Yulin's BEST Hotel? Hanting Hotel Railway Station Review (SHOCKING!)
Yulin's BEST Hotel? Hanting Hotel Railway Station Review (SHOCKING!) - A Rollercoaster of a Stay!
Okay, so I just stumbled out of the Hanting Hotel Railway Station in Yulin, and honestly, my brain feels like someone's been juggling chainsaws. This place… it's an experience. And not always the good kind. So, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea, the noodles, and whatever questionable liquid was in that "complimentary" bottle of water. This review will probably be a mess, but hey, so was my stay!
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic):
Right, so the name itself promises… something. "BEST Hotel"? Bold claim, Hanting. Very bold. I pulled up, and the exterior… wasn’t exactly screaming “five-star luxury.” More like, “functional and probably needs a fresh coat of paint.” But hey, I’m easy. Or at least, I thought I was.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Okay, so this is important. The hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests. And there is an elevator (thank the heavens!), which is a huge plus because my aching knees were not ready for a climb. But I didn't see any specific details on accessible room features. This is something they could improve, for sure.
Check-in/out & Services (The Bureaucracy Begins!)
The check-in was… let's say, thorough. Contactless? Yeah, I wish! I had to fill out about a million forms, and the staff, bless their hearts, spoke… limited English. Thankfully, I managed to muddle through, but it wasn't exactly a breeze.
- Check-in/out [express]: They say they have express check-in/out. I didn't see it. Maybe I just didn't look hard enough?
- Concierge: Nonexistent. I had a few questions, and… crickets. Well, not actual crickets, but you get the picture.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent! The room was always spick and span, and the staff were super polite. Seriously, top marks for the housekeeping crew.
- Luggage storage: Yep, they do have this, but it was a bit chaotic. Found my suitcase eventually.
Room Revelations (And a Close Call with the Blackout Curtains):
My room… well, let's just say it was functional. Clean-ish. The bed was… there. (Extra-long bed? I'm not sure. I wasn't measuring, I was trying to sleep!)
- Wi-Fi [free]: Thank goodness for the Wi-Fi. It wasn't blazing fast, but it worked, which is a win.
- Air conditioning: Yep. Crucial during the Yulin summer.
- Blackout curtains: OMG. Close them carefully. I almost got swallowed by the mechanism. A near death experience, I assure you.
- Complimentary bottled water: See above re: questionable liquid. I stuck with tea.
- Bathroom: Standard stuff. Clean, but not exactly luxurious. The shower was… functional.
- In-room safe box: I didn't use it. Maybe I should have.
- Non-smoking: Thank god!
- Alarm clock: Yes, but I used my phone.
- Desk & Laptop workspace: Provided, but not the comfiest to sit on.
- Hair dryer: Functional. I was just glad there was one.
The Food (A Culinary Adventure… or Calamity?):
Okay, the food’s where things got… interesting. Let's start with the positive:
- Breakfast [buffet]: It existed! There was a buffet. And it was… well, let's call it "eclectic." Mix of Asian and Western options. I bravely tried the congee (rice porridge), which actually wasn't bad. The coffee, however, tasted like burnt tires.
- Coffee shop: Not really. More like, coffee adjacent.
- Restaurants: The main restaurant served a mix of Asian and Western cuisine. I had some noodles, and they were… edible.
- Room service [24-hour]: Surprisingly, yes! This was a lifesaver when I was feeling too lazy to move.
Now, here’s where it gets dicey:
- Food delivery: I did see some people ordering delivery, so that’s a plus.
- Vegetarian restaurant: They had a few veggie options, but not a dedicated vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do (And Ways to Avoid Them):
This a hotel, not a resort. It's mostly a place to stay. So, don't expect a spa day.
- Fitness center: I think I saw one, but I am not a gym person.
- Pool with view: Nope.
- Spa: Nope.
- Sauna: No luck.
Cleanliness and Safety (Hoping For the Best):
This is where I started to breathe a little easier. The hotel seemed to be taking things seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Hopefully, they were using them!
- Hand sanitizer: Available at the front desk.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed to be happening.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Again, hopefully!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed to be doing their best.
Getting Around (Easy Peasy or Painful Journey?):
- Car park [free of charge]: Available. A definite bonus.
- Taxi service: Easy to find.
- Airport transfer: Not sure, but I would guess they can arrange it.
The Verdict (Would I Go Back? Good Question…):
Okay, so the Hanting Hotel Railway Station… it’s a mixed bag. It’s definitely not the "BEST" hotel in Yulin. Far from it. It's functional, it's cheap, and it gets the job done. If you're on a budget and you need a place to crash near the station, then yeah, it's fine. Just don't go in expecting luxury or fine dining. Expect things to be a bit… rough around the edges.
Here's the deal: I give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. It did the job, especially with the housekeeping, but there's plenty of room for improvement. Book with a healthy dose of realism, and you might survive your stay (and maybe even find it… memorable!). I’m still not sure if I’m traumatized or strangely charmed. Maybe both.
Escape to Paradise: Blue Dream Hotel, Monselice, Italy
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to wrangle a trip around Yulin, China, starting and (hopefully) ending at the Hanting Hotel near the Yulin Railway Station. God, I hope I booked the right one. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Wall (Kind Of… Maybe?)
Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Landed in Yulin. Humidity hit me like a wet wool blanket. Seriously, my hair immediately assumed a life of its own. Took a deep breath, reminded myself I’m here, and not in a Starbucks, and tried to wrangle a taxi. Turns out, my Mandarin skills are about as solid as a bowl of jello on a hot day. Gestures, pointing, and a lot of hopeful eyebrow-wagging finally got me to the Hanting Hotel. Room small, clean, exactly what I expected for the price. Decent!
Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Okay, breakfast. Found the "breakfast buffet" – a collection of… well, interesting things. Didn’t recognize half of it, but hey, adventure! Tried the congee (rice porridge) with something that resembled a pickled… cucumber? Texture was… unique. Let’s just say my taste buds are going to be working overtime.
Morning (10:30 AM): The Great Wall of China. Or, at least, my attempt to find it. I envisioned myself, stoic, overlooking the vast landscape, blah blah blah. Reality: took a local bus (another adventure in itself – felt like I was starring in a low-budget action film) out to the remnants of a section of the Wall. It was… not exactly the postcard view. More like a crumbling, yet still impressive, collection of bricks. The scenery was gorgeous. The air was fresh. So maybe it was a success!
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch! Found a tiny, bustling local restaurant near the Wall. No English menu, of course. Pointing, miming, and a lot of luck. Ended up with a plate of noodles, questionable meat, and something fiery that made my face feel like I was trying to breathe fire. Delicious, in a "I may now need a fire extinguisher" kind of way.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back to the hotel. The bus ride back was a repeat of the morning's antics. I am proud to say I did not miss my stop. Shower and a little nap. Travel fatigue, I tell ya.
Evening (6:00 PM -ish): Dinner. Decided to be slightly more adventurous. Found a place advertising “Local Specialties.” Ordered something that was definitely not on my radar before today. It had a strong, pungent smell. Honestly. It was a weirdly satisfying meal.
Evening (8:00 PM): Wandering around the area around the hotel. The street vendors are amazing! Smells, sights, sounds… overwhelming, in the best way possible. I found a vendor selling something that looked like a giant, spicy sausage. Had to try it, of course. Burned my tongue. Worth it.
Evening (9:00 PM): Passed out in bed. Jet lag is a beast.
Day 2: Pagodas and the People (Mostly, Anyway)
Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast – Conquered the buffet! Did not attempt the pickled cucumber. Progress.
Morning (9:30 AM): More cultural exploration. Was supposed to go to a famous pagoda, but the traffic was… insane. Okay, so I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to things I want to do. Ugh. Got lost in a few of the local shops. Which, honestly, was better. I bought a ridiculously cheap, and very glittery, fan. Regret to come later, I'm sure.
Morning (11:00 AM): Found a park! Watched some locals doing Tai Chi. So graceful! I attempted to copy… resulted in a series of clumsy, flailing gestures. I’m going to stick to the glittery fan.
Afternoon (12:30 PM): Lunch. Found a place that advertised “Dumplings!” Yes! Dumplings! I love dumplings. These dumplings were… a revelation. The filling was savory and perfect. The dough was delicate… I may have ordered a second plate. And then a third.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): More wandering. Tried to buy postcards. I spent a solid hour looking at things that looked like postcards. I was stumped. Asked a local. The local then went through his own wallet to find an older postcard to assist me! Seriously, such kindness.
Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Journaling. Realizing I didn’t buy the right adapter. The battery on my phone is dwindling. Panic rising.
Evening (6:30 PM): The Great Adapter Hunt! The hotel staff, bless their souls, tried to help. They pointed me in the direction of a “tech market.” Which turned out to be a labyrinth of shops, flashing lights, and overly-enthusiastic vendors. I finally got an adapter! Celebratory dinner.
Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner at a random restaurant. Ordered the “Spicy Beef Noodles.” It was a mistake of epic proportions. My mouth is still on fire. But hey, at least the adapter works. And the glittery fan… shines.
Evening (9:00 PM): Bed. Good night.
Day 3: The End (Maybe with Tears)
Morning (7:00 AM): Last breakfast. I feel like I've won some kind of award. I survived and enjoyed it. Even the pickled cucumber. Almost.
Morning (8:00 AM): Check out. Said goodbye to the friendly faces at the Hanting Hotel. I actually felt a pang of sadness. This messy, chaotic, wonderful place had grown on me.
Morning (9:00 AM): Train station. Oh, right. I have to leave. My train departs for… somewhere. Check the ticket. Ah, good.
Morning (9:30 AM - On): The train station. The chaos is just… delicious. People rushing, shouting (in a language I don’t understand), the smells of street food mingling with… well, let's just leave it at "a lot of people."
Morning (10:00 AM): Boarding the train. Found my seat. Relief washed over me. (Until the kids next to me started screaming… but hey, adventure, right?).
Reflections:
Yulin. China. What a ride. It wasn't perfect. I got lost. I ate food that made my eyes water. I struggled with the language. But I experienced something real. Something raw. Something beautiful. I learned to be a little less afraid, a little more open. I'll never forget this… glittery fan.
And the dumplings. Oh, the dumplings.
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Yulin's "BEST" Hotel? HanTing Railway Station Review - Yeah, Shocking. Let's Get Real.
Okay, spill it. Is this HanTing place REALLY that bad? Should I just, like, sleep on the train?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Bad" is a strong word. But is it... *ideal*? Nah, not exactly. Look, it's HanTing, a budget chain, so expectations should be appropriately low, right? Coming off the train at Yulin Railway Station after a godawful train ride and a desperately wanting a hot shower, this place beckoned. But, uh... it’s less a beacon of luxury and more a slightly flickering fluorescent lightbulb of existence. It depends on your priorities. If "cleanliness and a vaguely functional bathroom" are on your list, then, yeah, you might survive. Sleeping on the train? Unless you're built like a contortionist and love the rhythmic shunting of freight cars at 3 AM, probably not. Let's just say, your mileage *will* vary.
The *room*! Tell me about the ROOM. (Please don't tell me about the bedbugs...)
Bedbugs! Don’t even go there. Okay, the room. Picture this: Tiny. Seriously, like, you could reach out and touch all four walls at once if you stretched. The furniture? Minimalist, to put it kindly. Think: a bed (which, thankfully, *appeared* bedbug-free), a desk (small, wobbly, and probably made of compressed sawdust), and a tiny TV. The air con was… well, it *made* noise, which sometimes masqueraded as actually *cooling* things down. Sometimes. I swear I saw the temperature dial laughing at me. And the window? Looking out at the… other HanTing Hotel room windows. So, privacy was… optional. But hey, at least I figured out who was also up at 3 AM wondering why their TV remote didn't work!
Oh! Then, speaking of the room, the lighting.. Think about a hospital! Or a morgue. And a question about the room, it was hard to find the light switch. I wandered a full five minutes around the room!
The Bathroom. I need details. I *need* them.
Alright, deep breaths. The bathroom. Okay. It's… cramped. Like, you could practically shower and brush your teeth simultaneously. The water pressure? Sporadic. One minute you're getting a gentle trickle, the next you're getting blasted with a fire hose. The temperature? Equally unpredictable. One time I got a scalding sensation! The toilet, well, it flushed. Eventually. After a bit of coaxing. Toiletries? Let's just say the "body wash" felt suspiciously like dish soap. I brought my own, because honestly, I'm not trying to smell like a plate. My advice? Bring your own shampoo, conditioner, and a sense of humor. Oh, and maybe some industrial-strength hand sanitizer. Just in case.
What about the staff? Were they… human? (Good or bad?)
Mostly! Look, they were trying. The check-in process was, shall we say, efficient. Not exactly a warm welcome with a smile, but they got me a room, and that’s what mattered at that point. One lady, who I think was having a very bad day, stared me down when asked for help with the wifi. Some were more helpful -- but it was a mixed bag. Communication? Limited, if you don’t speak Mandarin. My attempts at broken Chinese were met with a look that said, "Please, just point and pay." But hey, they weren't rude, and that's a win in my book. They mostly just left me alone, which, honestly, after a long train ride, was a perfectly acceptable level of customer service.
The Sound. Let's talk about the SOUND...Did I hear a train?
Oh, the SOUND! You're *near* the railway station. Duh ! So, the trains definitely contributed to the ambiance. You've got the rumbling, the squealing, the occasional mournful whistle… it's like an orchestra of metal. I was on the fourth floor, and the noise was enough to give me pause, and think it might be an earthquake! And the other noises? The constant slamming of doors, the murmurs of conversations through the paper-thin walls… it's not exactly a recipe for a peaceful night's sleep. But hey, you're in Yulin. Tranquility is a luxury, not a guarantee! Earplugs? Highly recommended. Like, pack-a-dozen-pairs recommended. Oh, and make sure the neighbour next door doesn't have a snoring problem...
The Location. Is it at least convenient?
Okay, this is where HanTing redeems itself *slightly*. It's right next to the Yulin Railway Station. Like, practically *in* the station. So, if you just want to collapse after a long train journey, it's perfect. You stumble out of the station, and BAM! You're there. No endless taxis, no frantic map-reading. But... that convenience comes at a cost. See the SOUND section above. And while it's near the station, it's not particularly close to anything else interesting. Restaurants? Shops? You might need to taxi around to find something good. But really, that's the only good part. So, yes, it is. Convenient. But nothing more.
So, final verdict? Would you recommend this place? Tell me straight!!
Alright. Final verdict. Look, here's the deal: As a hotel, it's not going to win any awards. But as a place to crash after a long train ride? For a budget traveler who doesn't demand much? It'll do. Just manage your expectations. Pack earplugs. Bring your own toiletries. And, most importantly, be prepared to laugh. Because honestly, you'll need to.
Would I stay there again? Maybe. Probably. If I'm desperate. If I could find a better place, would I take that other place? Hell yeah! If you need to go to Yulin, don't let this review scare you off. It's a place which is suitable as a quick stay, but be prepared like I said.
Any hidden, like, *secrets* I should know?
Hmm... secrets? Okay, here's a good one: The breakfast (if they even offer one anymore) *might* be... best avoided. I didn’t try it. I looked into it and decided, nah. Grab something from a convenience store instead. And… be prepared for the possibility of a slightly… damp smell. It is what it is. Also, and this is important: double-check your bill. Just in case. And finally, embrace the madness. It's all part of the Yulin experience, right?
What's the most shocking thing that happened to you?
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