Xi'an's HOTTEST Hotel: Hanting Hotel Near Changlemen Metro!
Hanting Hotel Near Changlemen Metro: A Whirlwind Xi'an Romp (My Honest Take)
Alright, buckle up, because I've just survived – that's right, SURVIVED – a stay at the Hanting Hotel near Changlemen Metro in Xi'an. And let me tell you, it was an EXPERIENCE. Think of it as a crash course in comfortable-ish travel, with a side of unexpected adventure and a healthy dose of "well, that was something." This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog; this is a raw, unfiltered download of my Hanting escapade.
Let’s get the practical stuff out of the way, shall we? (And you KNOW I need to.)
Accessibility: Okay, so the website blurb says "Facilities for disabled guests." From what I saw, that translates to maybe. The elevators are a definite plus, but navigating the halls felt a bit…tight. Wheelchair users might find some maneuvering tricky. Sadly, I didn't see any readily accessible spots or even a clearly marked accessible rooms, and accessibility is a big deal to me.
Cleanliness and Safety: These guys are seriously trying. I saw evidence of "Daily disinfection in common areas" and "Rooms sanitized between stays." Staff clearly had safety protocols down (they took my temperature religiously!), and the hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. I'm a germaphobe at heart, so that put me at ease. The Anti-viral cleaning products were a good reassurance!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Oh, The Food!
- Breakfast: The "Asian breakfast" was…an experience. Let's just say it was a buffet that I wouldn't have trusted so well. I went for the "Western Breakfast" on the first day only to quickly revert back to the instant noodles I brought with me in my luggage. There was a "Breakfast [buffet]", but…well, you get the picture.
- Restaurants: Hmmm, there's an Asian restaurant, a "Coffee shop," and I think I spotted a "Snack bar." I have trouble believing its true, tho. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was mediocre coffee at best, and as for the snack bar? I stuck to the bottled water and pre-packaged peanuts from the convenience store.
- Room service: The "Room service [24-hour]" sounds glamorous in theory, but it would have been even better if they had more than one or two things on the menu.
- Poolside bar: Lol…
- Dining near the hotel: Yeah there's more than enough to eat in the neighborhood.
Internet & Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Amen to that! It worked, which is half the battle. However, it wasn't the fastest connection I've ever had, but it was steady enough to upload my travel pics to Instagram (very important, of course).
- Internet access – wireless: Worked!
- Internet access – LAN: Nope, never tried it, that's old school.
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms! (Where the Magic - or at least, a nap - Happens)
- My Room: The room itself was…functional. "Non-smoking," which I appreciated (thank goodness!), and equipped with some of the listed amenities. Air conditioning that kinda worked, a mini-fridge (that I kept stocked with water), a desk. The bed? Comfy enough for a good sleep after a long day battling the Terracotta Army crowds.
- Essentials: The complimentary tea was a nice touch, and the free bottled water was a lifesaver. They provided the necessities, but don't expect luxury.
- Little Annoyances: The blackout curtains were fantastic, but the "Mirror" was placed in a weird spot.
- The "Extra Long Bed": I'm a tall guy and can tell you that this was not as long as advertised. Still, I slept well.
Services and Conveniences (The Ups and Downs)
- Elevator: Yes! A lifesaver!
- Daily housekeeping: They did come in every day and make the bed, but sometimes I felt like I got more service than I needed.
- Concierge: I didn't need the concierge, but they seemed friendly!
- Other Services: The "Cash withdrawal" option was handy, but not as vital as the friendly staff. The "Laundry service" I skipped, preferring to hand wash in my sink.
- "Business facilities" and "Meeting/banquet facilities": I don't know why they even need to be listed, but they are here.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Sort Of)
- The "Fitness center": Yep, there was a gym (at least, its' on the website). I didn't try it out.
- The "Spa": Hmmm.
- Getting Around: The "Airport transfer" was super convenient. The Changlemen metro station is crazy close, which is a huge bonus for exploring Xi'an. The "Car park [free of charge]" was another convenience.
For the Kids (Potential Considerations)
- Family/child friendly: The hotel looks like it's great for families.
My Personal Hanting Hotel Story
Let's be honest, I wasn't expecting the Ritz. But the Hanting Hotel near Changlemen Metro was perfectly placed to be a base camp for exploring Xi'an's treasures. The best part? The location. Being so close to the metro made getting around a breeze. I spent zero time in taxis, saving more money for the shopping I inevitably did.
The quirks? Oh, there were many. One morning, I ordered breakfast in my room. The food that arrived was not what I expected. Let’s just say it involved a lot of rice porridge and a mysterious meat dish. I ate it anyway.
My Verdict
Look, the Hanting Hotel near Changlemen Metro is a budget-friendly option. It’s not fancy, but it's clean, safe, and conveniently located. It's a good option for the backpacker, the budget travelers, or anyone who wants a no-frills base to explore Xi'an. Just adjust your expectations accordingly, pack some snacks (and maybe your own instant coffee), and be prepared for a few surprises along the way. You'll have a story to tell, I guarantee it. Give it a shot!
Chennai Airport Escape: Luxury at Hotel Kek Grand Park
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is ME in Xi'an, starting from the surprisingly decent, but slightly… beige Hanting Hotel right beside Yongxingfang Changlemen Metro Station. Prepare for a wild ride.
Xi'an: A Slightly Disorganized Adventure (Or, How I Learned to Love Cold Noodles)
Day 1: Arrival, Discombobulation, and Dumpling Dreams
Morning (ish): Landed in Xi'an after a flight that felt like it lasted longer than my last relationship. Seriously, the guy next to me kept talking about his cryptocurrency portfolio. Cryptocurrency! I just wanted a window seat. Dragged myself to the Hanting Hotel. Okay, let's be honest, the hotel is…fine. Clean enough. The bed is comfy, which is basically all I ask for after a red-eye. The view? Let's just say it's not exactly the Great Wall. More like a wall of…other walls. But, hey, this is Xi'an, not Monaco.
Afternoon: Okay, time to get my bearings. Yongxingfang Food Street, right outside. Apparently, this is where the local legends hang out. I wandered in, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of food. The noise! The smells! The sheer number of people trying to sell me things! I almost ran back to the hotel room, but then… I saw it. A woman, furiously slapping dough into some kind of otherworldly noodle creation. Biang Biang Noodles. I had no idea what they were, but I NEEDED them. I pointed, stammered a "Hello?" and ended up with a steaming bowl of heaven. Thick, chewy noodles, chili oil that set my mouth on fire (in the best way possible), and a general sense of "this is what life is about." Afterward, I proceeded to totally mess up the attempt to pay, handing the lady like 5 different notes. She chuckled, I blushed, and we both went on with our day.
Evening: Dumpling Banquet! The reviews were raving. I was skeptical, but the promise of every dumpling imaginable was too much. The restaurant, De Fa Chang, was beautiful. I felt like I was eating in a fancy palace. And the dumplings… OH. MY. GOD. From tiny, adorable shrimp dumplings to savory pork ones that exploded in my mouth. I sampled at least 20 different kinds. I may have overindulged. A little. A lot. My stomach now feels like a tiny, happy, dumpling-filled balloon. The only problem? I felt like I was the only one without my own family and was a little awkward in the end. Afterwards I walked outside for a bit to cool down and process everything.
Day 2: The Terracotta Army…and a Cranky Taxi Driver
Morning: The Terracotta Army, here I come! I took a taxi. (Tip for the wise: learn some basic Mandarin before you go. Trust me.) The driver, a gruff-looking fellow, clearly hated tourists. Every sentence was punctuated with a loud sigh. I was really feeling his vibe, if I'm honest. The ride was long, the views weren't great (mostly industrial parks, which is not the vibe), and it was only made worse by his non-stop scrolling through his phone while driving.
Mid-morning: The Terracotta Army. WOW. Just…wow. Pictures don't do it justice. Standing in front of thousands of life-sized (ish) warriors, frozen in time… it's humbling, awe-inspiring, and a little creepy, all at once. I got lost in the detail, the different expressions on the faces, the sheer scale of the thing. I felt a pang of something akin to sadness that I was not even remotely associated to this history, this art. I spent ages just wandering around, trying to absorb it all. Don’t even get me started on the gift shops, where my credit card almost died a violent death.
Afternoon: Back to the city, with a now-friendlier taxi driver (or maybe I just spent a bit more time talking to him to change his mood). Lunch was a delicious bowl of noodle soup at a random place I stumbled upon. It was amazing. I should have gotten its name!
Evening: Because of a bad interaction with a vendor, I wasn't in the mood to go far, so I hit up the Yongning Gate, just outside my hotel. I walked along the wall feeling sorry for myself and getting into "self-reflection mode". I sat for a while on a bench looking at the world passing. The lights, the food, the bustle… it was all there and it made it all seem… right.
Day 3: The Muslim Quarter, Lost in Translation… and a Near-Disaster with Tea
Morning: The Muslim Quarter! This is the place to be, and it was a sensory overload, in the best way possible. The smells of grilling lamb skewers, the vibrant colors, the intricate architecture… it was like walking through a living, breathing market. I bought a ridiculous hat. Of course, I did.
Mid-morning: Food, food, food! I ate everything. Lamb skewers that practically melted in my mouth, deep-fried bread, sweet pastries… my stomach is a testament to the culinary diversity of Xi'an.
Afternoon: Disaster almost struck. I was in a tea house and ordered tea, thinking I could sit and relax. The server insisted that it was the best Green Tea in Xi'an, and I listened and ordered it! After the tea arrives, I pour the hot water, and BAM! I didn’t know, but the tiny cup came with an even tinier tea cup, and… the hot water immediately spills into the second cup! I was mortified! The server saw me struggling, and laughed with all his heart! I laughed too but made sure to keep it together. Another lesson learned: Read the instructions.
Evening: I really just wanted to relax. The day had been an emotional rollercoaster. I popped back into the hotel, and ordered some noodles to go. It was great! I just wanted to spend some time with myself, not worry about all the sights, and just…breathe.
Day 4: Going Home
The Hanting Hotel? Not a bad basecamp. Xi'an? Absolutely incredible. The food, the history, the people… It's all there, waiting to blow your mind. And even the slightly grumpy taxi drivers add to the experience.
Final Thoughts:
- Never underestimate the power of a good bowl of noodles. Or a bad one. The experience is all that matters.
- Learn some basic Mandarin. Seriously.
- Be prepared to get lost. And embrace it. That's the best part.
- Buy the hat. You probably won't regret it.
This is just the start of my Xi'an journey. There is much more to explore, and much more to mess up. But I am here for it!
Wyndham Southbury: Your Connecticut Getaway Awaits!
Hanting Hotel Near Changlemen: Your Xi'an Hotel Survival Guide (and Maybe Regret)
So, Hanting near Changlemen... is it *actually* near Changlemen? Because Google Maps, you know...
Okay, so here's the deal. Yes, it's *near* Changlemen. Like, you could *probably* walk there... if you enjoy the thrill of dodging e-scooters and the existential dread of questionable air quality. It's about a 10-15 minute walk to the metro station, which, let's be honest, is better than fighting for a taxi in Xi'an. The key word is "near." Don't imagine a postcard-perfect stroll; think more like a slightly sweaty urban adventure. My friend Brenda, bless her heart, insisted on walking the first time. She arrived looking like she'd run the marathon. I, wisely, took a Didi. Lesson learned: "near" is relative.
The rooms. Are they... clean? Because I have *standards* (sort of).
Clean... ish. Look, it's a budget hotel, right? Don't expect pristine five-star luxury. Generally, the beds are made, the bathroom (hopefully) flushed, and the surfaces appear wiped down. But... and there's always a but... I once found a rogue hair clinging to the shower wall. Let's just say it wasn't *mine*. That sent a shiver down my spine. Okay, maybe two. And the stained towels? Don't even get me started. Bring your own. Seriously. I'd pack my own towel just for the peace of mind and to feel like I had *some* semblance of control.
What about the staff? Are they friendly, or do they just want me to disappear?
Okay, the staff. This one is a mixed bag, like a bag of questionable dumplings from a street vendor. Some are genuinely helpful, and will try to understand your broken Mandarin and point you in the right direction. Others... well, let's just say they're not exactly overflowing with warmth. My advice? Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases – "xie xie" (thank you) and "ni hao" (hello) go a long way! And be prepared for a little... cultural disconnect. I tried to order room service once (which, by the way, was basically instant noodles or nothing), and the person on the phone sounded like they were actively questioning their life choices. It was both depressing and hilarious.
The breakfast situation? Is it worth it to even *look* at the breakfast?
Breakfast. Oh, sweet, sweet breakfast. It's... an experience. Think questionable pastries, possibly cold congee, and coffee that tastes suspiciously like dishwater. I've tried it twice. Twice was enough. Honestly? Save your money, go outside, and find a street vendor. For the price, you'll get something truly authentic, possibly spicy, and definitely more delicious than whatever sad spread they’re offering. I remember gagging on a lukewarm, rubbery egg. Never again. NEVER again. I stick to instant noodles and a can of Pringles. That's breakfast. The Hanting hotel breakfast? A tragic joke.
What amenities can you expect? Besides disappointment?
Amenities? Haha! Okay, there's Wi-Fi. It works, sometimes. The TV has a million channels, all in Chinese (unless you're fluent, prepare for a lot of staring blankly at the screen). There's usually soap – generic, but it exists. And you get air conditioning, which is a lifesaver in Xi'an's scorching summers. But don't expect a pool, a gym, or even a decent iron. Oh, and that elevator? It probably gets jammed, eventually. Okay, it happened to *me*. Panic and claustrophobia aside, it was more boring than anything. I almost missed the Terracotta Army because of it!
Worth the price? Lay it on me straight!
Look, it's budget. You're not paying for luxury. You're paying for a place to sleep, to shower, and to (hopefully) escape the chaos of Xi'an for a few hours. It's functional. If you're on a tight budget and want to be close to Changlemen, it does the job. Honestly, I've stayed there a few times, and each time, the feeling of relief when I finally checked out was palpable. I'd probably stay there again. Because, you know, budget. But I'm bringing my own towel, and skipping that "breakfast" indefinitely.
My Experience with the Elevator... It Deserved its Own Category.
Oh, the elevator. Let's just say that I got stuck. For a solid 30 minutes. It wasn't a dramatic, action-packed rescue. It was just... waiting. An eternity. I pressed the emergency button, and after what felt like hours, a bored-sounding voice on the scratchy speaker asked me in Mandarin what the problem was. I explained. "Wait," the voice said. And that was it. I sat there, staring at the floor numbers, wishing I'd brought my book. Or a snack. Or a small, self-contained oxygen supply. The panic slowly subsided, replaced by a soul-crushing boredom. When the doors finally groaned open, the world seemed brighter. I understand the importance of safety and maintenance, yes. But, seriously, getting stuck in that small metal box was a lesson in patience I didn't need! Consider the stairs, I suggest every time.
