Beijing's Hidden Gem: Anzhen's Hanting Hotel - Unbeatable Luxury!
Beijing's Hidden Gem: Anzhen's Hanting Hotel – Unbeatable Luxury (Yeah, Right… Let's See!)
Okay, okay, so I’m supposed to write a glowing review of the Hanting Hotel in Beijing, right? "Unbeatable luxury!" they say. Well, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea. And let me just say, after my stay, the tea might have a slightly bitter aftertaste. But hey, that's real life, right?
SEO & Metadata? Blah, blah, blah. Let's get to the juicy stuff.
(Keywords: Beijing Hotel Review, Hanting Hotel, Luxury Hotel Beijing, Accessible Hotel Beijing, Spa Beijing, Chinese Hotel, Beijing Travel, Clean Hotel Beijing, Safe Hotel Beijing, Best Hotel Beijing, Wi-Fi Beijing, Restaurant Beijing, Spa Services Beijing, Pool Beijing)
First Impressions (and the Initial Panic… Accessibility, Anyone?)
Finding this place was already a mission. Beijing is a maze, and my sense of direction is… well, let's just say Google Maps is my best friend (and sometimes my worst enemy). The airport transfer was thankfully smooth, but the first thing I was looking for when I got there was the elevator. I’m not a fan of stairs, and after a long flight, my knees were NOT feeling the love. Thankfully, it did have one, which was a huge relief. Accessibility is… well, let's just say it's a work in progress in some areas. Sidewalks weren’t always the smoothest, but the hotel did seem to make an effort.
A Quick Rambling Digression: I remember once ending up in a "luxury" hotel in Bangkok that had a "wheelchair-accessible" entrance… through the laundry room. Seriously! So, I'm always a little wary.
(Accessibility: Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests (assumed), Doorways wide enough? (TBC – didn’t get into a wheelchair myself, but observed some good ramps), Check-in/out [express, private])
The Room: Cozy or Claustrophobic? (And the Great Toilet Paper Conspiracy)
Okay, so the room. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Thank GOD! Jet lag is no joke. I appreciated the soundproofing because, let's be honest, Beijing can be a noisy city. I, naturally, needed the free Wi-Fi, which (thankfully) worked like a charm. And the complimentary tea was a nice touch. But the extra long bed was a bit… too long. I felt like I was swimming in it. (Additional toilet and actual toiletries that weren't cheap, scratchy stuff) was very useful.
Now, the biggest issue? The toilet paper. Listen, I'm no princess, but after 3 days of experiencing its disappearance I started to feel like I'd entered the Twilight Zone. Was this a test? A conspiracy? A deliberate attack on my… well… personal hygiene? I'd call housekeeping, and they’d bring maybe half a roll. Then disappear again. It was a running joke with the people I saw there.
(Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, Additional toilet, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Closet, Desk, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Reading light, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing. The following items were great, but the toilet paper…*)
Food Glorious Food? (And the Buffet of Betrayal)
The restaurants were a mixed bag. Breakfast was where the biggest disappointment came in. The buffet in the restaurant… ah, the buffet. Let's just say, it started strong, then slowly descended into what can only be described as… the land of lukewarm mystery meats. And the Asian cuisine in the restaurant was okay, but nothing to write home about. Seriously, I’ve had better street food in Beijing. There were some vegetarian options, but the options did not appeal to me.
However, there were some bright spots! The coffee shop was a lifesaver. And the bar had a decent selection of drinks (and a good happy hour). After my breakfast experience I took my chances with the Room service [24-hour] - and it was surprisingly good!
(Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.)
Relaxation Station: Massage, Spa, and… the View? (or lack thereof)
Okay, so the spa. This was supposed to be where the "luxury" really shone. Well, I had high hopes, but the overall experience felt… a bit sterile. The massage was okay, but not mind-blowing. The sauna and steamroom were nice. The Pool with view…well, it had a view, but it was of another building.
(Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized or… Sanitized-ish?
This is where I have to give the Hanting Hotel some credit. My stay was during a time of heightened concerns about the pandemic. The hotel seemed to take some precautions. There was hand sanitizer everywhere, and the daily disinfection in common areas was… noticeable. The staff at least looked like they were taking things seriously. The rooms sanitized between stays aspect made me feel a little better. Anti-viral cleaning products sounded good.
(Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.)
The Little Things (or, "Meh, It Was Fine")
The concierge was helpful (most of the time), the daily housekeeping kept the place tidy. The luggage storage was convenient, and having a convenience store onsite was a lifesaver for late night snacks. There wasn't too much that irked me.
(Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)
For the Littles (and the Babysitters):
I didn’t travel with kids, but I noticed they had babysitting service and kids facilities.
(For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal)
The Verdict: Is it “Unbeatable”? Nah.
Look, the Hanting Hotel wasn’t terrible. It was decent. The location was okay. The staff were generally friendly. But "unbeatable luxury"? That's a stretch. Maybe if they fixed the toilet paper situation and gave the breakfast buffet a serious makeover, I'd be singing a different tune.
Would I stay there again? Maybe. If the price was right and I needed a clean, safe place to crash in Beijing, sure. But I wouldn't say it was a life-changing experience. It was… a hotel. And it was fine. But don't go expecting the Ritz-Carlton. Go expecting okay toilet paper.
Escape to Paradise: Happiness 199 Homestay Awaits in Taitung, Taiwan!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-polished, airbrushed travel blog. This is me, raw and unfiltered, navigating the glorious chaos of Beijing and making my temporary home the Hanting Hotel Anzhen District. Prepare for a rollercoaster. Seriously, bring motion sickness pills. And maybe some therapy after.
Beijing Babble: A Messy Itinerary (Hanting Hotel Anzhen Edition)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- 10:00 AM (ish) – Arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Already feeling the jet lag punch to the face. Found the official airport greeter with the official taxi sign, a beacon in the sea of faces. My brain's basically scrambled eggs right now.
- Anecdote: The sheer size of the airport nearly broke me. It's like a small city. I swear I walked for an hour just to find a freaking ATM. And then, when I did, I used the wrong card three times because my brain refused to function. Humiliating.
- Quirky Observation: There's a distinct smell in the air that's a mix of exhaust fumes and… I don't know, maybe delicious stir-fry? It’s unsettling but intriguing at the same time.
- 11:30 AM – Taxi to Hanting Hotel Anzhen: The taxi ride was a blur of high-rises and constant honking. My driver, bless him, didn’t speak a word of English, and I only knew like, three words in Mandarin (“Hello”, “Thank you”, and “Where is bathroom?”), so it was a lot of frantic hand gestures and staring out the window.
- Emotional Reaction: Terrified, ecstatic, overwhelmed. All the feelings at once. The sheer density of everything is mind-boggling.
- 1:00 PM – Check-in & Hotel Room Revelation: The Hanting. Okay, it's… clean. Functional. The staff are friendly enough, even if my Mandarin is atrocious. My room is small. Like, really small. But hey, it's a bed.
- Opinionated Language: This is the least luxurious room I've ever stayed in. It is as basic as it gets, but it’s also… kind of charming? In a "survivalist chic" sort of way.
- Imperfection: Couldn’t figure out the damn TV. Gave up. Jet lag wins.
- 2:00 PM – Lunch Scavenger Hunt (Anzhen District): Armed with my Google Translate, I ventured forth in search of food. A true adventure. Wandered into a tiny, packed place with a steaming window. Pointed at something on the menu that looked edible. Who knows.
- Anecdote: Ended up with a bowl of noodles with… something. It was spicy. Very spicy. I suspect a mild form of food poisoning will be in my future, but hey, it was cheap.
- Messy Structure: Still haven't mastered the chopsticks. Spilled about half my noodles on myself. Definitely a travel low point.
- 3:00 PM – Nap Time & Reality Check: Exhaustion crashed over me. Slept for three hours.
- 6:00 PM – Evening Stroll & Local Vibes: Wandered around the Anzhen district to try and get the lay of the land. Found a park full of people doing Tai Chi. Peaceful, beautiful, and deeply alien all at once.
- Quirky Observation: The Chinese definitely have a penchant for outdoor dance aerobics. Witnessed three separate groups blasting music and doing coordinated moves. Utterly hilarious, and strangely inspiring.
- Emotional Reaction: Starting to feel a tiny flicker of excitement. The city feels… alive.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner… Again Found a local vendor selling skewers. Got lost in the crowd.
- Messy Structure: This place is packed. The food is cheap. I am in heaven.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a lot better. All the delicious food. Great vibes.
- 8:00 PM – Back to Hanting & Bed: Passed out immediately.
Day 2: The Forbidden City & Ancient History (and a Whole Lot of Walking)
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast Fail: The hotel breakfast was… well, it was certainly food. I went out for a street food instead.
- 10:00 AM – The Forbidden City: Epic Sightseeing Overload: Okay, this. This was something else. The Forbidden City is mind-blowingly enormous. The scale is… I’m running out of adjectives.
- Doubling Down: Spent hours wandering the courtyards, palaces, and halls. The sheer grandeur of the place is overwhelming. The red walls, the golden roofs, the intricate carvings – it's a feast for the eyes. But, also, so many people! The crowds were insane. Constant pushing. Couldn’t take a picture of anything because there were always a million other people in the shot. Still, it was worth it. Absolutely worth it.
- Rambles: I'm thinking about all the emperors and intrigues that went down here. Imagine all the secrets the walls have seen. It's almost too much to comprehend.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch Near the Forbidden City: Tourist trap central, but I was starving. Ate some mediocre dumplings.
- Anecdote: Got overcharged by a vendor. My Mandarin is still terrible. C'est la vie.
- 2:00 PM – Tiananmen Square: Walked through the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square. Felt a strange mix of awe and unease. The scale is truly impressive.
- Imperfection: Nearly got mowed down by a bicycle. Pedestrians in Beijing have no real sense of personal space.
- 3:00 PM – Back to the Hanting… Tired. Very tired.
- 4:00 PM – Recharge & Laundry: Decided to change the clothes.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner at a Local's Recommendation: Some local restaurants near the hotel. It was fantastic.
- Opinionated Language: So there's this local restaurant, The Red Lantern Ramen, that I ate at last night, and oh my GOD. Hands down, the best noodles I've ever tasted. Forget Michelin stars; this place deserves a freaking monument. The broth was rich and savory, the noodles were perfectly chewy, and the spice level was… well, let's just say I sweated like a pig. It was pure bliss.
- 7:00 PM – Sleep.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs & Shopping (or Trying To)
- 9:00 AM – Temple of Heaven: Beautiful. Serene. Perfect for a morning meditation (which I failed at, thanks to my overactive brain).
- Quirky Observation: Witnessed some serious kite-flying competitions going on. Some of these kites were like… works of art.
- 11:00 AM – Hutong Exploration: The Hutongs. Narrow alleyways, traditional houses, and a glimpse into old Beijing. Got hopelessly lost. Delightful.
- Emotional Reaction: Felt a genuine connection to the city here. It's where the soul of Beijing resides.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch in a Hutong: Found a tiny family-run restaurant. Delicious noodles again. Becoming addicted.
- 2:00 PM – Shopping? (Ha!) Tried to navigate a massive market. Overwhelmed.
- Anecdote: Got hustled by a vendor selling fake designer bags. I almost fell for it, mostly because I was exhausted and the guy was persistent. Managed to escape with just a few cheesy trinkets.
- Opinionated Language: Shopping here is a bloodsport. Forget "bargaining"; it's a relentless battle of wills.
- 4:00 PM – Coffee & People-Watching: Needed a break. Found a cafe and just watched the world go by. A perfect moment of peace.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner: Again, local. But, a different local.
- Imperfection: One more time, still lost the way, and got another food that I couldn't even translate. But it was still a good experience, thanks to the smiling faces.
- 7:00 PM – Early Night: Jet lag is still a thing. Sleep is good.
Day 4: Great Wall (Badaling) & Departure Prep
- 7:00 AM – Early wake-up for the Great Wall: The Wall! This is what I came for.
- 8:00 AM – Travel to the Great Wall: Bus ride. The views were incredible.
- 9:00 AM – Great Wall (Badaling): Okay, the wall is impressive. I mean, really. It's amazing. But the crowds. The crowds are absolutely insane.
- Doubling Down: The climb was brutal. My thighs are
Anzhen's Hanting Hotel: You Ready for This? My Honest Truth...
Okay, so you're thinking about Hanting Hotel in Anzhen, Beijing. Smart move. But before you dive in, let me, a seasoned traveler (who's seen some things, trust me), give you the unvarnished truth. This isn't some glossy brochure, it's real life. Buckle up.
Is Hanting in Anzhen *really* a hidden gem, or just a cleverly marketed hotel?
Okay, *hidden gem* is a STRONG claim. It's not like, a cave you stumble upon. (Though, honestly, after a 12-hour flight, the word "cave" starts sounding appealing). No, the *hidden* part is that it's *surprisingly* good for what you pay, especially considering the location. It's not swanky like you’d find in the CBD, but Anzhen is a solid area, well-connected. So, yeah, a hidden gem if you're looking for value and a decent base of operations.
Let me tell you the first time I stayed there... I was skeptical. I'd seen some "budget-friendly" hotels...let's just say, I’d slept in flophouses that had fewer cockroaches. But Hanting? It actually *smelled* clean. That, right there, was already a win.
What's the deal with the "unbeatable luxury" claim? Are we talking gold-plated faucets?
Gold-plated faucets? Honey, no. "Unbeatable luxury" is subjective. It's relative. Think of it this way: it’s luxury *for the price*. Spotless rooms, comfy beds (seriously, I slept like a baby!), decent Wi-Fi (which is CRUCIAL), and a generally peaceful atmosphere. I mean, it's not the Four Seasons, but for someone who's seen the seedier side of travel, it's bordering on paradise. They had a water boiler! A water boiler in your room is a game changer! And the air con worked. Praise be!
My first trip, I was so exhausted from a rough travel I'd had, I just wanted a shower and some uninterrupted sleep. The water pressure was great, the bed was heaven, and I practically wept with relief. Unbeatable? Yeah, that night, it was.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
Fantastic. Seriously. The subway is a hop, skip, and a jump away. (Okay, maybe more like a walk, but a short one!). Anzhenmen station is your friend. You can get anywhere in Beijing from there. And, there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. You're not stuck in some desolate wasteland.
Once I arrived totally jetlagged, thought to myself: "I will probably just sleep and I dont want to go too far". Then, out of curiosity, I looked out the window, followed my stomach and there was a fantastic restaurant just around the corner. Absolutely delicious noodles. I would like to say that, because of that, my first day was great!
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Spacious?
The rooms are small, let's be honest. This ain't a suite. But they are *clean*. Like, sparkling clean. And I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so trust me on this. The bathroom...oh, the bathroom. It's tiny, but functional. And again, clean! No weird smells, no questionable stains. That's the most important thing to me. And there are always toiletries, and I love that.
One time, I accidentally spilled coffee ALL over the floor. I felt terrible. But the cleaning staff? They were so quick and efficient, and they didn't even give me the stink eye. (Okay, maybe one tiny, fleeting stink eye. But I deserved it!). That level of efficiency? Priceless.
Is the staff helpful? Do they speak English?
Helpful? Yes. English-speaking? It varies. Some staff members speak a bit of English, some don't. But they're *always* willing to try and help, even with the language barrier. Pointing, miming, Google Translate… we always manage.
My friend doesn't speak a word of Chinese. One time, she somehow managed to order a whole plate of… I’m not even sure what it was. It was some kind of interesting street food she would have never ordered herself. Everyone helped her out with smiles, using any tool available with them. They are wonderful.
What kind of amenities are available? Breakfast? Gym?
Breakfast is basic. I mean, it's not a gourmet buffet. Think noodles, some Western-ish options (toast, jam…), and probably some mystery meat. But perfectly fine for a quick bite to start your day. No gym, unfortunately. I did my squats in the room. (Don't judge!).
I always skip the breakfast. I need to eat breakfast in the street! I am an Asian street food enthusiast. I just go out and eat whatever I find outside. You should too!
Any downsides? What should I be aware of?
The rooms can be a bit noisy, depending on your room's location. Ask for a room away from the elevators and the street if you are a light sleeper. And the Wi-Fi, sometimes, can be… temperamental. Also, it is not the place for a romantic weekend. (Unless you are *really* into cost-effectiveness).
One time, there was a full-blown wedding happening downstairs, and I could HEAR EVERYTHING. I was tired and just wanted to sleep. But the noise was too loud, and I had to be very, very patient. At least they gave us complimentary ear plugs.
Would you recommend Hanting in Anzhen?
Absolutely. Especially if you're on a budget but still want something clean, convenient, and relatively comfortable. It’s not perfect, but it's a solid choice. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat. It’s my go-to place when I'm in Beijing. And sometimes, that's all I need—a place to crash, recharge, and strategize my next Beijing adventure. Give it a shot. You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.
