Unbelievable Nanjing Luxury: Starway Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable Nanjing Luxury? Starway Hotel's "Secret" Spilled! (A Messy, Honest Review)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and probably knock over a few teacups) on the Starway Hotel in Nanjing. "Unbelievable Luxury"? That's what the marketing blurb promised, and frankly, after my stay, the jury's still out…mostly because I'm still trying to untangle the sheer amount of stuff this place throws at you.
First Impressions: The Good, The Confusing, and The Slightly Terrifying
This place is HUGE. Like, seriously, you're walking through echoing marble hallways for what feels like an eternity just to get to your room. Accessibility? Well, they say they've got it down, and there’s an elevator (phew!), but navigating those sprawling public areas felt a little like a scavenger hunt designed by a sadist. Finding my way to the actual accessible restaurants was a mission. The "accessible" labeling wasn't always super clear – a minor hiccup but kind of important, right? And it definitely wasn't straight-forward like hitting the 'wheelchair accessible' button in the search that led me here.
Internet, Glorious Internet! And the Oddities…
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? THANK GOD. Because honestly, with the sheer scale of the place, getting lost in the internet is almost a given. And it worked well. But…wait for it…they also had LAN internet. What is this, 1998? I half expected to find a dial-up modem humming in the corner. But hey, options, I guess?
Cleanliness & Safety: Did They Actually Do That?!
Look, I'm normally a germaphobe wrapped in a blanket of "eh whatever," but these days, cleanliness is EVERYTHING. And I have to say, Starway seems to take it seriously. The "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Daily disinfection in common areas" weren't just empty promises. The entire scene felt polished and sanitized. Everywhere. And the "Room sanitization opt-out available"? Genius! Though I’m not sure who'd opt out, given the current climate.
The rooms themselves? Sparkling. And the "Rooms sanitized between stays" thing felt… comforting. Like they wouldn’t judge my travel-weariness.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Sensory Overload…or Maybe Just Overload?
Oh. My. God. The sheer volume of food options here is insane. Like, utterly insane. Seriously, I’m still recovering.
- Restaurants: They have restaurants. Plural. Asian, Western, you name it. The "Buffet in restaurant" was a behemoth. A glorious, cholesterol-inducing behemoth. I mean, Asian cuisine, Western cuisine, soup, salad, desserts… it was just too much.
- The Bar: I'm still hazy on the details, honestly. There was a "Happy hour," which, well, that's always a win. Also, a poolside bar. But I didn’t manage to find it.
- Coffee Shop: Needed this. Got my caffeine fix. Whew.
My Stand-Out, Stream-of-Consciousness Experience: The Spa…and the Sauna Panic
Alright, here’s the juicy bit. I decided to treat myself to the spa. Because, you know, luxury. I opted for a body scrub and a body wrap. The "Foot bath" was okay, I guess. But the massage…oh, the massage. I went in thinking, "A relaxing massage, bliss," came out feeling… well, like a well-oiled, slightly bewildered, human pretzel. It was intense. Beyond intense. I was almost convinced my masseuse was secretly a contortionist in disguise.
And then… the sauna.
I'm not usually a sauna person. They make me feel claustrophobic and…well, a little panic-y. But I was feeling adventurous.
So in I went.
And the heat… it hit me like a brick wall. The steam swirled around me, and suddenly, I couldn't breathe. My heart started hammering against my ribs. I started to panic. Seriously, full-blown, flapping-arms-and-sweating-like-an-espresso-machine panic. I stumbled out, gasping for air, feeling like I'd just run a marathon… uphill… wearing a fur coat.
Moral of the story? Sauna's not for me. But hey, the spa had other options – a pool with a view. That was nice.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax, and The Unexpected Extras
This place is packed with "Things to Do". A fitness center (I didn't touch it), a gym/fitness (same), a swimming pool (yep!), and a spa (we’ve covered that!).
Services and Conveniences: The Perks (And the Confusing Bits)
Okay, here we go:
- The Good: 24-hour room service? Yes, please. Luggage storage? Essential. Concierge service that felt useful? A win. They also offered currency exchange, which was handy.
- The Weird: A convenience store. Really, in a luxury hotel? Felt a bit… incongruous sitting there.
- The Confusing: "Audio-visual equipment for special events." What sort of events? And where? The place is so darn big, I couldn't find an event if I tried.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Really?
They have kids facilities. And babysitting. Good for families, I guess.
Available in All Rooms: The "Standard" (And the Small Details)
- The Basics: Air conditioning (thank goodness), a mini-bar (duh), free Wi-Fi (yes!), a safe box, and a comfy bed.
- The Little Things: A lot of little things! Slippers, bathrobes, complimentary tea. It's these details that makes it "luxury".
- The Weird: A bathroom phone. Who calls from a bathroom phone? Aside from the soap opera stars?
Overall Verdict: The Secret's…Sort Of Revealed?
So, "Unbelievable Nanjing Luxury"? Well… it's trying. It's got the potential, no doubt, with the incredible scale, the vast food choices, and the serious commitment to cleanliness and safety (which is, let’s be honest, a HUGE selling point). But it's also slightly disorienting, and sometimes, overwhelming. Finding the truly "accessible" bits took work, and the sheer size could feel more like an airport than a relaxing retreat.
Would I go back? Maybe. If I could navigate it with a map, a scooter, and a hefty dose of caffeine from a very skilled barista. And maybe… just maybe… steer clear of the sauna. But hey, the Starway Hotel experience is at least…memorable. And that, in the end, is something.
Greek Island Paradise: Your Dreamy Sea-View Apartment Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're charting a course through the glorious (and potentially slightly chaotic) adventure that is the Starway Hotel Nanjing Jiangning Economic and Technological Development Zone, Jiangjun Avenue, Nanjing, China. This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travel blog. This is the real deal, folks. Prepare for a bumpy ride!
Day 1: Arrival and "Wow, This is… Nanjing?"
- 14:00 - Arrival at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG). Okay, let's be real, the airport itself was… functional. Not the gleaming, futuristic wonderland I secretly hoped for. Smelled faintly of jet fuel and that unique "international airport" aroma that's hard to describe (a mix of anxiety, stale croissants, and ambition?). Finding the pick-up. My driver, bless his heart, looked terrified of me. I swear he was avoiding eye contact.
- 15:30 - Taxi Ride and First Impressions. The taxi ride was a blur of honking, towering apartment blocks that looked suspiciously like the ones in every other Chinese city I've ever seen on TV, and that utterly unique blend of construction, scooters, and general organized chaos that makes China, well, China. My internal monologue: "Okay, deep breaths. You're here. This feels… different."
- 16:30 - Check-in at Starway Hotel. The hotel lobby was… budget friendly. Let's just leave it at that. The front desk staff were unbelievably polite, even though my Mandarin is atrocious. Actually, I think they were extra polite when they saw my attempts to speak… which probably means they are used to this kind of thing. The room? Clean enough. Had a lingering smell of disinfectant, which is either reassuring or terrifying, depending on your perspective.
- 17:00 - A Walk Around the Block. (My First "Oh God, Where Am I?" Moment) I stepped outside, hoping for a charming stroll, but was immediately confronted with a sprawling, slightly overwhelming industrial landscape. Let's just say "bucolic countryside charm" was not on the menu. My main takeaways after 15 minutes: 1) Scooter traffic is serious business. 2) The construction never stops. 3) Finding a decent cup of coffee is going to be a mission.
- 18:00 - Dinner at a Local Dumpling Shop (and an Unexpected Flavor Explosion!) I stumbled upon a tiny dumpling shop that looked promising. The menu was entirely in Chinese, and I pointed randomly at things. The dumplings arrived, steaming hot, and…OH. MY. GOD. What's that? Pork and Shrimp? My mouth has decided to become friends with my taste buds and I will be visiting this place daily.
- 20:00 - Attempted Relaxation and Jet Lag. The jet lag hit me like a freight train. I collapsed on the bed and stared at the ceiling. I tried to watch some Chinese TV. I couldn’t understand a word, but the bright colors and frenetic energy were strangely soothing.
Day 2: Embracing the Inner Tourist (and Maybe Regretting Some Choices)
- 08:00 - The Morning Struggle. Woke up feeling like a zombie. The buffet breakfast at the hotel was… adequate. I'm pretty sure the "fruit" was previously frozen, but hey, caffeine is caffeine.
- 09:00 - First Attempt at Public Transport (and a Near-Death Experience… Kidding! Mostly.) Okay, I decided to be brave and try the metro. Finding my way out of the hotel took me longer than the actual metro ride. Using the metro was an exercise in rapid decision-making. I learned to look busy and not make eye contact.
- 10:00 - Visit to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. This was… intense. Overwhelming, heartbreaking, necessary. The photographs and the stories… I needed to sit down a bit, you know? Honestly, I didn't know the history, and I am glad I came. I wasn't expecting to be so affected, but it really hit me.
- 13:00 - Lunch Near the Memorial. Found a little noodle shop and accidentally ordered something incredibly spicy. My nose was running, my eyes were watering, and my mouth was on fire. I loved it.
- 14:00 - Exploring the Streets (More Scooters, More Confusion). Honestly, I got lost. Multiple times. But you know what? It was kind of fun. I saw some quirky shops, a street vendor selling fried… something…(looked delicious, didn't have the courage) and got a glimpse of the real Nanjing, not just the tourist version.
- 17:00 - A Lesson in Karaoke (and Utter Humiliation). My colleagues, after much arm-twisting, dragged me to a karaoke bar. Let's just say my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" will likely haunt them for years to come. I have never been so acutely aware of the limitations of my singing voice. I'm still recovering.
- 20:00 - Dinner and a Much-Needed Beer. Found a place serving Sichuan food. So yeah, more spice. But with beer. Life felt manageable again.
Day 3: The Grand Finale (or, "Thank God I'm Going Home Soon")
- 08:00 - Hotel Breakfast (Again…). Today I'm going for the bread.
- 09:00 – I did an Important Thing: The Purple Mountain. It's the best thing I've done in my entire life. The view from the top was amazing!!! The air was fresh (for Nanjing), and the temples were beautiful. I had this amazing epiphany with myself, and this trip has actually been pretty great.
- 13:00 - Last Nanjing Meal and Goodbyes. One final meal, a dumpling, and the best way to take a long breath and enjoy what is left.
- 14:00 - Return to Airport. I'm starting to feel like I kinda know what I'm doing. The taxi driver seems less frightened this time.
- 16:00 - Depart from Nanjing. So long, Nanjing. You were… something. I'm exhausted, slightly bewildered, and already planning my next trip. I might even brush up on my Mandarin. Ok, that's a lie. But I'll definitely get more adventurous with the dumplings.
Unbelievable Nanjing Luxury: Starway Hotel's Secret Revealed! (Or, My Wallet's Still Weeping)
Okay, spill the tea! What *actually* makes the Starway Hotel in Nanjing "luxury"? I've seen the pictures, they're gorgeous... but are they real?
Real? Oh honey, the pictures? *They're a bloody understatement.* Remember that scene in 'Crazy Rich Asians' where the hotel seems to have its own zip code? That's the vibe. The Starway just *oozes* opulence. Think marble everywhere. Like, *everywhere*. My jaw legit dropped the moment I stepped in – and then promptly reattached itself because I chipped a nail gawking at the chandelier. Seriously, it’s so big, I think it’s got its own climate control system. The details? Impeccable. The linens? I swear they're spun from the tears of angels. And the scent? Subtly floral, like you’re permanently basking in the afterglow of a thousand roses. My bank account, however? Currently nursing a serious hangover.
Let's talk about the rooms! Did they live up to the hype, or are they just fancy boxes? (And, be honest, did you secretly steal anything?)
The rooms...oh, the *rooms*. Imagine a tiny, immaculate kingdom, completely devoted to your comfort. My suite – yes, a *suite* – was bigger than my actual apartment. And it had a *bath*! A giant soaking tub that could comfortably house a small family of ducks. (I opted to soak solo, though, because, priorities.) The bed was like sleeping on a cloud made of marshmallows and regret (because I knew I'd have to leave it eventually). The view? Panoramic. Of the city. While I *was* tempted to abscond with a bathrobe, a plush towel, and maybe the remote control (it was *fancy*), I practiced admirable restraint. Mostly. Let's just say I *admired* the complimentary slippers a little *too* closely. My luggage is much happier after that.
The food! Was it worth the price tag? Any culinary disasters? (Please tell me there were culinary disasters!)
Alright, let's talk chow. The breakfast buffet was… a study in excess. Mountains of pastries, a dedicated noodle station, enough fresh fruit to feed a small army of monkeys. And the *coffee*? Glorious, aromatic, and strong enough to jumpstart a car. The only disaster was me, after three plates of dim sum. Okay, maybe four. (I got *very* enthusiastic about the little steamed buns filled with pork. Don't judge me!). Didn’t try everything on the menu. Did make it to the rooftop bar and ordered a cocktail that cost almost half of my rent. It was delicious though, made with obscure ingredients I’d never heard of. Worth it? Debatable. Regret? Zero.
Beyond the rooms and the food, what *really* stood out? Was there a moment that made you go, "Wow, this IS worth it!"?
Honestly? It was the staff. They were *unbelievably* attentive. It’s that "above and beyond" service that really sells it. I dropped a earring in the lobby during check in, and before I could even *think* about panicking, a staff member was down on the floor, searching with a tiny flashlight. Found it! And then discreetly cleaned it. No one made me feel silly. Everyone was cheerful, helpful, and genuinely seemed to *care* about your experience. And that, my friends, is the true luxury. This place is not for the faint of heart. It’s for those who want to be pampered, indulged, and feel like a king or queen (or at least a mildly inconvenienced traveler who needs a really good nap).
Was there anything that *didn't* quite live up to the hype? (Be brutal!)
Okay, I gotta be honest: I did find *one* tiny, nitpicky thing. The free Wi-Fi occasionally sputtered a bit. The horror! I know, I know, I'm clutching at straws. But in a hotel this perfect, you expect everything to be utterly flawless. Also, the gym. A fantastic gym, with state of the art equipment, but I just couldn't bring myself to use it. I knew if I got in shape, I'd need to buy all new clothes. So it just felt wrong. Other than that, honestly, I'm struggling to find fault. Maybe the price? Yeah, probably the price.
The pool! Oh, the pool! Tell me *everything* about the pool!
*The pool.* Oh, the shimmering, aquamarine perfection of the pool. It's indoors, naturally. Huge. Heated. And surrounded by plush lounge chairs just begging you to recline and sip something exotic. I spent a solid afternoon just floating, letting the chlorine work its magic, and feeling all my stress melt away. The only downside? I felt a very strong urge to pretend I was a mermaid. Twice. No regrets. In fact, I would argue my mermaid impersonation was a highlight. Definitely a must-do, even if you feel awkward in a swimsuit.
Would you go back? And, more importantly, *would you recommend it*, even with that scary price tag?
Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely, 100%, yes. Even though my bank account is currently plotting revenge. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a *huge* caveat. If you're looking for a standard hotel stay, this isn't it. If you're wanting something that's "nice" but also economical. This is for those special occasions, when you want to really treat yourself, when you're ready to be pampered. And honestly? Sometimes, it's worth it. Sometimes, you *need* a little bit of that pure, unadulterated, decadent luxury. Just… maybe save up first. And maybe pack a small, discreet bag to "gift" the staff for their kindness. (I’m not saying to steal, I’m just saying that it could be seen as a kindness)
What was the absolute *weirdest* thing about the whole experience? (Come on, there's *got* to be something!)
Alright, okay, here’s a confession. I have a weird… thing… about hotel slippers. I love them. Seriously. I have a collection. The Starway slippers, however, were *on another level*. Like, cloud-nine, slipper-nirvana. They were thick, plush, and the perfect shade of… well, luxurious beige. Anyway, so the weirdest thing? One night, I was wandering aroundSearch Hotel Guide
