Nanjing Xinjiekou Luxury: Hanting Hotel's Unbeatable Metro Access!
Nanjing Xinjiekou Luxury: Hanting Hotel - Seriously, That Metro Access Though?! (A Chaotic Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I’ve just survived Nanjing Xinjiekou Luxury: Hanting Hotel, and let me tell you, it's a whirlwind. This isn't your polished, corporate travel blog, this is the unfiltered, slightly caffeinated take of someone who just wants a decent shower and…wait for it… unbeatable metro access!
The Good – And Boy, Was It GOOD!
Forget the fancy names, forget the "luxury" tag (it's stretching it a bit, let's be honest), the REAL selling point of this place is the Metro Access. Seriously, it's like stumbling out of the hotel doors and POOF! you're practically inside the station. No, I’m not kidding. I'm talking like, if you're late for a connecting train, you've got a reasonable chance. This is HUGE, people. HUGE. For getting around this sprawling city, it's a game-changer. I spent a blissful few days zipping around, feeling smugly superior to the poor souls wrestling with taxis. That is convenience.
I was also pretty jazzed about the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Yes, I yelled it, I'm easily pleased). The internet speed was decent, which is a godsend when you're trying to upload insta pics, or, you know, actually work. Internet [LAN] was also available if you're old school. I didn’t use it, but hey, options!
Cleanliness & Safety – The Germophobe in Me Approved (Mostly)
Okay, so the pandemic has left its mark on how we judge hotels. I'm practically a walking hazmat suit these days, so Cleanliness and safety are HUGE for me. They had a bunch of precautions in place, including Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer everywhere (bless), and Daily disinfection in common areas. They also claimed Rooms sanitized between stays. Look, it wasn't hospital-grade, but it was reassuring. I saw staff wearing masks, and overall, I felt relatively safe. Staff trained in safety protocol – check. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – well, sometimes. Let's just say the elevator situation could have been better. But effort was there.
They even offered the Room sanitization opt-out available. Honestly, I didn’t even know that was a thing. Probably because I would never opt-out. You do you though.
Food, Glorious, Sometimes Questionable Food
Let's talk about fuel. The Breakfast [buffet] situation was… interesting. Let's be honest, the Asian breakfast offerings were probably the safest bet. I'm all for trying new things, but my stomach isn't always on board. The coffee was strong enough to raise the dead, which came in handy after a late night exploring Nanjing. The A la carte in restaurant was an option for lunch or dinner if you didn't feel like the buffet. The Coffee shop was decent for a quick caffeine fix (essential!). There’s a Snack bar for those late night craving, and a Happy hour. I never made it to the Poolside bar, because well, you'll see why later.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart)
I didn't bring any kids with me (thank the travel gods), but I did observe a few families. The hotel is Family/child friendly, which means they probably offer a Babysitting service if you need it. I saw some Kids facilities. This place isn’t exactly Disneyworld, but seems like you won't have a hard time keeping the little ones entertained.
Getting Around – The Metro, Again! (And a Bit More)
Okay, the Airport transfer was convenient, but let's go back to that Metro Access for a sec. Seriously, it changed my life. I’m not exaggerating. They had Car park [free of charge] available, which I didn't use, but hey, it’s there. There’s also a Taxi service, in case you're not a Metro person.
The Not-So-Great – Where Things Got a Little… Murky
Alright, time for honesty hour. Let’s be realistic. "Luxury" is a bit of a misnomer. This isn't the Ritz.
I took a peek at the Swimming pool [outdoor]. It didn't have a Pool with a view sadly, and it looked… not terribly inviting. (It was cold, I suspect, and not well-maintained). I quickly retreated.
Things to do, ways to relax: They have a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness, which I also bypassed. Okay I'm lazy. I did not use the Sauna, the Spa, the Steamroom, or any of the other relaxing things.
Also, the Room decorations were… let's call it minimalist. Clean, but not exactly inspiring. There were some really great rooms, but the one I was in was probably one of the older ones.
The Annoying Bits (And the Small Stuff That Adds Up)
- The Elevator situation was a bit chaotic. Sometimes you'd wait ages.
- The air conditioning felt like a light breeze at times.
- The Doorman, I'm not sure if they existed. A small point that adds to the 'not quite luxury' feeling.
- The vending machine was the one place I saw the Cashless payment service, which was nice but seemed out of place among all the other things.
The Absolute, Complete, Utterly Perfect Metro Access! (I Can’t Say it Enough)
Seriously, even with the less-than-perfect aspects, the Metro access ALONE would pull me back. I'm not kidding. The sheer convenience of stepping out of the hotel and being whisked away to anywhere in Nanjing… it's worth its weight in gold. I'll overlook the slightly dated decor, the mediocre pool, and the occasionally lukewarm breakfast. Because, and I can't emphasize this enough, the Metro access is a game-changer.
Final Verdict
If you're looking for a super-luxe experience, look elsewhere. But if you're a practical traveler who prioritizes location, convenience, and excellent metro access, and you're on a budget, the Nanjing Xinjiekou Luxury: Hanting Hotel is worth a look. Just don’t go expecting the moon. Go expecting the metro. That you’ll definitely get. And honestly, that's all that really matters, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my next trip… and by trip I mean, "Where can I go and have access to a metro like this?"
Kanpur's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Luxury of Shubh By WB Hotels!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Nanjing adventure so real, so raw, it'll practically taste like a perfectly steamed xiaolongbao on your tongue. We're talking unfiltered travel chaos, baby! My base camp? The Hanting Hotel near Nanjing Xinjiekou Metro Station. (Let's be honest, mostly because it was cheap and I figured, "How bad can a Hanting be?"). Spoiler alert: It wasn't bad, exactly. Just… character-building.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (Mostly Due to the Subway)
Morning (Arrival & Jet Lagged Grogginess): Landed in Nanjing. After a flight that felt like it was conducted in slow motion, I stumbled through customs, practically vibrating with exhaustion. Found my pre-booked airport transfer (phew!), which, by the way, smelled suspiciously of old cigarettes and desperation. We zipped through Nanjing, a blur of towering buildings and seemingly endless construction. My first thought? "Wow, this place is HUGE." My second? "Is that smog… or just a particularly dramatic cloud?"
Afternoon (Hotel & Subway Shenanigans): Got to the Hanting. It looks… like a Hanting, you know? Clean enough, small enough, but the fluorescent lighting gives me the kind of headache that makes you question your life choices. Unpacked, showered (bliss!), and then faced the Nanjing subway. Oh, the subway. Navigating the metro was an experience. Initially, the navigation app on my phone was more confusing than a philosophical argument about the meaning of life. After getting lost for a few minutes (the signs were in both Chinese and English) , I felt a small sense of accomplishment . I eventually reached Xinjiekou station, which is basically an underground city. It's enormous. It's overwhelming. I swear I saw a guy selling live chickens in the corner of one of the passageways. (Or maybe that was just the jet lag talking.)
Evening (Food! And More Subway Anguish): Fed the rumbling beast within with some delicious mala xiangguo - a spicy, numbing stir-fry situation. The guy at the restaurant barely spoke English, but we managed to communicate using a combination of frantic pointing, Google Translate, and sheer willpower. Sat there, sweat beading on my forehead (the chilli was serious!), feeling like a conquering hero. Made my way back to my hotel, praying I wouldn't get lost in the subway labyrinth again. I think I did okay in the end.
Day 2: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum & Existential Dread on the Lake
Morning (History and Hairspray): Woke up with a slight fog over my head, and decided to face the day with a smile. After downing some instant coffee that tasted vaguely of cardboard, I headed to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. The place is truly beautiful. Majestic. But! The climb! The endless steps! I swear, by the time I reached the top, I felt like I'd aged twenty years. My legs were screaming, my lungs were burning, and I was starting to question my life choices (again). Still, the view from the top was worth it. Breathtaking. I even managed a decent selfie. (Pride!)
Afternoon (Lake and Loneliness): After the mausoleum, I drifted toward Xuanwu Lake. It's a gorgeous lake, surrounded by lush greenery. I rented one of those little paddle boats, thinking it would be romantic. Instead, it was… hot. And lonely. And the paddle boat barely moved. I ended up just drifting around, watching the families picnicking on the shore, feeling like a total outsider. I ate my sad, pre-packaged sandwich and contemplated the vastness of the universe. Or maybe I was just hungry.
Evening (Confessions and a Failed Attempt at Dumplings): To try and break the mood I stumbled upon an English-speaking pub after dinner at around midnight. After a few beers and some surprisingly good conversation with a local, I figured I'd try to make my own dumplings. I found some questionable-looking dumplings and cooked them. I burnt them. I failed. I ate them anyway.
Day 3: The Massacre Memorial & A Moment of Profound Sadness
Morning (The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall): This was the day I was expecting, a sobering emotional and cultural journey. I knew the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall was going to be intense, and it was. Devastating. Heartbreaking. The scale of the atrocities is almost incomprehensible. I walked through the exhibits, tears streaming down my face. It's a place you need to visit, but be warned… it stays with you.
Afternoon (Shopping and a Whirlwind of Confusion): After the Memorial, I needed a distraction. Shopping seemed like a good idea. I wandered through the shops near Xinjiekou. This was kind of a disaster. The crowds were overwhelming (especially to me), the salespeople were pushy, and I couldn't understand most of the signs. Ended up buying a weird souvenir hat that looks like a giant mushroom. I don't know why. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
Evening (Trying to Feel Happy): I took the mushroom hat out into the streets and the people had a very positive reaction, laughing at it, and wanting to take pictures. I felt happy and excited.
Day 4: A Culinary Triumph (and a Near Subway Incident!).
Morning (The Smell of Food!): Woke up this morning with that familiar feeling of "Wow, I guess I've survived another day". Decided to go to a local street food market. The smell of frying everything filled the air. My stomach began to rumble. I tried everything. Jianbing guozi (savory crepe goodness), tanghulu (candied fruit on a stick), and something deep-fried that I still can't identify but tasted like pure heaven. My tastebuds were having a party.
Afternoon (Subway Terror!): I wanted to get back to the Hanting. But! I took the wrong subway exit, and found myself hopelessly lost in a maze of identical-looking corridors. I was certain I was going to be trapped there forever. I considered writing a strongly worded note to the Nanjing subway authorities. I considered building a small shelter out of brochures. Then, miraculously, I stumbled upon a helpful employee. She spoke very little English, but somehow, through a combination of frantic hand gestures and increasingly desperate pleading, she got me back on the right track. I swear, I almost kissed the subway map.
Evening (Late-Night Noodles and Contemplation): Walked around looking for a small restaurant near the Hotel, and ordered some beef noodles, with that spicy, chilli oil that warms you from the inside out. Finished them, and headed to the hotel.
Day 5: Departure & Unexpected Warmth
Morning (Packing and Regret): I packed my bag, feeling a strange mix of relief and sadness. Nanjing had been a rollercoaster. Up. Down. Sideways. I'd been lost, confused, and occasionally overwhelmed. But I’d also been moved, amazed, and had some incredible food. The mushroom hat? It was, as expected, a purchase I regret.
Afternoon (Goodbye, Nanjing): Airport transfer. Nanjing, you were a trip. I left with a head full of memories and a suitcase full of (mostly useless) souvenirs. Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe. Depends on how I feel about instant coffee in a few years…
Evening (Reflections): Sitting on the plane, I thought about the people I'd met, the food I’d eaten, the places I'd seen. Nanjing, in all its chaotic glory, had gotten under my skin. And, in a weird way, I was already missing it.
Nanjing Xinjiekou Luxury: Hanting Hotel & That Crazy Metro Access! (FAQs - Kinda)
Okay, seriously, is this "unbeatable metro access" really that good? I'm a tourist, not a travel blogger!
Look, let me tell you something. I've seen "close to the metro" promises before, and they usually involve a brisk 15-minute power walk in the sweltering heat. This? This is different. This is like... you leave the hotel lobby, take a few steps, and BAM! You're practically in the station. I swear, I think I saw a pigeon who'd mastered the art of dodging tourists and was also taking the train. Seriously. It's *that* good. It's addictive. You start planning your days around how *easily* you can get places. It's dangerous for your desire to actually walk and experience the city, I'll be honest.
What station is it *actually* closest to? And is the station a good line to be on?
Xinjiekou Station. (Surprise!) And YES, it's an awesome line – Lines 1, 2, and 3 ALL converge there. And let me tell you, Nanjing's metro is CLEAN. Like, ridiculously clean. Like "I'm afraid to breathe on this floor" clean. It's a central hub. You can get *almost anywhere*. The only downside? It. Gets. PACKED. Especially during rush hour. I once got squished against a very large gentleman who was definitely enjoying his lunch. Let’s just say, my afternoon snack plans changed. But hey, at least I got to my destination!
Luxury? Really? It's a Hanting. Isn't that budget? My expectations are already tempered...
Okay, you're not wrong. "Luxury" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It's not the Ritz. Let's be clear. I think "conveniently located and perfectly functional" is probably a better way to put it. Think of it as "budget-friendly with a serious superpower." The rooms are… well, they're clean. The beds are adequate. The shower *mostly* works. One time, the hot water was a bit temperamental...but the metro access? Pure gold. That's the luxury, my friend. Not the fluffy towels.
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep! (And I'm a light sleeper...)
Ah, the eternal question of the light sleeper! Okay, so, Xinjiekou is a *bustling* area. It's alive, people. *Very* alive. You will hear *some* noise. Think distant traffic, occasional chatter in the hallways, maybe the faint hum of the air conditioning. Earplugs are your friend. Bring them. Seriously. Don't be like me and forget your earplugs on your first trip. Because the jetlag exhaustion can be quite brutal and a noisy environment will make the problem even bigger. But the convenience of the metro access *almost* always outweighs the potential noise. *Almost*.
What's the food situation like around the hotel? I'm always hungry.
Oh, the food. Nanjing is a foodie paradise! And Xinjiekou is smack-dab in the middle of it. You've got options galore. Street food stalls everywhere, restaurants, upscale dining, you name it. Get yourself some salted duck (a Nanjing specialty, and unbelievably good – greasy, salty, crispy skin, ahh!), try some *xiaolongbao* (soup dumplings, be careful not to burn your mouth!), and maybe wander into a random noodle shop. Don't be afraid to experiment! I stumbled upon a place that served spicy tofu brains and, frankly, it was a revelation. Okay, maybe it wasn't *luxury* dining, but it was an experience. And speaking of experiences, don't miss the chance to grab some breakfast at the local convenience store before you jump on the metro. I have had the most interesting congee there.
Forget the "luxury" – what's the actual room like? Be brutally honest!
Alright, here's the deal. The rooms are… functional. They're not going to win any design awards. Think minimalist decor. Think small. Think, potentially, a slightly dodgy view (my last room overlooked a brick wall. Romantic, right?). But, listen, you're not spending your *life* in the room, are you? You're there to sleep, shower, and maybe watch some TV (which, let's be honest, you probably won't understand). The beds are comfortable enough. The AC works. The most important thing? It's clean. And that, my friends, is all that truly matters. Clean and close to the metro. That's the winning formula.
Okay, you've convinced me. Any downsides? Anything I need to know *before* booking?
Okay. Real talk. The hotel staff… their English skills can be a little… variable. Some are fluent. Some not so much. Brush up on your basic Mandarin phrases, or download a translator app. Trust me, it'll save you some headaches. Also, the breakfast? I'd skip it. It's... well, let's just say there are better breakfast options nearby. And be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season or holidays. Xinjiekou is a popular spot. But, the metro access... it really does make up for a lot. It’s your secret weapon. Your golden ticket. Your passport to Nanjing. Go on and book it, and enjoy the ride!
