Unbelievable Zhangjiajie Luxury: Z Flying Star Suite w/ National Park Views!
Z Flying Star Suite: Zhangjiajie's Unbelievable Rollercoaster Ride (Review that's Actually Real!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Z Flying Star Suite in Zhangjiajie, and it was… well, it was an experience. Not just a stay, mind you, but a journey. Think Indiana Jones meets luxury hotel. Prepare for some rambling, because honestly, trying to categorize this place is like herding cats. But! Here we go…
First Impressions (and a bit of a stumble):
The views, people. The views. The National Park is right there, sprawling out like some ancient, emerald dragon. Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, you could lose hours just staring out the window. Now, the suite? It was… flying star as the name suggested. Big. Like, "could-play-a-small-football-game-in-here" big. And the décor? Let's just say it leaned heavily into the "opulent Chinese fantasy" vibe. Think dragons, silk, and a whole lot of gold accents. It was… a lot. Made me feel like I'd accidentally wandered onto a movie set. Not bad, but certainly not minimalist. More like maximalist-meets-mountain-range.
Accessibility - A Little Wobbly Start:
Okay, so here's where it gets a little messy. The hotel claims to be wheelchair accessible, but… it's a bit like saying a chihuahua is a guard dog. There's the intention, but the execution could be smoother. While there's an elevator (thank goodness!), navigating some areas felt like an adventure. Narrow hallways, slightly awkward ramps… Let's just say my imaginary wheelchair got a workout. More work needed here! The restaurant access was fine, but I can't speak to the guestrooms, as I didn't inspect them.
Cleanliness and Safety - They Take it Seriously!
Whew, this part was impressive. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was very lax with sanitation standards. Nowadays, I'm practically a germaphobe. The Z Flying Star Suite, thankfully, got it. The staff was incredibly vigilant about safety protocols. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. Room sanitization between stays (and you could even opt-out, which is great!). Staff wearing masks. Even the kitchen and tableware felt squeaky clean. They took it seriously. Like, really seriously. Felt safe, which is a huge win in these times.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious (and Slightly Overwhelming) Rooms!
My suite? Let's break it down.
- Air Conditioning: Crucial. Zhangjiajie can get sticky.
- Alarm Clock: Fine. I used my phone.
- Bathtub: HUGE. Took a while to fill, but totally worth it. Bubble bath essential.
- Blackout Curtains: THANK GOD. Sleep is precious, and those early sunrises over the mountains are gorgeous, but not when you're desperately trying to catch some Zzz's.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Always a win. Free tea?! Even better.
- Free Wi-Fi: Spotty in places, but generally decent. (More on that frustration later).
- Hair Dryer: Powerful, which is a blessing for my mane.
- In-Room Safe: Always a good idea.
- Mini Bar: Overpriced, but hey, it's there.
- Non-Smoking: Praise be.
- Private Bathroom: Yessss!
- Refrigerator: Practical for keeping drinks cold.
- Slippers: Comfy and fluffy.
- Soundproofing: Actually, pretty good. Peace and quiet is a luxury.
- Toiletries: Decent quality, although I'm a sucker for my own brand.
- TV: A good selection of channels. I was desperate for a good movie when one day of the trip was rained out.
- Window that opens: Fresh air! Always appreciated.
- Extra Long Bed: This thing could swallow me up whole, which is precisely what I needed!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Feast for the Senses (and the Occasional Misstep)
Alright, let's get into the food.
- Restaurants: Several to choose from. The main one had a buffet, which was a bit hit and miss (more on that later), but the à la carte options were excellent.
- Asian Cuisine: A must-try, naturally. Authentic and delicious. The Sichuan dishes were fire – literally!
- Western Cuisine: Surprisingly good, especially when I was craving something familiar (burger, fries, you know the drill). Comfort food.
- Bar: A bit pricey, but the cocktails were well-made, and the views from the terrace were incredible, especially during happy hour. I felt like James Bond.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: The breakfast buffet was a roller coaster. Some days it was a glorious spread of everything imaginable, with an excellent Asian breakfast, but some days, it felt a bit… tired.
- Room Service: 24-hour – a lifesaver after a long day of hiking.
- Poolside Bar: Not used due to the weather.
Now, for the story. A single Experience, a single Day:
The biggest frustration came with the Wi-Fi. It was patchy, right? I wanted to check some photos, I wanted to catch up with friends. But the service would constantly drop. One day, I took my laptop to the lobby. It was rainy, and my room was dark. I was desperate to find the Wi-Fi. I ordered some coffee, and sat down, hoping the Wi-Fi signal would be strong.
Nothing.
My frustration built. I tried to connect, over and over. Every 30-seconds, the Wi-Fi cut out.
It was that moment where I knew I was really annoyed. That was my trigger where I gave the staff a call and asked them to fix it!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day!
- Fitness Center: Fine. Standard gym equipment.
- Pool with View: Gorgeous outdoor pool.
- Sauna, Spa: Now this was the highlight. The spa was luxurious, the massage was incredible. They had every treatment imaginable. Totally worth it. I indulged in a foot bath, a body scrub, and a body wrap (the works!). Pure bliss. This is where the hotel shone. I am not the spa type, but I became one!
- Steamroom: A welcome retreat after a long day of hiking.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Again, the views are just incredible.
- Happy hour: A great deal.
Services and Conveniences – Mixed Bag:
- Concierge: Helpful, but sometimes a bit slow.
- Laundry and Ironing Service: Convenient, but expect a premium price.
- Currency Exchange: Easy enough.
- Cash Withdrawal: Convenient.
- Car Park [free of charge]: Helpful since Zhangjiajie is hard to navigate.
- Daily Housekeeping: Impeccable.
- Elevator: Good!
- Doctor/nurse on call: (Thank god!
- Safe dining setup: Definitely!
For the Kids - Family Friendly
There are kids facilities, which is good, but I travelled alone.
Getting Around – Easy-Peasy
- Airport Transfer: Convenient and efficient.
- Car park [on-site]: Free!
- Taxi Service: Readily available.
Final Thoughts (and a bit of a sigh):
The Z Flying Star Suite in Zhangjiajie? It’s a paradox. It has immense potential with its location and views. The spa? Incredible. The staff were lovely. The cleanliness? Top-notch.
But then there’s the… over-the-top décor, the Wi-Fi issues, and the slightly bumpy accessibility. It's not perfect, by any means, but it’s memorable. Would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats. Be prepared for a bit of a journey, a little bit of high-end kitsch, and some truly breathtaking scenery. Just be prepared to have your patience tested.
SEO and Metadata Keywords (to cover all the bases!)
- Primary Keywords: Zhangjiajie Luxury Hotel, Z Flying Star Suite, Zhangjiajie National Park Hotels, China Luxury Hotels, Boutique hotel Zhangjiajie
- Secondary Keywords: Wheelchair-accessible hotel, Spa hotel Zhangjiajie, National Park View Hotel, Hotel with pool Zhangjiajie, Accessible hotel China, Zhangjiajie lodging, Chinese hotels, Five-star hotel Zhangjiajie, Things to do Zhangjiajie, Best Zhangjiajie Hotels
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Accessible hotel, Elevator, Ramps
- Cleanliness: Anti-viral cleaning, Sanitized rooms, Hygiene certification
- Amenities: Spa, Swimming pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar, Wi-Fi, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Air conditioning
- Dining: Asian cuisine
Alright, buckle up, Buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. We're going to Zhangjiajie, baby, and it's gonna be less "precise schedule" and more "controlled chaos." Z 飞星/山景大床套房 (that fancy suite name, I haven't even bothered to learn how to pronounce it but sounds good) and the National Forest Park are our targets. Let's get messy, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (aka, Jet Lag and Jade Bunnies)
- Morning (or whenever the heck you wake up): Land in Zhangjiajie Airport. OMG. The air… thick. Like, you could chew on it. I forgot how much jet lag sucks. Grab a taxi/pre-booked car to the hotel, Z 飞星/山景大床套房 (still can’t pronounce it. I'll stick with "The View Suite," ok?). I seriously hope this place lives up to the photos. Please, God, let it have a good view. Otherwise, I'm rioting. And I'm already hangry.
- Mid-Morning: Finally, the View Suite. Breathes Okay, the view… it's actually… STUNNING. Like, breathtaking-holy-moly-this-is-why-I-travel stunning. The peaks are like giant, jagged teeth poking through the clouds. Totally worth the price (gulp). Afterward, the room seems… massive. I could hold a small party in here. With questionable snacks I smuggled in.
- Lunch: Found some little dumpling place near the hotel. No English menu, but the pictures looked promising. Ordered something with pork. Who knows what it actually was, but it hit the spot. And, BONUS, little lady with the glasses was super nice. I gave her a little thumbs up.
- Afternoon: Nap. Deep, glorious, jet-lag-induced nap. I swear, I dreamt I was being chased by a giant panda… wearing boxing gloves? Weird.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Attempt to get my bearings. Wander around a bit around the hotel area. Get lost. Walk around in circles. Panic slightly (I have a terrible sense of direction). Stumbled upon a tiny shop selling jade trinkets. Ended up buying a tiny jade bunny. She’s probably fake. I don’t care. She’s cute. It’s a comfort bunny. Plus, the shop lady smiled at me the whole time.
- Evening: Dinner. Another local place. More pointing at pictures on the menu. Tried a local beer. Not my favorite, but hey, gotta embrace the local flavor. Maybe I'll actually try to learn some Mandarin… tomorrow. Or the day after. Probably not. Go back to the room, look out the window until the dark. The mountains and clouds are even more beautiful.
Day 2: Avatar Land (aka, Thrills and Trails, and a Near-Death Experience with Noodles)
- Morning: Today, National Forest Park! The reason we're all here. Breakfast in the hotel (delicious but too expensive!) Set off for the park entrance. Queue up, and buy a ticket. The crowds? Oh my god. Like being swept up in a tide of humanity. But, the payoff is supposed to be worth it.
- Mid-Morning: Ride the Bailong Elevator. (The tallest outdoor elevator in the world! Bragging rights achieved!). The ascent is terrifying and breathtaking. The view from the top? Truly biblical. Those floating mountains from Avatar are real. It’s like being in a painted landscape. I can't stop taking photos. Probably using up my entire phone storage.
- Lunch: Quick, pre-packed sandwiches and fruit. (Good move, me). Avoid the tourist traps. Found a quiet spot with a view of… well, more breathtaking scenery. Just sit. Soak it in. This is pure bliss.
- Afternoon: Hike. Chose a relatively easy trail (ha!). It was still pretty steep. I forgot to bring enough water & got thirsty. I’m not in great shape. Started feeling sorry for myself. But, the views kept pushing me. Eventually, I reached a lookout point where I could see the whole park. I swear, I held my breath. The view makes the entire trip worth it. (Also, I’m pretty sure I saw a monkey steal someone’s backpack).
- Late Afternoon: Headed back down the mountain. My legs are BURNING. I need a massage. Or maybe a nap. Or both. Maybe a cocktail?
- Evening: A ridiculously over-full bowl of noodles from a street vendor (big mistake). Spilled half of it down my shirt. Nearly choked on a chili pepper. Thought I was going to die. Seriously considering going vegetarian for a bit. Then, ordered another bowl the next day. Fool me once… I’m actually kind of addicted. Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush of near-death experiences?
Day 3: Whispers of the Wind and Lost in Translation (aka, More Trails and Taoist Temples and a Bad Day in Tea)
- Morning: Decided to be a good girl and headed out again. I’m on a mission to be better. Explored Tianmen Mountain. Riding a cable car above the forest. The view is insane, obviously. The air is different. The smell… the fresh air makes me smile, for real.
- Mid-Morning: Explore Tianmen Cave. This time some long and steep stairs. I was exhausted, but the air was so thin. It almost got to me. My god again the view! This trip is so beautiful!
- Lunch: This time, a restaurant near the park. English menu! Ordered a tea. It was expensive. It was bad. Real bad. I still drank all of it because, well, I paid for it.
- Afternoon: Visited a Taoist temple. Tried to appreciate culture and history, but mostly felt overwhelmed by the crowds. I am not the most spiritual. Still, the building itself was beautiful. Found a spot to breathe.
- Late Afternoon: Got lost trying to find a teahouse in the town. Ended up wandering through the local market. Found some strange but delicious snacks. Almost bought a fake Rolex. Decided against it. I’m good at making terrible decisions.
- Evening: Dinner. Another local place. A friendly staff but terrible food.
Day 4: Departure and Reflections (aka, Goodbye Zhangjiajie, I'll Miss You… and Your Noodles)
- Morning: One last look at the mountains from the View Suite. Sigh. That view. That air. I'm actually going to miss this place. Headed out.
- Afternoon: Headed to the airport. Flight home. Reflecting. Zhangjiajie: chaotic, beautiful, challenging, and utterly unforgettable. I’m exhausted. Jet lag is going to hit me hard. I’m going to need a vacation to recover from this vacation.
- Evening: Safe at home.
Final Thoughts:
I know this itinerary isn't perfect. There are probably gaps. It's missing some details. I got lost a bunch. I ate some questionable food. I maybe didn't learn as much Mandarin as I should have. However, it’s real. It's what it was. This trip wasn’t about following a script; it was about experiencing something that touched me. And, frankly, that beautiful view and my damn fake jade bunny. That’s what I'll remember. And maybe that noodle place. I’ll absolutely remember that noodle place. In the end, I guess it was worth it. Now, I need a nap. A long one.
Escape to Paradise: Sa Plana Petit Hotel, Majorca's Hidden Gem
So, is this "Unbelievable" Z Flying Star Suite actually...unbelievable? Like, *really*?
Alright, settle in, because this is a LAYERED question. The balcony? Unreal. Seriously, you feel like you can *reach out and touch* the Avatar mountains. That misty, ethereal vibe? Nailed it. The suite itself? Ridiculously spacious. Like, I got lost in the living room once. That's a good sign, right? Except… there's the constant feeling you're being pampered. The staff is *so* overly attentive at times. I swear, one morning I looked at my coffee cup wrong and a guy practically snatched it away to refill it. Kinda felt like a diva, to be honest. Unbelievable? Parts of it, absolutely. Overall? It's close - damn close - but there are these little niggles that give you a *slight* feeling of imposter syndrome. You know? Like, 'Do I *deserve* this level of luxury after eating instant noodles for the last week?'
What's the deal with those National Park Views? Are they *actually* park views?
Oh. My. GOD. The views. Yes. They're real. Like, the kind of real that makes you slightly question your sanity. You step onto the balcony, and BAM! Towering sandstone pillars disappearing into the clouds. Honestly, the pictures don't do it justice. My phone camera, bless her cotton socks, just couldn't cope with the sheer *scale* of it all. My first morning? I stood there, drooling, in my pyjamas for a solid hour. It felt like I was floating above Pandora, you were actually *in* the movie. Then the realization hit... I had to find my trousers. It kind of broke the spell.
Let's Talk Amenities! Hot tub on the balcony? Private butler? What kind of mayhem is going on?
Okay, the hot tub. This deserves its own paragraph. I mean, seriously. Imagine this. You’ve spent the day hiking, legs are screaming, you’re covered in a thin layer of dust that refuses to come off, and you waddle onto your balcony. There it is. A perfectly heated hot tub, bubbling invitingly. So, you jump in, and for about 20 minutes, it's pure bliss. *Pure*. Then… the wind picks up. And the mist rolls in. And suddenly, you're in a goddamn *fog*. Can't see the mountains. Can't feel your toes. And you realize you left your towel inside. Panic sets in. Eventually, the butler (yes, there's a butler) rescues you, but it was a moment. A glorious, slightly humiliating moment. He didn't even bat an eye. The butler is a pro. The rest of the amenities? They're all top-notch, but the butler is the one that really shines.
I heard the restaurants are pretty fancy. Can I get away with wearing jeans?
Okay, so this is where I got myself into a bit of a pickle. The restaurants are… refined. Let's put it that way. I tried to play it casual the first night, thinking 'Hey, it's a resort in China, who cares?', Wrong. So, so wrong. I went with jeans and a nice shirt. The hostess gave me *the look*. The one that says "Bless your heart, you sweet summer child." The food was beyond divine, and everyone else was dressed to the nins. So, yes, you CAN wear jeans. But maybe bring a backup outfit. And possibly practice your smize in the mirror beforehand. Lesson learned.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Crucial for Instagram, you know.
This is a mixed bag, honestly. The Wi-Fi in my suite was generally good. Strong enough to upload those envy-inducing pics of the view... eventually. However, it would sometimes disappear. Like, *completely*. Vanish. I'm talking, "I'm pretty sure I can hear a dial-up modem" levels of slow. This is both fantastic and horrible. Fantastic because it forces you to actually *disconnect* and soak in the environment. Horrible because, well, Insta addiction is real, people. Be prepared for a digital detox, or bring a robust mobile data plan. Maybe both.
Is it worth the price tag? Be honest!
Alright, here's the truth bomb: it's *expensive*. Like, "I might have to eat ramen for a month after this" expensive. But… (and this is a big but) …it depends. If you're looking for a truly unique, bucket-list experience? If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to a fantasy world? If you’re willing to splurge a little (or whole lot) on something truly unforgettable? Then, yes. It's worth it. Even with the slightly awkward butler encounters and the occasional Wi-Fi woes. The views, the feeling of being utterly spoiled, the sheer *wow* factor of it all… that's something you can't put a price on. Just... maybe bring the ramen, just in case. And tip the butler kindly.
