The questionable room at the Hi Inn. The missing backpack. My questionable snack choices.
- Observations: Nanjing is a city of contrasts. Ancient history clashes with modern cityscapes. Beauty hides beneath a layer of grime. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll probably get lost. But you'll learn. You'll grow. And hopefully, you won't end up eating dried squid. (Pro tip: avoid the dried squid.)
- Final Thoughts: This trip wasn't perfect. Far from it. But it was mine. And that, I think, is what matters. If you go, be prepared for anything. And pack earplugs. Seriously, pack earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit. (Just kidding… mostly.) Now, off to wherever the next train takes me! Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
Nanjing Railway Station Hotel: Unbeatable Hi Inn Deals! - Or Is It? (A Rambling FAQ)
Okay, So, "Unbeatable Deals?" What's the Catch? Seriously, Spill.
Alright, alright, hold your horses. "Unbeatable" is a strong word, isn't it? Look, the deals *are* often pretty good, especially if you book in advance. They're constantly running promotions, like flash sales and discounts for early birds. BUT... and this is a big but... the 'catch'? Well, it's a budget hotel. Period. Don't go expecting a marble bathroom and a butler. My first time, I was expecting... well, something better. Turns out, I should've read the fine print (or maybe just looked at the price!). I got a tiny room, the AC was a bit dodgy (more on that later!), and let's just say the "view" was of a brick wall. Not exactly postcard material. So, cheap? Yes. Luxurious? Absolutely not. Think of it as a crash pad, a place to sleep and shower before you head off to explore Nanjing. That’s about it.
Location, Location, Location! Is It Actually *Near* the Train Station? Because "Close" is Subjective.
YES! Thank the travel gods, yes. It's literally, and I mean *literally*, steps away from the Nanjing Railway Station. You can practically roll out of bed, stumble through the door, and be on your way to your train. That's its major selling point, really. Once I was running so late for a train (because, you know, life), I practically sprinted from the hotel in my pajamas. Made it! Barely. Didn't even have time to brush my teeth. So, yeah, location? Ace. Accessibility? A+. Convenience? Off the charts. Don't even bother with taxis or buses, unless you're trying to become a pro at public transport. It’s *right there*. This is the primary reason I choose Hi Inn every single time I pass through Nanjing, no matter the messiness of the rest of the hotel.
The Rooms: Cozy? Cramped? Haunted by the Ghosts of Budget Travelers Past?
Cramped. Definitely cramped. Cozy? Only if you consider a shoebox cozy. Haunted? Maybe not *haunted* in the ghost-with-chains kind of way, but definitely haunted by the sounds of your neighbors' snoring and the persistent hum of the air conditioning. (That AC... oh, the AC!). Seriously, don’t expect much space. It's a bed, a tiny desk, a tiny bathroom, and maybe, just maybe, a small window. The first time I stayed, I swear I could reach out and touch both walls at the same time. Now, look, I’m a pretty small person, and even *I* felt a bit claustrophobic. Pack light. Like, *really* light. And don't expect to do any cartwheels in there, unless you enjoy breaking toes against the furniture.
About That Air Conditioning… Is it a Real Thing? Or a Myth?
Ah, the air conditioning. The bane of my existence, in many ways. It *is* a real thing, technically speaking. It's there. It's… *present*. But its effectiveness is… variable. Sometimes it works like a charm, turning your room into a crisp, cool haven. Other times... well, sometimes it blows lukewarm air at you and makes you wonder if you just wandered into a sauna. One time, in the middle of summer, it broke down completely, and I swear it felt like I was sleeping inside a toaster oven. I spent the night drenched in sweat, tossing and turning, and fantasizing about jumping into the Yangtze River (which, by the way, is probably not the best idea). I think the AC is on a different time zone; it seems to take its own sweet time to "kick in." Be prepared for a fluctuating temperature, and maybe bring a fan, just in case. I almost lost it one night because of the AC and the loud couple in the next room; the sheer misery, the symphony of misery, made me want to check out at 3 AM. But, you know, deals.
Is the Wi-Fi Reliable? Because Let's Face It, We Need Our Internet Fix.
The Wi-Fi… ah, yes. The Wi-Fi. Let's just say it's… intermittent. It's like a moody teenager – sometimes it's super fast and helpful, sometimes it's in a sulk and won't connect at all. Generally, it's usable for basic browsing and checking emails, but don't expect to stream any HD movies or video call your grandma in Nepal. It’s also quite slow during peak hours. Think of it as a digital slow dance, where your data takes its sweet time. Be patient. Or, you know, just download that movie before you leave your house. Otherwise, you're going to be staring at the ceiling wondering if your connection will arrive before your train does.
Cleanliness: Are We Talking "Gleaming" or "Slightly Questionable"?
Okay, honesty time. It's not exactly a five-star experience when it comes to cleanliness. It's... acceptable. The rooms are usually clean enough that you won’t find anything too offensive, but don't go looking under the bed *too* closely. You might find something… interesting. I'm talking about the kind of cleanliness where you're not actively disgusted, but maybe you keep your shoes on just in case. The bathrooms are... well, they *are* bathrooms. They have toilets and showers. They're functional. Don't expect pristine, but they're usually okay. It's not a place to eat your dinner off the floor, I can tell you that. But, the staff does a pretty good job keeping up, considering the volume of traffic.
Breakfast: Do They Offer It? And Should I Bother?
They *do* offer breakfast. Whether you should bother is a different question. Usually, it’s a very basic affair, possibly included in the room price, and sometimes it's an extra cost. Think… lukewarm congee, maybe some hard-boiled eggs, and a few sad-looking pastries. I've had breakfasts there that were… well, let's just say they weren't exactly a culinary highlight of my trip. I'd recommend checking out the street food stalls near the station. They're a far better option and significantly cheaper. Save yourself the disappointment and the potentially questionable morning tummy. Just walk out the door and find a dumpling shop. You won't regret it. Trust me, I've learned the hard way.
The Staff: Friendly? Helpful? Or Do They Speak English?
The staff are generally… fine. They're usually polite and try their best. English proficiency can vary, but there's usually someone who can help you with basic questions. Don't expect in-depth conversations about philosophy or the history of Nanjing. A smile and a few basic phrases in Mandarin will go a long wayNomad Hotel Search
