Unbelievable Nanjing Views: Hanting Hotel Niushoushan's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Nanjing Views: Hanting Hotel Niushoushan - My Surprisingly Awesome Hideaway (With a Few Hiccups!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Hanting Hotel Niushoushan. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a vibe. And honestly? It kind of blew me away. I was initially a bit skeptical – Hantings can be… well, a bit hit-or-miss. But this one? This one's a hidden gem, folks. A slightly flawed, gloriously imperfect, but ultimately unforgettable gem.
Location, Location, Location (and Oh, Those Views!)
First things first: the views. Holy moly. The hotel is nestled, I believe, near the Niushoushan Scenic Area – which, I'm just going to say, is stunning. I got a room… I think it was on the 7th floor (high floor, yeah!) with a window that actually opened (a definite plus, because I’m claustrophobic!). That vista? Seriously, it was postcard-worthy. Rolling hills, temples in the distance, and, if you're lucky, some seriously Instagrammable sunsets. I spent a solid hour just staring out the window, feeling like I was in some kind of zen painting. (Read: procrastinating from unpacking, which is a skill, I tell you!).
Accessibility & Safety - Fingers Crossed & Hand Sanitizer, Always
Now, let's get real. I didn't specifically test out the wheelchair accessibility, as I personally don't require it. HOWEVER, I did notice a few things. There was an elevator (essential!) and the public areas looked generally accessible. But, if you truly need it, I'd HIGHLY recommend calling ahead and getting specific details. Because let's face it, things can look accessible in photos, but… you know.
On the "safety" front? Hanting, like many hotels these days, seems to be taking it seriously. There's CCTV in the common areas and outside (good!), hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere (YES!), and staff wearing masks (also good!). They mentioned (and it's a good start) things like antiviral cleaning products and frequent disinfection in common areas. They also had a doctor/nurse on call (though, thankfully, I didn't need to test that out!). They also provide individually wrapped food options which I appreciate. However, one thing that was slightly concerning: the information about room sanitization opt-out wasn't super clear. This is the kind of minor detail that can affect your overall experience.
Roomy Room, But a Few Quirks (And a Killer Shower!)
My room was… decent. Clean (thank goodness!) and spacious enough. It had those oh-so-important blackout curtains for a good night's sleep (essential after a long day of sightseeing!). There was a decent amount of space, and a comfy bed with fresh linens. I got free bottled water (always a win!), and even some complimentary tea and coffee (though the coffee was slightly…weak).
Speaking about the shower: it was a-ma-zing! (separate shower/bathtub! Hurray!) The water pressure was strong, and the hot water was plentiful and hot! I may have spent a little longer than necessary under that gloriously hot water. And, if I'm being truly honest, I think the hair dryer also worked. But I rarely use those (my hair is too messy!). Okay, there was a minor inconvenience… the air conditioning was a tad tricky to regulate; I'm not sure what the lowest setting was. Still, nothing major to be concerned about.
Food, Glorious Food (With a Side of Confusion)
The dining situation was… interesting. There's a restaurant, and they offer an Asian breakfast (which I skipped, due to my need for a Western breakfast). They also mentioned a Western breakfast, but I'm not sure of the options were any good. I eventually decided to have a meal at the hotel's restaurant, (maybe dinner), and I think it was a buffet. (Buffets make me nervous; I always feel like I am grabbing the wrong thing.)
There's also a coffee shop, and a pool side bar, and a snack bar. I did appreciate the 24-hour room service, and, a bottle of water was offered. The thing is, the whole dining situation kind of gives you a feeling of slightly lost options, and the buffet did make me a little concerned. I wish the hotel will give some clear options regarding the diet.
Amenities: Spa Dreams and Fitness Fails (And a Pool with a View? Maybe.)
They advertised a bunch of stuff: a fitness center, foot bath, gym/fitness, massage, pool with a view, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, swimming pool, steamroom, etc. - wow! They certainly have ways to relax.
This is where things got a little… fuzzy. I think there was a pool with a view (more research required!), but I didn't actually see it. Same with the fitness center: I'm pretty sure it existed (there was a sign pointing vaguely in a direction), but I didn't venture in. The spa… well, let’s just say I didn't indulge. My inner lazy person kicked in. The idea of a body wrap was tempting after a long day of walking. The gym was also tempting. But my laziness won out. I did, however, appreciate the sauna and steam room; I'm sure I'll go there at some point.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the In-Room Wi-Fi
The hotel offered a lot of services: air conditioning in public area (thank goodness!), audio-visual equipment for special events (I didn’t go to any), business facilities (not my thing), cash withdrawal, concierge, contactless check-in/out (very modern!), convenience store (perfect for those midnight snack cravings), currency exchange (good for tourists), daily housekeeping (appreciated!), doorman (always welcoming), dry cleaning (never used it), elevator (essential!), essential condiments (I think!), facilities for disabled guests (as mentioned, needs more investigation), food delivery, gift/souvenir shop (not my thing), indoor venue for special events (didn’t need one), invoice provided (I got one!), ironing service (never used it), laundry service (very tempting, but I decided not to!), luggage storage (useful!).
The Wi-Fi? Absolutely free in all rooms. And it worked! (A miracle in some hotels!).
For the Kiddos (and the Kid-at-Heart)
The hotel is somewhat family-friendly. The information mentions “kids facilities” and “babysitting service", but I have no experience with this.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
Airport transfer was available (could have been nice!), car park [free of charge] was very welcome! Car park [on-site] was available. Car power charging station was possibly available. Taxi service was available. Valet parking was available (again, didn't use it).
The Quirks & Confessions
Okay, here's where I get real. There were a few… quirks. The signage could be a bit clearer. Sometimes it felt like they were trying to be too many things at once. And, I have to confess, I never quite figured out the best way to ask for directions. I also couldn't find how to request a breakfast in room.
Final Verdict: Worth a Stay? Absolutely.
Despite a few minor hiccups, the Hanting Hotel Niushoushan is a winner. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The rooms are comfortable, and the staff, overall, were friendly and helpful (even if my Mandarin is… let's be charitable and call it "developing"). This place is a solid choice. If you want a relaxing, scenic escape from the city chaos, grab your bag, book a room, and prepare to be… impressed. Just maybe double-check and triple-check the accessibility if that's a priority, and pack a good book for those moments when you just want to stare out the window and drink in the beauty. I'd go back. In a heartbeat. 4 out of 5 stars. (The missing star is for the slightly confusing dining situation and maybe for not quite nailing the spa experience.)
Escape to Paradise: Villa Pudarica, Your Croatian Dream Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is the raw, messy, and hopefully hilarious account of my Nanjing adventure, specifically centered around the Hanting Hotel in Jiangning, with a detour to Niushoushan. Prepare for chaos.
The Great Nanjing Debacle: A Mostly Accurate Itinerary (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival and the Impending Doom of Translation Apps
- 14:00 - Landed! Arrived at Nanjing Lukou International Airport. Okay, deep breath. My Mandarin is…well, let's say "enthusiastic." The translation app is my lifeline, but even it can mangle "Where is the bathroom?" into something suggesting I'm auditioning for a mime troupe.
- 15:00 - Taxi Tango: Found a taxi. Gave the driver the address for Hanting Hotel Jiangning. He looked at me. I looked at the app. The app sputtered something indecipherable. We engaged in a dance of hand gestures and frustrated sighs. Eventually, we (miraculously) agreed on the hotel.
- 16:00 - Check-in Catastrophe (and Triumph): Hanting Hotel. The lobby was…beige. And surprisingly efficient. Check-in? Smooth sailing! Thank the gods. My room? Small, functional, and possibly haunted by the ghost of a bored accountant. I quickly discovered the air conditioning was either "arctic blast" or "sweltering sauna." There didn't seem to be an in-between.
- 17:00 - Snack Quest: Found a convenience store. Faced with a wall of incomprehensible snacks. I grabbed something bright pink and suspiciously gelatinous. Ate it. Regretted it (probably).
- 18:00 - Dinner Debacle (Round 1): Attempted to find an actual restaurant. Walked for what felt like miles. Everything was either closed, completely packed, or had menus that looked like hieroglyphics. Finally, stumbled upon a tiny place with some friendly locals. Pointed at pictures until the waiter gave up and just brought food. It was spicy. Very spicy. Tears were involved. But it was also delicious. Pure, delicious, face-melting, "I can't feel my tongue" delicious.
- 19:30 - Bed. Sweet, Glorious, Slightly Haunted Bed. Passed out.
Day 2: Niushoushan Shenanigans. Oh, and the Monk's Feet!
08:00 - Breakfast (or the lack thereof): Found a sad little "breakfast" section at the hotel. Instant noodles and something resembling a mystery meat bun. I opted for the mystery meat bun. It tasted exactly as expected.
09:00 - To Niushoushan! (The actual destination): Took a Didi (Chinese Uber). The driver blasted what sounded like karaoke versions of power ballads. I was strangely okay with it. The ride was smooth.
10:00 - Niushoushan Buddhist Culture Park - The Jaw-Dropping Moment: Okay, prepare to be blown away. Niushoushan is EPIC. The architecture is magnificent. The temples are stunning. The views? Majestic. I spent a solid hour wandering around with my mouth agape. I'm not even that religious, but the sheer scale and artistry of everything left me speechless. I was particularly struck by the Golden Hall, with a giant jade Buddha inside. The sheer scale of the work is mind-boggling.
* **Doubling Down - The Temple of the Buddha's Footprints!:** *Right*. So, here's where things get really weird (and I'm still grappling with it). There's a temple *dedicated* to the Buddha's footprints. Let me be clear: *footprints*. And they were stunning. The detail of the carvings on the soles of the feet, the reverence of the people paying their respects... it was all incredibly moving. I wasn't expecting to be so profoundly affected by feet. I mean, come on! But there it was.13:00 - Lunch (and the mystery of the "duck blood vermicelli soup"): Tried the local delicacy near Niushoushan. "Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup." Hmm. Okay. It was…an experience. The vermicelli noodles were great. The broth was flavorful. The duck blood…well, it tasted like a slightly metallic version of… something. I ate it. I survived. My curiosity is satiated.
15:00 - Photo Frenzy and the Realization of My Tourist Status: Took a million photos. Tried to look cool. Failed miserably. Realized I was, and probably always will be, a painfully obvious tourist. Oh well.
16:00 - Didi Drama: Attempted to hail a Didi back to the hotel. The app glitched. Lost reception. Panicked. Eventually, managed to flag down a very patient taxi driver.
17:00 - Nap Time (of Supreme Importance): Back at the hotel. Collapsed into bed. Slept the sleep of the utterly exhausted tourist.
19:00 - Dinner Debacle (Round 2): Slightly braver this time. Found a restaurant with pictures that actually looked…edible. Ordered something that turned out to be delicious noodles. No face-melting required.
20:30 - Bed (Again). The comfort of the hotel room and its issues.
Day 3: Departure and the Echoes of Nanjing
- 08:00 - Breakfast and Regret: Another mystery meat bun. Regretted not stocking up on Pringles.
- 09:00 - Final Hanting Hotel Appraisal: A Mixed Bag: This hotel… let's say it's… functional. The location was convenient (once I got the hang of things). The staff were friendly, even when I butchered their language. It wasn't luxurious, but it was clean enough (probably).
- 10:00 - Packing Panic: Stuffing everything back into my suitcase. My luggage is going to need a vacation after this vacation.
- 11:00 - Taxi to the Airport: One last translation app battle. One last wave goodbye to the friendly chaos.
- 12:00 - Goodbye Nanjing: I'm leaving this city with a full heart and a stomach that's a little unsure about future adventures. Nanjing, you've been a wild ride. And frankly, thanks for the Footprints.
Final Thoughts:
- The Food: Spicy. Delicious. Mysterious. Repeat.
- The People: Mostly patient and incredibly kind despite my linguistic shortcomings.
- Would I go back? Absolutely. There's so much more to explore. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn a few more Chinese phrases. Or at least how to navigate the duck blood vermicelli soup situation.
- The Hanting Hotel? Yeah, I'd stay there again. It got the job done. Just bring your own air conditioning settings. And maybe some emergency snacks.
This is my truth. This is my imperfect memory. And this… is my Nanjing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Wenzhou North Railway Station
Unbelievable Nanjing Views: Hanting Hotel Niushoushan's Hidden Gem? (Let's Get Real!)
Alright, folks, let's dive into this Hanting Hotel near Niushoushan. You know, the one promising amazing views? Buckle up. My experience? Well, it's a rollercoaster, to say the least.
1. Okay, the VIEWS. Are they actually *unbelievable*? Seriously?
Right, the million-dollar question. Unbelievable? Well, let's just say my expectations, fueled by those glossy photos, were sky-high. And... they weren't *totally* met. The view from my room? Pretty darn good, I'll admit. You get a decent glimpse of Niushou Mountain, some greenery, and a distant cityscape. But "unbelievable"? Maybe more like, "pleasantly surprised." Remember that time I saw a picture of that hotel room online, practically glowing? Yeah, my reality was more... overcast. Okay, one day a beautiful sunset DID happen. I almost cried.
2. The Room. What's it REALLY like? Is it clean? Are the beds comfortable... or a torture device?
Okay, the room itself. Here's where things get... interesting. Cleanliness? Generally okay. Let's just say it wasn't *spotless*. I did find a rogue hair in the shower, which, frankly, triggered a minor meltdown. (I'm a clean freak, sue me!) The bed? The BED. Oh, the bed. It was... firm. Like, "sleeping on a slightly softened plank of wood" firm. I tossed and turned so much the first night, I thought I'd permanently dislocate my shoulder. Seriously, I had to call reception at 3 AM and begged for an extra pillow. Luckily, the staff were surprisingly lovely, and they brought me three. God bless those extra pillows. I'd probably give the bed a 6/10. Maybe a 7 on a good day.
3. Location, Location, Location! Is it actually near Niushoushan scenic area? And, more importantly, is it NEAR ANYTHING ELSE?
Yes, it's *near* Niushoushan. Like, a short taxi ride. Easy. But "near" also means "kinda isolated." Which is fine if you primarily want to see the mountain and chill. However, if you're like me – easily bored and prone to wandering – you're kinda stuck. There's not a ton of stuff *immediately* around the hotel. You'll need to cab it to get to anything remotely interesting. I spent one entire afternoon just wandering around the hotel area, and nearly died of boredom. So yeah, good for Niushoushan, not so much for impromptu city explorations. I actually spent more time in the hotel lobby than I'd like to admit, people watching, the highlights of the trip...
4. The Staff: Are they helpful or just… present? Any language barriers?
Okay, here is something positive! The staff... they were good! Generally, quite helpful and friendly. English wasn't their strongest suit; some of the communication was... let’s say, creative. However, they genuinely tried. And when my phone charger inexplicably burst into flames (yes, really! I have a photo to prove it!) they were incredibly helpful. They acted fast, got me a replacement, and saved my bacon (or at least, my phone!). So, a big thumbs up for customer service. That charger explosion incident, though, was a bit traumatic! I think I'll be buying the most expensive charger I can find from now on...
5. Breakfast. Tell me about the breakfast! Was it a culinary experience, or did it feel like eating lukewarm sadness?
Breakfast... Oof. Breakfast. This is where things truly unravel. The buffet? Let's just say it's the definition of "adequate." Plenty of options, sure. But the food... oh, the food. Lukewarm, a bit uninspired, and with an unsettling tendency towards greasiness. The coffee tasted like it had been brewed in a bog. I *did* find a decent pastry once. But the rest of the time? I'd hit up the local 7-Eleven for some instant noodles. I'd go back for the noodles, not the breakfast. Basically, lower your expectations. WAY lower.
6. The Vibe. What's the general feeling? Is it romantic, family-friendly, or a bit…lonely?
"The Vibe." Interesting. Honestly, the vibe felt a little... detached. It certainly wasn’t rowdy or party-central, for sure. It’s not the place for a wild weekend. More like a place for a quiet contemplation of things. I saw families, couples on, and a lot of solo travelers. I think it's a bit lonely if you're on your own. You'll be seeing a lot of yourself, in this hotel. I’d say the vibe is… subdued. If you are with a friend or partner, however, it may be a truly special weekend, as the surrounding environment is so beautiful. All is good, as long as you go with a friend, not by yourself.
7. Price. Is it worth the money? Did you feel robbed?
Price... Hmmm. If you're looking for a budget option that is near Niushoushan... yes? It's not going to break the bank. I wouldn't say I felt robbed. But I certainly wouldn't call it a bargain, either. Basically, you get what you pay for. A few quirks. A slightly under-average breakfast. A firm bed. If the price is right and you're only planning on visiting Niushoushan and sleeping, then fine. If you want a more immersive experience… maybe look elsewhere. I might even say to choose a hotel that is in the city. The transportation expenses add up, and I hate the feeling of being in a place with absolutely nothing to do.
8. Would you go back? Be honest!
Here's the brutally honest truth: Probably not. I mean, if I *had* to visit Niushoushan again and the Hanting was the only option? Sure, I'd suck it up. But it wouldn't be my first choice. I'd be looking for a hotel with a slightly better bed. And... and perhaps something with a breakfast that doesn't make you question the meaning of life. Next time, I'll spend a few extra bucks and try something with, hopefully, a bigger bang for your buck.
