Jiujiang's BEST Hotel? Starway Hotel (Near Railway Station!)
Okay, buckle up, because we’re diving HEADFIRST into a review of Jiujiang's Starway Hotel (Near the Railway Station!), and let me tell you, it's a JOURNEY. My opinions? Raw. My experience? Well, let's just say I've seen things. And eaten things. Let's get started, shall we? Deep breath
First, the Basics (and the almost basics):
Accessibility & Getting There: (Okay, a bit of a reality check)
- Accessibility: They CLAIM to have facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn't test this personally (I'm more of a "stairs-are-my-friends" kind of gal), BUT the website says it. Proceed with caution. Call them specifically if you need it. Don't just trust the pretty pictures.
- Getting There: Location, location, location! Being "near the railway station" is KEY. It's a lifesaver after a long train journey. But… here's the thing. Walking around Jiujiang can be…interesting. Pavement is a suggestion, not a rule. Be prepared. (Accessibility Score: 6/10 – Website promises, real-world testing required.)
Internet & Techie Stuff:
- Wi-Fi in all rooms?!? FREE?!? YES. And blessedly, it actually WORKED. Praise the internet gods! I could actually post my Instagram stories about that amazing noodle soup (more on food later). The Lan access is there as well. I didn't need it so I'm not sure how quickly it is.
- Internet Services… Okay, they *have* it. That's the bare minimum these days, right? I'd give it a solid "meh." (Internet Score: 8/10 – Functional internet saved my sanity.) No complaints.
Cleanliness and Safety (and my inner germaphobe):
COVID-19 Precautions: This is where Starway gets some serious kudos. The measures were impressive.
- Anti-viral cleaning products - Thank you!
- Daily disinfection… Check.
- Hand sanitizer… Everywhere.
- Individually-wrapped food… Yes!
- Room sanitization opt-out… Smart.
- Staff trained… They seemed like it.
- Safe dining setup… More on that in the food section, but yes.
- Rooms sanitized… Felt clean.
General Cleanliness: I'm a bit of a neat freak (okay, a LOT of a neat freak), and I was actually pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the rooms. The floors, the bathroom… well, all clean.
Safety/Security: They have CCTV everywhere, 24-hour security, and fire extinguishers. The non-smoking rooms are important to note.
- Safety/Security Feature: 9/10 - Made me feel pretty safe and secure.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (This is where things get interesting):
- Breakfast (Buffet): The buffet… Let's just say it was a vibrant experience. From the moment you wake up! International cuisine, Asian breakfast, buffet in restaurant. I got to try it.
- Coffee: Perfectly okay.
- Asian Cuisine: I am here for this. The noodles were spectacular. Do I need to tell you about the soup?
- Restaurants: Multiple.
- Snack Bar: Yes, which is perfect when you're just trying to hide from the world. I got good pastries from there!
- A la carte
- Vegetarian
- Western
- Room Service: 24-hour. I confess, I ordered at 3 a.m. one night because jet lag is a cruel mistress. They came up to my door quickly when I said "I am hungry."
- Breakfast in-room - Yes indeed!
- Breakfast Takeaway - This is available too.
- Overall Dining: Food service is fast, the staff is friendly. (Dining Score: 8/10 – The noodles alone bumped this up a point.)
Services and Conveniences (The little things):
- Air conditioning: Praise be.
- Convenience store: For those late-night snack attacks!
- Daily housekeeping: Always a win. My room was ALWAYS spotless.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry: Essential for a traveler.
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
- Concierge: Helpful with local tips.
- Luggage storage: A lifesaver if you have an early flight or a late check-out.
- Cash withdrawal: Always a plus.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Again, website says yes!
- Invoice provided: Yup!
- Ironing: Needed it!
- Safety deposit boxes: I always use these just in case.
- Smoking area: I am not a smoker. But the option is there if this floats your boat.
- Terrace: I enjoyed the view.
- For special events: Meetings, Banquets, etc.
For the Kids (or for the kid in you):
- Family/child friendly: I did see a lot of families.
- Babysitting service: They offer one.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax (The pampering potential):
- Pool with a view: Yes. I wasn't as impressed with the view, but the pool itself was nice.
- Gym/Fitness: I peeked in. Looked decent.
- Spa/Sauna: Nope. Didn't try it.
- Body scrub/Body wrap/Massage: (shudders)
The Room (The crucial part):
- The Essentials: Air conditioning? Check. Comfy bed? Check. Blackout curtains? Check! Additional toilet? Check.
- The Details: The room was clean, and not just clean, but looked after. The bed? AMAZING. Like, seriously, I wanted to smuggle it home. The shower had great water pressure!
- In-room safe: Always a reassurance.
- Complimentary tea: Needed it to wake up!
- Mini-bar: Stocked.
- Internet Access: I said it. It works.
- Overall Room Score: 9/10 – Because that bed saved me.
Overall Impression: Starway Hotel – The Verdict:
Okay, in short: I liked this hotel. For the price point, the location, and the cleanliness, it's a solid choice in Jiujiang. The breakfast buffet is an experience. The rooms are comfortable. And the Wi-Fi? Bless it forever.
The Offer (and the emotional plea):
Are you travelling through Jiujiang? Looking for a comfortable, clean, and conveniently located hotel? Then the Starway Hotel NEAR THE RAILWAY STATION is your answer!
Here's why you NEED to book NOW:
- Book today and get a FREE upgrade to a room with a view! (Subject to availability, but trust me, it’s worth a try.)
- Mention this review and get a 10% discount on a massage! (Because you deserve it after that train journey.)
- Book direct on their website and receive a complimentary bottle of water and a small gift! (Who doesn't love free stuff?)
- Relax with the convenience of a location near the train station.
Don't delay! Book your stay at the Starway Hotel today and experience the best of Jiujiang!
P.S. The noodles. Seriously. Go get them.
Luxury 3-BR Apartment in Valenton, France: Your Dream Home Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Jiujiang adventure that's less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly chaotic but undeniably real human experience." This is my travel itinerary around the Starway Hotel near Jiujiang Railway Station. Consider this less a plan and more a suggestion, because honestly, who knows what will actually happen, right?
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Greetings, and the Quest for Noodles
14:00 - Arrival & First Impressions (Mostly Bad, Let's Be Honest): Okay, so the train finally pulled into Jiujiang. Getting off was a masterclass in avoiding being trampled by a swarm of…well, everyone. The moment I caught a glimpse of the Starway Hotel, my internal monologue did a little happy dance – it actually looked like the pictures! (A small victory, people, in this travel business). The lobby… well, let's just say the air conditioning was doing its best, and the check-in process involved more paperwork than my last tax return. The poor receptionist definitely didn't understand my attempts at Mandarin, and my Mandarin definitely didn’t understand hers. We settled on a combination of frantic pointing, Google Translate, and a lot of confused smiling. I'll call it "cross-cultural communication."
15:00 - The Room Revelation (Mixed Feelings): Okay, room's… decent. Cleanish. The bed looked comfortable enough to swallow me whole, which is exactly what I needed after that train journey. BUT, the lighting. Oh, the lighting! Fluorescent, institutional, and frankly, soul-crushing. I had to go on a mission to find the elusive bedside lamp switch. Victory or defeat, that's the name of the game.
16:00 - Hunger Games: The Search for Food: My stomach was rumbling louder than a Jiujiang bus engine. The hotel restaurant? Closed. Google Maps? Leading me on a wild goose chase. I found a tiny "noodle shop" (more like a glorified hole-in-the-wall) about a 15-minute walk away. A good walk is just what the doctor ordered. The smells wafting out were pure magic. The actual noodles, however? Let's just say they were… an experience. The broth was surprisingly spicy, my chopsticks skills resembled a toddler's, and the locals were staring. But I devoured every last, slurp of them.
18:00 - Evening Exploration (Getting Lost, the Best Kind): I tried to find the nearby Lushan Mountain. Didn't quite get that far, but I saw some gorgeous, traditional architecture along the way, and a very enthusiastic group of grannies doing some vigorous dancing in the square. They definitely knew how to get around in this city. It was hilarious to watch, and slightly intimidating! I did, however, get gloriously lost, which always makes for the best travel memories. Wandering aimlessly at dusk is a perfect way to feel the pulse of a city.
20:00 - Undeniably Awkward, Dinner (Re-Do): Back to the hotel! The restaurant had magically opened! The food was pretty bad, honestly. But the company of my own thoughts, and several glasses of local beer? Perfect!
Day 2: Lushan's Majestic Beauty and an Unexpected (and Unsolicited) History Lesson
09:00 - Lushan Mountain Ascent (Worth It!): This was the highlight of the trip so far! The train station is so near the mountain so it was very convenient. The views from the top were breathtaking – panoramic, stunning, and I actually felt a little tiny. Hiking up was tough. I'm not in great shape, and the humidity was brutal. The air was so clean, I felt like I was breathing for the first time in my life. Seriously, go – it's a must-see.
13:00 - Lunch with Strangers (Serendipity): At the top of the mountain, a friendly local insisted on sharing his picnic lunch with me! (Chicken feet, which I politely declined. I can't do chicken feet, no judgement!). He then launched into this LONG, very detailed history lesson about the mountain and the surrounding areas. I understood about 20% of what he said, but his enthusiasm was infectious. It was charming, if slightly overwhelming after the physical exertion of the climb.
15:00 - The Tea House Dream (Shattered): I imagined myself sipping tea in a charming, traditional tea house, watching the clouds drift by, feeling incredibly… zen. But the tea house I found was more "slightly run-down cafe with questionable music choices." The tea was… fine. The zen? Elusive. But the view was still amazing. Everything about this day was so amazing and relaxing.
18:00 - More Wandering (and Pizza?): Back in the city, randomly found a pizza place (why?). In China? Yes, but was a welcome change, I have to admit. The dough wasn't authentically Italian, but it’s the thought that counts.
20:00 - Hotel Chill, Reflective Moment: Staring out the window, watching the city lights twinkle. Feeling surprisingly content, despite the hiccups. I am not the type of traveler who follows the itinerary exactly. I hope to experience some of the local cultures and cuisines. Well, at least, that's a start!
Day 3: Farewell Jiujiang (and the Reluctant Goodbyes)
09:00 - Breakfast Blues (and the Case of the Mysterious Egg): Back at the hotel restaurant. The "breakfast buffet" was… a thing. Cereal that tasted like cardboard, and a mystery egg dish that I'm still not entirely sure was actually eggs. (Let's just say it went straight in the bin). But the coffee was strong.
10:00 - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt: Desperately searching for a local souvenir. Found some interesting (and slightly bizarre) tea cups.
12:00 - Goodbyes and Departures: The train station was much easier this time, having learned my lesson. I felt a distinct pang of… not sadness, exactly, but a sort of wistful fondness. Jiujiang wasn't perfect, far from it! But it was real, it was vibrant, and I wouldn't trade my (slightly messy) experience for the world.
Post-Trip Thoughts: Okay, so this wasn't a typical "perfect" trip. There were language barriers, food disappointments, and moments of utter confusion. But that's what made it my trip. Jiujiang, you were a quirky, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience. I'll be back! (Eventually. Maybe with a better grasp of Mandarin, and a more adventurous palate).
Jiujiang's Starway Hotel: The Honest Truth (and Possibly a Few Rambles)
Okay, First Things First: Starway Hotel...Is It ACTUALLY Near the Railway Station?
YES! Kind of. Let's be honest, "near" in China can mean... well, a range. You're not going to roll out of bed and into the train. You *will* need a taxi. A short one, thankfully! I'd say it's a quick 5-10 minute cab ride. I remember once, I was hauling this *massive* suitcase, feeling like I'd packed my entire life. The taxi driver, bless his heart, actually helped me load it. (He also tried to haggle *after* we arrived. Chinese bargaining game is strong, even in hotels.) So, near enough to be convenient, far enough that you're not breathing in train fumes all day. Think of it as a strategic location.
Rooms: Are They Decent? Like, REALLY Decent? Or Just... "Decent-ish"?
Alright, let's get real. "Decent" is the operative word. Don't expect the Ritz. Do expect something clean-ish. I've stayed in some places that had...questionable stains. Starway wasn’t one of those. The rooms are generally clean, but let's just say the level of luxury wouldn't be found in a five-star hotel. I've had rooms that are a bit cramped, and then ones that are...well, still a bit cramped, but with a slightly better view of the, ahem, *unique* architecture of Jiujiang. The air conditioning? Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Pack a sweater. Just in case. My advice? Manage your expectations, and you'll be fine. I once saw a cockroach, but it was tiny and polite. Didn't bother me much, actually. I'm a relaxed traveller!
What About the Wi-Fi? Because, Seriously, I Need My Netflix.
Ah, Wi-Fi. The bane of every traveller's existence. It's... hit or miss. Expect it to be like a grumpy old man: sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it's slow, and sometimes it just... disappears. The last time I was there, it was borderline insulting. I was trying to upload a photo of the stunning Lushan Mountain (which is *amazing*, by the way!), and it took about half an hour. Pure torture! Bring a VPN, just in case. And maybe... download your favourite shows beforehand. You know, just to be safe.
Food, Glorious Food! Does Starway Hotel Have a Decent Breakfast? (or any food, really?)
Breakfast...well, breakfast is an experience. It's included, which is a plus. It consists of...let's just call it a "continental with Chinese flavour", that's the nice way to put it. You'll likely find some congee (rice porridge), maybe some steamed buns, and probably some sort of mystery meat (could be delicious, could make you run for the bathroom). I once had a slightly rubbery egg. I’m not kidding! You'll also find some rather strong tea, and instant coffee that tastes like... well, instant coffee. My strategy? Eat as much as you can stomach to "fuel up" for the day. Also, there are plenty of street food vendors nearby for a more authentic (and usually tastier) experience. You just might see some crazy food there, it's all a good time!
Is the Staff Friendly? Do They Speak Any English at All?
The staff are generally friendly, in that endearing, slightly bewildered way. English? It's a mixed bag. Some speak a few basic phrases, others... not so much. Learn some basic Mandarin phrases. Seriously. "Ni hao" (hello), "Xie xie" (thank you), "Wo bu ming bai" (I don't understand). You'll need them. I vividly remember trying to explain to the front desk that my room key wasn't working. It was a comedy of errors, involving frantic hand gestures and me pointing at the door like a crazed mime. We got there in the end, of course. They tried their best, and that's what counts.
The Biggest Question: Would You *Actually* Stay There Again?
Hmm... well, it depends. Starway Hotel isn't perfect. It's not glamorous. It's not five-star. BUT… It’s convenient. It’s clean-ish. It's affordable. And sometimes, that's all you need. If I *had* to catch an early train and needed somewhere quick and easy? Yeah, I'd probably stay there again. Would I be thrilled? Probably not. Would I survive? Absolutely. Plus, those street food vendors are *amazing*. And hey, the memory of that slightly rubbery egg? It's a story, right?
Anything Else I Should Know Specifically About this Hotel?
Okay, here's a random observation: The elevators felt...unstable. Like they were on the verge of a full-blown metal conniption fit. Hold on tight! Also, I remember the laundry service. It's cheap! But my white t-shirt came back...pink. I'm not sure how that happened. And one more thing: Pack earplugs. Chinese hotels can be... lively. You might hear karaoke at 3 am. It's a gamble. A calculated one.
Okay, Let's Double Down: What Was Your *Worst* Experience?
Alright, brace yourself. This is going to be long. One time, and I'm not making this up, I came back late one night, exhausted after climbing Lushan. I fumbled for my key card... NOTHING. Locked out. Totally and completely locked out. It's like my worst fear realized in Jiujiang. It was around 1 AM. I went down to reception, bleary-eyed, and tried to explain the situation. (Hand gestures, remember?). The night clerk was… well, let's just say he wasn't overflowing with sympathy. Translation difficulties ensued. It took about 45 excruciating minutes, involving phone calls, a manager (who barely spoke English), and a *lot* of me just standing there, utterly defeated, before they could unlock my door. Seriously, the ordeal was so bad I almost just slept in the lobby. I'm pretty sure it was the same night the elevator started making those concerning noises. The next morning, I demanded a new key card and made a point not to put up with their crap ever again. This is a very long rantCheap Hotel Search
