Tianjin's BEST Hotel? Hanting Hotel Beichen Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Tianjin's BEST Hotel? Hanting Hotel Beichen Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - My Chaotic, Honest Take!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Hanting Hotel Beichen in Tianjin, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs – this is real talk, warts and all! And I’m here to spill the tea (or maybe the lukewarm instant coffee, as you’ll see).
First Impressions & The Great Accessibility Adventure (or Lack Thereof)
Right off the bat, let’s talk accessibility. Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I've got friends who are, and this is where the Hanting Hotel Beichen… well, tripped a bit. Accessibility is listed (yay!), but the specifics are a little vague. I didn’t get a chance to really investigate it beyond noting the elevator (thank goodness) and noticing the entrance seemed relatively flat. So, to be brutally honest, I can't give a definitive answer on wheelchair access to all areas. Sorry, I can only report what I actually saw and experienced..
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges? - This is another area where it's hard to say, since I didn't see any obvious "accessible" signage for the dining facilities. This is something they could definitely improve on.
Internet - The Lifeline (and Sometimes the Frustration)
Okay, let's be real: In today's world, good internet is a NEED. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? YES! And for the most part, it worked. The Wi-Fi in public areas was a bit hit-or-miss, but in my room, the Internet access – wireless was a lifesaver. I'm a digital nomad, so Internet access – LAN is a bonus, but honestly, I didn't even bother with the cable (so 2005!).
Cleanliness and Safety - A Chinese Whispers of Security?
Rooms sanitized between stays…I hope so. The Anti-viral cleaning products claim is reassuring, and the fact they have Daily disinfection in common areas is a must these days. I appreciate all this effort to be safe! Staff trained in safety protocol is comforting too. There was even a First aid kit, and a Doctor/nurse on call (though I didn't need either – thankfully!). There were some Safety/security feature(CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], Soundproof rooms!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Rollercoaster (and a Quest for Real Coffee!)
Food, glorious food! This is where things got…interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was included, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. I'm not a huge fan of Asian breakfast, but the variety was vast: steamed buns, noodles, congee. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. There's also a Vegetarian restaurant, though I didn’t try it.
The Coffee/tea in restaurant left me feeling a bit cold. Instant. Seriously. Instant. I'm not a coffee snob, but c'mon! The Coffee shop, if there was one, was a mystery as well. The Bar was there, but I ended up just getting a Bottle of water from the Snack bar.
I did spot Restaurants offering both Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, and there's even the possibility of Room service [24-hour]! I didn’t take advantage of this, but the option is nice.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams, Fitness Center Realities…
Okay, let's get real. I was really hoping for a spa day. The website listed all sorts of amazing options: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. But… I couldn't readily find these facilities. My quest for relaxation was a bit of a bust.
The Fitness center? I saw it. It existed. But the equipment looked… well, not exactly cutting-edge. Let's just say I opted for a long walk instead. There’s a Swimming pool [outdoor] (that I glimpsed from afar) that looked alright. But again, those amenities could have been so much more.
Rooms - The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly… Odd
The room itself was… fine. Clean enough. The Air conditioning worked. The Bed was comfy enough. (I saw an Extra long bed listed – I think I had a normal one!). The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver – crucial for battling jet lag. The Internet access – wireless was again a lifesaver. There were Free bottled water. On-demand movies? Awesome.
But there's always something, yeah? The Bathroom phone? Really?!? Who uses those anymore? The Mini bar was there, but mostly filled with… stuff I didn't want. And the constant, constant hum of the AC unit that never. shut. up. - It was a bit of a battle!
Services and Conveniences - Efficiency and the Occasional Hiccup
The Front desk [24-hour] was helpful, though communication was a little tricky at times (my Mandarin is, shall we say, rusty). They offered Daily housekeeping, which was nice, and the Concierge seemed competent. Cash withdrawal? No problem! Laundry service? Yep!
For the Kids
I didn't travel with any children. But I saw no shortage of families. There's a Family/child friendly atmosphere and Babysitting service listed (although I couldn't verify how common they are).
Getting Around - Smooth Sailing or a Little Lost?
Airport transfer? Yes! That smooths out arriving. Plus, there’s a Car park [free of charge], so if you’re driving, you're golden. They can also arrange a Taxi service.
The Verdict - A Mixed Bag, But Worth Considering?
So, is the Hanting Hotel Beichen "the BEST" hotel in Tianjin? Well, that's a matter of opinion! It certainly has its strengths. The convenience, the included breakfast (even if it's not my cup of tea – or instant coffee), and the generally clean and safe environment are all definite pluses.
However, it’s not perfect. The accessibility could use some clarification, the coffee situation is a crime, and some of the amenities were a bit… elusive.
Would I stay again? Probably. Especially if I were on a budget and wanted a relatively hassle-free stay. It's not luxury, but it's comfortable, and it gets the job done.
My Personal Anecdote - The Accidental Nap & The Laundry Disaster
Okay, here's a confession: I was exhausted when I arrived, and I immediately took a nap. Woke up three hours later, feeling fabulous! This is the blessing of the Blackout curtains!
And then there was the laundry. I used the Laundry service and they got my clothes so clean! But… it also shrunk one of my favorite shirts! That hurt. Sigh.
The Absolutely Honest Bottom Line
The Hanting Hotel Beichen is a solid choice. It's a decent hotel with a few quirks. It's clean, relatively safe, and offers all the essential amenities. If you're a relaxed traveler who doesn't need all the bells and whistles, you'll probably be happy.
Now, for the SALES Pitch!
Tired of Cookie-Cutter Hotels? Craving an Adventure (on a budget)?
THIS is your call. Book your stay at the Hanting Hotel Beichen today and get ready for a Tianjin experience you WON’T forget!
- Enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi! Stay connected and share your adventures, no matter where you are in the hotel
- Delicious (if somewhat overwhelming!) buffet breakfast included! Fuel your daily adventures.
- Safe and secure environment. Rest easy knowing that the hotel prioritizes your wellbeing.
- Convenient location: close to everything!
- Bonus: For a limited time, book your stay and we'll throw in a free instant coffee packet to get you started!
Don't wait! Book your room now and let your Tianjin adventure begin!
Shanghai's HOTTEST Hotel: JI North Bund Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-pressed itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is… me… in Hanting Hotel Tianjin Beichen Development Zone Gaoxin Avenue, China. Pray for me. Pray for the hotel staff. Mostly, pray for my sanity.
Day 1: Tianjin Tango? (More Like Tianjin Tumult!)
- 8:00 AM (ish) - Wake Up (Or Try To): Ugh. Jet lag. The bane of my existence. The air feels thick, like someone draped a damp, wool blanket over my brain. My internal clock is currently screaming that it's three in the afternoon, which is a lie. Scrambled eggs? More like scrambled brain. Gotta find some coffee… and praying the hotel coffee isn't the instant death variety.
- 8:30 AM - Breakfast Battle: The hotel breakfast area… a battlefield. I'm pretty sure the buffet stations are guarded by tiny, fierce-looking grandmas. Armed with tongs, they survey the landscape of mysterious, unidentified fried things and slightly questionable looking baozi. I bravely attempt to communicate my love for "toast" and "jam" with a combination of pointing, miming, and desperate smiles. Success! Though the jam tastes suspiciously like… well, I shall not say. Let's just call it "sweet."
- 9:30 AM - Orientation (Lost In Translation): Armed with a map the size of a postage stamp, I venture forth. The language barrier immediately smacks me in the face. Everything's written in these elegant, beautiful characters… which, to my untrained eye, look like a giant, delicious plate of spaghetti. I ask for directions… and get a charming, yet completely useless, monologue delivered with enthusiastic gestures. I'm pretty sure they were trying to help, but I'm pretty sure I'm now headed towards… something. Somewhere.
- 10:30 AM - The Unexpected Temple: Ended up… not where I was going. But! I stumbled upon a gorgeous, ancient temple! Architecture is stunning! It's a visual feast. The air hummed with whispers and the soft sound of chanting. I feel strangely… calm? Okay, maybe the jet lag is finally wearing off. I just hope I haven't inadvertently started a religious crisis by accidentally bowing in the wrong direction.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch: The Dumpling Debacle: Found a tiny dumpling place. The menu? All in Chinese… with accompanying photos that are… interesting. I point at a picture of something deep-fried and hope for the best. What arrives? A mountain of fried, greasy deliciousness. I devour them all immediately. Regret, later, but hey, it was good! The language barrier and the food are a great combination.
- 2:00 PM - The Tianjin Eye (Or, The Ferris Wheel of Disappointment): I heard rumors there was a stunning Ferris wheel. It's supposed to offer panoramic views of the city. I am so prepared for this, it's going to be amazing! I mean, I've seen a Ferris wheel before. Right? Well, the view was… okay. Really, I did make a huge mistake: I'd gone on a cloudy day. The city was slightly smoggy… and the experience involved more queuing than gazing. Sigh.
- 4:00 PM - The Street Food Frenzy: Back on the pavement! This might be the greatest place! I dive headfirst into the glorious chaos of Tianjin's street food scene. Skewers, noodles, something deep-fried that looks like a delicious little alien… I try it all. My stomach rebels. I'm pretty sure my taste buds are experiencing cultural overload. Also, I am pretty sure the vendors are having a whale of a time watching me stumble through the experience.
- 6:00 PM - Scrabbling for Snacks: Hit a convenience store – it's an exercise in translation and guesswork. I manage to identify some bizarre chips, some kind of milky drink that might be yogurt, and a bag of sweets. My hand hovered uncertainly over a brightly colored package… Then I remembered I have to go to bed. "No sugar before bed," I remind myself, or I'll be up all night staring at the ceiling! But how about one small sweet?
- 7:30 PM - Dinner Mishap: I tried a local restaurant again! I tried to order, again! The result? Another mysterious dish. Hey, it tasted good, I guess! And it was a perfect example of my trip's theme. It was a total gamble, but a gamble well worth taking.
- 9:00 PM - Back at the Hotel (And Praying For Sleep): My body knows it’s late. My brain knows it’s tired. But my stomach? It's still digesting the delicious, indecipherable feast.
- 10:00 PM - The Great Pillow Fight of 2024: (Or, the Unsuccessful Attempt to Sleep): Jet lag is winning. Again. I’ll toss and turn for hours, convinced I'll never sleep again.
Day 2: Seeking Sanctuary (And Finding Chaos)
- 8:30 AM - Wake Up (Again): This time I feel a little more awake. The coffee is still questionable, but the sun is shining (a little bit) which has got to be a good sign, right?
- 9:30 AM - Temple Trip (Again!): Something about the temple pulled me back. The peace I experienced was just magical. I wanted to see if it was real, or just the product of my sleep deprivation.
- 11:00 AM - A Second Run in the Food Scene: Back on the food streets! Found some new foods, or at least, foods I couldn't name! More street food! More deliciousness! My stomach is a ticking time bomb, but it’s worth it.
- 1:00 PM - The Market of Mysteries: I dive in. It’s an assault on the senses. I don't know what anything is or what it does, but it’s fabulous.
- 3:00 PM - The Attempted Cultural Exchange: I try to talk with some locals. With just a tiny amount of English, they look intrigued. The translation apps are being put to the test, and the locals smile, laugh and shake their heads.
- 5:00 PM - Farewell Dinner: I hit another restaurant. I don't know where or what is being consumed, but it will be an adventure!
- 6:00 PM - Farewell Dinner (The Sequel): The food and the atmosphere are fabulous. The people are lovely! I am having a blast!
- 9:00 PM - Packing Panic: I did not pack adequately. I don't know what I'll wear tomorrow. I have a suitcase full of… stuff.
- 10:00 PM - Sleep: No worries, the jet lag will kick in! I will sleep! I will survive!
Final Thoughts:
Tianjin, you beautiful, messy, confusing, delicious whirlwind of a city! I wouldn't trade this chaos for anything. I love you!
Unbelievable Bassano Stay! Book Your SureStay Adventure Now!
Hanting Hotel Beichen: The Unofficial FAQ (Prepare Yourself!)
Is the Hanting Hotel Beichen, you know… *good*?
Good? Oh, honey, that's a loaded question. It’s like asking if a rollercoaster is "good." You get your thrills, your ups, your downs… maybe you throw up a little. Look, it’s a *Hanting*. Manage your expectations, people! It’s budget, it’s basic, but it's *there*. My expectations were rock bottom, and honestly? Sometimes they were met, sometimes they were exceeded (in the most unexpected ways). So, *good* is a spectrum. Let's just say "functional" is probably a safer bet.
What about the location? Supposedly, Beichen is… somewhere. Where exactly is "somewhere" in Tianjin?
Okay, so Beichen. Imagine Tianjin. Now, imagine a slightly… less glamorous part. Okay, fine, I'm being polite. It’s not *central*. You're probably looking at a taxi ride, a bus adventure, or a long, *long* walk to see the main sights. I spent the first hour just trying to figure out how to *get* from the train station! Let's just say, befriend a map app before you even leave your house. Actually… don’t just befriend it, *become* it. You'll need it. Trust me.
The room… the room! What's it like?
The room… Ah, the room. Picture this: a small, boxy space, possibly with a view of a brick wall (mine did!). The decor? Minimalist. By "minimalist," I mean, "they probably ran out of funding after buying the bed." Everything is… functional. The bed was surprisingly comfortable, though! I collapsed on it after a day of trying to navigate Tianjin's bus system which was a *circus*! The bathroom? Okay, the bathroom was… *a* bathroom. Don't expect luxury. Do expect a shower that may or may not spray water in multiple directions at once. Embrace the chaos, I say! Look, the room served its purpose. I slept there. That’s… something, right?
And the cleanliness? Honestly. Be honest.
Okay, okay, here's the truth. It's… a mixed bag. Let's put it that way. The sheets *looked* clean. I mean, I didn't see any telltale signs of… questionable activity. The floors, however… Let's just say I wore my shoes inside. I once dropped a piece of paper and *instantly* regretted it. I’m not saying it was filthy, but it wasn't exactly pristine. Bring your own disinfectant wipes. Seriously. That little packet of tissue from your carry-on? Gonna be your best friend.
What about the staff? Were they… helpful?
The staff… oh, the staff! Here’s where things get *interesting*. The front desk staff’s English was, let’s say, limited. Forget fluent conversations about the meaning of life. I tried asking for a map of the area, and I swear they just stared at me. Eventually, I just pointed at the map on my phone and hoped for the best. Mostly, they were… present. Polite, but not exactly overflowing with warmth. There was one sweet cleaning lady, though, who always smiled at me. Bless her heart. Probably saw me looking completely lost. And, *god*, I was.
Did you eat breakfast there? I heard it was… something.
Breakfast, yes! Oh, *breakfast*. This is where the whole experience transcends "budget hotel" and enters… the realm of the absurd. Forget your continental breakfasts of muffins and cold cereal. I *think* there was some congee (rice porridge), some… questionable-looking eggs, and a selection of things I couldn't even identify. There was this… *thing*. Brown, gelatinous, and I'm pretty sure it blinked at me. I may or may not have cautiously poked it with my fork. I did, however, discover a love for the steamed buns. Those were… okay. Look, embrace the adventure. Just, maybe, pack some granola bars.
Okay, the best and worst thing about Hanting Beichen?
Alright, the *best* thing? The sheer audacity of it all! It’s an *experience*. It’s the kind of place you'll be telling stories about for years to come. It was cheap as chips (or maybe just the stale crumbs left over from the chips), and hey, I *survived*. The *worst* thing? That brown, blinking… thing. And the location. And maybe the cleanliness (I see a pattern forming here). And the lack of English speaking staff. But mainly: the weird brown gelatin. I *still* can't quite decide what it was.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Hmmm… if I was on an *extremely* tight budget and needed a place to crash? Maybe. But I’d pack a hazmat suit. And a translator app. And a *lot* of hand sanitizer. Okay, and maybe I would go again! Just for the story. And the steamed buns. Maybe. Probably not. Okay, definitely not. But I am kinda nostalgic now. God, what was that *thing*?!
