Lanzhou Luxury: Starway Hotel's Unbeatable West Station Views!
Lanzhou Luxury: Starway Hotel - West Station Views… And A Whole Lot More (Prepare for a Rambling Review!)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from Lanzhou and, let me tell you, the Lanzhou Luxury: Starway Hotel is… well, it is a hotel. And it has views. Specifically, unbeatable West Station views, which, let's be honest, is what drew me in. This review is going to be less "perfectly polished travel blog" and more "me, rambling about my experiences, with all the messy bits included." Consider yourself warned.
First Impressions: The View! The View! (And The Elevator Confusion)
Seriously, those West Station views? They're no joke. Picture this: I, bleary-eyed from a long train ride, stumble into the lobby. Then, BAM! You're hit with this panoramic vista of the bustling train station. Sunrise? Epic. Sunset? Even better. You could just sit there, sip some overpriced coffee (more on that later), and watch the world go by. It's… wow. Seriously, that view is possibly the hotel's biggest selling point. And it works.
Now, the elevator situation? Let's just say it took me a couple of tries to figure out which button got me to where I needed to be. But hey, what's a little elevator chaos in the face of such an amazing view, right?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Points for Trying)
The hotel claims to be accessible, with facilities for disabled guests. This is essential if you are. I'd give it a "mostly accessible" rating based on what I saw. They have elevators, and the lobby seemed pretty easy to navigate. However, I didn't personally test any ramps or ramps or dedicated facilities within the rooms. Checking on specific needs is a must if that applies to you.
The Room: Cozy, Clean, and the Crucial Wi-Fi
Once I finally got to my room (elevator saga, remember?), I was pleasantly surprised. It was clean, well-maintained, and had all the usual suspects: a comfy bed, a desk (essential for me, as a, ahem, writer), a TV with those endless satellite channels (did I mention the endless satellite channels?), and, most importantly, FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I'm one of those people who needs internet access to survive. Internet access – LAN was also available, but who uses that anymore? I didn't. The Wi-Fi worked flawlessly, which is a HUGE plus. High floor? Yes! Which probably contributed to the view.
Things to Do (Beyond the View… Though the View is Enough, Really)
Okay, so beyond staring at the train station (which, again, is a perfectly valid activity), what else is there to do? Well, the hotel has a fitness center. I walked past it. Twice. Never actually went in. (Judge all you want; traveling is tiring!). There's also a spa/sauna and swimming pool (outdoor), but I didn't have a chance to try those out. Maybe next time.
And here's a quirky thing: there's a shrine. Yes, a shrine. I'm not sure what kind, but there it was. Maybe for good travel karma?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Adventure!
Alright, let's talk food. There's a restaurant with Asian cuisine and International cuisine, but honestly, I spent more time eating at the snack bar and grabbing coffee at the coffee shop. They had a decent buffet breakfast (Asian breakfast, Western breakfast) - the usual scrambled eggs, some mysterious (but tasty) local dishes, and, of course, coffee. Breakfast service seemed a bit chaotic, especially when it got crowded. Breakfast takeaway service was a lifesaver for those early mornings!
The poolside bar was tempting, especially with that view from the pool, but I never actually made it poolside. (See above comments about overdoing it).
The Kitchen and Tableware: Hygienic, I Hope!
I have to give the hotel credit on this - they seemed very conscious of the post-pandemic safety. Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely in use, and there was evidence of daily disinfection in common areas. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were also a plus. Plus, they offered Individually-wrapped food options.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials (and the Extras)
They have all the standard services, but I've noticed that the contactless check-in/out wasn't really contactless. They seemed to be pushing that one, but, you know. The staff were very helpful and spoke decent English. Daily housekeeping kept the room spotless. They also had a concierge. Car park [free of charge] was a huge plus because it alleviated any issues I may have had parking in front of the hotel.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe
This is huge for me post-pandemic. The hotel was super clean. They took the safety protocols seriously. I saw staff walking around in masks, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. They had a doctor/nurse on call, which is always reassuring. There was a first aid kit.
Getting Around: Airport transfer was convenient, but the real score was taxi service was also very available.
The Emotional Verdict:
Look, the Lanzhou Luxury: Starway Hotel isn't perfect. The elevator could be better, and maybe the food service could be a bit smoother. BUT. The West Station views are incredible. The rooms are comfortable and clean. The staff are friendly. They've clearly put effort into safety and cleanliness.
Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY. Especially if you're planning on spending time near the West Station. It's a great base for exploring the city and a relaxing place to return to after a day of sightseeing.
My Quirky Anecdote: The Lost Slippers Incident
One morning, after a glorious sunrise view, I was putting on my shoes when I realised I'd lost my slippers! Seriously, I love hotel slippers. Where did they go? After a frantic search, (and a moment of sheer panic), I remembered I'd left them underneath the desk. Crisis averted! Final assessment: Highly recommended.
Lanzhou Luxury: Starway Hotel - The Unbeatable West Station View - BOOK NOW OFFER!
Tired of boring hotel rooms? Craving breathtaking views? Want a clean, comfortable base for your Lanzhou adventure?
Look no further than the Lanzhou Luxury: Starway Hotel!
Here's why you NEED to book NOW:
- Unbeatable West Station Views: Wake up to panoramic sunrises and stunning cityscapes. Forget those generic hotel windows - experience Lanzhou from a whole new perspective!
- Comfort and Convenience: Relax in clean, well-appointed rooms with free, fast, reliable Wi-Fi (crucial for staying connected!).
- Safety First: Rest assured with our stringent hygiene protocols, including anti-viral cleaning, and daily disinfection. We prioritize your well-being!
- Delicious Dining: Enjoy a satisfying buffet breakfast.
- Convenient Location: Easy access to transportation, attractions, and everything Lanzhou has to offer.
- For a limited time, book your stay and receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a view! (Subject to availability)
- That West Station View… really makes it worth it.
Book your stay today at [Insert Hotel Booking Link Here] and experience Lanzhou like never before! Don't miss out on the chance to witness the city's beauty from the comfort of the Lanzhou Luxury: Starway Hotel! You won't regret it!
Escape to Paradise: Namhae's 007 Bay Pension Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is… my attempt at conquering Lanzhou. And let me tell you, after the journey here, I'm already feeling like I’ve wrestled a yak and mostly won. Prepare for some rambling, some questionable decisions, and definitely a whole lot of "Oh, crap, did I pack the right adapter?"
Subject: Lanzhou… Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love (Maybe) the Noodles.
Day 1: Arrival (and, let's be honest, a mild anxiety attack)
6:00 AM (Local Time): Ugh. The alarm. Did I seriously think I could get used to this time zone? The jet lag is kicking my a**. Dragging myself to the…well, the *Lanzhou Airport*. Let’s just say, after the flight, I was practically a walking zombie dreaming of a real bed.
7:30 AM (Or thereabouts): Immigration. The nice officers. One, however, looked at my passport with that look you give a particularly smelly cheese. "Where are you going?" he asked, eyebrow raised. Cue internal panic. "Uh, Lanzhou! For… dumplings!" I stammered. Smooth. Real smooth.
9:00 AM (Give or take): Finally, luggage! Found it… thanks, universe!
10:00 AM: The actual epic journey to our sanctuary: Starway Hotel Lanzhou West Station Zhongtianjian Plaza. Getting a taxi in Lanzhou is like trying to wrestle a bear with a butter knife. The driver spoke slightly-broken English, but hey, so do I after a long flight. It was some kind of adventure, a chaotic ballet of honking horns and swerving scooters. We survived. Victory!
11:00 AM: Check-in. Thank goodness for the hotel lobby's air conditioning. I felt like I was melting. Finally, the room! Actually, it’s… decent. Cleanish. The view? Looks out onto a busy street, and a construction site - not exactly postcards material, but it'll do. More importantly, a bed!
1:00 PM: Food! I need food. Forget the hotel restaurant. I'm going OUT. Found a tiny noodle shop nearby. They called it "Lanzhou Lamian". Little did I know, this would be the beginning of a beautiful, potentially stomach-ache-inducing, love affair. The noodles were… incredible. Chewy, slurpable, and swimming in a broth that tasted like it had been kissed by angels. The chili oil, though… wow. My tongue is still tingling!
3:00 PM: Post-noodle coma. A nap ensued. Jet lag, you are a cruel mistress.
6:00 PM: Evening stroll. This isn't so much a stroll as a shuffle. I'm trying to get my bearings, and, you know, see if I can survive a walk outside without spontaneously bursting into flames. Lanzhou is… vibrant. Busy. And the smells! A glorious mix of cooking spices, diesel fumes, and something that might have been… questionable. But I’m loving it. Got lost. Found a dumpling stall. Ate dumplings. Repeat.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. So tired. Thinking of the bed already. Wondering if I should tackle the TV… maybe tomorrow.
Day 2: Noodles, History, and… Oh, the Traffic.
8:00 AM: Breakfast (that's a generous term for instant noodles and a slightly suspect banana). Still trying to figure out the coffee situation.
9:00 AM: Determined to be cultured. Headed to the White Pagoda Mountain Park. Okay, the hike up was… intense. My cardio is clearly not up to Lanzhou standards. But the view from the top? Worth it. The Yellow River winding through the city, the smog… I mean, atmosphere. Stunning. The pagoda itself is ancient and a bit rickety, which only adds to the charm. Plus, ice cream! Reward for surviving the climb.
12:00 PM: Lunch. More noodles! I'm starting to see why Lanzhou is famous for them. Found a different shop, this one even more local. The language barrier was fun. "Ni hao… noodles… good?" I gestured. They understood. Result!
2:00 PM: Trying to visit the Waterwheel Garden. But. Oh, the traffic! The absolute chaos! I think I walked faster. Eventually, I gave up. Traffic is my nemesis in Lanzhou.
3:00 PM Rest Time! Decided to get a massage. My legs were screaming from all the walking. The massage was… intense. My masseuse’s hands were made of steel, but she did a great job of loosening the tension knots.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Yep, you guessed it: noodles. This time, I attempted to be adventurous and ordered something with what I think was beef tendon. It was… an experience. Texture is an art form I haven't mastered.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Exhausted but strangely happy. This city is overwhelming, but also… captivating. I'm starting to feel like I'm part of it, and not just a bewildered tourist. Starting to feel like the bed.
Day 3: A Day of Exploration (and, potentially, regret)
9:00 AM: Okay, breakfast. Trying to be better. Got eggs at a breakfast shop.
10:00 AM: Yellow River Cruise?! I thought I was ready to sail on the Yellow River. The boats are nothing so fancy–more like converted barges. The water itself? A murky gold, as predicted. The breeze, however, felt heavenly. And the views of the city from the river were great, and even better with a cup of local tea.
1:00 PM: Found myself at a local market. The smells… oh, the smells! Fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and… things I can't identify. Bought some fruit. Fingers crossed it doesn't disagree with my stomach.
3:00 PM: I swear I want to go again on the boat.
6:00 PM: Last night in Lanzhou! Dinner. You know the drill. Noodles. This time, I tried to order without any help, and… it worked! Feeling like a local, even if my stomach is still a little uncertain sometimes.
8:00 PM: Packing. Already dreading leaving. This city has gotten under my skin. It's chaotic, it's loud, it's a little bit dirty, and it's utterly fascinating.
9:00 PM: One last stroll. Gotta soak it all in. And maybe, just maybe, sneak in one last bowl of… you guessed it. Noodles.
Day 4: Departure (and a few tears? Maybe.)
- 6:00 AM: The dreaded alarm. No time for a proper farewell.
- 7:00 AM: Final check-out and a quick taxi to the airport.
- 8:00 AM: Security. Immigration. More longing looks at my passport (or maybe it was just me).
- 10:00 AM: On board, staring out the window as we take off. Goodbye, Lanzhou. I will miss you–noodles and all. I'll miss your energy, your chaos. This city, it has changed me.
- 11:00 AM: Already dreaming of the next bowl of noodles… or, you know, a real coffee.
This is it! My Lanzhou adventure. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. And for that reason, I’ll never forget it… not the good, not the bad, and certainly not the noodles. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe, just maybe, a map to find my way back there.
Dead Sea Dreamin': Unforgettable Aroma Chalet Stay in Jordan's Sowayma
Lanzhou Luxury: Starway Hotel's Unbeatable West Station Views - Let's Get Real!
Okay, spill the beans. Is the view from the Starway Hotel truly as breathtaking as the photos make it out to be? I've seen some seriously Photoshopped stuff...
Alright, alright, let's be brutally honest. The photos? Yeah, they're… *enhanced*. Don't expect a perfectly pristine postcard every single morning. Lanzhou, bless its heart, has a bit of a smog problem sometimes. But... when the air clears? Holy moly. I'm talking, jaw-dropping, "I forgot how to breathe" levels of gorgeous.
I once, *once*, was up there during a sunset. The sky was a fiery orange, the snow-capped mountains in the distance were dusted with pink, and the Yellow River was a shimmering ribbon of gold… I swear, I almost cried. Almost. (Don't tell anyone.) So, yeah... it's good. Really, really good. Just... manage your expectations on the smog front. It's China, after all!
So, the view is amazing. But what about the actual HOTEL part? Is it, you know, *luxury* luxury?
"Luxury" is relative, right? Let's put it this way: it's a solid, comfortable, and surprisingly swanky-feeling experience, especially for Lanzhou. I've stayed in places that reeked of questionable plumbing and questionable decisions. The Starway? Clean. Modern. The staff genuinely *try* to be helpful, even if their English is sometimes… let's call it "developing."
The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfy enough that you don't wake up feeling like you wrestled a bear all night, and they have a decent selection of toiletries (that's a win!). The lobby is all gleaming marble and fancy chandeliers. Okay, maybe it's not *the* Mandarin Oriental, but it's definitely a step up from your average budget backpacker haven. My advice to you? Get a room on the upper floors for the best possible chance of smog-free viewing! And maybe pack earplugs if you are sensitive to the hustle and bustle of the city underneath.
Food. Gotta ask about the food. Is the hotel restaurant worth it, or should I venture out?
Okay, the restaurant... here's where things get a little… *complicated*. The buffet breakfast is… well, it's a buffet. You'll find the usual suspects: noodles, some mystery meats (probably best not to ask), and a lot of rice porridge. They have a made-to-order egg station, which is a lifesaver. My tip? Stick to the eggs, maybe some toast, and then go out and eat the *real* Lanzhou food.
The local Lanzhou beef noodle soup (La Mian) is a MUST. There's a tiny place just a few blocks from the hotel - I swear it's a hole-in-the-wall, barely visible from the street - that serves the most incredible, soul-warming beef noodles I've ever tasted. *That*, my friend, is worth venturing out for. Hotel food? Convenient. Authentic Lanzhou? A thousand times better.
How easy is it to get to and from the West Station from the hotel? Because, you know, that's kinda important.
Here's the beauty of the Starway's location. It's practically *on top of* West Station! Seriously. You can practically roll out of bed, stumble downstairs, and be at the station in five minutes flat. This is a MAJOR selling point, especially if you're arriving or departing at odd hours (and you'll likely be doing that, because China travel!).
I arrived at 3 AM once. I was exhausted, disoriented, and had no idea what was going on. But the hotel was waiting for me, like a beacon of hope in the middle of the night. The ease of access to the train station is a lifesaver, especially if you're carrying a hefty luggage. I mean, the taxi ride is probably less than five minutes. Its super easy!
Anything else I should know before booking? Any secret quirks or tips?
Okay, a few things… First, the Wi-Fi can be a little… temperamental. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. Second, the staff *generally* speaks limited English. So, brush up on your Mandarin or download a translation app. Third, be prepared for some noise. Lanzhou is a bustling city, and even with good soundproofing, you'll hear some hustle and bustle.
**Here's my *biggest* tip:** Request a room on a high floor *facing the west station*. (I can't emphasis this enough!) That's where the magic happens. The views of the station at night, all lit up, are truly something. And for the love of all that is holy, pack some snacks! You never know what culinary adventures or frustrations you'll encounter, and a stash of biscuits can solve a multitude of problems. And bring an adapter for your electronics! Because you will need it. Especially if you are from the EU! Seriously, its a must have.
Regarding the "luxury" label, does the Starway actually *feel* luxurious? Or is it just marketing hype?
Okay, let's be real. We're not talking about the presidential suite at the Ritz. This isn't a place where you'll find a personal butler drawing your bath. But... yes, it does *feel* luxurious, in its own way.
The lobby is grand, the rooms are clean and well-appointed, and the staff, bless their hearts, try their best. It's a step above other hotels in the area. The soft, fluffy towels? A welcome treat. And knowing you have a comfortable place to rest, with a view, after a long day of travelling, is a luxury in itself. Is it a five-star experience? No. But is it a very good and reasonable hotel? Absolutely. And that's saying something, even in Lanzhou city.
Let's talk about the view *again*. Did you have a particular favorite moment when you were up there, staring out? Like, a "wow" moment?
Okay, here's the thing: I'm not one for sentimentality. I'm a practical traveler. But… there was this one morning. I'd been traveling for weeks, feeling tired and a little homesick. I woke up, and the light was just… *glowing*. The sky was this incredible, almost impossible shade of blue. The mountains, barely visible in the distance, were dusted with pink. And the air was clear. Crystal clear.
And I just… I just stood there. I think I had a cup of instant coffee in my hand that I didn't event taste. The world was quiet, and I felt this overwhelming sense of… peace. And I just thought, "Wow. *This* is why I travel." And then, the smog rolled in aboutRoam And Rests
