Beijing's Hidden Gem: Hanting Hotel Jiugong - Unbelievable Luxury!
Beijing's Hidden Gem: Hanting Hotel Jiugong - Seriously Unbelievable Luxury! (or So They Say…)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Hanting Hotel Jiugong, and let me tell you, the marketing department's brochure and reality are in a very interesting relationship. They promise "unbelievable luxury," and, well… let's just say the "unbelievable" part is definitely true, though maybe not exactly how they intend.
First things first: Accessibility. This is where things started off, shall we say, adventurous. The website's promises of "facilities for disabled guests" were a bit vague. The entrance itself seemed okay, though navigating the initial lobby felt like a slightly awkward waltz around some strategically placed ferns. I'm a healthy gal, but I do appreciate a clear path. Wheelchair accessible? Hmm. The elevator seemed fine, thankfully, but the hallways felt a tad narrow. I didn't have a direct need for it, mind you, but if I had been relying on mobility assistance, I'd be cautiously optimistic. The front desk [24-hour] was definitely a plus, especially when I arrived at 2 AM thanks to the delightful Beijing traffic. They also had a dedicated concierge, who, bless their hearts, tried their absolute best to interpret my butchered Mandarin and point me in the direction of… well, anything, really.
Getting around: The car park [free of charge] was a lifesaver, especially since figuring out Beijing's public transport with a mountain of luggage is not my idea of fun. They even had valet parking, which I almost used, but chickened out when I saw how fancy everyone else's cars were. Airport transfer was available, but I ended up opting for a taxi – a decision I immediately regretted.
Rooms: The "Luxury" Begins… and Ends?
My room, thankfully, was a haven. Or at least, it could have been. The air conditioning blasted like a hurricane, which was a relief after the Beijing humidity, but the blackout curtains were definitely needed to combat the morning sun. I appreciated the extra long bed, because, let's be honest, who doesn't want a little extra stretch? The complimentary tea and free bottled water were tiny touches, but they made a difference.
Now for the questionable details. They offered a separate shower/bathtub, which was lovely, but the showerhead seemed determined to douse everything except me. The bathroom phone was a relic of a bygone era, and I'm not sure what I would have called, even if I'd known how to make it work. And the "luxury?" Well, it was definitely trying. The bathrobes felt like they might fall apart from sheer exhaustion. They have everything listed under "Available in all rooms" which, while true, is a generous use of the word "luxury." The mini bar held some surprisingly delicious snacks. The safe box made me feel like I should be hiding something, even though I wasn't.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Obsession (Which I Appreciated!)
Okay, let's get serious for a second because I felt the need to breathe easier. Cleanliness and safety were clearly paramount. The constant daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring, and the staff seemed completely dedicated to this. Staff trained in safety protocol was also great, although they seemed to have memorized a script about sanitization a little too well, at times. I loved the hot water linen and laundry washing, and I felt secure with the CCTV in common areas and even outside.
They had anti-viral cleaning products, and the rooms were sanitized between stays. They even offered room sanitization opt-out available, which, honestly, felt a bit like they were saying "we understand if you don't think we're clean enough, and we'll let you skip it if you really want."
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Mixed Bag, to Say the Least.
This is where things really got interesting. The Asian breakfast was good. The buffet in restaurant was okay, definitely not the "unbelievable" promised, but I certainly wasn't starving. The coffee shop was passable, and I needed that first cup of coffee. The poolside bar was a ghost town, even though the weather was lovely. The restaurants themselves were a bit hit-or-miss. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was good, but the Western cuisine in restaurant made me want to cry. The bottle of water was appreciated. The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver at 3 AM, when I found that "international cuisine" translates to a really, really sad hamburger.
Things to Do: Relaxation (Maybe?)
Now, the Spa and related amenities were where the "luxury" was supposed to shine… right? I'll give them this: the pool with view was stunning. Beautiful, scenic, and worth it. The sauna and steamroom were decent, although the humidity in the steamroom was set to "Amazon rainforest in monsoon season." I was even brave enough to try a massage, which was…intense. Let's just say it was a thorough experience, and I might have accidentally yelped when the masseuse discovered knots I didn't know existed. There's also a gym/fitness, but I was too busy trying to recover from the massage to find it.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the "What Were They Thinking?"
The convenience store was… convenient. The currency exchange was a relief. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy, though sometimes a little too tidy, as they seemed to have thrown out my favorite pen. The ironing service was essential due to the aforementioned humidity that made everything wrinkle instantly. The laundry service was efficient, but probably the most expensive load of laundry I've ever paid for.
There were facilities for disabled guests, but I am not sure how helpful. The gift/souvenir shop seemed to carry only the most generic Beijing trinkets. The elevator was a real asset.
The Verdict: Hidden Gem or Hidden Gamble?
So, is the Hanting Hotel Jiugong a "hidden gem"? Honestly, it's complicated. It’s not the five-star experience the marketing department might have hoped. It's more of a three-and-a-half-star-with-ambition, at best. But, if you're willing to roll with the punches, embrace the quirks, and appreciate the genuinely good points (the cleanliness, the helpful staff, and the beautiful pool), you could have a decent stay. Just don't go expecting "unbelievable luxury." Go expecting an interesting, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately memorable experience. And definitely bring your own pen. And maybe earplugs. And potentially a towel…just in case.
Ji Hotel Changzhi: Unbeatable Xi Bus Station Comfort!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Beijing bonanza! And let me tell you, it's not going to be all perfectly polished Instagram posts. We're talking real-life travel, with all the glorious, messy imperfections. My “Hanting Hotel Beijing Jiugong” experience is about to get seriously tangled.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and a Questionable Noodle Soup – Oh, Beijing, You Tease!
Morning (like, REALLY morning - 4 AM? Seriously body, why?): Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport. The sheer scale of the airport is overwhelming. Seriously, it's like an entire city inside of… well, the actual city. Finding the baggage claim felt like an Olympic sport. I swear, I walked for a mile, convinced I'd wandered into the wrong terminal.
Late Morning: Taxi to the Hanting Hotel Jiugong. Okay, the hotel is… well, it's a hotel. Clean enough. The air conditioning is definitely working overtime (thank god, because the Beijing heat is ruthless), and the view from my window… well, let's just say it overlooks a pretty impressive parking lot. Already, I can tell this isn't going to be a luxury experience, and honestly, that's fine by me.
Afternoon: Jet lag hits. Hard. I managed to drag myself out for a "quick" walk around the neighborhood. "Quick" turned into a sweaty hour of feeling like a total zombie. The sheer amount of people on the streets is wild – like, constantly moving, constantly chattering, and all seemingly knowing exactly where they’re going. Me? I'm just wandering, desperately trying to decipher the street signs. (Spoiler alert: still can't).
Evening: Found a tiny, nondescript noodle shop based on a recommendation from some random blog post. And… the noodles. Oh, the noodles. Questionable. The broth looked like something out of a horror movie, and I'm pretty sure I saw a rogue ingredient I'd rather not identify (it looked suspiciously like a… well, never mind). But, you know what? I ate it all. Because when in Beijing, you eat… something. I felt brave, I felt… slightly ill, but also strangely triumphant. (Side note: the spicy chili oil? Amazing. Worth the potential stomach repercussions).
Night: Back at the hotel, passed out on the bed before I could even think about brushing my teeth. Pure, unadulterated exhaustion. Also, a vague sense of panic about tomorrow.
Day 2: Forbidden City Frenzy and a Pigeon-Based Existential Crisis
Morning: Okay, so, Forbidden City. This is the big one, right? Turns out, "big" is an understatement. I'm talking palace-sized. Seriously, the scale is mind-boggling. The courtyards stretch on forever, and the sheer amount of intricate carvings and details is stunning. I felt like I was wandering around in a history book, but a very, very hot and crowded history book.
Mid-Morning: Lost my bearings. Multiple times. Got separated from the group I was kinda sorta trailing after. Panicked for approximately 15 minutes, then decided to just embrace the chaos and wander on my own adventure. Best decision ever. Found a quiet little corner where I sat and watched a family of pigeons (apparently, they REALLY love bread crusts - who knew?) and started to think about life, death, and the meaning of… well, everything. Seriously, I had a full-blown existential moment while watching pigeons. Beijing does that to you.
Lunch: Found myself in a ridiculously crowded food stall. It was a glorious, chaotic mess. Absolutely no English spoken by the vendors, so I just pointed at something that looked vaguely edible (and smelled delicious). Turns out it was… dumplings! Delicious, steaming dumplings. Victory!
Afternoon: Explored more of the Forbidden City. Every corner holds a new surprise. I ended up standing in front of one specific building, staring at it for what must've been a solid half hour. It was just… beautiful. That's the best way to describe it. And it made me realize that this trip, even the frustrating parts, is worth it.
Evening: Ate a questionable vegetable dish that could've been anything. The hotel room feels like my sanctuary. Considering ordering takeout and staying in. The exhaustion is real.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven and the Weight of Expectations (and Backpacks)
Morning: Temple of Heaven. Majestic. Very impressive, especially in the morning light. I found a park nearby full of elderly people doing Tai Chi. If I wasn't already so stiff from all this walking, I would probably join in.
Mid-Morning: Tried to buy a traditional Chinese hat. Failed hilariously. Turns out, my bargaining skills are non-existent. Ended up paying way too much.
Afternoon: Struggling with the weight of my backpack. Packed way too much stuff. Why did I bring so many books? At least I have something to do in the evenings.
Evening: Contemplating an early night. Need to recharge. Perhaps a quiet evening of ordering in, reading some books, and trying to convince myself that this trip is amazing.
Day 4: The Great Wall and the Questionable Wisdom of Climbing
Morning: I'm doing it. The Great Wall. This is the moment, people! Early start. Bus ride. Feeling optimistic and energetic.
Mid-Morning: THE WALL! Majestic, breathtaking, and… deceptively steep. I mean, seriously, who designed this thing? It's practically vertical in some places. Realized I was dreadfully out of shape. Several rest stops later, I was still climbing, though. The views are beyond words. The air is crisp, and the feeling of accomplishment is immense. Okay, maybe I won't die after all.
Afternoon: More Wall. More climbing. Sweating buckets. Feeling like a tiny, slightly panicked ant on a massive stone structure. Still totally worth it.
Evening: Back at the hotel, legs screaming in protest. The Hanting Hotel Jiugong is my sanctuary (for now). The whole experience was absolutely amazing. Ordered some comfort food.
Day 5: Departure - Already Dreaming of Dim Sum (and a Longer Nap)
Morning: Final Beijing breakfast. One last bowl of noodles (this time, I knew what I was getting myself into). Feeling a mix of sadness that this adventure is ending, and relief that I will be back home soon.
Departure: Taxi to the airport. Reflecting on the trip… the moments of confusion, the unexpected culinary adventures, the moments of sheer awe. I had a very, very good time. Beijing, you beauty. I will be back.
So, yeah. That's it. My slightly messy, utterly human Beijing adventure. This Hanting Hotel Jiugong and all that this trip has given me will stay in my thoughts for years to come.
Escape to Paradise: Green Lake View Apartment in Tangerang!
Hanting Hotel Jiugong: The Unfiltered Truth (Beijing Edition!)
Is this *really* a hidden gem? Or just another hotel playing dress-up?
The "unbelievable luxury" part... is that just marketing fluff? Spill the tea!
But "unbelievable"? Let's not get crazy. Think of it more like *elevated* comfort. You won't find personal butlers polishing your toenails. Sadly. You'll find a very well-appointed, comfortable, clean space. And for me, that's practically a palace!
**Side note:** They *did* make some amazing tea in the room. Like, seriously addictive tea. I spent half my trip battling the temptation to sneak a whole box home.
What about the location? Is it near anything actually *interesting*? I'm no fan of being stranded in the boonies.
The biggest downside? Finding a decent lunch spot *immediately* around the hotel can be tricky. I learned the hard way and ended up with a questionable street meat incident... let's just say, pack some snacks! But, there are a couple of restaurants, a supermarket... if you don't mind a little adventure, or are happy enough buying from the supermarket, it's great. The quiet evenings more than made up for any initial logistical hiccups.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they helpful? Do they speak enough English? (I'm a terrible Mandarin speaker!)
Now, the *one* amazing incident that I'll never forget? I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 3 AM. Jet lag brain rot is a real thing. I was in a total panic. I bumbled down to reception, all bleary-eyed and mortified. The night clerk, bless his heart, was *incredibly* patient. He didn't judge my blurry state. He spoke *excellent* English – I swear, it might have been better than mine at that point. And he got me back in my room in record time. That level of service - that level of not making you feel like the biggest idiot in the world - made ALL the difference. That alone would make me recommend the hotel. Someone, somewhere, deserves a medal!
Is the breakfast any good? (I'm a breakfast snob!)
The important thing *for me* was that it was included. It was convenient. It filled a hole in my stomach so I didn't end up eating a questionable street meat again (lesson learned!). So, breakfast? Acceptable. Not a highlight, but definitely functional. Pack your own coffee if you’re a caffeine addict.
Would you *actually* recommend this hotel? Be honest!
