Beijing's BEST Hotel? Zhanqian Square's Hidden Gem (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Zhanqian Square's Hidden Gem? My Brutally Honest (and Sometimes Messy) Hanting Hotel Review in Beijing!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a ridiculously detailed review of the Hanting Hotel near Beijing's Zhanqian Square. This isn't your polished travel blog; this is real life, with all its glorious (and sometimes grimy) imperfections. I'm talking stream-of-consciousness, and let's be honest, probably a few rambling tangents. But hey, that's how real travel memories are made, right?
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Hanting Hotel near Beijing's Zhanqian Square, covering everything from accessibility and cleanliness to food and amenities. Get the real scoop before you book!
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack):
So, landing in Beijing… talk about sensory overload! The sheer scale of the city, the smells (mostly amazing, sometimes… questionable), the rapid-fire Mandarin… it's a lot. Finding the Hanting felt like a victory. It's tucked away, a "hidden gem" if you're into that sort of marketing jargon. I’d booked because… well, the price was right. And hey, the photos looked okay, right?
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (My Wheelchair's Opinion):
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. I use a wheelchair, and this is where things got… complicated. The elevator? Absolutely essential, and thankfully, functional. Accessibility in the lobby was… passable. Wide enough doorways, mostly level floors. But here’s the kicker: the wheelchair accessible rooms weren’t guaranteed on booking, and I almost had a meltdown. My first room wasn't perfect so I had to move. It was a frantic negotiation involving pointing, gesturing, and my tragically inadequate Mandarin. Fortunately, they did manage to switch me. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so I was relieved. It's the sort of thing that gives this place the edge on similar hotels nearby. RANT Alert: More hotels need to guarantee accessible rooms on booking! Seriously, it’s 2024!
On-Site Goodies (and the Quest for a Decent Coffee):
- Restaurants: There are a few options listed in the hotel. I personally only tried the buffet, which I'll cover later.
- Lounges: Didn’t see any proper lounges as such, but there were seating areas in the lobby.
Internet & Tech Stuff (Because, Obviously):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And surprisingly, it worked most of the time. Streaming my favorite show was a lifesaver for those jet-lagged evenings.
- Internet [LAN]: Never used it, but it was there. (I’m firmly in the Wi-Fi camp, myself).
- Internet Services: No complaints here.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Reliable enough for basic browsing and checking emails.
Relaxation & Pampering (Because Travel is Exhausting):
- Fitness Center:… Well, it claimed to be a fitness center. Honestly, it was a single treadmill and a few weights in a cramped room. Not exactly inspiring. I skipped it.
- Spa/Sauna/Pool: Nope. Not here. This isn't the Four Seasons (thankfully, for my poor wallet).
- Massage: I didn’t investigate.
- Things to do, Ways to Relax: Aside from the dodgy gym, not much on-site. Explore Beijing!
Cleanliness & Safety: The Germaphobe's Assessment:
Okay, I'm a bit of a clean freak. I'll admit it. So, I scrutinized.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Listed, thank god.
- Daily Disinfection in common areas: Felt reassuring.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed so.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Seemed likely, based on the fresh smell. But who knows? Still, I was okay with it.
- Hand sanitizer: Plentiful.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Good for the buffet.
- Hygiene certification: Never saw one displayed.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Didn't see an option but might be worth asking on arrival.
My Real Cleanliness Verdict: Overall, it was… clean enough. Let’s call it a solid B. It wasn't sparkling, but it wasn't disgusting. A definite improvement over some of the other budget hotels I've seen.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Where the Adventure Begins (and Sometimes Ends):
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Ah, the buffet. Now this is where things got interesting (and sometimes slightly horrifying). The Asian breakfast was a highlight, with delicious noodles and savory dumplings. The Western options? Let's just say the scrambled eggs tasted faintly of… something. I’m going to leave it there. The coffee was… questionable. Drinkable, but definitely not a Starbucks experience. It was included, so hey, I can't complain too much.
- Breakfast Service: Adequate.
- Restaurants: See above.
- Coffee Shop: Nope. Just the buffet coffee.
- Snack Bar: Nah.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Sadly, Nope at this budget hotel.
- Alternative Meal Arrangement: Didn't ask.
- Happy Hour: Not that I saw.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (or Don't):
- Air conditioning in public areas: Yes. Thank goodness. Beijing heat is no joke.
- Concierge: Helpful enough with basic inquiries.
- Convenience store: Excellent for late-night snacks and water bottles.
- Currency exchange: Available.
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient.
- Elevator: Essential, and worked.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Safety deposit boxes: In the rooms.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always someone there to help.
- Car park [free of charge]: Great bonus. Definitely needed.
For the Kids: I Don't Have Any, So Here's a Guess:
- Family/child friendly: Seemed okay, but not specifically geared towards kids.
- Babysitting service: Probably not.
The Room Itself (My Personal Sanctuary – Or Not):
- Air conditioning: Essential, and worked.
- Additional toilet: No
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathrobes: Nope.
- Bathtub: Nope.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for beating jet lag.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Desk: Basic, but functional.
- Free bottled water: Provided.
- Hair dryer: Present.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless [Wi-Fi]: Essential.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Mini bar: Empty.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Reading light: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Small but useful.
- Shower: Fine.
- Slippers: Nope.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good, actually.
- Towels: Clean and replaced daily.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Hooray!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy… Mostly:
- Airport transfer: They can arrange it (for a fee). I opted for the subway.
- Car park [free of charge]: A huge plus.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
The Final Verdict: Worth It?
Okay, here's the brutally honest truth: The Hanting Hotel near Zhanqian Square is a decent budget option. It's not luxurious. It's not glamorous. But it's clean enough, the Wi-Fi works, and the location is convenient for exploring Beijing.
It’s perfect for the non-fussy traveler. Just manage your expectations, be prepared to navigate some accessibility issues (if you need), and embrace the slightly questionable buffet coffee.
My final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. (Would be more if they could guarantee an accessible room on booking!)
Would I stay there again? Maybe. For the price and the location, it's a solid choice. But I'd definitely prioritize confirming that accessible room very early
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Okay, buckle up buttercups. We're going to Beijing, baby! And we're starting at… the Hanting Hotel Beijing Zhanqian Square. Now, let me tell you, I’ve always had a weird fascination with budget hotels. It's like, you KNOW you’re getting the rawest, most unfiltered travel experience. It's a gamble, a glorious, slightly smelly gamble. Let's see how MY gamble goes. This will be… interesting.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Question of Beijing Noodles
- 11:00 AM (Beijing Time): Landed at… Beijing Capital International Airport. Holy concrete jungle! I swear, I was more intimidated by the sheer scale of it than by actually navigating the customs line, which, by the way, was shockingly efficient. But still. BIG. I felt like a tiny ant lost in a giant… ant farm.
- 12:30 PM: Took the airport express train. Relatively painless. Though the announcements are… well, they're in Mandarin, so I'm just smiling and nodding a lot. Hoping I didn't accidentally agree to join a cult. (Kidding!… Mostly).
- 1:30 PM: Finally, FINALLY, at the Hanting Hotel. Okay, first impression… clean. Surprisingly clean. The lobby smells faintly of… something. Can't quite place it. Not bad, not great. Like a slightly less aggressive air freshener. The check-in was a breeze, though. A lovely young woman handled it. She's got a genuine smile, which is always a good start. My room is… small, yes. But hey, it's got a window! (Score!) and the WiFi works! (Double score!)
- 2:00 PM: The real question. Lunch. I’m STARVING. Walking out the hotel and… BAM! Beijing is a sensory overload. The noise, the smells (some alluring, some… not so much…), the sheer number of people. I'm lost. But in a good way, you know? A "this is what I came for" kind of lost. Found a small, bustling place down the street. The menu? All in Chinese. I pointed at the picture of noodles. The universal language, right?
- 2:30 PM: The noodles arrive. GODS. They are… amazing. Broth so rich, the noodles were bouncy, and the little meat pieces were cooked just right. This is the sort of food that makes you completely forget about jet lag and the fact that you can't understand half the world. This alone will be worth the trip. This is what travel is ACTUALLY about.
- 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Wandered through the streets near the hotel. Decided on no specific place. Absorbing the world. I saw some amazing street art, a fruit stand with mountains of exotic, I-don't-even-know-what-they-are fruits, and a lady yelling into her phone about something that clearly had her VERY agitated. I loved every second of it.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Rest. Seriously, my legs are killing me. Watched some Chinese TV. It was… chaotic and hilarious. Didn't understand a word, but I felt I understood everything.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found another noodle place. Different noodles. Different broth. Just as delicious. I think I could live on noodles alone. (Maybe that’s my plan).
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Journaling. Planning (sort of) for tomorrow. Reflecting on the utter brilliance of those noodles. Considering if I should learn Mandarin. (Maybe. Probably not).
Day 2: The Forbidden City and a Lesson in Pigeon Control (Sort Of)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The hotel’s breakfast is… interesting. I think I had congee, which is like… savory porridge? Not bad, actually. Fueled up for a HUGE day.
- 9:00 AM: Headed to Tiananmen Square. Oh. My. GOD. The scale is just unbelievable. Seriously. It’s like a movie set, but real. And MASSIVE. I swear I could have fit my entire hometown in there. The people watching is incredible, too. Everyone from excited tourists like me to stern-faced guards in uniform. I took about 800 photos just to be sure.
- 10:30 AM: The Forbidden City! OMG. It's like stepping back in time. The architecture is stunning in its intricate perfection, the colors are vibrant, and the sheer history… just incredible. Wander, wander, wander. Got lost. It didn't matter, though. Gorgeous.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a tiny, hidden gem of a restaurant near The Forbidden City. More noodles. (You seeing a theme here?). Absolutely divine. This time, they had some kind of chili oil… HOT. But amazing.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: I witnessed a guy feeding the pigeons in the courtyard. I had a moment of panic when I accidentally set off a HUGE flock of pigeons, and almost fell trying to get away from them. They were following me. I was their Pigeon Queen.
- 4:00 PM: Headed back to the hotel. My feet are screaming.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Guess what? More noodles. This time, I found a place that serves the most amazing dumplings. I think I ordered about 50 (OK, maybe not that many, but a lot). Completely worth it.
- 8:00 PM - Onwards: Back at the hotel. Surfing the web in a jet-lagged haze. Typing, thinking, maybe.
Day 3: The Temple of Heaven and the Dreaded Taxi Adventure (and dumplings)
- 9:00 AM: The Temple of Heaven. Another architectural masterpiece. The sheer artistry and symmetry of it all is stunning. Walking around, I felt a sense of peace. Maybe it was the temple's design, or maybe it was just because I survived the pigeon attack.
- 11:00 AM: The park around the Temple of Heaven turned out to be even more fascinating than the temple itself. People were doing Tai Chi. Playing Mahjong. Singing opera. It was like a giant, communal show. This place has a sense of calm that permeates into the everyday.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Uh oh. Here's the truth. I tried to take a taxi. This was an adventure in itself. The language barrier, the traffic (which is INSANE), the driver trying to (maybe?) rip me off. It was stressful.
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: I finally got to a restaurant and ate… You guessed it. Dumplings. This place was amazing. You could truly see the dedication that goes into each bite.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the hotel (took the subway this time. MUCH easier.) Rested, wrote.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. You guys are not going to believe this. Yet. Another. Noodle. Place.
- 8:00 PM: Planning for tomorrow. And thinking.
Day 4: The Great Wall… and a bittersweet departure.
- 6:00 AM: Woke up early to go to the Great Wall! Did I sleep well? Nope. But I'm going to the Great Wall! (Yay!)
- 7:00 AM: I saw the Wall! The Wall! The Great Wall! The thing I've dreamt of since I was a kid. Holy crap. I walked. I climbed. I huffed and puffed. And the views. Oh, the views. They’re something else.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch – one last bowl of noodles before heading to the airport. Okay, maybe. One. MORE. Place.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I'm so sad to have to leave this place. Such a rush of emotions.
- 3:00 PM: Head to the airport.
- 5:00 PM: Goodbye, Beijing! I'll miss you.
The Non-Essential, But Thoroughly Enjoyed Extras:
- The Randomness: Street performers. The constant honking. The look on the faces of the shopkeepers when I attempt to speak Mandarin (which is mostly "xie xie" and "ni hao"). The fact that I’ve eaten more carbs than I ever have in my life.
- The Observations: Beijing is a city of contrasts. Ancient history meets modern skyscrapers. Chaos and serenity. I love that the city seems to be constantly humming.
- The Emotional Gut Punch: I left a piece of my heart in this city. It's this mix of the new and the old. The food, the atmosphere.
Final Thoughts:
The Hanting Hotel? Fine. A budget spot. Beijing, though? Unforgettable. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And you know what? I'm already craving those noodles.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Plaza Kachigawa, Kasugai, Japan!
Hanting Hotel at Zhanqian Square: Your Beijing Budget Buddy - The Messy Truth (and My Undying Love!)
Is this Hanting Hotel really "The Best" in Beijing? Hold on now...
Okay, "best" is a dangerous word. Let's be real, it's not the Four Seasons. It's a *Hanting*. But for the PRICE, and for what you get, yeah, at Zhanqian Square? It's a solid contender. I've stayed in some serious dives (looking at you, hostel with the mysterious plumbing noises), and this one, surprisingly, consistently delivers. My own definition of "best" in budget travel involves a clean bed and the absence of questionable smells. Hanting at Zhanqian Square usually nailed it. Emphasis on *usually*… More on THAT later. ;)
Location, Location, Location! Zhanqian Square...Is It Actually Good?
YES! Absolutely yes! This is a winner. Zhanqian Square (Beijing Railway Station) is pure gold for a tourist. You can LITERALLY stumble out the door and be at the train station. This is HUGE if you're catching a high-speed train, getting in late and needing easy access, or like me, chronically late for everything. Also, it's a short, cheap taxi ride (or decent subway connection) to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and all the usual touristy suspects. I've wasted entire days faffing about trying to get to hotels in the middle of nowhere; this is a massive advantage. Think of it as the heartbeat of the city, pumping you right where you need to be.
The Rooms: Clean or...Questionable? The Big Gamble?!
Alright, here's where things get a little... *unpredictable*. Generally, yes, the rooms are CLEAN. Clean-ish, anyway. Look, it’s a budget hotel. Don't expect perfection. But I've found them to usually be reasonably tidy. The bed? Comfy enough. Not a cloud-like experience, but I've slept soundly after long days of sightseeing. The bathroom? Functional. The water pressure? Sometimes a dribble, sometimes a deluge. Think of it as a daily lottery. One time though... Oh, god. One time. The bathroom door wouldn't close, and there was… *something*… on the wall. Let's just say I reported it and got a *very* apologetic cleaning lady and a free bottle of water and moved rooms. Lesson learned: check EVERYTHING. And always carry hand sanitizer.
Breakfast Time! Is the Included Breakfast Worth Waking Up For? (My Stomach is Rumbling)
Breakfast? Hah! I'm not a huge breakfast person but for the price, it's fine. Don't expect a gourmet spread. Think… simple. There's usually some congee (rice porridge - get used to it!), some questionable bread (possibly day-old), eggs (sometimes cold), and some mystery meat that I'm pretty sure is not the advertised "ham". But hey, it's FREE, it's food, and it'll fill you up before you're off exploring. Honestly, the best part is the little, single-serving yogurt pots. Those are my jam. But, to be clear, don't make it a destination. Grab a yogurt, fill up on congee, and get out there.
The Staff: Are They Friendly or Just Trying to Survive? (Language Barriers!)
The staff are generally… helpful. They’re not going to be your best friends or throw you a welcome party. But they're polite and try their best. English? Hit or miss. A few of them speak decent English. I always try to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, even if it's just "hello" and "thank you." It goes a long way. I remember once trying to figure out how to order a taxi and the front desk guy, who spoke very little English, went above and beyond, using a translation app to help me. That kind of effort? Priceless. Though, there was also the time I asked for an extra towel and got a look that could curdle milk. So, yeah, expect a mixed bag, but mostly good intentions.
The Wi-Fi: Can You Actually Connect To The Internet? (My Instagram Feeds!)
Ugh, Wi-Fi. It's a crapshoot. Sometimes it's blazing fast, and you can stream movies until your eyes fall out. Other times… it’s like wading through molasses. Prepare to be frustrated. I've found it works best in the lobby. So, if you need to upload those stunning photos of the Great Wall, you might have to hang out and compete with everyone else. It's a good time to people-watch, at least! I'm sure there are better options, but you're looking at budget so… it's what it is! Consider getting a local SIM card if you RELY on the internet, which, let be honest, if you are reading this, you probably do.
Value for Money: Is It Worth It? Does This Beijing Hotel Pass the Test?
Absolutely. YES. For the price, the location, and the basic comforts (usually), Hanting at Zhanqian Square is a steal. You're not going to be living in luxury, but you'll have a clean(ish) bed, a roof over your head, and a convenient base for exploring Beijing. If you're a budget traveler, a backpacker, or just someone who doesn't want to blow their entire travel budget on accommodation, this is a solid choice. Just manage your expectations, pack some hand sanitizer, and embrace the chaos! You'll probably have a great time.
The MOST IMPORTANT Thing I Forgot to Mention: My One REALLY Bad Experience
Okay, okay, I saved the best (or worst) for last! One time, I arrived late, after a grueling train journey. Exhausted. Just wanted to crash. The key card wouldn’t work. Went back to reception. Key card still malfunctioning. Another card. Nothing. Another. Finally, after about 20 minutes of utter frustration (and a growing line of other tired travellers), the staff member finally said, with a shrug, "Room… problem." Turns out, the "room" was already occupied. By someone else. Apparently, a double booking. My brain almost shut down. I was so tired, I was ready to just sleep on the floor. They eventually "solved" the problem by shoving me into the smallest, dingiest room I'd ever seen. It was tiny. The window looked out onto… another wall. It was awful. I wanted to scream/cry/both. It was a classic travel horror story. But, a very apologetic manager, a refund, and some free snacks (which, let's be honest, helped) eventually smoothed things over. Still, it left a mark. So, yeah, prepare for possible hiccups. But even that experience, as bad as it was, didn't completely put me off. Because, honestly,Hotel Adventure
Hanting Hotel Beijing Zhanqian Square Beijing China
Hanting Hotel Beijing Zhanqian Square Beijing China
