Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Premium Hotel Changzhou & Wuxi
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits? My Changzhou & Wuxi Adventure - Raw & Unfiltered (Prepare for the Rambles!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm back from a whirlwind trip to Changzhou and Wuxi, China, and let me tell you, the Hanting Premium Hotel experience? It's…well, it's a story. A messy, sometimes glorious, sometimes head-scratching story. And I'm here to spill the tea, the jasmine tea, the maybe-a-little-stale jasmine tea they serve with that Asian breakfast.
(SEO & Metadata Kicks In… Here We Go!)
Keywords: Hanting Premium Hotel Changzhou, Hanting Premium Hotel Wuxi, China Hotels, Luxury Hotels China, Changzhou Hotels, Wuxi Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Spa Hotels China, Fitness Center Changzhou, Pool Hotels Wuxi, Hotel Review, Asian Cuisine, Western Cuisine, Free Wi-Fi, Room Service, Hotel Amenities, Traveler Review, Chinese Travel, Business Hotel, Family Hotel, Couple's Retreat.
Metadata: Hotel Review, Hanting Premium, Changzhou, Wuxi, China, Luxury, Accessibility, Spa, Fitness, Dining, Amenities, Travel, Experience, Honest, Opinionated.
Right, where was I? Oh yeah, the Hanting. They tout "Unbelievable Luxury." I’m gonna be honest, the “unbelievable” part is a stretch. But it is pretty darn good. Let's break this down, shall we? Prepare for some rambling!
Accessibility: The Good, The "Hmm…" and The 'Where's My Ramp?'
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is SUPER important to me. I need to know I can navigate a place comfortably, y'know? The good news? Wheelchair accessible they claim to be. The slightly less good news? I’d call it “mostly accessible.” Elevators? Check. Ramps? Present, but occasionally with that awkward Chinese angle that makes you grip your chair like a rodeo clown. The door to my room was a bit narrow, and maneuvering in the bathroom? A bit of a Tetris game. Still, points for at least trying. They have Facilities for disabled guests listed, which is encouraging. I'd say call ahead and confirm your specific needs. Don't trust my (potentially flawed) memory.
Internet Access - Because, Let's Be Real, We All Need It!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Finally, some good news! And it worked like a charm. I was Internet Access – wireless and had Internet access – LAN as options. The Internet itself was… well, it was the internet. Fast enough for my needs, which mostly involved endlessly scrolling on social media (don't judge me!). Internet services were available, obviously, and I didn't hear the dreaded "connection unstable" even once. Now, I can't speak for the Wi-Fi for special events setup (didn't have one, sadly!), but for regular browsing, it was a win.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – (Or Attempt To!)
This is where the "premium" part of Hanting comes in. They really went all out on the relaxation front.
- The Spa: Oh, the spa! I'm a sucker for a good spa. They offered a Body scrub and Body wrap, but I was all about the classic Massage. The one I got was… interesting. Let's just say the masseuse was incredibly strong, and I felt like I'd been kneaded like a baguette by the time she was done. The Spa/sauna element was nice. I didn't attempt the Steamroom – I'm not quite that hardcore.
- Fitness Center: Yup, they had one. I peeked in. Looked pretty standard. Gym/fitness ticked off the box. I did not, however, actually use the Fitness center. I was on vacation, people! It's against the rules!
- Swimming Pool: The Swimming pool (outdoor) looked divine, with the promised Pool with view. But in my experience, it's always crowded. I imagine myself lounging by the pool, sipping a fancy cocktail, but the reality is usually dodging splashing children and their inflatable toys. Alas, didn't get to swim there, maybe next time.
- Foot Bath: Never tried it. Sounds intriguing.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition
Look, let's be honest, travelling these days can feel…well, a bit fraught. Hanting definitely took safety seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly used.
- Breakfast in room was an option (more on that later…)
- Cashless payment service was expected, which is standard for this day and age.
- Daily disinfection in common areas. Yes, please!
- They had a Doctor/nurse on call, which is a nice touch for peace of mind.
- Hand sanitizer was everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Sterilizing equipment.
- Rooms were Sanitized between stays.
I did notice, though, how easily the Shared stationery removed was. It was too easy, and I appreciate that. I also didn't get the Room sanitization opt-out available. I wouldn't have used it, anyway.
They also had CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, and Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms everywhere. They seemed to think of everything!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Where Things Get REALLY Interesting
Okay, this is where I had a real journey. The Asian breakfast was… something. Think congee (rice porridge) that seemed to multiply on the plate, plus various mysterious (and often delicious) pickled vegetables. The Breakfast [buffet] (at least when I finally braved it) was a decent spread. They even had a Western breakfast option, which was a godsend after three days of rice. And there was the Coffee/tea in restaurant. I will admit, though, I often opted for the Breakfast takeaway service and hid quietly in my room with my coffee.
- Restaurants: There was a Vegetarian restaurant which I didn't try, because I am not a vegetarian, and a few other Restaurants with Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant that I did. They all were pretty good.
- Room service [24-hour]: This was a lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing. Especially when I was too exhausted to leave.
- Snack bar & Coffee shop: Essential. Essential.
- Poolside bar: didn't get to use it, see my comments about the swimming pool above!
- Happy hour & Bar They had both, I managed to miss them (oops!)
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Bottle of water all available.
Food was generally good, but not always consistent. Some days the buffet was a culinary masterpiece; other days, it was slightly…adventurous. The Alternative meal arrangement was available as well.
Services and Conveniences: From the Useful to the "WTF?"
This is where the Hanting really showed its dedication.
- Air conditioning in public area – thankfully, yes!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events. I was not there for special events, however.
- Business facilities: they had them.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, and Doorman: all present and accounted for.
- Daily housekeeping – my room was always spotless.
- Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes – all the usual suspects.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery
- Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Shrine
- Smoking area – because China.
- Terrace – wish I'd had more time to hang out there.
- Xerox/fax in business center – for those of you still living in the 90s!
- Convenience store – PERFECT for late-night snack runs
- Front desk [24-hour], Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]
- Couple's room for the romance seekers.
However, I did notice Essential condiments in the restaurants. I think, yes. Maybe. I'm not sure, because I couldn't tell the difference. And the Invoice provided was handy for my business trips. I also saw Facilities for disabled guests mentioned, but didn
Moxy Phoenix Tempe: ASU's Hottest Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your polished, pre-packaged travel itinerary. This is me, Sarah, heading to Changzhou and Wuxi in China, bunking at the Hanting Premium Hotel Changzhou Henglin International Dibancheng (try saying that three times fast!), and documenting the beautiful chaos. Prepare for a wild ride.
The Sarah's-Gonna-Go-To-China-and-Probably-Break-Something Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh My God, This Hotel is HUGE-ISH"
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in a frantic scramble. Overslept. Scramble for passport. Forget to pack something crucial (probably socks, always socks). Arrive at airport, looking like a dishevelled scarecrow. Flight to Shanghai.
- Anecdote: Picture this – me, clutching my carry-on like a life raft, weaving through a sea of bewildered, tired-looking passengers. Managed to spill coffee on the TSA agent (mortified!). He just sighed. China, here I come!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Land in Shanghai! Finally. Navigating the airport… think "pinball machine, but with luggage." Eventually, find transportation to the hotel (thank god for pre-booked taxi).
- Quirky Observation: The sheer volume of people in constant motion is mind-boggling. Everyone seems to be walking with a purpose. Me? Just trying not to trip.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Arrive at the Hanting Premium. Whoa. First impression? Clean. Surprisingly modern. A bit… impersonal. Check-in involves a lot of pointing and smiling (my Mandarin is nonexistent). Room is…fine.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief. After the travel stress, the room is a haven. Now, where do I even begin unpacking?
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Dinner. Find a noodle place nearby. Attempt ordering. Fail miserably. End up with something vaguely resembling what I wanted to eat. The taste? Inexplicably delicious. Jet lag hits HARD. Sleep. Maybe.
Day 2: Changzhou Chaos and the Temple That Almost Broke My Brain
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Breakfast. The buffet is… an experience. Strange meats, questionable pastries. I stick to what I recognize – toast. And coffee. Lots of coffee.
- Opinionated Language: It’s… fine. The food isn’t bad. It's just… very, very different.
- Late Morning/Lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Head to the Tianning Temple (天宁禅寺). This is where the real adventure begins. Trying to decipher the history, the architecture, the sheer scale of the thing is a task.
- Messier Structure: Okay, the temple. It's… gigantic. Like, I-think-I-need-a-map-of-my-own-mind gigantic. The intricate details on the buildings are astounding. The air is thick with incense and… well, a lot of people.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): CLIMB THE PAGODA! Deep breath. This thing’s old but it's so impressive and so tall that it's the greatest thing I've ever attempted! The view is… breath-taking. And my legs are burning. Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
- Doubling Down On a Single Experience: Okay, let's rewind. The actual climb. I'm not afraid of heights, but this felt… different. The stairs are steep, and the gaps are small. I started questioning all life choices. But. It was the experience of a lifetime. The climb. The effort. And that goddamn view… it was a cathartic experience.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Stumbling out of the temple, legs giving way. Find a small cafe for some tea and a moment's rest.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated awe. Also, exhaustion. I was tired!
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Back to the hotel. Dinner. Order the wrong thing (again). Write in journal. Fall asleep practically mid-sentence.
Day 3: Wuxi and the Mystery of the Taihu Lake
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Travel to Wuxi. Train. Fast train. Feels like something out of a futuristic movie.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Arrive in Wuxi. Find a local restaurant. (I think). The menu is entirely in Chinese. Point at a dish. Cross fingers.
- Rambles: Okay, the food, the food… Okay, I am not sure what I just ate. It tasted like… well, I can't describe it, but the local crowd was laughing.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Visit Taihu Lake. It’s… vast. Like, really, really vast. Boat tour. Take pictures. Try to appreciate the beauty, despite the slightly hazy air.
- More Rambles: The lake. It's… beautiful. The water, the scenery. The wind. The peace. But… the haze! It's like someone’s left a giant fog machine on.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Wander around Wuxi. Find another restaurant. Attempt to order. This time, use Google Translate. Success? Maybe. Dinner. Stroll by a street market. Smell the delicious aromas.
- Funny Observation: The people-watching in the market is top-tier entertainment. It's a vibrant explosion of sights, sounds, and smells. I wanted to buy everything.
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Back to the hotel. Packing. Realize I've bought way too many souvenirs I’ll never use. Collapse into bed. Planning to add another day to my schedule, but I'm not sure to what!
Day 4: Departure - and Wishing I Had More Time
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last breakfast. Saying goodbye to the buffet (maybe not, maybe I like the buffet). Checking out. Transportation to the airport.
- Imperfections: Of course, the taxi ride is a little chaotic. The driver seems to think he's in a Formula 1 race. Almost lost all the luggage, but we arrive!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM onwards): Flight home. Reflect on the experience. Wishing I had stayed longer.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: China. It’s… an assault on the senses. The good kind. The kind that makes you feel alive. I loved it. I hated it. I was exhausted. And I’d go back in a heartbeat. I can't wait for my next adventure.
- Final Thoughts: This trip was messy, imperfect, and so incredibly real. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Farewell, China, for now. I'll be back. And next time, I'm getting that Mandarin app.
