Lanzhou's Hidden Gem: Hanting Hotel Near Changqing College!
Lanzhou's Hidden Gem…or a Diamond in the Rough? My Hanting Hotel Near Changqing College Review! (Buckle Up, Buttercups!)
Okay, so Lanzhou. Lanzhou! Land of hand-pulled noodles and…well, a hotel called the Hanting near Changqing College. My expectations? Let's just say they were lower than the price of a bowl of Lanzhou lamian. But you know what? This place surprised me. And not always in a good way, mind you. Prepare for the rollercoaster of my Hanting Hotel experience.
Accessibility: The Good, the Bad, and the…Confusing.
Right off the bat, this hotel seems to try for accessibility. Facilities for disabled guests are listed. And they appear to have an elevator, which is a HUGE plus in a city that's not exactly known for its even sidewalks. However, I didn't get a chance to thoroughly inspect the whole thing for proper accessibility, I saw some of the rooms and some areas, like the foyer-restaurant area, seemed okay. But be warned, I can’t vouch for all the intricate details, like bathroom handrails and such. If you need absolute, unwavering accessibility, call ahead and confirm everything.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Now, I'm going to level with you. I didn't see any explicitly advertised accessible lounges. The restaurant, however, seemed approachable. Flat entry, decent space. Again, double-check if you have specific needs.
Internet Access: A Mixed Bag of Bandwidth and Benevolence.
Alright, let's talk wires and the world wide web. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! This is a HUGE deal. I mean, I need my internet to stay sane, the one thing that makes the world outside the Internet tolerable. It was…mostly okay. It's not blazing-fast fiber optic, okay? Think more… medium-speed ADSL. But hey, it worked for checking emails, binging a bit of Netflix (after many buffering breaks, I admit) and keeping in touch with home.
Internet [LAN]: Didn't use it. Too busy wrestling with the Wi-Fi. Sorry.
Internet services: They had some! But I was too busy wrangling the Wi-Fi to test it.
Wi-Fi in public areas: It seemed to be stronger in the lobby, which is always a plus if you need to, for example, work while standing in the lobby, not that I did!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Quest for Tranquility (Spoiler: I Found Some!)
Okay, this is where the Hanting surprised me the most. For a hotel that's basically a stopover, they actually offer a decent array of relaxing options.
- Fitness center: Yep. A proper one. It’s not the Ritz-Carlton, of course, but it had the basics. Treadmills, weights, you know. I managed to get a quick workout in.
- Pool with view: Nope. Sadly.
- Sauna: Nope. But I’m fine with that.
- Spa/sauna: Double nope.
- Steamroom: Triple Nope!
- Swimming pool: Sadly, wasn't there.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized, But Is It Really Sanitized?
This is where the pandemic era has us all on high alert. I'm happy to report that the Hanting Hotel seemed to take cleanliness seriously. They had all the right buzzwords, but did they deliver? I can't say for sure. But they did have:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Like, seriously, you couldn't move without bumping into a hand sanitizer station.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Good.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Attempted. Not always adhered to, especially during breakfast.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (Or At Least Keeping You Alive)
So, the food situation. Let's just say it's on par with what you'd expect from a mid-range hotel in China.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was the star of the show! An Asian breakfast, and a Western breakfast, the usual suspects. Eggs, noodles, some weird mystery meat I was too afraid to identify. There was a chef making fresh omelets, which was a nice touch. Not Michelin-star quality, but it filled the stomach and gave me enough energy to face the day.
- Coffee shop: yes!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yup.
- Restaurants: One. The main one. It's functional.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes! Though I didn't use it.
- Snack bar: The most interesting thing I tried.
- Vegetarian restaurant: No.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Yep. But stick to Asian, unless you really crave a burger.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference (Sometimes)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes. Essential in Lanzhou.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Concierge: They had a doorman, and he was friendly, but not sure of the quality of concierge service.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service & Laundry service: Check, check, check.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Maybe.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Basic.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yep.
For the Kids: Not Exactly a Disneyland, But…
I didn't have kids with me, but the Hanting isn't really geared towards families. They have a babysitting service mentioned, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Available in All Rooms: The Real Deal
- Air conditioning: Yes, thank god.
- Alarm clock: Standard.
- Bathtrobes & Slippers: Always appreciated.
- Coffee/tea maker: a must!
- Fridge: Nope.
- Hair dryer: Check.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Non-smoking: Yes, finally.
- Private bathroom: Yep.
- Shower: Yep.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Check and check.
- Wake-up service: Yup.
Getting Around: The Transportation Tango
- Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site]: Yes.
- Taxi service: Yep.
- Valet parking: I think so (did not use it)
Emotional Ramblings and Quirky Observations:
Look, the Hanting Hotel isn't perfect. It’s not the fanciest place, it's not located in the most glamorous area, It doesn't have all the bells and whistles. But it's clean, it's comfortable, and it's decent.
The staff were generally friendly, though some English skills were limited. The breakfast buffet, despite my initial skepticism, was actually good. There was a strange smell in the corridor on my floor one day, but it disappeared. The TV had a bewildering array of channels, mostly in Chinese, but that's to be expected.
And you know what? After a long day of exploring Lanzhou, a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and free Wi-Fi is all you really need. The Hanting delivered on all counts.
Final Verdict: A Solid Choice for Lanzhou (With Caveats!)
Would I recommend the Hanting Hotel near Changqing College? Yes, with a few caveats. If you need absolute accessibility, confirm everything beforehand. If you're expecting luxury, adjust your expectations. But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced hotel in Lanzhou, this is a solid choice. It’s a hidden gem? Maybe not. But it's definitely a worthy spot to rest your weary head after a day of noodle-slurping and exploring. It’s a solid B+.
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- Title: Lanzhou Hotel Review: Hanting Hotel Near Changqing College - Honest & Messy!
- Keywords: Lanzhou, hotel, Hanting Hotel, Changqing College, China, travel, review, budget hotel, accessibility, Wi-Fi, Lanzhou lamian, food, comfort, budget, family-friendly.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Hanting Hotel near Changqing College in Lanzhou, China. Find out what it's really like, from accessibility to the breakfast buffet, and if it's worth your stay!
- Alt Tags (for images - hypothetical!): "Hanting Hotel Entrance", "Breakfast Buffet at Hanting", "Fitness Center at Hanting Hotel", "Guest Room at Hanting Hotel"
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Lanzhou, You Little Rascal - A Rambling Itinerary from Hanting Hotel (Changqing College)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel guide. This is a messy, honest, and probably slightly caffeinated account of my Lanzhou adventure. We're starting off at the Hanting Hotel near Changqing College – which, let's be honest, felt more like a purgatorial pit stop than a luxurious launchpad, but hey, it was clean-ish, and the Wi-Fi mostly worked. Let's get to it!
Day 1: Arrival, Noodle Chaos, and Lingering Doubts
- 14:00 - Arrival at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW): The airport was, well, an airport. Efficient, but not exactly Instagram-worthy. The taxi ride to the hotel… okay, the driver tried to sell me some "special" noodles (more on that later). Already, the air was thick with the promise of adventure and, perhaps, a little bit of jet lag.
- Imperfection: I, in my infinite wisdom, forgot to download offline maps. Rookie mistake. Turns out, navigating Lanzhou with a dodgy internet connection is like playing whack-a-mole with your sanity.
- Observation: The initial impression? Lanzhou is dusty. Seriously, a fine layer of beige coated everything. You can practically taste the Gobi Desert.
- 15:30 - Check-in at Hanting Hotel: The hotel, as mentioned, was standard. The highlight? The overly enthusiastic bellboy who kept trying to practice his English on me. Bless his heart.
- 16:00 - The Great Noodle Quest Begins: This is where the real fun started, or at least, where my stomach got a workout. Lanzhou Beef Noodles (Lanzhou La Mian) are legendary. I was determined to find the perfect bowl.
- Anecdote: My first attempt? Disaster. I wandered into a tiny, bustling noodle shop with zero Mandarin skills and a desperate hungry look. The server just stared at me. Eventually, through frantic hand gestures and a helpful stranger who spoke a tiny bit of English, I managed to order something. It was… spicy. And a bit chewy. My opinion? A mixed bag.
- Emotional Reaction: I was simultaneously exhilarated and overwhelmed. The chaos, the smells, the sheer number of people slurping noodles… it was intoxicating. And also, I was pretty sure I’d just inhaled half a kilo of chili oil. My mouth felt alive.
- 18:00 - Stroll along the Yellow River (Huang He): After the noodle fiasco, I needed a breather. The Yellow River, even in its muddy glory, is impressive. The bridges are lit up at night.
- Quirky Observation: The river's color? Exactly as advertised. Like a giant, murky cup of tea. The water was pretty wild and strong and made some beautiful sounds. Not gonna lie; it's kinda stunning.
- Emotional Reaction: Walking along the river, taking in the city lights, I felt a strange mix of awe and loneliness. The vastness of China, the sheer scale of everything, suddenly hit me. I missed my cat. (Don't judge.)
- 19:30 - Dinner: Round Two (Noodle Redemption?): Found another noodle place, recommended by a somewhat-helpful hotel staffer. This time, I tried a different type and tried to order in Chinese.
- Messy Structure: Okay, I had to take a moment to think. This time, the noodles were actually good. A different flavor too.
- 21:00 - Sleep. In the dust. (And with lingering noodle dreams.)
Day 2: White Pagoda Mountain, the "Silk Road" Vibe, and My Love/Hate Affair with Lanzhou
- 09:00 - White Pagoda Mountain (Baita Shan Park): Finally, some actual sightseeing! This park offers incredible views of the city and the Yellow River. It's a climb, though. I spent most of the day at the same part.
- Quirky Observation: The park was filled with locals practicing Tai Chi. Some just stood there just staring and watching.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, the view was genuinely breathtaking. I mean, seriously, the panorama of Lanzhou from the top of the mountain was epic. I felt a surge of accomplishment, and also a pang of, "Is this all there is?" (Dramatic, I know).
- 11:30 - Lunch: More Noodles (and I'm not even ashamed): Okay, I might have a problem. But, hey, when in Lanzhou… I tried a noodle place near the park. This was the best one yet. Simple, perfect broth, the most tender beef.
- Doubling Down: I ate the entire thing and then ordered another. I think the chef (or the old lady taking my order) knew I was hooked.
- 13:00 - Exploring Zhongshan Bridge: The bridge is a landmark. It was built in 1907 and is a reminder of Lanzhou's history.
- 14:30 - Silk Road Market (or, at least, a very touristy approximation): This market was a bit of a letdown. It was a bit too curated, a bit too… "touristy trap."
- Opinionated: I found it disappointing. The prices were inflated, the goods were generic. The "Silk Road" vibe felt manufactured. But I bought some tea leaves anyway. Because, you know, culture.
- 16:00 - Tea Ceremony: I stumbled upon a tea house and decided to embrace the culture.
- Anecdote: The tea-making was fascinating, a delicate dance of pouring and swirling. The tea itself? Bitter. But also, oddly refreshing.
- 17:30 - Back to the hotel. To think. To regroup. To nap if I could.
Day 3: Leaving Lanzhou (and a reluctant goodbye)
- 09:00 - Breakfast: I was so excited to find an amazing street vendor in the area. I got some bread and some kind of meat that was delicious.
- 10:00 - Exploring the streets of Lanzhou!
- 11:00 - Check Out: The bellboy was very sad to see me go. He gave me a farewell hug (again, bless his heart.)
- 12:00 - Departure: On the train. I am outta here.
Overall Impression?
Lanzhou is a city of contradictions: the relentless dust, the glorious noodles, the friendly faces and the sometimes-overwhelming chaos. It's not a "pretty" city in the traditional sense. It's raw, it's gritty, it's loud, it's challenging, and it has a certain, undeniable charm.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I'd probably pack a better map app, more Immodium, and a healthier appreciation for the power of a good bowl of Lanzhou La Mian. And I'd definitely avoid those "special" noodles. Maybe. Probably not.
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Hanting Hotel Near Changqing College: Your Chaotic Guide
Okay, Seriously, Is This Hotel REALLY a 'Hidden Gem'? I've seen conflicting reviews.
Hidden gem? Look, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is thrown around *a lot*. And Hanting near Changqing College... well, it's... *there*. It's not exactly a diamond in the rough. More like... a polished pebble. It depends on what you're looking for. If you're expecting the Ritz, RUN. This is more like, "Hey, I need a place to crash, it's clean-ish, and the price doesn't make me weep." I'd say the "hidden" part comes from the fact that it isn't exactly plastered all over Tripadvisor with flashing neon signs.
My own bias? I once stayed there needing absolute budget accommodation and I'd just spent a whole load of money on a train ticket. so I was *sold*. It felt like a haven - a cold shower, a basic bed... glorious. My expectations were so low that I was thrilled. So, yes, it's a gem in the context of "wallet-friendly refuge." It's not winning any design awards, though. Get that idea right out of your head.
The Location - I'm going to Changqing College. Is it actually *near* there?
Near? Yes. Like, *really* near. I mean, you can practically roll out of bed and fall onto the college grounds, provided you have some serious momentum and don't mind breaking a few bones on the way.
Seriously, it's walking distance which is a major bonus. I mean, Lanzhou traffic? Forget trying to use taxis at rush hour. It took me an hour to get to *the shop round the corner* on one epic occasion. Walking is the way to go. And if you're visiting Changqing College, you're golden. If you plan on visiting other parts of Lanzhou, budget some extra transportation time. The location itself is *convenient* for the college, less so for general Lanzhou exploring.
What are the rooms *actually* like? Be honest!
Okay, honesty bomb incoming: The rooms are... functional. Think clean-ish, small-ish, basic-ish. The bed is probably fine. The shower... well, the water *usually* gets hot. Sometimes. Look, I once stayed in a hotel where the shower head was held together with duct tape. This place wasn't *quite* that extreme.
My most vivid memory of the room? The strange, slightly musty smell that seemed to permeate everything, even after I'd opened the window for an hour. I blame the Lanzhou humidity. And the general building materials used. It wasn't unpleasant. Just... *present*. Other than that, I had a good experience sleeping there! I didn't encounter any ghosts, or rodents or anything overly concerning.
Is the Wi-Fi any good? Because I NEED to work.
The Wi-Fi is... a gamble. Sometimes it's zippy and fast, other times it's slower than a snail wearing lead boots. If you're relying on it for critical work, I'd recommend a backup plan. Maybe tether to your phone. Or bring a book. And a healthy dose of patience.
It's the internet equivalent of riding a rollercoaster. You'll have moments of screaming joy followed by moments of sheer frustration. I remember trying to upload a video... it took *hours*. *Hours* I'll never get back. So, yeah. Manage your expectations.
Breakfast – Is there any? And, if so, what's it like?
Breakfast... now there's a contentious topic. Some reviews mention a breakfast, I suppose. I didn't manage to find it. I slept in, and then I was too scared to ask! I'm pretty sure there's a place to sort you out, though. I think it was more a case of me being too lazy to find it.
Lanzhou is a city for food, though! So if the hotel offering is disappointing, just wander outside and explore. Lamb noodle soup is practically a religious experience in Lanzhou. You're spoiled for choice. Don't let the lack of hotel breakfast hold you back from experiencing the city's culinary delights.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? And do they speak English?
The staff's helpfulness varies, like pretty much everywhere! Some speak some English, others less so. The key is to be patient, friendly, and armed with a translation app. My experience? They were generally polite. They helped me find my room and that was basically the extent of my interaction.
Seriously though, download a translation app *before* you go. It'll save you a world of potential awkwardness. And learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. "Hello," "Thank you," and "Where is the bathroom?" are always good starting points. It'll make your life a lot easier and the staff *will* appreciate the effort.
Is it noisy? I need my sleep!
Noise levels... again, your mileage may vary. It's near Changqing College, so you'll likely hear some general urban sounds. The walls aren't exactly soundproof, either.
I'm a light sleeper, so I took earplugs. Highly recommend it! Otherwise, if you're a deep sleeper, you *might* be okay. But better safe than sorry. Pack earplugs. Seriously. You'll thank me later. The Lanzhou construction crews work 24/7, so be warned.
Any other advice? Things I should know before booking?
Okay, deep breaths. Here's the lowdown:
- **Lower your expectations:** It's a budget hotel, not a palace.
- **Bring earplugs:** Seriously.
- **Download a translation app:** Essential.
- **Embrace the chaos:** Things might not always go smoothly. That's part of the fun.
- **Explore the neighborhood:** There's food around. Wonderful lamb-based food. Go and enjoy it, this hotel is essentially a base camp for your adventure! Book Hotels Now
