Hangzhou's BEST Hotel Near the Train Station? (Xiwu Ave. Hanting Hotel Review!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, sometimes chaotic, world of the Hangzhou Xiwu Ave. Hanting Hotel, supposedly the best near the train station. Consider this not just a review, but a full-blown, unfiltered experience. I've tried to cram in EVERYTHING – the good, the slightly-less-good, and the “oh dear, what was that?” moments. Let's get messy!
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First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack about the Train Station)
Okay, so picture this: you've just survived the Hangzhou train station. Let me tell you, it's a beast. My feet are killing me, the air smells faintly of… well, a train station, and all you want is a bed. That’s when you clutch your pre-booked stay at the Hanting on Xiwu Ave, your beacon of hope. Accessibility: The location is key. Seriously. Bleary-eyed and lugging bags, being close is a LIFESAVER. Getting to the hotel from the train station was… well, let's just say I've mastered the art of the awkward shuffle-walk with heavy luggage. The streets weren't perfect, but overall pretty okay.
And the Welcome? (Or, My Struggle with Buttons and Doors)
The front desk staff were… enthusiastic! (Maybe a little too enthusiastic, after the train station chaos, but I'm sure that's just me.). Check-in/out [express] – They make it pretty quick. 24-hour Front desk is a comfort, even if you don't need it. Now, here's a slight confession: I struggled with the elevator buttons. I'm not gonna lie, I stood there staring for a good minute, convinced the whole thing was rigged. But you get used to it, even for a bit of a technological Luddite like myself.
The Rooms: Your Little Hangzhou Sanctuary
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the room. It’s clean. Like, really clean. Cleanliness and safety: they've got that down. They clearly take it seriously. Rooms sanitized between stays (probably a good thing – after the train station, who knows what germs are lurking!). Anti-viral cleaning products, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, all good signs. Air conditioning - Praise be to the AC! The Wi-Fi [free] was a godsend, and actually worked. You can’t ask for anything more! Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN – The basics are all there. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. It’s not the Ritz, but it's comfortable and functional. Non-smoking rooms everywhere, which I loved!
Let’s Get to the Dirty Laundry (Not Literally – Though the Laundry Service is Good!)
I didn't see any Pets Allowed, FYI. My biggest gripe? Well, I missed my favourite show. On-demand movies are available, but the selection wasn't mind-blowing and I only realized it much later. Ah well. I didn't need the Doctor/nurse on call thankfully.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Slightly Confusing Breakfast)
Alright, food! Breakfast [buffet]. It's an Asian breakfast, so expect noodles and something that resembles a breakfast sausage (that I’m pretty sure was not pork, based on the flavours – though it was okay). You also have Asian cuisine in restaurant. It was a bit of a cultural adventure for this Westerner. Breakfast in room wasn't readily available but there was a Breakfast takeaway service. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop were there though (thank goodness for the coffee!). The Asian breakfast was a bit different than what I'm used to. Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant. Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar. More options than I thought.
Relaxation and Recreation: Are You Ready to Unwind?
Here's the thing: I didn't have time for the Spa, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Foot bath, Pool with view, Body scrub, Body wrap. I was there, but I didn't do any of it. I am not a spa person, but it's there, so if you are, go wild!
Practicalities: The Fine Print (and the Free Stuff!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – BOOYAH! Car park [free of charge] – a huge plus. Car park [on-site] good if you have your own transport. Daily housekeeping – your room magically becomes neat and tidy again. Laundry service – essential after a few days of travel. Ironing service – because wrinkles are the enemy. Luggage storage – thank God! The Elevator (once you figure out the buttons, that is). Safe dining setup – nice to see in these times. Cashless payment service, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol.
More Ramblings…
For the kids, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Babysitting service – Not really my arena. If you’re traveling with kids, check it out.
Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center, Wi-Fi for special events, Meetings. It has all that stuff, but I’m guessing it's not that kind of hotel.
Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests - it appeared like it had been incorporated - but I wouldn't swear to it.
The Verdict? (Drumroll, Please!)
Hangzhou Xiwu Ave. Hanting Hotel? For the cost? For the proximity to the train station? It's a solid choice. It's not glamorous, but it's clean, convenient, and gets the job done. Embrace the minor imperfections, the occasionally baffling breakfast, and the slight logistical hiccups, and you'll find yourself with a perfectly acceptable, and dare I say, even enjoyable, stay.
My rating: 4/5 Stars! (Because nobody’s perfect, especially not me after a train station experience.)
The Quirky Anecdote (Because Life is Never Boring)
Okay, so I went for a walk around the hotel. I wanted to get my bearings before going to the West Lake. I swear I saw a group of people doing tai chi in the park nearby. It was a real picture, right? I watched them for a while, then tripped over a rock and nearly face-planted. Don't worry, I'm fine (mostly).
The Unfiltered, Opinionated Conclusion
Look, if you're looking for luxury, this ain't it. But if you want a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located hotel near the Hangzhou train station, that won't break the bank, the Hanting on Xiwu Ave. is a winner. Embrace the slight imperfections, laugh at the occasional confusion, and you'll have a perfectly pleasant stay. Plus, you’ll be close to the train station, which is a huge win in my book. And the price is right.
HANGZHOU'S BEST Hotel Near the Train Station? (Xiwu Ave. Hanting Hotel!) - Book Now!
DON'T MISS OUT!
Why You Should Book Now (And Not Waste Another Second!)
- Stress-Free Travel: Ditch the train station chaos and be steps away from your comfy bed.
- Budget Bliss: Get great value without sacrificing cleanliness and convenience.
- Cleanliness You Can Count On: Rest easy knowing your room is sparkling clean.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected (and Instagram-worthy) with lightning-fast Wi-Fi.
- Convenience Galore: Explore Hangzhou with ease, thanks to the unbeatable location.
- All-inclusive Comfort: Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, and All The Basics.
Book your stay at the Hangzhou Xiwu Ave. Hanting Hotel today and experience the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and affordability! Don't wait – your Hangzhou adventure awaits! Click that booking button NOW!
Unbelievable Ho Chi Minh City Luxury: Hoa Phat Hotel & Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to wade through the glorious, messy, and occasionally vomit-inducing experience of a trip centered around the Hanting Hotel Hangzhou Xiwu Avenue Railway Station. Forget the pristine itineraries, the perfect photos, and the pre-packaged positivity. This is REAL life, people. This is travel.
Hangzhou Hooligan's Holiday: A Stream-of-Consciousness Odyssey
(Okay, starting point: Hanting Hotel, Hangzhou. Let's be honest, it ain’t the Ritz. But hey, it’s got a bed and hopefully, the AC works. Let’s begin.)
Day 1: Disembarkation and Delusions of Grandeur (or at least, getting to the hotel without crying)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up in…well, wherever the heck I woke up. The pre-flight jitters hit. Did I pack enough socks? Did I remember the universal adapter? Did I really need that fifth pair of shoes? Already questioning my life choices.
- 9:00 AM: Arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport! Ah, the sweet smell of jet fuel and existential dread. Security was… an experience. Let's just say my carry-on is now intimately familiar with the inside of a scanner.
- 10:00 AM: The first crisis. Finding a taxi! Or, more accurately, wrestling a taxi. The language barrier is already a BEAUTIFUL obstacle, but thankfully, pointing and frantic hand gestures seem to work. This is where the adventure STARTS!
- 11:30 AM: FINALLY deposited near the Hanting. Okay, looking for the hotel. And I do mean looking. It's down a side street with a questionable aroma. Oh, God, is that a karaoke bar? It's probably the one.
- 12:00 PM: Check-in. My Chinese is somewhere between “ni hao” and “help me.” The staff seemed…amused. Got a room. It's small. It's clean-ish. The bed situation? Unstable, in the way only a cheap hotel mattress can be.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! Found some little noodle shop. Looked promising. Ordered something that looked like chicken. Turns out, it was…something else. Let’s just say the spice level exceeded the heat of a thousand suns. My mouth is still burning hours later. And I loved it.
- 2:30 PM: The Hangzhou West Lake. I knew it'd be beautiful, but, whew. It was legitimately stunning! Though the other tourists, and the hordes of selfie sticks, were slightly less so. They're like… they're like a swarm of locusts. Still, the pagoda in the distance, the boat rides…I could almost convince myself I was a character in an ancient scroll painting. I'll take a nap!
- 4:00 PM: Lost. Absolutely, completely lost. Wandering through a maze of alleys. Found a tiny tea shop! Sampled some local green tea. Bliss. Briefly. Then the vendor tried to sell me a tea set for the price of a small car. Back to wandering.
- 5:00 PM: More food. This time, street food! Found a stall selling these little dumplings… that may or may not have been filled with mystery meat. Ate them anyway. Regret? Maybe later. Satisfaction? Absolutely.
- 6:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted in a way that can only be achieved by not knowing where you are, or what's happening around you. Time for a shower. Praying the water doesn't turn an alarming shade of brown.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at a place that looked cool. Ordered a local dish. Turns out, it was duck tongue. Not going to lie, was NOT expecting that and I was so overwhelmed, I ate it anyway. Now I'm a changed person.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Praying the AC works. And hoping the karaoke bar doesn't keep me up all night. Also, I've got a craving for more dumplings. Send help… and maybe some Pepto-Bismol.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, & Totally Losing My Mind
- 8:00 AM: Woke up! Survived the night AND the questionable breakfast buffet at the Hanting. Hard-boiled eggs of uncertain origin. Coffee that could strip paint. But hey, nutrition!
- 9:30 AM: Lingyin Temple. Oh. My. God. The sheer scale of it! The incense, the chanting. It's hard not to feel a little awestruck, even though I'm pretty sure I accidentally offended a monk by taking a picture with him. Apologies, monk!
- 11:00 AM: Tea plantation. I will now become a tea expert. Walked around the tea plantations. The air was thick with the sweet scent of green tea as I learned how to make proper tea. Found a tea shop. Bought way, way too much tea. All of it. Worth it.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! Tried to find lunch. Wandered into someone’s garden. Ate there. I think a cat judged me. No regrets.
- 2:30 PM: Attempting to ride the local bus. Utter chaos. It's a miracle I didn't end up in Shanghai. This is how you end up on the news.
- 4:00 PM: Did the bus thing again. This time, I made it. And I am so proud!
- 5:00 PM: Okay, deep breath. Went to the local market. And my senses are overwhelmed. Sights, smells, and the sheer volume of people! I bought some silk scarves! My bargaining skills? Questionable. Probably paid double. Did I care? Nope. Silk scarves!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! Found a restaurant that was… definitely not for tourists. Pointed frantically at the menu. Received something that looked suspiciously like chicken feet. Ate them anyway. The texture was…interesting. Let's just say I developed a newfound respect for my gag reflex.
- 8:30 PM: Head back to the Hanting. Exhaustion is setting in. This is honestly a work out in itself.
- 9:00 PM: Back at Hanting. Reflecting on the day. Feeling of joy and happiness. Thinking about all the times I wanted to quit this trip and all the times I wanted to go back home. But it's the best thing I've ever done, and I wouldn't change it.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Train Station, Farewell, and Flashbacks to the Duck Tongues
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Pack. Re-pack. Did I mention I overpacked?
- 9:00 AM: The train station. This is what the trip has been all about! Getting to my next destination.
- 10:00 AM: The train is coming.
- 11:00 AM: Board the train.
- 12:00 PM: All aboard to the next part of my adventure.
Final Thoughts (or, the Post-Trip Meltdown):
Hangzhou, you were a riot. You were beautiful, confusing, delicious, and a little bit terrifying. I'm still probably going to be finding chicken feet in my luggage for months. I’m going to miss the chaotic energy, the incredible food, and the… well, everything! Will I go back? Without a doubt. Next time, a guidebook will be involved. And maybe some Pepto-Bismol. But hey, that’s the beauty of it, right? The mess, the mistakes, the absolute chaos. That’s what makes a trip… life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a long nap and maybe a therapist. Cheers!
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Hangzhou's Hanting Hotel near the Station: The Good, The Bad, and The Honestly Messy Truth
Okay, Okay, Spill the Tea: Is this Hanting Hotel *really* the best near the Hangzhou Train Station?
Ugh, that depends on what "best" means to *you*, doesn't it? Look, I used the Xiwu Ave. Hanting. "Best" in this case means *convenient.* I mean, let's be honest, after a marathon train ride, the last thing you want is a complicated transfer involving a bus, a rickshaw, and a mime convention. The Hanting is practically *glued* to the station. Like, you could probably trip on your suitcase and stumble into the lobby. So, yeah, convenience? Absolutely. Luxury? Honey, keep dreaming. (More on that later...)
How *close* are we talking? Like, can I roll a suitcase from the train platform level close?
Okay, fine, I'll level with you. Not *quite* platform level. But seriously close. Think, emerge from the station, squint at the blinding sunlight (or, let’s be real, the perpetual Hangzhou smog), and you'll see it – a beacon of budget-friendly concrete. A short walk across a busy road, a quick glance at the questionable street food stands (tempting, but maybe wait until *after* you've checked in, just...trust me), and BAM! Hanting. So, yeah, close enough to practically smell the train exhaust. Which, again, is a pro and a con.
The Room! Give me the lowdown on the room itself. Is it clean-ish?
Clean-ish? Oh, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, it’s a budget hotel. Manage your expectations appropriately. Let’s say… it’s *clean* enough. The linens *appear* to be freshly laundered (always a crucial victory!). There was no visible mold growing in the bathroom. However, when I reached under the bed for a dropped charger, I *may* have discovered the dust bunny equivalent of a small, furry, ancient civilization. So, yeah. Clean-ish. Don’t go digging for treasure under there.
What about the bathroom? The eternal battleground of budget hotels...
Ah, the bathroom. Here's where things get...interesting. The water pressure is usually decent, which is a HUGE win in my book (seriously, I've stayed in places where a drizzle would qualify as a monsoon). The shower stall is… well, it's there. Close quarters, but functional. The hot water is usually hot. The toilet... *sigh*. Okay, I had *one* experience...one glorious, awful, hilarious experience... I was, shall we say, *detoxing* after a particularly adventurous street food tasting. The toilet chose *that moment* to stage a small, yet dramatic, overflow. I’m talking a miniature indoor waterfall. I spent a solid fifteen minutes trying to contain the chaos. Cue frantic towel-wringing, panicked phone calls to reception (in broken Mandarin), and a lingering fear of what other plumbing surprises might await. Let's just say, it was a baptism by… well, you get the idea. Bring your own plunger. Seriously.
The Wi-Fi: Lifeline or a slow, painful death?
The Wi-Fi… another adventure in patience. It’s there. Sometimes. Often slow. Streaming a movie? Forget about it. Responding to an urgent email? You might get a reply by the time the dinosaurs come back. Pack a book. Or learn to meditate. Or embrace the digital detox. You'll probably need it.
Is the staff helpful or do they just stare blankly?
The staff...well, they’re trying. Like, REALLY trying. English isn't always their strongest suit. But they're generally friendly and will attempt to help, even if it involves a lot of gesturing and Google Translate. I had a *minor* issue with a lock (which, by the way, after the bathroom incident, I was *convinced* was a conspiracy). After a bit of a charade, someone did, in the end, come up. So, good for them.
Speaking of the area, is it a safe place to wander around?
Hangzhou, in general, feels pretty safe. Even the area near the train station is relatively well-lit. You definitely need to be alert and aware of your surroundings, of course, especially at night. Don't wander into dark alleys (basic rule of thumb, right?). But generally speaking, I felt safe enough walking around, even late at night.
Okay, bottom line: Would you stay there again?
Honestly? Yes. For the convenience? Absolutely. If I'm just crashing for a night or two before catching a train, it's worth it. Would I book it for a week-long romantic getaway? Absolutely not. Let's just say, it has its quirks. Embrace the chaos. Pack extra toilet paper. And maybe bring a plunger. You'll be fine. Probably. Good luck! And tell me about your experience!
