Nanjing's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Qinhuai South - Unbelievable Luxury!
Holiday Inn Qinhuai South: Nanjing's Actually Hidden Gem - Seriously, Unbelievable Luxury & A Few Minor Hiccups
Okay, people, buckle up. I've just returned from a stay at the Holiday Inn Qinhuai South in Nanjing, and let me tell you, it's less "holiday" and more "holy moly, this is incredible." From the moment I walked in, I felt like I’d stumbled into a secret society of comfort and zen. This place isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. And I’m about to spill the tea… or, you know, the complimentary bottle of water they hand you upon arrival.
First Impressions: Beyond the Lobby
The lobby itself is stunning, a minimalist masterpiece with soaring ceilings and an understated elegance. This wasn't just a 'pretty' lobby, it radiated a sense of calm. And the staff? Absolute professionals. Smooth check-in, friendly faces, and a general aura of efficiency that's rare these days. (Though, I'll admit, my Mandarin is… well, let's just say I was glad they spoke English. My initial attempt at a greeting was met with a slightly amused smile. Oops.)
(SEO & Metadata Note: Keywords are starting to organically flow here. "Holiday Inn Qinhuai South," "Nanjing hotel," "luxury hotel," "accessible hotel" - all good.)
Accessibility - A Welcome Sigh of Relief
Now, I’m not a wheelchair user myself, but I did get a peek at their accessible rooms, and they were thoughtfully designed. Wide doorways, grab bars in the bathrooms, and everything placed within easy reach. Knowing that options are available is always a plus, and it's absolutely a sign they're paying attention. (Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests)
Rooms: Cloud Nine, Basically
My room? Oh, my room. Think plush carpeting, a ridiculously comfortable bed, and blackout curtains that banished the Nanjing city glow. The (Air conditioning) worked flawlessly, the (Internet [LAN], Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]) was lightning-fast (perfect for streaming those late-night guilty pleasures), and the (Safety/security feature, In-room safe box) gave me peace of mind. The view wasn't bad either; a bustling Nanjing streetscape, the perfect backdrop for my daily dose of "wow, I'm actually here." They got this right, really right. I slept like a log. The (Alarm clock) was perfect, though I probably wouldn't have needed it with how comfortable the beds were! *(Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, 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.)
Food Glorious Food! (and My Near-Disaster at Breakfast)
The dining options were… overwhelming in the best possible way. (Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar, A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Room service [24-hour]) I dove headfirst into the buffet breakfast (because, hello, what else is one supposed to do?) and it was a feast for the senses. Seriously, I practically rolled out of the restaurant, stuffed to the gills with everything from dim sum to Western pastries.
Now, here's where things get a little… interesting. I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit of a clumsy eater. One morning, laden with a plate piled high with bacon and scrambled eggs, I tripped. Not a graceful stumble, mind you. A full-on, cartoon-level wipeout. Food everywhere. My face was beet red, certain I'd committed the ultimate hotel breakfast faux pas.
But the staff? They couldn’t have been kinder. They swooped in with napkins, offered to replace my plate, and even gave me a (very discreet) extra helping of bacon. Zero judgment. Pure, unadulterated hospitality. It was actually a really lovely moment, and it certainly underscores that they are well (Staff trained in safety protocol), and it’s all so well handled. They also offered (Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Alternative meal arrangement).
They also seemed to be really careful about the (Sanitized kitchen and tableware items), which is really welcome nowdays, especially given the events of the past few years.
Relaxation Central: Pools, Spas, and Bliss
Okay, let’s talk unwinding. The (Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view) was stunning, overlooking the city, and the (Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Fitness center)? Pure, unadulterated indulgence. I spent an afternoon getting a massage that melted away every last bit of stress. Seriously, I think I slept for a solid hour afterward. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The (Poolside bar) was super convenient too.
*(More on this later, but the spa experience deserves a whole section to itself. It was *that* good.)*
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and a Sanitizing Obsession)
This hotel takes cleanliness seriously. Really seriously. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, 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, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) The hallways gleamed, there were hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and it genuinely felt safe. Even with the virus still lingering, I felt confident. They really put in the work for this.
The Little Extras: Services and Conveniences That Matter
From the incredibly helpful (Concierge) to the (Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service) to the (Food delivery), this hotel clearly understands how to make your stay as effortless as possible. The (Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Non-smoking rooms) are all appreciated. I loved the (Daily housekeeping) – my room was always spotless.
*(Services and conveniences, 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, Indoor venue for special events, 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, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us!)
While I didn't have any kids in tow, I did notice the (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) available. Good to see a hotel catering to families!
Getting Around - Effortless Exploration
The hotel’s location is fantastic, easy to navigate to other attractions. The (Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking) makes city life way easier.
The Spa: A Deep Dive into Relaxation (and Possibly Heaven)
Okay, I promised, and here it is: The Spa. I walked in a stressed, frazzled individual who had been running at 100mph for months. I walked out a puddle of relaxed contentment. This wasn't just a massage; it was a full-body, mind-clearing, soul-soothing experience. The ambiance was perfect – low lighting, calming music, and an overall sense of serenity. The therapist was skilled, professional, and knew exactly how to work out all the knots in my back. I went for the full package: massage, body scrub, the works. It was worth every single penny. If you stay here, do not skip the spa. Seriously. Don’t.
The Okay-But-Not-Perfect Bits (because no place is perfect)
Honestly? There weren't many.
Luxury Escapes Await: Unbeatable Hotel Suedtor Backnang Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, pre-digested travel itinerary. This is my chaotic, kimchi-stained, slightly-hungover trip to Nanjing, China, specifically at the… deep breath… Holiday Inn Nanjing Qinhuai South By IHG. Let's see if I can actually do this.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Wall of Wall-ness (aka, the hotel)
- 06:00 AM (Beijing Time, which is now my time): Wake up. Or, more accurately, try to wake up. The jet lag is a beast! My internal clock is currently flipping pancakes on a Sunday afternoon while I'm supposed to be powering through a new day in Nanjing. Stumble to the miniature airport bathroom. I've always found that the best way to combat sleepiness and jet lag is an early start on the morning routine.
- 08:00 AM: Arrival at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG): Okay. The airport is… well, it’s clean. Very clean. I didn’t think my travel bag was in such a bad condition though! Navigating the customs form felt like trying to assemble IKEA furniture after downing six shots of espresso. Success! (mostly)
- 09:00 AM: Taxi to Holiday Inn Nanjing: Found a taxi – a victory! The driver was a lovely old man who, despite not speaking a lick of English, managed to communicate (through a mix of pointing, expressive hand gestures, and a lot of giggling) that he thought my oversized backpack looked like a miniature mountain. He wasn’t wrong. He also played some ear-assaulting C-pop that both thrilled and traumatized me.
- 10:00 AM: Check-in Blues: Okay, the Holiday Inn. Standard. Clean enough. No discernible character so far, other than the slightly aggressive air conditioning. The front desk guy was super nice though; even with my wonky Chinese, he still managed to get me checked in. I felt like I should leave him a bigger tip.
- 11:00 AM: Room Reconnaissance & Hotel Exploration: The room is, as suspected, pretty generic. But, the view! Not bad, actually. The window looks down over the city, or at least, part of the city. It's a sprawling place! I'll try to get myself organized.
- 11:30 AM: Nap? No, no. Gotta fight jet lag. Must. Persevere. But… the bed looks so comfy… (This might be a lie.)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch Fail & Street Food Savior: Okay, I'm starving. Found a small restaurant nearby. The menu was entirely in Mandarin. After a disastrous attempt to order something I thought was noodles but turned out to be a plate of… well, let’s just say it involved things I couldn’t identify, and I was too chicken to ask – I bailed. Found a glorious street food cart selling jianbing (savory crepe). Saved. Me.
- 01:00 PM: Rest & Recon: Back to the hotel to rest before the afternoon.
- 03:00 PM: Tour of the City/Scenic Tour: The moment I actually made it through the city. I chose to have a walking tour, for the freedom of movement and the opportunity to stop and enjoy the small things I like to see.
- 07:30 PM: Dinner-ing at Restaurant: The restaurant, recommended in the hotel, was surprisingly good. So good that I am considering getting a second portion. Definitely worth checking out.
Day 2: Ming Dynasty Madness & Temple Tantrums
- 08:00 AM: Hangover & Breakfast: The jet lag is a cruel mistress. Woke up with a minor headache and a mild existential crisis. The Holiday Inn breakfast buffet is… well, it exists. Edible, mostly. The mystery meat situation is less concerning than the questionable fruit.
- 09:00 AM: Tomb of the Emperor (Ming Dynasty Tombs): Taxi ride! The journey was an adventure in itself. The driver kept looking at me, and I think he pitied me. The tombs themselves were impressive – the scale of these mausoleums is mind-blowing. The sheer weight of history makes your head spin. I was feeling very small.
- 11:00 AM: Temple of the Soul (Linggu Temple): This temple. Wow. The architecture is stunning, the atmosphere, serene. Spent an hour wandering slowly, contemplating the universe (and the fact that I hadn't packed a hat). The incense smoke makes you want to breath in the atmosphere.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch (Again, the Food Adventure): Decided to be adventurous. Found a small, local place. Pointed at a picture of something that looked vaguely like dumplings. Ended up with… something else. Let's just say, the translation app didn't help.
- 02:00 PM: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall: This was heavy. Heartbreaking. Devastating. Can't even really describe it without getting overwhelmed. A necessary visit, but be prepared. I spent a lot of time just… standing there, feeling the weight of what had happened. It left me speechless.
- 05:00 PM: Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Museum: A great tour, it was interesting to discover a bit of what Chinese history has, offering a new perspective on events that I did not have before.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner & Early Night: Had some dinner with friends at a local fast-food restaurant.
Day 3: Confucius, Culture & the Great Return
- 08:00 AM: Breakfast: The hotel breakfast is getting old.
- 09:00 AM: Nanjing University: I thought I'd take a peek at the campus. It's beautiful. Old, and with an amazing campus.
- 11:00 AM: Qinhuai River Cruise: The tour was fun, and I spent a lot of time taking photos. It was a great memory!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch near the Confucius Temple: This time, I ordered something with English. Thankfully it worked.
- 01:00 PM: Confucius Temple: The temple was busy, and amazing to see. I was shocked to walk around and see the buildings.
- 04:00 PM: Departure: Time to go home.
Overall Thoughts:
- The Holiday Inn: Fine. Functional. Not inspiring, but I slept. It's a hotel, not a portal to another dimension.
- Nanjing, Oh Nanjing: This city is a lot. History, food, chaos, beauty, sadness… it’s all there. I came expecting one thing, and got something completely unexpected. I'm definitely glad I came.
- Me: I'm exhausted, slightly confused, and definitely need more sleep. And maybe a good, solid cheeseburger.
- Most Important: Don't be afraid to get lost, to make mistakes, to eat something you don't understand and to embrace the chaos. Because that's where the best stories come from.
So yeah. That's my Nanjing adventure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some proper coffee. And maybe a nap. Definitely a nap. Good luck.
Unbelievable Victoria House Portland: Your Aussie Dream Awaits!
Ask Me Anything (About My Messy Life!)
1. Okay, okay... So, what *exactly* do you do all day? Be honest!
Honestly? A hodgepodge. It's like a frantic juggling act, but instead of balls, it's things like "Answer emails I've been dreading," "Try to remember where I put my keys for the *seventh* time," and the eternally frustrating one: "Decide what to eat for dinner." Then there's the whole "pretend I know what I'm doing" part of my job. Oh, and somewhere in all that chaos attempts at being a decent human being, you know, the bare minimum. There's also the secret ingredient: procrastination. I try to fight it. Some days I win. Most days, the cat wins. (Literally, she naps in the sun and judges me).
2. What’s the hardest part about your job?
This is a tough one, because it shifts. Last week, it was a deadline I *almost* missed (I was rescued by a caffeine overdose and sheer panic). Before that? The endless stream of emails. Seriously, it's a digital hydra. You slay one, and two more sprout up in its place. And then there's the imposter syndrome, that little gremlin whispering, “You’re faking it! They're gonna find out!” Ugh.
3. What are you passionate about? (Besides complaining, obviously!)
Okay, okay, I *try* not to complain *too* much. But seriously, I love a good story. Books, movies, even those ridiculously produced "reality" shows – I'm in. I also have a weird obsession with the perfect cup of coffee, which I’m *still* chasing. The pursuit is the joy, I guess. And hey, seeing people I care about happy... that's pretty darn good. Sometimes it's the simple things.
4. How do you deal with a bad day and more specifically, How do you pick yourself up after a major fail?
Oh, *man...* Bad days? I've had a few. Okay, let's be real, *many*. And major fails? Ugh. The worst one involved a presentation, a technical glitch, and me basically turning into a deer in headlights. The recovery process? First, I usually retreat. Dark room, comfy clothes, and the biggest tub of ice cream I can find. Then, and this is key, a good friend, preferably one who’ll make me laugh and point out all the things I *didn’t* mess up. After you’ve wallowed, it's like, "Okay, what did I learn? How do I not repeat this?” Then it’s time to try again. It's a messy, complicated process, honestly. And sometimes the ice cream is still a thing after that. Don't judge.
5. What’s something you wish you were better at?
Patience. Oh, sweet, blessed patience. I’m working on this! Like, *constantly*. I'm a work in progress, a slow, sometimes frustrating, always evolving work in progress. The ability to stay calm during a crisis would also be a bonus. And maybe remembering to fold the laundry *before* it becomes a mountain range in my bedroom. I also REALLY want to learn to bake. The smell of fresh bread is the siren song of my foodie dreams, but my burnt offerings are not.
6. What's your biggest pet peeve? What's the dumbest thing you've ever done? Ever had a really dumb thought?
Pet peeves? Sloppy writing, people who talk on speakerphone in public, and... okay, I'll stop there before this becomes a full-blown rant. The *dumbest* thing I've ever done? Probably the time I... well, it's a long story involving a questionable fashion choice and a very unfortunate encounter with a rogue sprinkler system. Let's just say I was mortified, soaked, and learned a valuable lesson about trusting my instincts. Dumb thoughts? ALL THE TIME!! Questionable decisions? Most days. We're all flawed.
7. What are your goals for the future?
To be less of a hot mess? Kidding! (Mostly). I want to write more, travel more (if I can ever afford it), and to eventually be able to make a decent loaf of bread. Seriously. And to surround myself with people I adore. But more than any of that? I want to be happy. And to keep growing. And to maybe, just maybe, learn to meditate without falling asleep. Wish me luck!
8. What's a time you felt truly proud of yourself?
Okay, this is going to sound really small, but… finishing a challenging project that I *knew* was going to be a beast. The kind that felt impossible at the start. The kind that made me want to scream into a pillow. The feeling I got the moment I hit “send”. It was like I had conquered Everest. Or, more accurately, the small mountain of my own insecurities. And then the client actually liked it. And that, my friends, was a victory.
9. What's your favorite way to relax or unwind?
A long, hot bath with a book and a glass of wine. Okay, maybe two glasses. Throw in some good noise-canceling headphones and I can be transported away. Or, sometimes, just curling up on the couch with my cat. She’s a pro at the whole relaxation thing. I can learn something from her. And yeah, maybe some mindless scrolling on my phone. Don't judge!
