Escape to Paradise: Elan Inn's Nanjing Zhongshanling Magic!
Escape to Paradise: Elan Inn's Nanjing Zhongshanling Magic – A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea (and hopefully some complimentary jasmine) on Elan Inn’s Nanjing Zhongshanling escape. Let me tell you, it's a journey, and not always the perfectly curated Instagram one. Expect some rambles, some fiascos, and maybe even a tear or two (of joy, hopefully!).
First, the Practical Stuff (Because, let’s be real, we gotta eat):
Accessibility: Okay, so this is important. Accessibility: Elan Inn tries. The elevator’s there, which is a massive win. But… getting to the elevator sometimes felt like a scavenger hunt. Ramps? Not always a smooth ride. They’re working on it, I got the feeling, but it’s not a slam dunk for full wheelchair accessibility just yet. This is something they need to improve.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional mishap):
- Restaurants & Bars: They've got options! Loads of options. Asian cuisine was everywhere, delicious, and I devoured a mountain of dumplings that I'm pretty sure sent my cholesterol levels skyrocketing. The Western cuisine? Eh, sometimes a bit… translated. My burger arrived looking like it had lost a fight with a lawnmower. But hey, the fries were on point! They have a vegetarian restaurant, which is a huge plus in my book. And the poolside bar? Pure bliss. Sipping a cocktail while staring at… well, I'll get to the view later.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the battleground of morning. They have Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, and they're both… okay. The buffet was a bit chaotic, like a food frenzy. They have breakfast service in room too, and I did it one day, but it was a little bit… cold. I think they forgot the warming lamp. On the plus side, coffee/tea in restaurant was abundant!
- Other foodie facts: My room did have bottled water, and I was very grateful for that. The snack bar was convenient, but be aware of fluctuating prices.
- Cleanliness & Safety (The Pandemic's Aftermath):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification: You could smell the cleanliness. Like, almost a too-clean smell, at times. They took the pandemic seriously, which is reassuring but sometimes made me feel like I was living in a sterile bubble.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I opted out of the daily room sanitization because I'm lazy, but still, good option to have.
- Food Safety: Individually-wrapped food options were everywhere, which was appreciated. Safe dining setup: Tables were distanced, and the staff was meticulous.
- Getting Around, & Parking:
- Airport transfer: They provided this, and it was a smooth experience.
- Car Park [free of charge], Car Park [on-site]: Parking was plentiful and free, which is a HUGE win.
- Taxi service: Readily available, and the staff were happy to hail one.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Sometimes a little too… sterile):
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning, Air Conditioning in Public Area, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room was pretty standard, clean, and comfortable. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. And the free Wi-Fi? A lifesaver for obsessively checking my emails. The coffee/tea maker was useful, but the coffee wasn’t great. The bathtub, though… it was just a bathtub. Nothing special.
Internet: The Internet access – LAN was available, but I only used the Internet access – wireless, because come on, who uses LAN anymore? The Wi-Fi [free] was reliable in the public areas and the rooms, but there were some glitches.
Relaxation Central: The Spa, the Pool, and My Existential Crisis:
- Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: This is where the Elan Inn really shines.
- Pool with View: My favourite part. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was fantastic, not too crowded. The view? Oh. My. God. (Dramatic pause, for effect). Literally. It’s stunning. You can see the rolling hills and forests below. You can look at other hotels and feel superior. I spent hours just floating and staring. It was… transcendent. Seriously, the Pool with view alone is worth the price of admission. It was like a postcard, and it helped me to temporarily forget about my looming tax deadline.
- Spa: I booked a massage. It started off okay, and then I think the masseuse fell asleep. Awkward, but also kind of relaxing. Steamroom. The Sauna. The Spa. Okay all great, but not the best.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Floating):
- For the kids: They had babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Meetings & Events: They also have Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars: But who wants to work when there's a pool with a view?!
Services and Conveniences (The Perks and Paradoxes):
- Daily housekeeping: The Daily housekeeping was great. My room always looked impeccable.
- Concierge: They were charming and helpful, though sometimes a bit slow to respond.
- Business facilities: I didn’t use the Xerox/fax in business center, because, again, who are you?
- Food Delivery was a lifesaver after too much cocktail consumption.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Had some interesting trinkets, if you're into that.
- Safety & Security:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: I felt safe and secure, and the security team were very visible.
- Miscellaneous: ATM, Cash Withdrawal, Currency exchange, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events.
The "Meh" Moments (Because Nothing is Perfect):
- Staff Training: The staff were mostly lovely, but there were a few instances where language barriers caused some… misunderstandings.
- The Atmosphere: Sometimes, I felt like I was staying in a museum. It was very… quiet. You could hear a pin drop (if there was a pin to drop). I missed a little more… vibe.
- Pets allowed unavailable: I'm a pet owner. I miss my dog. That’s all I have to say about this one.
The Bottom Line: Would I Return?
Yes. Absolutely. Despite the minor quirks and the occasional minor blip, Elan Inn's Nanjing Zhongshanling is a fantastic place to escape, re-charge, and float around in a pool with an insane view. It’s not perfect, but it’s… real. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaos of Elan Inn, Nanjing, right by the Zhongshanling Scenic Spot. And trust me, it's not going to be all meticulously planned photoshoots and serene zen moments. This is gonna be real, raw, and probably involve me getting lost at least once.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Search for Noodles (and Sanity)
8:00 AM (ish) - The Great Landing: Touchdown at Nanjing Lukou International Airport! Ugh, the humidity hit me like a wall. Seriously, I felt like I'd emerged from a particularly vigorous steam room. The plan said I'd breeze through customs. Reality? Hordes of people, a grumpy customs agent who probably didn't understand my terrible Mandarin, and about an hour of sweating it out in line. Success! I'm in China!
9:30 AM - Taxi Trauma: Okay, so I thought I had it all figured out. Booking a taxi online in advance, right? Wrong. The app wouldn't translate correctly, the driver looked confused, and I silently cursed my lack of basic navigational skills. We eventually got there, via a route that seemed to involve every single back alley in Nanjing. At least the driver blasted some ear-splitting Chinese pop music, which distracted me from my impending doom (and motion sickness).
11:00 AM - Elan Inn - My New Temporary Home: First impressions? Not as fancy as the pictures. But hey, the air conditioning works, and the bed looks comfy. The staff… well, let's just say communication is a challenge. I'm pretty sure I asked for a map, and they handed me a small, dead plant in a pot. Okay. Fine. Here we go!
12:30 PM - Noodle Nirvana (or the quest for it): Okay, jet lag is a beast. My stomach decided to rumble loudly and persistently. Time for sustenance! Armed with a translated phrasebook, I set off to find some authentic Nanjing noodles. After an hour of wandering, dodging scooters, and pointing frantically at pictures of food, I stumbled upon a tiny hole-in-the-wall place. The noodles? Divine. The broth? Spicy and perfect. The language barrier? Hilarious. I think I accidentally asked for extra chili sauce and got a full bucket. Worth it.
2:00 PM - The nap of the Gods: Back at the hotel. Collapsed. Woke up 4 hours later, feeling slightly less like a zombie.
6:00 PM - Strolling Around the Sunken Garden. Okay, maybe a little stroll… and some awkwardness. I tried. I really tried to be cultured. The place is beautiful, don't get me wrong, but it's also huge and full of people. I got lost immediately, nearly walked into a wedding photoshoot, and then witnessed a very passionate argument between two ducks.
8:00 PM - Dinner Disaster: Tried a restaurant. Ordered something that looked vaguely appealing from the English menu. Received a plate of what I think was intestines. Ate a bite. Regret. Got some instant noodles from the 7/11 down the street.
Day 2: Zhongshan Ling - Emperor's Tomb & Tourist Traffic
9:00 AM - Zhongshan Ling - The Start: I got up (finally). Had that weird instant coffee they give you in hotels. It's like drinking dishwater with a hint of ambition. Off to Zhongshanling! Remember the "breeze through" I thought I would do on day one. Well, how about "be shoved through masses of people" on the next day. I knew it wouldn't be a tranquil experience, but wow, the volume of people was amazing - I'm not sure how the Emperor of the time got any peace!
10:30 AM - The Mausoleum Itself: Impressive & Overwhelming: Okay, I have to give it to Sun Yat-sen; his tomb is magnificent. The sheer scale of the architecture is breathtaking. The crowds, however, were not. It was a slow, shuffling dance up the stairs, dodging selfie sticks and screaming tour guides. I tried to focus on the history, the symbolism, the… escape plan. Was this the "Zen" I'd hoped for? Nope, but well worth the trip.
12:00 PM - Reflections (and Regret): Sitting on a bench. Eating a sad, pre-packaged pastry. Thinking about how I should have brought a hat. And maybe learned more Mandarin. Why did I not know any Mandarin? But really, this place is beautiful. Even with the hordes of fellow tourists. I want to come here in the spring… maybe I'll even return in a few years!
2:00 PM - Scenic Spot Panic: I decided to explore the surrounding area. I think I saw a pagoda. Or maybe it was just a really fancy bus stop. Lost again. Found a street vendor selling these weird, sticky rice cakes. They were strangely addictive.
4:00 PM - The Great Escape (back to the Inn): Back to Elan Inn. Time for a shower and an attempt to decipher the TV remote. I'm pretty sure the channels are just a series of numbers and flashing lights. I'm going to die of boredom tonight.
7:00 PM - A Dinner That May Or May Not Be Poisonous: The restaurant down the street (the one I didn't walk into last night). Wish me luck.
Day 3: Wandering, Wondering, and (Possibly) Leaving
9:00 AM - Waking up and wondering if you'll ever sleep normally again: Jet lag is still a jerk. But hey, the sun is shining (or, more accurately, the smog is slightly less thick).
10:00 AM - Exploring! (Sort Of): Today, I'm going to try and find somewhere quiet and not completely overrun with tourists. Let's see how realistic that goal is. And will I find a decent coffee shop? Now that's a quest!
12:00 PM - The Coffee Shop of Dreams (Maybe): Found a cafe! Had real coffee! It was expensive, but worth it. This is the only time I'll say that in this whole trip (probably)!
1:00 PM - Last minute purchases: Found a shop, bought trinkets for friends, and even a small ceramic dragon. Now the real fun begins…
3:00 PM - Packing!: I'm probably going to shove everything into my suitcase. Hoping to not pay extra.
5:00 PM - Check-Out & Farewell: Saying goodbye to Elan Inn. It's not a perfect hotel, but it's home.
6:00 PM - Airport & Departure: Goodbye Nanjing. See you next time (maybe with a real plan and a translator)!
Escape to Paradise: Elan Inn's Nanjing Zhongshanling Magic - FAQs (And My Honest Thoughts!)
Alright, so you're thinking of diving into the supposed 'paradise' of Elan Inn's Nanjing Zhongshanling area, huh? Good for you! I recently braved it, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Let's get you prepped with some FAQs, mostly because I'm still trying to process it all myself.
1. Should I even bother with Elan Inn in Nanjing Zhongshanling?
Oof. That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Here's the deal: It's complicated. If you're looking for the ultimate, absolutely flawless hotel experience? Maybe… maybe not. I'm not going to lie. There were… *moments*. Like, the kind where you quietly mutter to yourself, "I'm in a travel blog's nightmare scenario." But! And that's a big but, the *location*? Unbelievable. Zhongshanling is stunning. And I'm talking, jaw-dropping, camera-roll-exploding kind of stunning. So, depends on what you value more: pristine perfection, or breathtaking scenery with a little bit of, shall we say, *character*? I'd lean towards ‘character’ myself, sometimes you need a bit of imperfection to remember the good stuff.
2. Okay, location: Is it *really* as amazing as the photos?
Yes. God, yes. The photos don't *quite* do it justice. You're nestled right smack-dab in amongst the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen (so, you know, major historical vibes), the lush greenery, the rolling hills… it's like something out of a Chinese painting. I spent like, an hour just staring out the window. And I consider myself a fairly jaded traveler. It's really, really special. You've got trails to wander (wear good shoes!), temples to explore (the peace of the place is palpable), and just… space to breathe. The air actually smells *clean*. That’s a win in a city.
3. What's the *actual* hotel like? The rooms?
Alright, here's where things get… interesting. The rooms are… fine. They’re clean, mostly. The decor is… a little dated, if I’m being honest. Expect clean but not designer-label. Think functional, rather than Instagram-worthy. My shower was… *slightly* temperamental. One minute, scalding lava. Next, glacial ice melt. But hey, it woke me up! And honestly, I spent so little time in the room itself, I barely noticed. The beds were comfortable enough, the AC worked, and that was basically all that mattered after a long day hiking around. Plus, the view… did I mention the view? I mean, there's a magic. I wouldn't call it the Ritz, but it's a good enough base camp for exploration. Not the focus of the experience, for sure.
4. Food and Drink? Is it a culinary adventure?
The breakfast buffet was… serviceable. Lots of the usual suspects: noodles, dim sum (some questionable), congee, some sad looking bacon. It's not going to blow your mind, but you won't starve. You're better off venturing out! There are some little restaurants around the area, but I did find the best way was to go straight into the city. Take the bus, trust me. You´ll get a better experience.
5. Transport around the area? Is it easy to get around?
The hotel offers a shuttle service, which is convenient. But honestly? Public transport is your friend. Buses are cheap, plentiful, and (usually) easy to navigate, even if you don't speak much Mandarin. Just download a translation app, and you'll be golden. Plus, you'll see so much more of the city! And the taxi drivers in Nanjing? Let's just say, buckle up. It can be a… spirited ride. But it gets you from A to B, eventually.
6. What about the service? Are they friendly?
This is where it gets a little… uneven. Some staff members are incredibly helpful and sweet. Others? Let's just say, the language barrier can be… challenging. There was one incident where I tried to order a coffee at the bar. It resulted in a solid 15 minute stand-off. Eventually I got a lukewarm, overly-sugared concoction that I’m pretty sure was just instant coffee with a dash of regret. BUT, that’s part of the adventure, right? Most people are genuinely trying to be helpful. Just pack some patience, and a smile! It goes a long way.
7. Overall? Thumbs up or thumbs down? Give it to me straight!
Okay, deep breaths. If you can handle a few quirks, and you prioritize location and experience over absolute luxury, then *absolutely* go. Elan Inn isn't perfect. Not by a long shot. BUT, the Zhongshanling area itself is worth the trip *alone*. That breathtaking scenery, the sense of history, and the feeling of being somewhere genuinely special? That's the real magic. I’d go back. I'd pack extra snacks, a phrasebook, and a healthy dose of 'expect the unexpected'. But I’d go back. Just… don't expect the perfect hotel. Expect an adventure. And that's even better, in my opinion. (And seriously, make sure you have your camera charged.)
