Nanjing's BEST Hotel Near Xiaohang Metro? (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Hanting Hotel Near Xiaohang Metro: My Completely Unfiltered Nanjing Experience
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (probably lukewarm) tea on the Hanting Hotel near Xiaohang Metro in Nanjing. This isn't your perfectly polished TripAdvisor review; this is me, after a long day of navigating crowded metro cars and trying to decipher Mandarin menus, laying it all out there. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions and Accessibility (or Lack Thereof, Mostly!)
So, you've just schlepped your luggage through the bustling streets of Nanjing, hopped off the Xiaohang Metro stop, and finally found the blasted Hanting Hotel. Breath in, breath out, expecting a haven. One of the first things I look for is accessibility. Now, while the hotel technically has an elevator, which is a huge plus, and “Facilities for disabled guests” are listed, the overall impression isn't exactly “wheelchair-friendly wonderland.” I'm a pretty mobile person, but I did notice narrow hallways and no obvious ramps in sight. The thought of navigating this place with a wheelchair feels… daunting. Consider yourself warned.
The Room: A Tale of Two Beds… and a Refrigerator That Might Betray You
Getting to the room, it was… well, it was a room. The type of room where you wouldn’t necessarily want to spend a lot of time, but it got the job done. The "Available in all rooms" list… Oh boy, let's go through it…
- Air conditioning: Check! (Thank goodness, Nanjing summers are brutal.)
- Alarm clock: Yep. Though I'm pretty sure it played a Chinese pop song at a volume that could shatter glass.
- Bathtub: Nope, just a shower.
- Bathrobes Ah man I forgot my bathrobe, will have to make do with a towel I guess.
- Bathroom phone: Nope. (Who even uses those anymore?)
- Blackout curtains: YES! My saviour after those long sightseeing days.
- Carpeting: Ugh, carpet. You know what that means, right?
- Closet: Present and accounted for.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes… but the tea bags were, shall we say, of questionable origin. I stuck with the free bottled water.
- Complimentary tea: See above.
- Daily housekeeping: Thank heavens! My bed, especially, needed it after all my sleeping and napping.
- Desk: Standard.
- Extra long bed: Now, here's a problem. The bed I got was definitely not extra long, in fact, by some standards it might have been considered short. I am 5'10" and am glad to be blessed with a taller stature, since someone even shorter, I feel a little bad.
- Free bottled water: Praise be. Hydration is KEY.
- Hair dryer: Yep, and it worked… okay.
- High floor: Nope, second floor, though I didn’t complain.
- In-room safe box: Present, yet I didn't trust it.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Maybe, I wouldn't know.
- Internet access – LAN: Haha, no.
- Internet access – wireless: Abso-freaking-lutely! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Ironing facilities: Found it, and it was good.
- Laptop workspace: Yeah, well, if you consider the desk a laptop workspace, it was fine.
- Linens: Clean enough.
- Mini bar: Gone, only the refrigerator which I am not sure I should trust.
- Mirror: Check.
- Non-smoking: I hope so!
- On-demand movies: Maybe? I didn't check.
- Private bathroom: Yes. And I'm glad.
- Reading light: Dim but present, which is all I asked,
- Refrigerator: Ah, the nemesis! It was a bit… temperamental. Sometimes it would work, sometimes it would be freezing, and other times it would just… hum. A constant source of paranoia, honestly. Should I trust this thing with my precious snacks and drinks? Decisions, decisions…
- Safety/security feature: Standard. Nothing fancy.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yeah I could watch some channels, some even in English!
- Scale: Nope.
- Seating area: Small.
- Separate shower/bathtub: No tub just a shower.
- Shower: Fine.
- Slippers: They were.
- Smoke detector: Good. Don't want to burn down the place.
- Socket near the bed: Yes, thank goodness!
- Sofa: Nope.
- Soundproofing: Okay. You could still hear some noise, but it wasn't too bad.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Basic. Bring your own conditioner.
- Towels: Yes!
- Umbrella: Nope, but the front desk would probably help.
- Visual alarm: Not sure.
- Wake-up service: They do offer this.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Glorious, fast, and free!
- Window that opens: Barely.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Pandemic (Oh My!)
Okay, let's get real for a second. We're still living in a pandemic. I was pleased to see the hotel takes things seriously. "Cleanliness and safety" are a big deal for me. They listed tons of precautions in their description, and I did indeed see staff wearing masks and taking extra care when cleaning. "Rooms sanitized between stays." "Staff trained in safety protocol." "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. I felt reasonably safe, which is a huge relief!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Mostly Snacking!)
The Hanting isn't exactly a culinary destination. They offered "Breakfast [buffet]" and "Restaurant" but, I, being a picky eater, stuck to the "Coffee shop" and the "Snack bar" in my stay. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. The snacks were your standard, predictable fare. No complaints, but nothing to write home about. I did order some snacks for the room from time to time – convenience is king, right? I mostly ate outside.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the “Meh”
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes. Necessary.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Probably, but I didn't see any special events.
- Business facilities: Sure, if you need a Xerox or fax.
- Cash withdrawal: Nope.
- Concierge: I'm not sure I ever saw one, but the front desk staff were helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Did not exist.
- Convenience store: No.
- Currency exchange: Nope.
- Daily housekeeping: Yay! My room got a fresh tidy every day.
- Doorman: No.
- Dry cleaning: Nope.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Essential condiments: I have my own.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Food delivery: Not offered.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Indoor venue for special events: I didn't see any.
- Invoice provided: Yes.
- Ironing service: Yes.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
- Meetings: Didn't see any.
- Meeting stationery: I did not have the stationery.
- On-site event hosting: Probably not.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Nope.
- Projector/LED display: Unsure.
- Safety deposit boxes: Of course.
- Seminars: Don't know.
- Shrine: No.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Nope.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Probably.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Yes.
Contactless check-in/out? No, sadly. I had to stand there and wait. Currency exchange? Nope. Gift shop? Nada. Meetings? Likely. On-site event hosting? Doubtful. There was a real sense of practicality to the hotel, which I don't mind.
The front desk staff were friendly, even with my limited Mandarin (or lack thereof). They helped me with directions and taxis. The "Luggage storage" was great.
Things To Do (Besides Survive the Heat)
Okay, so the hotel itself isn't exactly a hub of activity. But, that's not really the point, is it? You'
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups and babes, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is… me, in Nanjing, at the Hanting Hotel near Xiaohang Metro Station! Prepare for a rollercoaster, because honestly, that's what life (and travel) is all about.
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (aka "Lost in Translation, Literally")
- 12:00 PM - Arrival at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG): Okay, so I thought I was prepared. Downloaded all the maps, translated all the phrases… but stepping out of the airport felt like being tossed into a washing machine set to “aggressive spin cycle.” The sheer scale of everything hit me first. Honestly, the airport was bigger than my hometown. And then the signs… all hieroglyphics. My Chinese, let's just say, is "enthusiastic beginner."
- 1:00 PM - Taxi Terror and Triumph: Found a taxi. Gave him the hotel address. He nodded. We drove… and drove… and drove. At one point, I was certain he was taking me to a remote goat farm. Then, a moment of sheer panic when the GPS on my phone decided to act up. Finally, after much frantic pointing and gesticulating, we arrived. Triumph! (My hotel rate has to be so high because of all the traffic that had to be endured.)
- 2:00 PM - Hanting Hotel Check-In (and Brief Meltdown): The Hanting. Clean, efficient. The staff, bless their souls, spoke enough English to get me checked in. Room was… well, let's say "compact." But clean! And that's what matters, right? After the taxi ride and the language barrier, I needed a long nap and I got that.
- 4:00 PM - Metro Attempt #1 (and Near Disaster): Time to brave the Nanjing Metro. I swear, the ticket machines are designed to thwart even the most tech-savvy traveler. After ten minutes of button-mashing and much head-scratching, I eventually got a ticket. Found the right line (I think). Then… the doors closed. I thought I was done for honestly. It felt like minutes before I was let out. After that, I was off and running and on my way to the city.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner – The First Culinary Adventure (and Possible Poisoning): Found a small, bustling restaurant near the metro station. No English menus. Pure immersion! I pointed at a steaming pot of… something. Turns out, it was a spicy, numbing hotpot. Delicious, but my mouth was on FIRE! And I'm pretty sure I saw a rogue eyeball in the soup. Still, I survived.
- 7:30 PM - Evening Stroll and Existential Dread: Wandered around the area near my hotel. Gorgeous city lights, bustling streets, the smell of delicious street food I was too afraid to try (yet). Felt overwhelmed, in a beautiful, chaotic way. "Am I actually doing this?" I thought. "Am I actually in China?" Yes, apparently. And tomorrow will be interesting.
Day 2: The City's Charm and The "Accidental" Museum Tour
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Blunders: Okay, the hotel breakfast was…an experience. I tried a “soybean milk” drink that tasted suspiciously like wallpaper glue. And a mysterious, fried dough stick that I couldn't quite identify. But hey, sustenance!
- 9:00 AM - The Confucius Temple (Fuzi Miao) – Strolling through history: A truly breathtaking site filled with ancient architecture, bustling shops, and a palpable sense of history. I even managed to bargain for a ridiculously cute fan with a dragon on it – go me! The river boats gliding beneath the ancient houses made me feel like I had stepped into a painting.
- 11:00 AM - The Accidental Museum Adventure: I was trying to find a specific park - I swear I was! But got turned around on a side street. Somehow, I wandered into the Nanjing Museum. What a pleasant surprise! I spent hours marveling at the exhibits, from ancient bronzes to beautiful jade carvings. The history of this place is amazing.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch - Food Stall Frenzy: Brave and hungry, I decided to try the street food. Found a stall selling what looked like savory pancakes. Turns out, they were delicious! And cheap! I ate two. May have overdone it.
- 2:30 PM - Relaxing Time in the park - Anxious to be alone. Found a bench in a park. People watching. Realizing how different the culture is from mine.
- 4:00 PM - Linggu Temple - The Silent Beauty A peaceful temple, with serene halls and colorful paintings. It was a welcome respite from the city's energy. Very good. I loved it. The serenity helped calm down my fears from earlier.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner - Another Adventure Found a restaurant. Watched what everyone else was eating and ordered something similar, but I still don't know what it was…
- 7:30 PM - Evening Stroll and more existantial dread Wandered around the area near the hotel. Gorgeous city lights, more delicious and terrifying-looking street food. Felt overwhelmed, in a beautiful, chaotic way. I am loving this!
Day 3: The Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum (and My Crumbling Sanity)
- 9:00 AM - The Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum: Okay, this place is gargantuan. Seriously, the steps just keep going. And going. And going. By the time I reached the top, I was sweating like a pig and questioning all my life choices. The view was, however, amazing. The crowds of people made it difficult to focus.
- 11:00 AM - Lunch (and a Crisis of Confidence): Back at the hotel, I tried to find a restaurant. But with no English menus and having learned no Chinese, this was a challenge.
- 1:00 PM - Relaxation time. I watched some TV to calm me down. It got boring. I took a nap.
- 3:00 PM - Exploring the City Square. The area near my hotel was a very beautiful one. Seeing the shops that looked like they belonged in another world was amazing.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner - Chicken and Beer. I found a nice restaurant that happened to have chicken and beer on the menu.
Day 4: Departure (and a Sense of Accomplishment… Maybe)
- 9:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping: Scrambled to find some last-minute souvenirs. Found a shop with some beautiful silk scarves. At least I have one last victory.
- 10:00 AM - A Final Walk: One last look at the area around the hotel.
- 11:00 AM - Taxi to Airport, Again: This time, at least I felt like I had a slightly better handle on things. The drive was smoother.
- 1:00 PM - Departure: Boarding the plane. Exhausted. Overwhelmed. But also… exhilarated. I survived. I saw things. I ate things (some I’m still not sure about). And I learned that even when you’re completely lost and terrified, there’s a strange sort of beauty in the chaos. Would I do it again? Absolutely. As soon as I recover from this one. (And learn some Mandarin, for the love of all that is holy.)
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn’t perfect. I got lost. I stumbled. I ate things I couldn't identify. I panicked. But it was real. And that's what makes it an adventure I will remember. Now, time to sleep for a week.
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Hang on a sec... Hanting Hotel near Xiaohang Metro? Let's get REAL about this!
Okay, so, is the Hanting Hotel REALLY near Xiaohang Metro like, *actually* near? I'm talking stumble-home-drunk-at-3-AM close, or "walk a mile in the blazing sun" close?
Alright, truth time. It's...pretty darn close. Like, you could probably *almost* stumble-home-drunk-at-3-AM close. We're talking a few minutes. I remember once, after a particularly epic dumpling binge (Nanjing is HEAVEN, by the way), I was practically rolling myself back to the hotel. The metro entrance was literally a hop, skip, and a slightly unsteady jump away. No trekking through deserts or scaling Everest, thankfully.
But…let's be honest. "Near" is subjective. If you're used to hotels with direct access to the station, this ain't it. You’ll have to emerge from the station, possibly navigate a few crosswalks, and avoid the relentless scooter traffic. On a rainy day? You WILL get a little wet. On a sweltering Nanjing summer day? You'll feel the sun's fiery kiss. But overall, it's GOOD. Really, *really* good.
Is the Hanting Hotel a clean, comfortable place to crash? Or am I walking into a scene from a horror movie? (I'm easily freaked out)
Okay, deep breaths. No horror movie scenarios. I've stayed in some SERIOUS dives in my life (budget travel, am I right?). This wasn't one of them. The rooms are generally clean. The sheets *felt* clean, which is a HUGE plus. Look, it's not the Four Seasons, obviously. Don't go expecting marble floors and fluffy robes. But the basics are covered. The bathroom...well, it’s Asian. Sometimes they have a slightly pungent smell of…something. I'm guessing cleaning supplies. Mostly, you won't be horrified. Probably.
The bed was…well, it was a bed. Not the most luxurious thing I’ve ever encountered, but perfectly functional. It did the job. I SLEPT. Which, after a long day of exploring the city, is all I really asked for. One time, however, I found a stray hair that was not mine. That *did* give me a slight shudder. But I survived.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they helpful and friendly, or do I need to speak Mandarin fluently to get a glass of water?
The staff...okay, this is where it gets interesting. English proficiency varies. Some staff members spoke a bit of English, some didn't. It's a gamble. Basic phrases are your friend. "Ni hao" (hello), "xie xie" (thank you) – learn them! And if you're planning to stay there, downloading a translation app is practically essential. The staff were generally polite, but don't expect constant hand-holding. One time, I got completely lost trying to find a particular noodle shop (because, noodles!), and a staff member *eventually* got it, and went above and beyond to guide me. It was like a whole emotional rollercoaster, but ended with noodles - definitely worth it!
My advice? Be patient, be polite, and use Google Translate. You’ll be fine. Plus, it's a great way to learn some Mandarin…or at least, attempt to.
Breakfast? Tell me about the breakfast situation! Is there any? Is it edible? I have high breakfast standards.
Okay, listen. The breakfast... It's…a breakfast. It’s generally included. Expect the usual hotel breakfast staples with a Chinese twist. There are usually some noodles, rice porridge (congee), and maybe some steamed buns. The coffee... well, let’s just say it's not the barista-made kind. Is it *edible*? Yes. Is it amazing? Probably not. Once, I saw a lady add a mountain of chili oil to her congee. I was both horrified and secretly envious. I think I'm still regretting not being brave enough to try it.
My pro-tip? Go out. Nanjing has INCREDIBLE street food. Grab some *jianbing guozi* (a savory crepe) from a street vendor. Seriously, it's life-changing. The hotel breakfast is just a fuel-up. Nanjing's breakfast is a feast.
Are there any 'gotchas'? Anything I should know BEFORE I book?
YES! Here are my 'gotchas':
- Noise: Walls can be thin. You might hear your neighbor's late-night karaoke session (or worse). Bring earplugs. Trust me. You *will* need them.
- Internet: The Wi-Fi can be…spotty. Sometimes it's fast, other times it's a digital crawl. Be prepared to tether to your phone if you need reliable internet.
- Limited English: Reiterate: Be prepared to deal with the language barrier. Translation apps are your friends. Consider writing down phrases you might need.
- The elevator situation: depending on your floor location, it might be better to walk.
Honestly? For the price, and the proximity to the metro, and the general cleanliness, I’d absolutely stay there again. Just…pack those earplugs.
Okay, final verdict: Would you stay at the Hanting Hotel near Xiaohang Metro again? Be honest!
YES. Absolutely. With a few caveats, of course. Is it perfect? No. Is it luxurious? Definitely not. But for a budget-friendly, clean, and conveniently located hotel in Nanjing? It's a winner. You're there to experience Nanjing, not the hotel. And frankly, its location is a HUGE advantage. You can hop on the metro and be anywhere in the city in a jiffy. And you’re steps away from the all-important Xiaohang Metro station. Which means easy access to ALL the amazing things Nanjing has to offer – the massacre memorial, the city walls, the stunning Xuanwu Lake…and, most importantly, the food. The glorious, delicious food.
So, pack your bags, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, bring earplugs…and prepare to fall in love with Nanjing. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself back at the Hanting at 3 AM, slightly tipsy and utterly content.
