Unbelievable! This Baotou Hotel Near the Railway Station Will SHOCK You!
Unbelievable! This Baotou Hotel Near the Railway Station Will SHOCK You! (And Maybe You'll Love It) - A Seriously Unfiltered Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I'm about to spill the tea – or maybe the huǒguō broth, since we're talking Baotou, Inner Mongolia. This place, this hotel near the railway station… it's an experience. Let's be honest, the title alone – "Unbelievable! This Baotou Hotel Near the Railway Station Will SHOCK You!" – sets the bar high. And boy, does it try to clear it.
First Impressions (and a Near-Panic Attack):
Finding this place was an adventure in itself. Google Maps kept leading me astray. Finally, after a sweaty scramble and a near-miss with a rogue rickshaw, I spotted it. Let's just say the exterior isn't exactly winning any architectural awards. Think… a slightly faded ambition meets a splash of modern-day practicality.
Accessibility: The entrance looked accessible, but I didn't have to test it with a wheelchair. There was an elevator, which is a major win. (See, starting positive!)
Check-in/out [express]: Definitely not express. More like… deliberate. But the staff were friendly, even if my Mandarin is about as good as a goldfish's grasp on quantum physics.
Rooms: My Kingdom for a Blackout Curtain!
The room… okay, here’s the deal. It was clean. And, crucially, the air conditioning worked. (That's a big one in Baotou heat, trust me.)
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (seriously, who uses these?), Bathtub (yay, I'm a bath person!), Blackout curtains (mostly, but some light seepage), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (yes!), Free bottled water (always appreciated!), Hair dryer, High floor (I think?), In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN and – wireless (more on this later!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies (didn't try), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (why?!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The Wi-Fi Fiasco & Glorious Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!:
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: The Wi-Fi was… temperamental. Think of it as a rebellious teenager: sometimes it worked, sometimes it sulked in the corner. The LAN was a laugh - a blast from the past. The free Wi-Fi promised in all rooms was really the only way to go.
- Internet access – wireless: The wireless was a hit or miss.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Hallelujah! When it worked, it was a lifesaver. (Especially when trying to decipher the local bus routes!)
More Room Realities: The décor? Let's call it… eclectic. There were some questionable art choices. The bed, however, was surprisingly comfortable, which is a major win after a long train ride. The bathroom was functional, though the shower pressure could have been stronger. (Seriously, I felt like I was being misted.)
Dining & Delights (and a Near-Gastronomic Disaster):
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, the food situation. This is where things got interesting.
- Restaurants: There were restaurants! Plural! (A very welcome sight!)
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant The options were… vast. The Asian breakfast was pretty decent. The Western breakfast? Let's just say I'm not entirely convinced they knew what a "croissant" was. The buffet was… generous, if a little chaotic. (Think hungry hordes converging on a mountain of scrambled eggs.)
- Breakfast [buffet]: A buffet! What's not to love?
- Breakfast service: Included.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver after a long day.
- Bar: A bar! Because, well, Baotou.
- Snack bar: Did not see it.
- Poolside bar: Nonexistent.
- Bottle of water, Essential condiments: The provided bottled water saved me.
My Personal Food Adventure: The first night, I attempted to order something "safe" from room service (because I was worn out). What arrived was… an experience. It looked vaguely edible, tasted… intriguing. Let's just say I wouldn't order it again. The next day, emboldened (or perhaps delirious), I ventured down to the restaurant. I pointed at a picture, and crossed my fingers. This time, a culinary triumph! - a superb vegetarian dish. I couldn't quite identify all the ingredients, but it was fragrant, flavorful, and honestly, one of the most delicious meals I'd had in ages. So, the food is a gamble, but a gamble worth taking.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Surprisingly Okay!):
Things to do, ways to relax: Okay, so this hotel is not exactly a spa resort.
- Fitness center, Spa/sauna, Swimming pool [outdoor], Body wrap, Body scrub, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool: None of this was available. I'm pretty sure, based on my research on the area, that this isn't the kind of hotel that would offer these.
- Terrace: I didn't find one.
- Shrine: Nope.
The Unexpected Relief: I was expecting nothing, so I didn't feel the disappointment in the lack of the above services.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Little Reassuring:
- Cleanliness and safety: This hotel tried hard to be safe!
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: The hotel seemed to take cleanliness seriously, which was a major relief. There was hand sanitizer everywhere (a definite plus!), the staff wore masks, and everyone followed the distancing rules fairly well. I saw cleaning staff regularly disinfecting.
- Safety/security feature: The hotel seemed dedicated to safety.
- Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour]: Security was on point, too. There were cameras everywhere, the front desk was always staffed.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I do not remember seeing this.
Services & Conveniences: Helpful, But… Variable:
- Services and conveniences: A mixed bag!
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: Some great perks here.
- Business facilities: Could be.
- Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars: Did not see any of this.
- Transportation: The airport transfer was a godsend.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Parking was free.
For the Kids:
- For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I did not see any of this, and wouldn't expect it in this hotel.
Getting Around:
- Getting around: Relatively easy.
- **Airport transfer, Bicycle
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're headed to Baotou, China! And not just anywhere, but the glorious, slightly… well, let's just say "functional" (read: I hope the bedbugs are on vacation) Hanting Hotel near the Baotou Railway Station. This is gonna be a trip, and I'm gonna be REAL with you.
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Mild Panic
- 14:00: Arrive at Baotou Dong Railway Station – a concrete jungle, frankly. My train was delayed, of course. Classic. Already sweating like I'm in a sauna, and I haven't even left the station. The air is thick with a smell I can't quite place…a mix of instant noodles, diesel fumes, and… maybe a hint of existential dread? (Update: Pretty sure it's just instant noodles. Lots and lots of instant noodles.)
- 14:30: The mad dash for the Hanting is on! Taxis, the bane of my existence! After much flailing and pointing, I successfully communicate with a driver. He seems skeptical of my map-reading skills. (Honestly, so am I.) The ride itself is an adventure. The roads are a chaotic ballet of scooters, trucks, and pedestrians, all vying for dominance. I spent most of the ride clinging to the seat, silently praying to the traffic gods.
- 15:00: Check-in at the Hanting. Ah, the familiar aroma of… well, let's call it "hotel." The lobby is a symphony of fluorescent lighting and the rhythmic thud of suitcase wheels. The receptionist, bless her heart, speaks about as much English as I speak Mandarin (which is, sadly, zero words). After some frantic pointing at my passport and a lot of charades involving hand motions for "key," I finally get the key. Room 403, here I come!
- 15:30: Room inspection. Okay, let's be honest. It's… a room. The sheets look clean? (I'm doing the sniff test, okay? Don't judge.) Bathroom situation: questionable. The shower head looks like it’s seen some things. The water pressure? I'm bracing myself for a slow trickle. I’m currently weighing the pros and cons of wearing my shoes in the shower. Decision pending.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Wandering the streets of Baotou. Okay, let’s be real, it's a serious culture shock. Buildings are Soviet-esque and a little grey. Food stalls line the streets, wafting delicious smells. I see a small vendor selling what I think are steamed buns, but I can’t be sure. I contemplate braving trying it. The language barrier is a beast. I keep getting lost. I bought a bottle of water, that's an achievement in itself.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Dinner. Ah, yes, the moment of truth. Found a little place buzzing with locals. Took a chance, pointed at a picture of something that looked vaguely like noodles. I ate the noodles. They were… definitely noodles. The sauce was spicy, the meat was… well, I’m still not entirely sure what kind of meat it was. But you know what? It was an experience! I made eye contact with a little old lady. She smiled, and I felt… somehow… accepted. A small victory.
- 20:00 - 22:00: Back at the Hanting. Shower time! (Deep breath). Turns out, the water pressure is… actually pretty good! (Whoa!) Clean(ish) and ready for bed. Currently lying here, listening to the distant rumble of trains and the faint sound of… karaoke? Yes, someone's singing. It's surprisingly soothing. Honestly, I’m exhausted, overwhelmed, and strangely… happy. This is definitely a travel adventure.
Day 2: The Gobi Desert Dream and the Hanting Hotel's Hidden Charms?
- 07:00: Woke up. Sleep was… okay. The bed. Let’s just say it’s not exactly a five-star experience. But I did sleep! Breakfast Situation: I bravely attempted the breakfast buffet. It was… an assortment of things. Some I recognized. Some I didn't dare touch. I went with toast (surprisingly good) and the pre-packed instant coffee they provided.
- 08:00- 12:00 Gobi Desert Day Trip! After much negotiation (and a lot of help from the friendly lady at the front desk), I booked a day trip to the Gobi Desert. Sun, sand, and a whole lotta nothing. It was SPECTACULAR. The immensity of it just takes your breath away. The silence… amazing. I got sand in places I didn’t know existed. My camera filled with photos. It felt like being on another planet, isolated and utterly awesome. I might have gotten a little emotional. I was alone with my thoughts.
- 12:00- 14:00: Back in Baotou. Trying to find somewhere open for food. It felt like I was trying to do something impossible.
- 14:00- 18:00: Trying to locate and buy some souvenirs for the family. My Mandarin is still a disaster, but somehow I manage to communicate that I want something “small” and “local.” Result: some beautifully painted (and slightly concerning cat-shaped) ornaments.
- 18:00: Back at the Hanting. Found a tiny restaurant near the hotel that I would not have dreamt of entering yesterday, and somehow managed to order the most amazing dumplings.
- 20:00- Until The Next Day: Back at the Hanting. Netflix and chill! What else?
Day 3: The Farewell and the Eternal Search for Clean Socks
- 07:00: Awake. Packing. The endless struggle continues. Where do socks go? Seriously?
- 08:00: Breakfast. More toast. More instant coffee. I'm starting to feel like a true local.
- 09:00: Last-minute souvenir hunting. Did I mention I had to find socks?
- 11:00: Goodbye Hanting! Surprisingly, the hotel staff were kind and helpful. They didn’t judge my questionable Mandarin skills. Maybe the bedbugs were on vacation.
- 12:00: Taxi to the airport. Goodbye, Baotou!
- 13:00 -15:00: Waiting for my flight. Reflecting. This trip was rough. I was lost. I struggled. I ate things I couldn't pronounce. But… I survived. I grew. I saw the Gobi Desert! And I have a whole bunch of hilarious, messy memories. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world.
- 15:00: Takeoff. Homeward bound. I’m already planning my next adventure, which hopefully, won’t involve quite so much instant noodles. But maybe it will. After all, it's the imperfections that make a trip a REAL one.
- Later: Still looking for a clean pair of socks. Send help.
Unbelievable! This Baotou Hotel Near the Railway Station Will SHOCK You! - A Messy FAQ
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is a war story. A cautionary tale. A… well, let's just say this Baotou hotel near the train station? It left a mark. I'm still not sure if it's a good mark or a scar. Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. So, like, is it *really* that bad? Don't overreact, okay?
Okay, okay, I'll try not to go full-meltdown. But listen... picture this: you've just endured a grueling train journey. You're tired, you smell faintly of train air (that weird, metallic mix of diesel and desperation), and the only thing you want is a shower and a bed. You see the hotel. It *looks* okay. That’s where the trouble starts.
Let's just say the word "shocker" isn't hyperbole. My inner monologue was basically a symphony of increasingly frantic whispers that escalated into a full-blown panic attack. Yes, it's that bad. In a hilariously tragic, "I can't believe this is happening" kind of way.
2. What's the deal with the location? Is it actually near the train station? (Because that's, like, the *only* reason I'm considering this place.)
Yes, it's *technically* near the train station. Like, you could theoretically stumble there. If you were fueled by pure adrenaline and a desperate need for caffeine. Think "a stone's throw" if the stone were launched by a particularly wobbly trebuchet. It's close, but you wouldn't want to attempt it in the dark, or with luggage, or while sober. Or, frankly, ever.
My memory of finding it is filled with a haze of anxiety, a sweaty brow, and a taxi driver who clearly knew this hotel's reputation and charged me triple for the privilege. I’m pretty sure he was laughing inside his taxi.
3. Okay, spill the tea! What was the *worst* thing? I need the juicy details.
Alright, here we go. Let me tell you about the bathroom. *The Bathroom*. It was… an experience. Let's just say the water pressure was less "powerful jet" and more "sad trickle." The showerhead? Probably older than my grandmother. And clean? Well, let's just say I'm pretty sure I saw a family of dust bunnies building a nest in the corner.
But here's the kicker: The toilet. Oh, sweet, sweet, ceramic of questionable cleanliness. Let's just say it had a personality. A **loud** personality. Every flush was a mechanical symphony of groans, gurgles and the distinct feeling that the entire plumbing system was about to give up the ghost. Each flush was a personal challenge, a mini-game of "Will it clog?". It was a continuous, agonizing cycle of hoping and praying. I swear I aged five years just listening to it.
4. Room service? Was there any? And if so, what was *that* like?
Room service? Ha! You're funny. My memory of the room service involves a phone call, a lot of grunting on both ends (me and the barely-English-speaking person), and the eventual appearance of something vaguely resembling food.
It arrived cold, congealed, and possibly a week old. I think it might have been "mystery meat" in a sauce of dubious origin. I bravely took one bite. One. That was all it took. I spent the next few hours battling my own inner demons. Let's just say, I learned a lot about my digestive system that night.
On the plus side, it did give me a strong reason to leave the room and go eat some street food. The one thing that I will forever appreciate Baotou for.
5. Okay, so, *anything* good? Did anything redeem this hellscape?
Hmm... Okay, I'll give them this: the bed *was* technically a bed. And I was so exhausted that I pretty much collapsed onto it and passed out immediately. So, in a pinch, it served its primary purpose. That's about the only good thing I can say; I think my brain blocked out everything else, as a defense mechanism.
I suppose if you have a strong sense of adventure (and a very forgiving stomach), you *might* survive. But... I wouldn't recommend it. Honestly? The best thing about this hotel was leaving it. The sweet, sweet taste of freedom from that nightmare.
6. What should I *definitely* pack…aside from a hazmat suit?
Oh, good question! Here's the survival kit:
- Water purification tablets: Trust me. You'll need them.
- Industrial-strength hand sanitizer: You're going to be touching... things.
- Earplugs: For the plumbing symphony and any other nocturnal noises.
- A sense of humor: You'll need it to cope, and maybe write about this experience later.
- Spare phone battery/portable charger: Boredom is coming for you.
- A strong constitution: Seriously, you're going to be reevaluating your life choices.
- And most importantly, Low expectations: Go in expecting the worst and you might be pleasantly surprised. Just kidding!
7. Is there a better option nearby? Please tell me there is.
Oh, sweet summer child... I don't know. I was so scarred that I immediately jumped on the first bus heading out of Baotou. I didn't even *look* for another hotel, I was so desperate to leave. So, from my experience? Probably, yes. *Anything* has to be better.
My advice? Do your research. Read as many reviews as you can. And if the reviews mention anything remotely resembling the words "questionable cleanliness," "loud plumbing," or "mystery meat," RUN.
8. Would you go back? (Be honest!)
