Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Hanting Hotel's Chang'an Secret!
Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury? Hanting Hotel's Chang'an Secret - A Rambling Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea (or, you know, the oolong tea they serve at the Hanting Hotel's Chang'an Secret in Xi'an – more on THAT later). This isn't your perfectly polished, five-star travel blogger review. This is real life, people. And let me tell you, my stay here was… an experience. 😂
First Impressions & The Quest for "Secret"
The whole "Chang'an Secret" thing got me intrigued, naturally. Chang'an, of course, being the ancient name for Xi'an, the heart of China's imperial past. I envisioned hidden courtyards, secret passages, maybe a grumpy old man with a cryptic clue. Nope. Turns out, the secret… is apparently good service and a slightly above-average luxury feel. Don't get me wrong, the hotel is nice, but maybe my expectations, fueled by too many spy movies, were a tad high.
Accessibility - Trying to Navigate the Mysteries
Right, let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. Accessibility… it's vital. And honestly, the Hanting Hotel does a decent job. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and there's an elevator, which is a HUGE win. Didn't personally test it, but the fact that it exists is a positive sign. However, no specifics on wheelchair accessibility in rooms, so I'd definitely inquire beforehand and double-check the specifics.
Digging into the Details… Or How I Ended Up Obsessed with a Towel
Okay, where do I even begin? This place had layers. Speaking of layers… remember I mentioned tea? Well, let's start with the room, a standard non-smoking affair, thank the heavens. Lovely air conditioning, essential in Xi'an's sometimes brutal weather. The blackout curtains were a godsend – I’m a light sleeper, and the city bustle can be intense.
The room had all the usual suspects: air conditioning, a desk (thankfully, because I had to work), a closet that offered more space that I thought I'd have. The complimentary tea was a nice touch, especially after a long day of terracotta warrior-gazing. The mini-bar… well, let's just say I quickly learned the actual price of a mini-bar bottle of water. (A small, slightly painful life lesson.)
But here's the thing that truly won me over: the towels. Yes, I'm serious. They were fluffy. Like, cloud-level fluffy. I spent a shameful amount of time just rubbing my face in them. It was that good. The little things, people, the little things!
Internet Adventures (and the Search for Speed)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it generally worked. However, It was enough to stream a quick Youtube vlog… but trying to download those massive files for work? Forget about it. So I went straight for the Internet [LAN] and tried it too. It was faster, but not exactly blazing speed. There's also Wi-Fi in public areas, which was decent enough for scrolling. So, if you need to work remotely and rely on a fast connection, do a speed test straight away.
Spa-tacular Moments and Other Relaxation Shenanigans
This is where things get interesting. So the hotel boasts a Spa. Okay. They have a sauna, a steamroom, a spa/sauna combo thing. They offered Body scrub and Body wrap options (sounds fancy!). And then there's the massage, which, let me tell you, after pounding the pavement all day, was worth every single yuan. Now, they offered a Body scrub too, but I was a bit chicken. The thought of someone scrubbing my entire body felt a bit… daunting. But really, the massage was the highlight. The masseuse was skilled, it got rid of all the kinks, and for an hour, I forgot I was in a bustling hotel.
The Fitness center? It was there. I saw it. Didn't use it. I was too busy eating, exploring, and being pampered.
Dining, Drinking, and Surviving the Buffet
Oh, the food. Let's talk about the food. Restaurants galore! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was chef's kiss. They do a smashing Asian breakfast with fantastic dim sum. The breakfast [buffet] was an experience in itself. Massive, overwhelming, and full of things I'd never dared to try before. The variety was impressive, with everything from fresh fruit to… well, mysterious savory pastries. The international cuisine in restaurant was also well-executed, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was much appreciated. The coffee shop was another good place to hang out!
And then there's the bar. I confess, I may have taken advantage of the happy hour a few times. The poolside bar was fantastic especially for a sunset cocktail.
The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on a late night. The bottle of water was a necessity (hydration is key!), the fresh fruit was great and the salad in restaurant was a welcome change of pace after days of delicious, but heavy, food.
Hygiene and Safety - A Post-COVID Reality
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. The Hanting Hotel took hygiene seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products were in use, there was daily disinfection in common areas, and staff seemed well-informed about safety protocols. They also had a doctor/nurse on call (hopefully, I didn't need them!). The individually-wrapped food options at the buffet were a nice touch, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. Rooms sanitized between stays. It felt safe, which is incredibly important these days. They had CCTV in common areas and even outside the property.
What About the Kids? Family Friendly?
I didn't have any mini-me's with me on this trip, so I couldn't personally test the babysitting service or the kids facilities. But the hotel does advertise itself as Family/child friendly. So if you're travelling with the little ones, it's definitely worth checking it out.
Services and Conveniences - A Mixed Bag
The hotel provides a whole host of services. The Concierge was helpful with recommendations and getting things done. They had daily housekeeping, which kept the room spotless. I also used the dry cleaning service, which worked efficiently.
The luggage storage was handy as a backup. They also offered Food delivery, which was great considering my fear of Chinese food.
The convenience store allowed me to quickly grab essentials. The currency exchange was a welcome convenience for changing US dollars.
I'll say a negative thing about the hotel. I found a big difficulty with the Cash withdrawal, as the ATM was always out of service and I found myself struggling some times to get cash, so bear that in mind.
Things to Do, Aside from Being a Tourist
Beyond the usual tourist stuff, the hotel offered some interesting options. The meeting/banquet facilities and meeting stationery suggested they cater to business travelers. There was an indoor venue for special events too. Didn't attend any, but the option was there.
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Overall, the Hanting Hotel's Chang'an Secret is a solid choice. It's clean, comfortable, well-located, and offers a good range of amenities. The spa is a highlight, and the fluffy towels are legendary. It might not be a secret in the James Bond sense, but it is a great place to unwind after a grueling day of exploring the Terracotta Army or scaling the ancient city walls.
Here's my personal take:
- Pros: Excellent service, convenient location, delicious food (especially the Asian breakfast!), the SPa, fluffy towels.
- Cons: internet speed for those who work, mini-bar prices are a bit of a surprise and the lack of cash withdraws service.
Score: 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely worth a stay, but do your research and manage your expectations. And for the love of all that is holy, try the massage!
Kraków Kazimierz Dream Apartment: Spring Special!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're hitching a ride on my chaotic Xi'an adventure! Hanting Hotel, Chang'an Taiyang Xincheng branch? That's the base camp. Get ready for a rollercoaster. And yes, I'm already regretting not packing more snacks.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Lost in Translation" Incident
14:00 Arrive at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). Okay, the airport? Massive. Like, "could-host-a-small-city" massive. Finding the designated taxi queue? Well, that was an adventure. You know the feeling, that initial "deer in headlights" panic? Yeah, that was me. And the best part? My Mandarin is… let's say, "emerging."
15:00 Taxi to Hanting Hotel, Chang'an Taiyang Xincheng. The ride… Well, let's just say Chinese traffic is an experience. Honking is practically a national sport! Weaving in and out of lanes? A daily routine. Thank goodness for Google Translate, because the driver's English was even worse than my Mandarin. I spent most of the ride clutching my luggage and praying we wouldn't end up in, like, Ulaanbaatar.
16:00 Check-in at Hanting Hotel. Alright, the hotel. Clean enough. Bed looked comfy. But dealing with the front desk was a comedic goldmine. "Ni hao!" (That's about as far as my Mandarin goes, folks.) The lady at the counter? She was trying. Bless her heart. We got through it. Eventually. My room key? Actually worked, surprisingly. Small victories!
16:30-18:00 Explore the immediate area around the hotel. Okay, this is where things get interesting. I figured I’d wander and get my bearings. Found a small street food stall. The aroma was AMAZING. Now, me being me, I have no idea what I actually ordered. I pointed, smiled, and prayed for the best. Turns out I got something with noodles, meat (I hope it's meat), and some seriously spicy chili oil. My mouth is still on fire. Oh, but it was delicious. Absolutely delicious.
18:00-19:00 Unpack. Attempt to figure out the TV. Forget it. All Chinese channels. I'm doomed to watch Chinese dramas all week. My sanity is already wavering.
19:00-20:00 Dinner near the hotel. Back to the street food scene! This time, I took a more strategic approach. I pointed at photos. And still ended up ordering… something. It had dumplings, and they were, like, bursting with flavor. I think. My taste buds are still recovering from the chili oil.
20:00-22:00 Early Night (or at least attempt to sleep) - jet lag is kicking in, plus the spicy food. Yeah, time to crash. Tomorrow, the Terracotta Army awaits. If I survive the night…
Day 2: The Terracotta Army and a Spiritual Crisis (Kidding, Mostly)
08:00-09:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Standard continental fare, which, frankly, after last night's food adventure, was a welcome relief. I think my digestive system needed a break.
09:00-12:00 Journey to the Terracotta Army. Okay, the Terracotta Army. The reason I came to Xi'an. And holy mother of… WOW. Seriously, the scale of it is mind-blowing. Pictures don’t do it justice. You walk in, and it's like you've stepped back in time. Thousands of life-sized warriors staring back at you. Absolutely breathtaking. I spent ages just wandering around, staring and whispering, "Unbelievable…"
12:00-13:00 Lunch near the Terracotta Army. Tourist traps! I know, I know. But I was hungry. The noodles were fine. But the atmosphere… Well, imagine a room full of people snapping photos and talking loudly. I couldn’t really enjoy the food.
13:00-16:00 Explore the rest of the site. There are a few different pits, and more is being excavated. Each soldier is different, the details are incredible. I was overwhelmed. I even bought a little replica, which I will absolutely lose before I arrive home.
16:00-17:00 Journey back to the hotel. The public transportation back to the hotel? Let's just say it involved a lot of pushing, shoving, and me clinging to my bag for dear life.
17:00-18:00 Rest at the hotel (and mourn my aching feet). Seriously. My feet. Ow. This is what happens when you walk around all day.
18:00-19:00 Dinner time again, in the area around the hotel. I ventured a little further this time, seeking adventure (and the promise of less spice). I found a restaurant with a menu in English! Victory! I think I ordered a chicken dish. It wasn't fancy, but it was satisfying. I could actually taste it this time without the chili oil inferno.
19:00-21:00 Relax at the hotel and write this diary. I'm starting to love my little hotel room. It's my space, my zone. And the wifi actually works!
Day 3: The City Walls and My Brush with Noodles (and Disaster)
08:00-09:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Same as yesterday. I'm starting to feel like I'm living in a loop.
09:00-12:00 Visit the Xi'an City Wall. Cycling the City Wall. This was my idea! Riding a bike on top of a massive ancient wall! It was… tiring! But also awesome. The views were amazing, the wind was in my hair, I nearly crashed into a group of tourists. But hey, at least the scenery was spectacular.
12:00-13:00 Lunch near the City Wall. I wanted REAL hand-pulled noodles. And I found a tiny shop that looked authentic. Big mistake. I ordered a huge bowl. The noodles were incredible – perfectly chewy and the broth was flavorful. But I underestimated the portion size (and the spice level). About halfway through, I was sweating, my eyes were watering, and I had to stop. Defeated. I didn’t finish it. Major noodle fail.
13:00 - 15:00 Wandering through the Muslim Quarter. Oh. My. Goodness. The Muslim Quarter! Totally the one place to be. A sensory explosion. The smells of spices, the vibrant colors, the bustling crowds… street food stalls galore. I spent ages just wandering around, trying everything. The lamb skewers? Divine. The persimmon cakes (yes, those)? Absolute heaven. I bought a thousand souvenirs.
15:00-17:00 Back to the hotel for serious rest. The combination of a failed noodle challenge, a spicy meal, and general exhaustion had me utterly defeated. Time to recharge.
17:00-18:00 Dinner. The menu was in both English and Chinese. I ordered something plain for a change.
18:00-21:00 Pack. Watch TV in my room while sipping water. Going back to the hotel had a good result, however, I found a simple channel while watching TV, it was peaceful to me.
Day 4: A Tomb and a Quick Farewell
08:00-09:00 Breakfast. I’ve gotten to know a few of the hotel staff; I feel like a local.
09:00-12:00 The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi. Another historical site. This one was relatively smaller and more intimate than the Terracotta Army, with a whole museum of tiny terracotta figures.
12:00-13:00 Lunch I picked a local convenience store.
13:00-14:00 Return to the hotel. My flight would be soon.
14:00-15:00 Checkout and Travel to the Airport. The same adventure as the first day.
15:00-16:00 Arrival
16:00 The End
Final Thoughts:
Xi'an? It was a whirlwind of culture, food, and chaotic adventure. Did I understand half of what was happening? Probably not. Did I get lost multiple times? Absolutely. Did I eat way too much spicy food? You betcha! But would I do it all again? In a heartbeat. Xi'an, you were a messy, beautiful, unforgettable experience. Now, it's time to go home and try to decipher the 200 photos I took. And maybe, just maybe, learn a little more Mandarin before my next adventure. Ad
Unbelievable Hotel Deals Near Zaozhuang's Ancient City!
Is this Hanting Hotel actually *luxury*? Like, *real* luxury? I've stayed in enough "luxury" hotels that ended up being glorified motels…
Okay, deep breaths. Let me tell you, the *suspense* on this one was killer. The Hanting name? My brain immediately went, "budget chain, squeaky-clean sheets, and the faint smell of air freshener." And honestly? That was my gut feeling *until* I stepped into that gosh-darn lobby. This "Chang'an Secret" thing... it's a whole other beast. It's like the Hanting got a secret inheritance and decided to blow it all on making me feel like a pampered emperor... or empress. Did I see some minor hiccups, like a slightly slow elevator? Sure. But overall, the level of detail, the design... it's unexpectedly impressive. Don't go expecting the Ritz, but it's a hell of a lot better than I was bracing for. I'd call it *aspirational* luxury. Think: polished, not necessarily *perfect*.
Let's talk about this 'Chang'an Secret.' Is it just a fancy name to sell me a more expensive room, or is there something actually... secret-y?
Alright, so the 'Chang'an Secret' bit... that's where my inner skeptic went into overdrive. I mean, 'secret'? In a hotel? Come on. Turns out, it's less about code names and hidden passageways (although, I *did* look). It's more about the theme. Think: Tang Dynasty, meticulously recreated, right down to the... well, I'll get to that... the tea ceremony. There's art, calligraphy, the whole shebang. You feel like you’ve teleported back in time, albeit in a room with modern amenities. It's definitely *theming*, and they committed. I’ll admit, it initially felt a little…much. Like, "Okay, I get it, you're Chang'an-ing." But then, it started to grow on me. It’s less ‘secret’, more ‘immersion.’ And honestly? Pretty damn effective.
The decor. Is it gaudy or tasteful? Because "Tang Dynasty-themed" could swing either way…
Oh god, the decor. This is *the* question, isn't it? I was bracing for a gold-plated nightmare. And honestly, there's *some* gold. But surprisingly, it’s done with a light hand. It's opulent, yes, but also elegant. The color palette is rich - golds, deep reds, blues – and the craftsmanship is…well, it's pretty astounding. The furniture, the lighting fixtures... it feels like they’ve raided a museum (and maybe they did!). There were so many details. Like, *so* many. I started taking pictures of the *door knobs* just to capture it all. Ok, maybe it was a little bit overwhelmingly beautiful. But, in the best way. This isn’t some cheap knock-off. It feels like quality.
What about the rooms themselves? Are they actually comfortable? 'Cause pretty doesn't always equal practical…
Comfort is key. And yes, the rooms are, praise the hotel gods. The bed? Cloud-like. I may or may not have spent an entire morning just…existing in that bed. The bathroom? Spacious and modern, with a rain shower that could wash away all my travel woes. They even had a heated bidet! I got a *bit* over-excited about that feature, if I'm honest. A definite upgrade from the slightly depressing bathrooms I've become used to. My only minor gripe? The lighting. Gorgeous. Atmospheric. But sometimes a little…dim. I did struggle to find my lost contact lens once. But hey, minor inconvenience for an overall amazing experience.
Let's get real. The food. How's the food? And do they *actually* offer a proper breakfast, or is it just sad pastries?
Okay, food is critical. My travel happiness hinges on two things: a comfortable bed and decent food. The breakfast was *surprisingly* good. I'm talking proper dim sum, fresh fruit, and…yes, even decent coffee (a small miracle in China, believe me). The restaurant decor? Kept up the theme - elegant, spacious, and blessedly quiet in the morning. They have a dinner restaurant as well, and... it was a *experience*. It was an elaborate, multi-course meal with flavors I'd never tasted before. Again, I'm no food critic, but I went in with low expectations and was very pleasantly surprised. It was also a bit of a show, with all the theatrics and presentation. It was a bit much at times, but I loved every minute. Though my stomach did *slightly* regretted that second helping...
Is there anything *bad* about the Hanting Chang'an Secret experience? Dish.
Okay, honesty time. Yes, there are a few minor quibbles. First off, the language barrier can be…interesting. Not everyone spoke fluent English, which, in a luxury hotel, can be a bit frustrating sometimes. I had some issues with the elevator. And one time I asked for a simple spoon, and it took three attempts. Then there was the noise from the outside. One night, those karaoke singers definitely went on until the early morning. And let's be real, the prices are a step up from the standard Hanting. But, honestly? Given the quality of the experience, it’s worth it. Especially if you value a unique cultural immersion. Despite some hiccups, I'd stay again in heart beat. Just a few earplugs, maybe.
Okay, the tea ceremony. I’ve heard about it. Was it genuinely relaxing or just another tourist trap?
Right, the tea ceremony. This is where I went from amused skeptic to outright convert, and I'm not exaggerating! It’s not just a quick cup of tea and a photo op, it is an elaborate ritual. A lovely woman, dressed in beautiful traditional clothing, guided me through the entire process with such grace and serenity that I just melted. The selection of tea? Incredible. The tiny cups, the gentle pouring, the calming music... I swear, I could feel my stress levels plummet. I’m not even a huge tea drinker, but the entire experience was utterly transporting. Everything was so thoughtful. So mindful. Every movement was deliberate. And, after a week of the normal tourist hustle, it was exactly what I needed. It was quiet, beautiful and deeply, deeply calming. Truly one of the highlights of the trip. I seriously considered ditching everything else and just staying there forever. It was that good. I even bought some of the tea to try and recreate the magic at home. (Spoiler alert: It's not the same.)
Would you recommend it? And if so, who is this experience aimed at?
Absolutely! I would recommend thisBook Hotels Now
