Beijing's HOTTEST New Hotel: Songjiazhuang's Hanting Hotel Awaits!
Forget the Forbidden City (For a Bit!): My Chaotic Confessions About Beijing's Hanting Hotel in Songjiazhuang!
Alright, alright, settle down. You’re probably scrolling through a million travel reviews, your eyes glazing over. Trust me, I get it. But this ain’t your average cookie-cutter hotel review. This is raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly caffeinated (thanks, free coffee in the lobby!). I just hauled myself back from the Songjiazhuang Hanting Hotel, and honestly? I need to vent. And maybe, just maybe, help you decide if this place deserves your precious vacation time.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest (and slightly chaotic) review of Beijing's Hanting Hotel in Songjiazhuang! Discover the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward. Accessibility, Wi-Fi, dining, and more - get the real inside scoop before you book!
Let’s Dive In… (Or Rather, Plunge In, Because This Hotel is Like a Rollercoaster!)
First things first: Accessibility. Listen, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a place that tries. And the Hanting? Well, it tries. The website says it’s wheelchair accessible, but the reality felt… patchy. The lobby had a decent ramp, thankfully, and the elevators worked. But some of the pathways, especially to the restaurant, felt a little…tight. (I may or may not have witnessed a near-collision involving a bewildered, albeit apologetic, bellhop and what looked like a motorized scooter. A very apologetic bellhop.) Ultimately, it's accessible, but double-check if you have particular needs.
Internet Access: Praise Be, the Wi-Fi Gods!
Okay, this is important. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked! Seriously, this is a win. I’m talking streaming-my-cat-videos-at-3-AM-while-battling-jetlag levels of joy. Internet [LAN] wasn’t something I personally needed, but it was there, so kudos. Wi-Fi in public areas was…spotty, but who cares? You're inside!
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams… Then Reality Hits!
Right, so the brochure promised a dizzying array of relaxation options. Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Fitness Center, Gym/fitness, Pool with view. I was practically drooling. Turns out, the Swimming pool [outdoor] was closed for renovations (bummer). The Spa/sauna situation was…well… let's just say I spent more time looking at the facilities than using them. The fitness center was small but functional. I confess, my inner couch potato won, and I opted for a long, hot, very effective foot bath instead! Oh, and the thought of a body scrub and body wrap actually made me chuckle – I picture them as being in their own separate building, it's that big of a thought!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized! … Mostly.
In this post-COVID world, safety is everything. The Hanting gets points for effort. There were signs everywhere about Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays. The Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely at work. They also had Cashless payment service, Safe dining setup, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I even saw doctor/nurse on call and First aid kit! It was a bit overkill for my liking, BUT I'm glad.
Okay, here's a confession. I saw a slight smudge on my door handle once. Okay, maybe it was more than a smudge, and maybe I spent a bit too long scrutinizing it. And maybe I really wanted to opt-out of the Room sanitization opt-out available, but was to afraid to ask. Still, overall, the hotel felt clean. The big thing? They did provide Individually-wrapped food options, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly!)
The Restaurants were the real test. Asian cuisine in restaurant was the main focus, but there was an attempt at Western cuisine in restaurant, too. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well… let's call it "a unique experience." The Coffee/tea in restaurant kept me going. I enjoyed a few soups and salad from a little A la carte in restaurant selection. The Snack bar came in handy during my afternoon slump! One major plus, Bottle of water was always on hand (thank you!).
The biggest drama? I ordered room service. A twenty four hour room service, right? I was HUNGRY! It took over an hour, and when the food finally arrived… it was lukewarm. The server looked sheepish and offered me a free complimentary Bottle of water, and eventually, a discount, which kinda helped.
Services and Conveniences: Perks and… Quirks.
The Hanting actually excels in this department. Air conditioning in public area, Elevator, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Lugging storage, Invoice provided, Laundry service… You name it, they probably have it. The Concierge was helpful, even if their English wasn’t perfect. Cash withdrawal available, Currency exchange also.
But here's a little quirk. They had a Convenience store. You know, a standard convenience store. But it also had a tiny, shrine-like display of…what appeared to be lucky charms. This provided me with hours of amusement!
For the Kids: Probably Fine, Maybe!
I wasn't traveling with kids, but they had a Babysitting service. Family/child friendly facilities noted. The Kids meals were probably better than the 24-hour room service… (I’m still bitter about that.)
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
Alright, let's break down what your potential room entails. Air conditioning: Check. Blackout curtains: YES! Complimentary tea: Always appreciated. Free bottled water: Hallelujah! Hair dryer: Surprisingly powerful. In-room safe box: Mandatory, of course. Refrigerator: Useful for storing… leftover disappointment from room service? (Okay, I'll stop with that.) Satellite/cable channels: Plenty to choose from. Wi-Fi [free]: Again, a godsend.
The Room Itself: (My Honest Opinion)
The room wasn't luxurious, but it was functional. The Bed, wasn’t hard, per say, but it certainly wasn't a plush cloud. However, the Shower worked, and the Toiletries were generic but alright. The Bathroom phone…well, I’m not sure who you'd call, but it was there! There was a Coffee/tea maker, Desk, and Closet. The window that opens was a major plus (fresh air is precious in Beijing!).
Getting Around: Easy-Peasy…ish
The hotel offered Airport transfer, which I appreciated. The Car park [free of charge] was a bonus. There was Taxi service, and I did see a Car power charging station (although I didn't use it).
The Verdict: Worth the Risk?
Look, the Songjiazhuang Hanting is no five-star resort. It has its flaws. It's not a perfect hotel, but it's also not a disaster. It’s a decent option for those looking for somewhere clean, relatively comfortable, and with a decent amount of amenities… at an affordable price!
Would I go back? Maybe. If I'm ever back in Songjiazhuang, needing a clean bed, a strong Wi-Fi signal, and a willingness to embrace a few quirky experiences – absolutely. But I'll pack my own instant noodles, just in case…
Rating: Solid 3.5 Stars (with a slight asterisk for that room service!)
Radisson RED Johannesburg: Rosebank's Hottest Hotel? 🔥
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… me, trying to navigate Beijing, powered by questionable sleep and the promise of dumplings. And Hanting Hotel Songjiazhuang New Branch? Well, we'll see how that holds up. Let's be honest, the "New" is usually a red flag, right? Like, "New and improved… still figuring things out."
Beijing Brain Dump: A (Highly Subjective) Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Noodles of Champions
- Morning (Whenever I Manage to Actually Wake Up):
- 8:00 AM (ish) - Flight Arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Pray to the travel gods my luggage actually arrives this time. Last trip? Let's just say my toothbrush became a permanent resident of… somewhere. It's lost in the limbo of baggage handlers.
- 9:30 AM (ugh, Beijing traffic): Negotiate the airport chaos. Taxi? Subway? I'm terrible at reading Mandarin, but I'm going to wing it. (Spoiler alert: I will probably end up on the wrong train, staring miserably at a map.)
- 11:00 AM (ish) - Check-in at Hanting Hotel… Let's find out how "New" really translates. The pictures online looked suspiciously… clean. (Fingers crossed for no bedbugs! Seriously, the thought gives me the creeps.) I usually end up with the room next to the elevator. I don't know why. And the walls are paper thin.
- Anecdote Time: Okay, so the last time I stayed in a "budget" hotel, the shower curtain was… let's just say, it was more of a suggestion than a barrier. I flooded the entire bathroom. Hopefully this place is… better.
- 12:00 PM - The Quest for Fuel: Find some authentic Beijing eats. This is critical for morale. Okay, I've heard the local cuisine is good, or so everyone says… I'm already starving.
- The Noodle Saga: I'm obsessed with noodles. It's a problem. My mission? Find a hole-in-the-wall noodle joint near the hotel. I'm picturing: steaming bowls, the clatter of chopsticks, the slurping sounds of pure bliss. It's gonna be perfect. Hopefully it's not too spicy… I'm a lightweight.
- Emotional Reaction: Seriously, the thought of a terrible noodle experience fills me with dread. This is more important than the Great Wall at this point. The Great Wall can wait. Noodles, however, demand my immediate attention.
- Quirky Observation: I’ve noticed in my travels (which are admittedly limited) that the best food is often served in places where you'd be too scared to let your grandmother sit down.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch! (Praying for NO food poisoning…)
- Afternoon (The Afternoon Nap is Non-Negotiable - Especially After That Flight):
- 2:00 PM - Naptime! (Hopefully, the hotel's air-conditioning is working and the neighbors aren't throwing a rave.) I’m going to need it. I’m always tired when I travel.
- 4:00 PM - Wandering & Getting Lost: Explore the local area. This is where things usually go sideways. Expect: Wrong turns, awkward interactions with locals, and me looking bewildered.
- 5:00 PM - The First Cultural Experience (Maybe) - (Or at least attempt to) I'll try to find something nearby - maybe a local park or market? I'll channel my inner adventurer. Though the most likely outcome is me accidentally buying something I don't need and can't use.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Debacle: Find another dinner spot. More noodles? Maybe some Peking Duck? (I'm willing to splurge, but the price tags on some of those Peking Duck places can be a bit… eye-watering!)
- Evening (Hope I can stay awake):
- 7:00 PM - Back to the hotel. Time to plan tomorrow.
- 8:00 PM - Start to do some research on what to do tomorrow. I'm thinking of going to the Temple of Heaven. Or maybe just staying in bed and ordering room service. The hotel probably doesn't have room service, come to think of it.
- 9:00 PM - Try to watch some videos. Then I'll probably give up and scroll through social media and stare at the ceiling.
- 10:00 PM - Lights out (hopefully). Here's hoping I sleep like a log.
Day 2: Temple Triumphs (Or a Tourist Disaster)
- Morning (Early Start? No way!)
- 9:00 AM (ish) - Wake up. (Okay, maybe 9:30…) Realize you're still in Beijing, and the jet lag is a real thing.
- 10:00 AM - Temple of Heaven Pilgrimage.
- Quirky Observation: I've always thought the Temple of Heaven looked like some kind of giant blue cupcake. No, I don't know why.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm hoping it's as amazing as the photos. (And that there aren't too many pushy souvenir vendors.) Cultural immersion - bring it on!
- Messier Structure: Walk around… take photos… get overwhelmed by the crowds… accidentally elbow a small child… (I will try not to!)
- Opinionated Language: I'm not entirely certain why the Temple of Heaven is so famous, hopefully, it's a blast. It had better be.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch near the Temple. Probably something I randomly stumble upon. (Praying for no questionable meats.)
- Afternoon (Embracing the Chaos):
- 1:00 PM - Explore local markets. (Oh boy.) I'm going to try to haggle, but I'm terrible at it. I will probably end up paying way too much for a knock-off handbag.
- 3:00 PM- Afternoon Snack. Something sweet, I deserve it.
- 4:00 PM - Explore the Hutongs. The narrow alleyways where the real Beijing is. Get lost. Embrace it. (Hopefully without getting mugged. I mean, that's always a worry, right?)
- 5:00 PM - A moment of reflection… (Or a desperate search for Wi-Fi).
- Evening (Food, Glorious Food!)
- 6:00 PM - Dinner round two! Back to the noodles? Or maybe something else. I'm open to suggestions at this point.
- 7:00 PM - Try to write in a journal. (Or, you know, watch TV in bed.)
- 8:00 PM - Try to plan for tomorrow.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep!
Day 3: The Great Wall - Or the Great Disaster?
- Morning (The Early Bird… Doesn't Get Me Up):
- 8:00 AM - (Attempt to) Wake Up Early. Today's the day for the Great Wall. (This is where things get complicated. The wall itself is a long ways away.)
- 9:00 AM - Get to the Great Wall.
- Anecdote Time: Last time I tried to get to the Great Wall, I ended up on the wrong bus, and got stuck in a traffic jam for three hours. It was not fun. I hope that it doesn't repeat this time.
- Emotional Reaction: I am simultaneously excited and terrified. The Great Wall is a must-see, but I have a feeling it will be crowded, hot, and exhausting.
- Messier Structure: Travel to the Wall… climb the Wall (slowly)… take a million photos… gasp for air… realize the sheer scale of the thing… question my life choices… (you get the idea).
- Quirky Observation: I wonder if they have bathrooms at the top of the Wall. (Important question!)
- 12:00 PM - Lunch with a view… Or a sandwich I bought from a shady vendor. We'll see.
- Afternoon (Wall-Weariness):
- 1:00 PM - Spend some time at the wall.
- 3:00 PM - Head back.
- 4:00 PM - Get back to the hotel. Maybe take a shower.
- Evening (The Calm After the Storm):
- 6:00 PM - Dinner. Time to refuel after conquering (or at least, attempting to conquer) the Great Wall.
Songjiazhuang's Hanting Hotel: You Asked, I (Maybe) Answered!
So, everyone's saying Hanting in Songjiazhuang is the hottest new thing. Is it *really* that good? Spill the tea!
Okay, alright, LISTEN. "Hottest new thing" is a *bit* of a stretch, isn't it? I mean, this isn't some glitzy, rooftop-pool-with-champagne kind of place. Let's just say it's... popular. And popular in Songjiazhuang usually means *convenient*. Which, I guess, is a good thing. It's close to the subway, which is a lifesaver in Beijing. But "amazing"? Nah. More like... reliably available. My first impression? "Clean enough." Now, I've stayed in some questionable places. This is definitely not one of those. Which, honestly, is already a win in my book.
What's the *vibe*? Is it for tourists, locals, what?
Oof, the vibe. Okay, picture this: It's a Tuesday. You’re tired. You’re sweating (Beijing, right?). You just want a bed. That's the vibe. Practical. Functionally efficient. I saw a mix. Business travelers looking exhausted, families with kids (good for them!), and the occasional intrepid tourist clinging to their Lonely Planet. Nobody's there to "vibe." They're there to "exist." Including me, the first time I booked… I’d been on a REALLY long trip with a really long layover. Didn't even think to look at the reviews. Big mistake… Not a *terrible* one, but a mistake nonetheless. Anyway, the point is, if you're looking for a party, go elsewhere. If you're looking for a place to crash after a long day of… well, *existing*, you're in the right place.
The rooms... tell me about the rooms. Are they tiny? Any surprises?
Tiny? Honey, it's Beijing! Expect *compact*. I'd describe the rooms as efficiently designed. Which, I'll be honest, is just code for "small." You get the basics: bed (surprisingly comfy, actually), a TV that probably doesn't have English channels, and a bathroom that's… well, it's *there*. The shower? Okay, this is a *tiny* rant: the water pressure was fine, but the drain… let's just say you might be standing ankle-deep in water by the end of your shower. And the *surprises*? My first room had a view… of a brick wall. I mean, literally, a brick wall. I almost cried, mostly because jet lag. So, consider yourself warned. The *second* room I got, the AC wasn't working properly. It was a real "what fresh hell is this" moment. But they moved me right away. Seriously, the staff were pretty good about it.
Is the breakfast any good? I NEED my morning coffee!
Breakfast. Ah, the eternal hotel breakfast dilemma. Let's just say, don't get your hopes up. Think… buffet-style. Think… a bit of everything, but nothing *amazing*. There were some noodles, a few sad-looking pastries, and the usual suspects – rice porridge, some questionable meat dishes. The coffee? Let's be kind and say it's… functional. I remember one particular morning, after a *rough* night in the city, I just stood there, staring at the buffet, thinking, "Is this my life now?" In short, manage your expectations. Grab a coffee elsewhere, or maybe pack some instant. You have been warned. But the egg was pretty good.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Do they speak English?
The staff… okay, this is where Hanting shines, actually. They're generally pretty helpful. And yes, some of them speak English, or at least enough to get by. They're efficient, they’re polite, and they seemed to really *try*. I had an issue with my room’s AC, and they fixed it right away. I needed a taxi at 5 am, and they sorted it out without batting an eyelid. They’re not overly chatty, but honestly, after a long day of travel, you don’t always *want* the overly-friendly. A simple, "Hello, how can I help?", spoken with a smile (even if the smile felt a little forced) goes a long way. So yeah, the staff were genuinely a plus, even if the actual ambiance was... well, what it was.
Location, location, location! Subway access: good or a nightmare?
Okay, this is the BIG selling point. The subway. This is where Hanting *wins*. It's right there. Walk out the door, and you're practically tripping over the entrance. Seriously, it’s a dream for getting around Beijing. I mean, if you're trying to travel *anywhere* in this city, the subway is your best friend. It cancels the cost of a bad room, mostly. The convenience alone makes it worth it, honestly. No haggling with taxi drivers, no getting stuck in Beijing traffic (which is, let’s be real, a special level of hell). Subway access: absolutely, positively, a resounding YES.
Anything else I should know *before* I book? Any hidden costs or weird things?
Hidden costs? Hmmm… not that I can recall. Weird things? Well… there was the slightly aggressive air freshener smell in the hallway, but you get used to it. Oh, and the Wi-Fi can be a bit… spotty. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. Just download your Netflix movies beforehand, okay? Also, the walls aren't exactly soundproof. You *will* hear your neighbors. Especially if they're… you know. Never mind. Bring earplugs. And maybe pack your own pillow. No, wait, I’m just being picky. Just go in knowing what it is: a clean, convenient, and *affordable* place to sleep. And honestly? Sometimes, that's all you need.
So, final verdict: Worth it?
Okay, final verdict in **bold** YES, with a major asterisk. If you need a cheap, clean place to sleep near the subway in Beijing, and you're not expecting luxury? Then, yes! Absolutely. It's perfectly fine. It's not *amazing*, it's not luxurious, but it's *functional*. And in Beijing, that can be a lifesaver. My advice? Go in with low expectations, pack earplugs, and enjoy the convenience. And maybe bring your own coffee.
