Hangzhou's Hidden Gem: Hanting Hotel Near Gaoshan Road Metro!
Hangzhou's Hanting Hotel Near Gaoshan Road Metro: A Rambling Review (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, so I just got back from Hangzhou, and I had to share my experience at the Hanting Hotel near the Gaoshan Road Metro. And trust me, this review isn't going to be your run-of-the-mill, perfectly-formatted, TripAdvisor-clone. This is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because this hotel… well, it left a mark.
Accessibility - The Metro & Me:
Right off the bat, the location is a winner. Seriously, being right near the Gaoshan Road Metro was a lifesaver. Getting around Hangzhou is a breeze! I'm not a big metro person myself, but even I was impressed. So, accessibility for getting around? 5 stars. But, how about the hotel's accessibility? Well… that's a slightly different story. I didn't specifically check for fully compliant wheelchair access (which I should have, admittedly), but elevators are present, which is a big plus. I'd definitely recommend checking with the hotel directly if you have specific accessibility needs.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Modern Obsession (and a bit of paranoia, maybe mine?)
Let's address the elephant in the room: the pandemic. You know the drill. I was slightly paranoid, but the Hanting seemed to take it seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere (literally, like a constant, silent judgment), and all the staff were masked up. They advertised anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, and rooms sanitized between stays. Okay, cool. They even had individually-wrapped food options which makes you think that's the future (and simultaneously, it's a little depressing). The staff trained in safety protocol stuff wasn't just lip service; they seemed genuinely on it. I had a fleeting thought they might be a little too on it, but hey, better safe than sorry, right? I opted against the room sanitization opt-out because, well, I figured it was probably a good idea. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items bit felt… expected.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Where's the Spa?! (and the time to use it?)
Okay, this is where things got…complicated. The website mentioned a fitness center, so naturally, I was picturing a sleek, modern gym. What I found was… well, let's just say it was more of a box with some equipment. Not a bad gym, per se, just really, really basic. No pool with a view, no sauna, no spa/sauna situation, and, sadly, no time for a massage. My schedule was just crazed with the most mundane tasks, so my chances of any body scrub or body wrap were, well, zero (and trust me, I needed it). The foot bath seemed like a fantasy, and the steamroom was a no-show. The list of relaxation options just didn't materialize - not a total deal-breaker, but a disappointment if you’re looking for pampering.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Breakfast Buffet Saga! (and the lack of a good cocktail…)
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. This is where the Hanting really shone… or at least, tried to. They had a breakfast buffet that, while not Michelin-star quality, was pretty decent. They served Asian breakfast fare, as expected, but also surprisingly good Western breakfast options. The buffet in restaurant was well-stocked, with plenty of choices. I dove into the buffet with the enthusiasm of a starving man, and I found the coffee/tea in restaurant to be a very welcome sight, especially in the morning. There was a coffee shop in the lobby, but I can't really vouch for it.
On the other hand, a cocktail was nowhere in sight! The presence of a bar was a nice thought. I did see some desserts in the restaurant, and the salad in restaurant was… well, it was there! I do think they were having happy hour so I didn't get to witness, but it would have been nice. The restaurant offered both Asian cuisine in restaurant and international cuisine in restaurant. No poolside bar, but, come on, the hotel didn't have a pool! I did see a snack bar, and it was okay in appearance.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (and sometimes don't)
The Daily housekeeping was efficient and pleasant. They had a concierge who was mostly helpful (although they seemed a little overwhelmed at times). Cash withdrawal was easy, which is always a plus. The presence of an elevator was a huge relief, given my luggage situation. They also had a convenience store, which came in handy. They offered food delivery, which I didn't use, but good to know. I didn't need dry cleaning, but I did use the laundry service, so that was super convenient.
The Air conditioning in public area worked a treat. The facilities for disabled guests are there, but I never checked specifics. Luggage storage was super helpful, as I arrived early. Invoice provided, check, check, check. The front desk felt a little impersonal.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly? (Maybe… just maybe…)
I didn't travel with kids, but the thought crossed my mind that the Hanting might be okay for families. There were no kids facilities advertised, and no babysitting service. I didn't see much to cater to children explicitly, beyond the obvious "cleanliness" standards. The word "family" wasn't really used. I'd say it's more of a business-traveler kind of place.
In-Room Amenities – Comfort Zone… or Not?
The rooms! Ah, the rooms. They were clean, that's for sure (see: safety section!). They had air conditioning, which was crucial. They had a desk, a coffee/tea maker, and a refrigerator. The bed was comfortable enough, and the blackout curtains were a godsend. The Wi-Fi [free] worked perfectly. There were slippers offered. The bathrobes were missing. The mini bar and extra long bed weren't there either. A mirror, and the daily housekeeping, made me feel slightly better about things.
Getting Around – Metro Bliss (Plus, Parking…?)
As I said before, the Gaoshan Road Metro is a dream. So easy to navigate! I think it was even better with airport transfer. The hotel had a car park [free of charge], which is always appreciated. They also offered taxi service. I didn't use the bicycle parking, or car power charging station, but hey, options are good! Sadly, I needed to go to the car park [on-site] to get around.
The Verdict – Embrace the Flaws!
Okay, so the Hanting Hotel near Gaoshan Road Metro is not going to win any awards for luxury. It's not a place you'd go for a spa weekend, but it is a clean, convenient, and surprisingly comfortable place to stay in Hangzhou. The location is fantastic, the staff are helpful (mostly), and their attention to cleanliness is commendable.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with reservations. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, well-located hotel for exploring Hangzhou, then absolutely. Just don't expect the Ritz-Carlton, and bring your own cocktail shaker. And maybe a good book. You'll have a great time!
Dali Dream Villa: Unbelievable Sea Views Await in Your Luxurious Chinese Escape!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the Hangzhou experience, Hanting Hotel Gaoshan Road Metro Station edition. Expect chaos, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta "what was I thinking?"
The "Plan" (Ha!): Hangzhou Hootenanny - 5 Days of Fuzzy Memories
Day 1: Arrival of the Clowns and Cultural Confusion
- 14:00 - Arrival at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): Okay, lemme be honest. I'm already regretting not packing a phrasebook. The airport is a glorious ballet of flashing lights and indecipherable signs. I swear that vending machine tried to sell me a dragon fruit that blinked. Successfully navigated (more like stumbled through) customs, snagged a taxi that hopefully understands the address. Wish me luck.
- 16:00 - Check-in at Hanting Hotel - Gaoshan Road Metro Station: Ah, the sanctuary. Hanting! Finally, I have a bed to slump on. *Sigh of relief *. It's clean enough, the air con is blasting like a polar vortex – already loving it, and the staff seem bewildered but friendly. So far so good, right? Wrong. I tried to get some instant noodles from the vending machine (remember the blinking dragon fruit?). I pushed the button… nothing. I punched the button… still nothing. I ended up just buying chips. That was a low.
- 17:00 - Exploring the Gaoshan Road Area (Vaguely Defined): My brain is scrambled. The jet-lag is hitting me hard. I ventured out in search of… something. Food? Adventure? Probably both. The sheer volume of scooters is terrifying, but exhilarating. Found a little dumpling place. Ate questionable dumplings. I could taste the ghost of chili. I love spicy. I love the feeling of my face burning off. Okay.
- 19:00 - Dinner at random Restaurant, Gaoshan Road: Found a restaurant, full of locals. I sat. I ate. I have no idea what I ordered, but it involved a lot of noodles and some sort of slimy greens. It was… an experience. The lady at the table next to me, kept smiling and saying something I think was "delicious" and maybe something about me (could be good… could be bad… who knows!). I smiled back and used the universally understood sign language of "thumbs up." We bonded. (Or at least, I think we did).
- 20:30 - Collapse into Bed: The end.
Day 2: West Lake Wanderings and Emotional Tsunami
- 09:00 - Attempted Breakfast at the Hotel: Hotel "breakfast" consists of some kind of questionable bread and powdered coffee. I considered running away. I considered eating just more chips. I ended up just eating more chips.
- 10:30 - Metro to West Lake: Navigating the metro is proving to be less terrifying than I anticipated. The helpful Chinese people are amazing. I got scammed on the ride, probably. Who cares? I'm breathing fresh air, at least.
- 11:30 - West Lake - A Romantic Spectacle or Overhyped Pond? The lake is beautiful, I have to admit. The misty mountains in the background, the willow trees weeping into the water, the sheer… romanticism of the entire scene. The sheer amount of people, not so much. The crowds! It's like a national holiday for selfie sticks. It's gorgeous, but also a little too much.
- 13:00 - Lunch Near West Lake: Found a restaurant with a view. Ate fish. Or maybe frog. I can't tell. But the view… The view made everything better. The sun glinting on the water, the distant sounds of laughter… made me want to stay. Forever.
- 14:30 - Boat Ride on West Lake: Okay, this was worth it. The boat gently rocking, the breeze in my hair, the peace and quiet. A little old lady on the boat started singing a traditional song. It was hauntingly beautiful. I teared up. It was cheesy, okay? But it was beautiful. I'm feeling all the feels, guys.
- 16:00 - Lingyin Temple: Oh, the temples! This temple is stunning. The scent of incense, the intricate carvings, the sheer sense of history… it's awe-inspiring. I should probably learn about Buddhism. Or maybe not. My attention span wanders far.
- 18:00 - Dinner and a Desperate Search for Ice Cream: Found a dumpling spot. I'm starting to feel like a dumpling ambassador. I needed ice cream after this. It's the only way I can process all the Buddhist meditation. I found a little shop with green tea ice cream. I'm not a big fan of green tea, but I needed my ice cream.
- 20:00 - Back to the Hotel… Exhausted and Content I've seen it all, felt it all, eaten it all. I may or may not be hallucinating.
Day 3: Tea, Terracotta, and (Maybe) Losing My Mind
- 10:00 - Tea Plantation: I'm thinking, as my tea is poured, that I should feel more sophisticated. This tea is fragrant. This tea is delicious. This tea puts me in a trance. Okay, I was in a trance.
- 12:00 - Lunch at the Tea Plantation: I had tea-infused noodles. Yes. Everything here is tea-infused. I think I am tea.
- 14:00 - Visit a Terracotta Army Replica (I'm not going to Xi'an): Let's be honest, I'm not traveling all the way to Xi'an. But this replica? Damn. The detail, the scale… It's just… wow. I spent a good hour just wandering around, staring at them. I nearly lost my phone. Almost had a heart attack.
- 16:00 - Shopping for Souvenirs (Or Attempting To): I failed. It's a sea of confusing prices and haggling. I ended up with a jade bracelet. I think I overpaid, but it's pretty. I still need a souvenir for my mom…
- 18:00 - Massage: My legs are killing me, so I looked for a massage. I did not find a massage. I've never been more aware of my thighs.
- 19:00 - Back to the Hotel and contemplating tomorrow's plan: I want to go somewhere, but what is there to do?
- 20:00 - Falling asleep: Sleep is the answer.
Day 4: A Day of Regret - and a Very Strange Soup
- 9:00 - Attempted Breakfast: Chips.
- 10:00 - The Leifeng Pagoda It's pretty. It's crowded. The view is pretty amazing. The whole thing is about the legend of the White Snake, which I know nothing about. I feel a strong sense of impending fatigue.
- 12:00 - Lunch: The soup. THE SOUP. It was served in a very large earthen bowl and it was very, very…interesting. There was a lot of what looked like seaweed, some kind of meat I couldn't identify, and a strange, almost floral flavor. I ate it all. Every last, umami-packed spoonful. I still don't know exactly what I ate, but I'm not entirely sure I regret it.
- 14:00 - Back to the Hanting Hotel: Exhaustion is setting in and I lost some cash. I'm starting to feel the weight of the food and the jet lag. I nap.
- 18:00 - Feeling better… kinda: Getting hungry, and after a 30 minute nap, I think I can go out.
- 19:00 - Gaoshan Road restaurant again: I'm eating the same thing as the other three nights.
- 20:00 - Back to the Hotel, and a good night's sleep.
Day 5: Farewell, Hangzhou (and My Sanity)
- 09:00 - Last Breakfast/Chips. The End.
- 10:00 - Exploring Gaoshan Road (One Last Time): Found the tea shop. Bought some tea that I probably won't like, even though I liked it when I had it.
- 11:00 - Packing and General Panic: I probably left something behind. Always do.
- 12:00 - Check-out and Taxi to the Airport: I am so ready to go home.
- 14:00 - Xiaoshan Airport Departure: Goodbye, Hangzhou. You were a whirlwind of delicious food and baffling experiences. I think I need another vacation… just to recover from this one. (But secretly, I can't wait to come back.)
Hanting Hotel Near Gaoshan Road Metro: Your Hangzhou Hideaway? An Unfiltered FAQ!
So, Hanting Hotel Near Gaoshan Road Metro... Why *this* one? What's the big deal?
Okay, real talk? Finding the right hotel in Hangzhou is a HEADACHE. Seriously, Google Maps lies. Booking.com throws up shiny photos that bear ZERO resemblance to reality. And then you stumble upon... Hanting. Near Gaoshan Road Metro. Why? Because you're probably tired, jet-lagged, and just want a clean bed and hot shower, right? That was *exactly* my situation. It was late, raining cats and dogs (classic Hangzhou), and my phone was about to die. This one popped up, and BAM! A budget-friendly option near a metro stop. Sold. My expectations were… low. Let’s just say. I wasn’t expecting the Ritz (thank GOD).
Is it… clean? That's my biggest fear.
Alright, the cleanliness. This is paramount. Truthfully? It *was* generally clean. No, it's not pristine, perfectly sterile, hospital-grade clean. There might be a stray hair or two (maybe mine? Don’t judge!), a slightly questionable stain on the rug (probably from the previous guest who spilled their tea... or something worse, who knows!). But overall, it was acceptable. The bathroom was functional (and that's a win!), the sheets *seemed* clean (I peeked, I swear!), and there wasn’t an overwhelming smell of… well, you know. So, yeah, it passes the cleanliness test. Just don't go expecting *too* much.
The location? Is it actually *near* the metro like they claim?
Yes! Thank the travel gods, it *is*! Honestly, the proximity to Gaoshan Road Metro is the biggest selling point. We're talking a short, brisk walk. Even better if you have an umbrella (which, again, you'll *need* in Hangzhou, especially if you're visiting in spring or summer). I’d say it’s like... a 5-minute walk, maybe seven if you dawdle and window shop on the way. The metro gets you practically *anywhere* in Hangzhou. West Lake? Check. Shopping district? Check. Amazing street food? Double check! This location is a lifesaver. Seriously. Saved my feet (and my sanity).
What's the *VIBE* like? Is it depressing? Overcrowded?
Okay, the VIBE. This is where things get… real. "Depressing?" Not really, but let's not get carried away with the sunshine and rainbows either. It's a budget hotel, so expect functional, not fabulous. The lobby is generally quiet, maybe with a few other weary travelers shuffling around. You're not going to find a bustling social scene. It's more of a "grab your keycard and head to your room to avoid eye contact" kind of vibe. The staff? They're efficient, not necessarily overly friendly (though I'm sure they're used to it). Crowded? It depends. I went during a shoulder season (a good move, if you ask me), so it wasn't *packed*. But expect some hustle and bustle during peak times.
The Rooms - What are they *actually* like, not the photo-shopped brochure version?
Right, the rooms. Brace yourself. Think… essential. You'll get a bed (probably comfortable enough for a decent night's sleep, although the pillows were a bit *thin* - bring your own if you’re picky!), a small desk, a TV (with the usual Chinese channels), and a bathroom. The space is, let's be honest, compact. It’s efficiently designed. You won’t be ballroom dancing in there. Amenities? Don't expect a minibar stocked with imported goodies! There’s probably some bottled water (score!), maybe some instant coffee (double score!), and very basic toiletries. Mine had a *tiny* window. I was glad for the daylight, even though the view was… unremarkable (concrete buildings, nothing too exciting). The AC worked, which was a godsend because it was HOT.
Breakfast? Is there a breakfast service in-house?
Yes and no! The Hanting I stayed at offered free breakfast. The breakfast room, let me tell you, was a sensory experience. Picture this: a buffet-style setup with steaming hot congee, some mysterious (and, admittedly, delicious) fried pastries, and… well, a selection that was, shall we say, "culturally diverse." I'm talking about things that were difficult to identify (that's not a bad thing, it's just… different!). I tried a little bit of everything, and I wasn't sure what half of it was, but hey, it was FREE. The coffee was… weak. Very weak. But I made do. If you're a picky eater, maybe grab some pastries from a nearby bakery. If you’re feeling adventurous, embrace the mystery! Trust me, it's part of the fun. That congee? Amazing. Really.
The Wifi? Is it reliable? Because I NEED internet!
Okay, the internet. A crucial component of modern existence, right? The Wi-Fi in my room was… *serviceable*. On some days, it was lightning fast. I could stream videos, upload photos, and generally do all the things people do online. Other days? Well, let’s just say I spent a lot of time staring at the loading bar. Don't expect super-reliable super-fast speeds. But it worked. It was enough to check emails, message people, and keep up with the world. The connection, in general, was ok. If you rely on the internet for work or need super stable internet, maybe consider a mobile hotspot. Otherwise, it's fine for casual use.
What's the staff like? Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
The staff? They were… a mixed bag. Some spoke a bit of English, enough to understand the basics. Others? Not so much. Google Translate is your friend! I found that they were generally efficient and polite, but not overly chatty or warm. They’re busy. They have a job to do. But they were always willing to help if you gestured and used your translator app. I had *one* slight issue with the air conditioning (it wasn't working properly), and they sent someone up to fix it immediately. So, kudos for that! Don't expect the staff to be your best friends, but they will certainly assist when needed.
Are there any nearby food options outside the hotel?
Hotel Adventure
