Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Linfen Hongdong Times Square!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits? Hold My Hand Sanitizer: A Rambling Review of Hanting Hotel Linfen Hongdong Times Square
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived (and maybe even enjoyed) a stay at the Hanting Hotel Linfen Hongdong Times Square. And by "survived," I mean I'm still unpacking the emotional baggage. Let's be real, reviewing a hotel is akin to dating… you go in hoping for fireworks, but end up with a lukewarm handshake and a desperate urge to rate them on TripAdvisor.
First Impressions… and the Elevator That Almost Betrayed Me
Right off the bat, the "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits" tagline had me side-eyeing. I'm a realist, folks. I’ve seen enough budget travel to know my "unbelievable luxury" threshold is probably set at, like, clean sheets. Getting to the room involved a harrowing elevator journey that could have doubled as a thriller movie opening scene: the doors creaked, the lights flickered, and I SWEAR I heard a faint "ding" from a ghost rider's invisible chariot. But hey, at least the exterior corridor offered a decent view of the surrounding city. See, already a plus.
Accessibility: The Uneven Playing Field
Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I'm always hyper-aware of accessibility. This place…well, it’s a mixed bag. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, but I couldn’t get a definitive answer on how accessible the onsite restaurants/lounges were. This is one of those areas where they need to step up their game! The hotel needs a full checklist to ensure everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy everything.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are We Still Living in 2023? Okay, let's get to the nitty-gritty. The hotel leaned into safety protocols, which, good. Especially in the current global climate! They had anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services, at least, that's what they told me. Rooms sanitized between stays. Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. They were taking it seriously.
However, the staff protocol, while probably in place was not as outwardly professional. When I asked about the hygiene certification, it felt kinda like I was asking for the Holy Grail. This is where you gotta keep the faith and just hope they're doing daily disinfection in common areas.
My Room: A Cozy Fortress (Mostly)
My room? Well, it was…a room. The air conditioning worked, thank the heavens, because it was sweltering outside. Blackout curtains? Bless. I'm a light sleeper, and the streetlights play no games when peering through the blinds. The bed was that classic firm Asian-style, and the extra long bed, was, well, extra long. Free bottled water, essential. Coffee/tea maker? Score! I needed that caffeine fix to navigate this adventure! I also enjoyed the additional toilet in the bathroom. Always a bonus when you’re sharing. I also loved the slippers by the bed. And the desk was large and perfect for the laptop!
The in-room safe box was a nice touch, too. I, unfortunately, completely forgot to use it. My bad.
The Internet Saga: Wi-Fi Woes
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Internet access – wireless. YES! Sadly, it wasn't all sunshine and cat videos. The internet [LAN] was spotty. Internet services were variable, so you might want to bring a book in case your connection fails.
Dining: The Breakfast, The Bar, The Buffet… Oh My!
Okay, breakfast. The most crucial meal, obviously. Now, they offered Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, a breakfast [buffet] AND breakfast service. I'm a buffet kind of girl. It wasn't the most unbelievable breakfast ever, but the buffet in restaurant had enough to get me going. The coffee shop provided the fuel for the day. The poolside bar sounded enticing, but I never got around to it. Restaurant [s] were varied, offering Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, AND Western cuisine in restaurant to make sure anyone can eat something.
But let's talk about the Happy Hour. I found it. It was happy. It was cheap. And I may or may not have overindulged.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Nah, Nap Day
The swimming pool [outdoor] was calling, but I was too busy conquering my inbox. They had a fitness center, a gym/fitness, a spa, a spa/sauna, and a steamroom. The pool with a view sounded nice! But, let's be honest. I'm here to relax, for real.
Services and Conveniences: The Concierge, The Cash Withdrawal, the Chaos
The concierge was helpful… when I could find them. The business facilities seemed well-equipped. Currency exchange was a lifesaver. Laundry service? Essential. As a backpacker, I loved luggage storage.
The convenience store proved handy for late-night snacks, but let's be candid: I spent more time trying to comprehend the local currency than I did shopping.
For the Kids & Family Friendly
Family/child-friendly, they say? Babysitting service? It did not look like a family-focused hotel. Getting Around: Taxi, Taxi, Where Art Thou Taxi?
Airport transfer wasn't included, but taxi service was available. Getting around was…an adventure.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, the Hanting Hotel Linfen Hongdong Times Square isn't perfect. Far from it. But, it's functional, relatively clean, and the staff (mostly) tries. Was it "Unbelievable Luxury"? Absolutely not. Was it a memorable experience, ripe with all the messy, human-ness of travel? Absolutely. For the price, and if the other options scare you, I’d say it’s worth a shot. Just temper your expectations, pack your hand sanitizer, and prepare for the elevator ride of your life. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a nap.
Gladistone's HOTTEST Hotel: Downtown Central Apartment Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this trip to the Hanting Hotel in Linfen, Hongdong Times Square, China? Hoo boy, it's gonna be a ride. Prepare for the "unfiltered tourist" experience. No promises of perfection. Just raw, messy, and hopefully hilarious truth.
Day 1: Arrival of Doom (and Dim Sum Dreams)
- Morning (aka "Where's my luggage?"): Landed at the airport and immediately got hit with that humid, glorious, "CHINA!" air. The airport was…well, it was an airport. Efficient enough, I guess. But where was my luggage? Oh, the joys of budget airlines. Found it eventually, thankfully, after a silent internal freakout that lasted roughly 20 minutes. Already feeling the travel stress. This is going to be one of those trips, isn't it?
- Afternoon (Hanting Hotel and Hot Water): The taxi ride to the Hanting Hotel… let's just say it was an education in navigating the local traffic. We made it! The Hanting looks, well, it looks like a Hanting. Cleanish, I suppose the room is smaller than I expected but I think I'm okay with it. Now, the real problem: the hot water in the shower. Was it working correctly? I swear, I think I can only survive this trip if I can get a proper, hot shower. It was an hour, then I got a proper hot shower, the problem has been solved.
- Evening (Dim Sum Nirvana and Language Barriers): Found this tiny little dim sum place about a block from the hotel. Honestly, their English was nonexistent. But look, food knows no language, right? I pointed, I gestured, I made a fool of myself attempting to pronounce "Xiaolongbao." The results? Some of the best soup dumplings of my entire life. Seriously, the broth was so delicious, I nearly cried. Then I realized I probably looked like a fool, but hey! Amazing dim sum is worth it.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Tourist Traps (Oh My!)
- Morning (Bing Temple): The Bing Temple… well, it was impressive. Massive. Beautiful. So many people. I really felt like I was actually in China and I think that's the first time I really realized I wasn't in, say, London pretending to be in China. Wandering around the temple grounds, I felt this weird mix of awe and… irritation? It could be the crowd but I don't think so, I think that I was just starting to get overwhelmed. Not sure why now, but hey, this is just the start of the trip.
- Afternoon (Tea Ceremony and Utter Confusion): Okay, so I stumbled upon this tea house. Lovely setting, super traditional. The tea was interesting. The tea master was even more interesting. I don't know what any of the ceremony rules were but I kept trying to do the right thing. It was like a mime performance, but with tea. I failed spectacularly at following the etiquette. It felt like a comedy skit.
- Evening (Street Food and a Lost Wallet - Yikes!): Okay, the stomach felt ready for some dinner. Linfen at night? The smells are amazing! Seriously, my nose was on overload. So much deliciousness. Some amazing bbq skewers and a few other dishes I didn't know the names of. Then – disaster. No cash. Where were my credit cards? I frantically searched and searched my bag. My wallet was gone! Panic set in. Did I get pickpocketed? Did I leave it somewhere? After retracing my steps, I found it! I was so thrilled. I might be getting used to all of this travel chaos.
Day 3: The Great Wall (Not REALLY the Great Wall, but Close Enough)
- Morning (The "Almost" Great Wall of Linfen): So, real talk: I didn't actually make it to THE Great Wall. Travel time, logistics, costs…bleh. But, I found a place that's "inspired" by it, supposedly. It was… well, it was a wall. It had some views. It was probably not going to go down in the history books as "The Most Amazing Thing I've Ever Seen." Still, it was a nice walk and I had a little time to kill. So I did a lot of thinking.
- Afternoon (Local Market Madness): Oh my god, the local market. The sights, the sounds, the smells - it was sensory overload in the best possible way. I bought some random fruit (no idea what it was, but it looked delicious). I watched a guy selling live chickens. I saw a mountain of dried mushrooms. It was just a whirlwind of culture and chaos and I LOVED IT.
- Evening (Unexpected Karaoke and My Terrible Singing): Seriously, how did this happen? I was just wandering, looking for a restaurant. And then, I was pulled into a karaoke bar. The locals were lovely, and even gave me a microphone, somehow. I’m not good at karaoke but I've never laughed so hard. And yeah, I completely butchered every song. But the room cheered me on. It's amazing what can happen when you let your guard down.
Day 4: Farewell… and a Final, Glorious Meal
- Morning (One Last Breakfast Run): Back to the dim sum place! Absolutely necessary. I got to know the people there; the language barrier was there, but we were friends, and that's all that matters. No more soup dumplings and I would have to go back to a life of not-amazing dim sum forever.
- Afternoon (Packing and Pre-Departure Meltdown): The part of every trip that's simultaneously a relief and a tragedy. Packing, the most hated element of a trip.
- Evening (Departure and Memories): Back at the airport, the same humid air, the same (hopefully) swift process. Ready to go home. Back to not-amazing dim sum. This trip? Definitely worth the effort.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Linfen Hongdong Times Square! (Maybe?) – Let's Unpack This Mess
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place ACTUALLY Luxurious? 'Cause My Expectations Are... Let's Just Say, Manageable.
Alright, truth time. "Unbelievable luxury" is a *bold* statement. Let's be real – we're talking about a place in Linfen, Hongdong Times Square. My brain, after too much instant coffee on a recent trip, automatically conjures images of, well, *practical*. Think clean sheets, a working shower, and hopefully, no rogue spiders. (I have a *thing*.)
So, luxurious? It depends. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. Would I call my stay "unbelievable"? Well, that's the million-dollar question, and the answer is... complicated. Maybe "believable, but pleasantly surprising" would be a better slogan? I've seen nicer, and I've seen far, far worse. They *do* try, I'll give them that.
What About the Room? Is It Actually Comfortable, Or Am I Sleeping on a Mattress Filled With Rocks?
The room...right. Okay, picture this: I walk in, slightly jet-lagged, and craving a nap. First impression? Clean. Always a good sign. The bed... well, it's no Tempur-Pedic, folks. Let's just say I'd describe it as "firm." My back felt pretty good the next morning, so… silver lining?
The pillows were another story. One was fluffy heaven. The other? A lumpy, deflated... thing. I swear, I think it contained half a brick. I spent the first hour rearranging pillows, trying to find a balance between comfortable and, you know, NOT giving myself a crick in the neck. That's my sleep story, and I'm sticking to it. The point is, bring your own if you're picky like me.
How's the Bathroom? (We ALL Want to Know!). Is the Water Hot at Least?
Oh, the bathroom. The sacred space. Listen, hot water is a MUST. And honestly, in this place? Surprisingly good. I mean, searing hot showers are not always a given, especially in these places. The pressure? Eh, it could have been better, but honestly, I was just SO grateful for heat!
The cleanliness? Passable. Look, I'm not inspecting every grout line, but generally, it was...clean. A few stray hairs here or there (eww), I'll admit, I'm slightly obsessed with clean bathrooms. The important thing? The shower worked! Don't get me started on the toilet paper quality, though. Let's just say, pack some extra...you know. And the soap? Oh, it's that sliver of a bar that disappears in, like, three washes. Bring your own!
Food! What's the Deal? Included Breakfast? What Can I Expect?
Breakfast. Ah, the most delightful, and potentially the most dreaded, part of a hotel stay. I'm a coffee person, so that's *always* the first question. Coffee was... well, it existed. Let's just leave it at that. Instant coffee is a frequent and sad thing, but hey, it wakes you up!
The buffet! Okay. So, it wasn't exactly a Michelin-star extravaganza. There were your usual suspects: congee (rice porridge - very common in China), some sad-looking pastries, maybe a few stir-fry options, and possibly some noodles. I remember the egg situation vividly. They had a cook there! A man, making eggs. The yolk was perfectly runny, and I ordered one. Just one. Maybe a little bit of magic to the whole experience.
The Location! Times Square Sounds Fancy! Is It Actually Convenient, Or Am I Wandering Around Looking For Civilization?
Times Square! The name is...optimistic. It's not *exactly* the glitz and glamour of New York, but in Linfen? It's pretty decent. The hotel is *relatively* well-situated. You're close enough to...stuff. Restaurants, shops, things to do. It's not going to be a trek to get to the action.
But here's the thing: navigating a new city can be a challenge. I spent a solid hour wandering around once, desperately seeking a decent coffee shop. (Again, instant coffee trauma.) So, yeah, location's fine...but maybe brush up on your Mandarin? Or, you know, download a translation app. Because even the best location can be a nightmare without proper navigation!
What's the Wi-Fi Like? I Need to Post Pictures of My "Luxury" Stay!
Oh, the Wi-Fi. The bane of every modern traveler's existence. It was… there.
Let's just say I wouldn't recommend streaming high-definition movies. Uploading pictures was a slow burn. It was enough to keep me connected, email-wise, and maybe do some light browsing, but don't expect lightning-fast speeds. I’m not sure why it took 10 minutes to load a webpage but it did, sometimes. I may have yelled a tiny bit. Okay, a lot.
Customer Service? Are the Staff Helpful, or Am I on My Own?
Customer service... This, my friends, can be a mixed bag, everywhere. Language barriers are real. But, generally, the staff were polite. They tried their best, and you could tell. You know, the usual smiles, the attempts at help...they tried.
I had a minor issue with the key card once. That led to a lot of fluster and gesturing, on both sides, and eventually, it was sorted. They helped me and gave me a new key! That was pretty great. So, I'll give them bonus points for effort. Just be patient, and have a translator app handy. It really helps.
Anything Else I Should Know? Like, Are There Any Hidden Gems or Horrifying Secrets?
Hidden Gems... well, okay. Not exactly. Horrifying secrets? Hopefully not! Just, go in with realistic expectations. It's not a palace, it's a hotel in Linfen. Adjust accordingly.
One piece of advice:Boutique Inns
