Unbelievable Zhangye Hanting Hotel: Gulou's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Unbelievable Zhangye Hanting Hotel: Gulou's Hidden Gem… Maybe? (A Seriously Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Zhangye Hanting Hotel in Gulou. You know, the one that claims to be a hidden gem? Well, let's dissect that, shall we? This review is gonna be less "polished travel guide" and more "guy rambles about his hotel stay while simultaneously battling jet lag". Fair warning.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Honestly
Okay, so I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice a few things. The elevators were… there. Not exactly gleaming, but they got the job done. The lobby seemed decently accessible, but maneuvering around with heavy luggage… yeah, that was a workout. Finding specific accessibility features for wheelchair users, like designated accessible rooms, felt kinda… buried. It's a shame, because inclusivity matters and, for a modern hotel, it was a bit of a letdown on this front.
On-site Dining & Lounges - Food Coma Incoming! (Hopefully a Good One)
The restaurants were plentiful, at least. I’m a carnivore, so the Asian cuisine restaurant was my jam, but they also had international options. The bar was a lifesaver after a day of whirlwind sightseeing. Speaking of which, they had a poolside bar too. I didn’t get a chance to use, so I'll confess my biggest regret, the lack of time for the pool! sniff. Happy hour deals? Yes, please! Coffee/tea in restaurant? Always. I’m a sucker for a good coffee shop, and theirs was pretty decent, maybe even above average. I also saw a desserts menu that made me drool, a snack bar for those 3 am cravings, and tons of salad in the restaurant. The Asian breakfast was a delicious start to the day too.
Now, let's talk about the… buffet. Listen, I love a good breakfast buffet, but this one was a little chaotic. It was a glorious mess of buffet in restaurant and buffet service and so many options! It’s the kind of place you know is designed for a food coma, and, well, mission accomplished. Just… don’t go expecting Michelin-star quality. It was all pretty tasty but more quantity than quality, if I'm being brutally honest.
Internet Access - Wi-Fi, Glorious Wi-Fi!
Thank god for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and everywhere else, for that matter.Internet in general was reliable, which is a massive win. Internet [LAN] was an option too, for the hardcore nerds (or those with a strict work VPN). The Wi-Fi in public areas was also decent, which is crucial for those early morning Instagram uploads.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day or Bust!
Okay, so I didn't get to unleash my inner zen warrior, but the options were tempting. They had a fitness center, but I was too busy consuming carbs. (Priorities, people!) The spa seemed legit, with a sauna, a steamroom, and all the spa fixings (like, duh…). Body wraps and scrubs also. I did not hit the Swimming pool, which, in retrospect, is a MAJOR regret. Massage facilities, also present.
Cleanliness and Safety - Were They Too Careful?
This is where the Zhangye Hanting Hotel REALLY shines. I felt incredibly safe, and this was probably thanks to the world after the pandemic. The Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely getting used. Daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer everywhere! The rooms were meticulously clean and rooms sanitized between stays.
The staff was on top of everything, and this felt really reassuring. Plus, the Staff trained in safety protocol made you feel like they cared. They also had the basics down cold: a First aid kit, and they even brought me a bottle of water during check-in.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - More Food!
I already mentioned the restaurants and the buffet, but let's delve a little deeper. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after those late-night adventures. Breakfast in room too, which was a bonus.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things…
Cash withdrawal, concierge service, daily housekeeping, and laundry service made life easier. The Elevator was the thing.
For the Kids - Babysitting & Family Friendliness
I didn't bring any kids with me, but the hotel looks like it would be a good place for families.
Available in All Rooms - More Details!
I'm obsessed with the following: Air conditioning, Coffee/tea maker, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, and Wi-Fi [free].
The Room:
My Room was actually pretty decent. The bed was comfortable, the TV had those channels, and the air conditioning worked like a charm (a must in Zhangye). Blackout curtains were a godsend for my sleep schedule (or lack thereof). There was a desk, a mirror, reading light, a refrigerator for my lukewarm water, and a seating area that was actually comfy. The shower was hot and had good pressure – a critical factor, as anyone who's traveled in China can confirm. Slippers! Luxurious! And, of course, Wi-Fi [free].
Overall Vibe & My Verdict
So, is the Zhangye Hanting Hotel a "hidden gem"? Hmm, that depends on your definition. It's definitely a solid choice, especially considering the price. The cleanliness and safety are top-notch. The food is… plentiful. The amenities are decent.
But.
The staff isn't quite as personable as some other hotels, and the overall experience felt a little… impersonal. But, honestly, I'd go back. Especially if I could get a good deal and finally experience the pool! Just don’t expect perfection. Embrace the quirks, the buffet coma, and the slightly-less-than-stellar service, and you'll have a good time. Just be ready to roll with the punches (and maybe pack your own snacks).
Kuala Lumpur: Your Unforgettable Malaysian Vacation Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is the Hanting Hotel Zhangye Gulou, China: A Slightly Unhinged Adventure. Think less "smooth operator" and more "clumsy panda discovering the joys of yak butter tea." Let's get this show on the road!
Day 1: Arrival, Doubt, and Dumpster Diving (Metaphorically, I Swear)
- Morning (Zhangye Airport, 9:00 AM): Landed! Praise the travel gods, the flight wasn't a complete disaster. Though, I swear the guy next to me was practicing his throat-singing for six hours straight. Brutal. Picked up my luggage, which smelled suspiciously of questionable noodles. Starting the day with a strong… intrigued feeling. Currency exchange: Feeling rich, then immediately poor when I saw the price of a water bottle. China, you are both fascinating and baffling.
- Mid-Morning (Taxi to Hanting Hotel, 10:00 AM): Smooth ride, thankfully. The taxi driver blasted some ear-splitting Chinese pop music the entire time, but at least he wasn't belting it out himself. The city is… well, it is a city. A lot of concrete, a few crumbling bits of history peeking through. Arrived at the Hanting.
- Check-in (Hanting Hotel, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, the hotel. "Clean and functional" is possibly the kindest description. The wifi is… a suggestion, more than a reliable connection. My room? Small. The bed? Firm. The view? Well, I think that's a wall. I'm already questioning my life choices. Wondering if I should've packed that inflatable mattress.
- Lunch (Local Restaurant, 12:30 PM): Found what appeared to be a local eatery. Menu? All glorious hieroglyphics. Pointing and praying became my translation method. Ended up with something resembling noodles and mystery meat. Actually… not bad. Shockingly not bad. A solid 7/10, and I’m still alive. Bonus points for the friendly waitress who clearly thought I was an idiot.
- Afternoon (Zhangye Drum Tower & Market - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Drum Tower! Beautiful, historic, undeniably impressive. Spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to get a good photo angle. Finally gave up and just admired it. The market was a chaotic symphony of smells, sounds, and people. Bought a hat I'll probably never wear and a handful of dried fruit that tastes like sunshine. The street food? Intriguing. Tried some skewers that were…intense. My spice tolerance is apparently on the wimpy side.
- Evening (Dinner - another local restaurant, 6:30 PM): Found a different local spot. This time, I asked a stranger for recommendations. Ended up with spicy hot pot. My mouth is still on fire. Definitely learned a lesson about asking for "mild."
- Night (Hanting Hotel, 8:00 PM): Attempting to conquer the wifi. It's mocking me. Might attempt some journaling. Might just stare at the wall. Might cry. We'll see. The day was tiring, but the spicy stuff also put me into a meditative state.
- (Extra Note): I had a moment of internal panic realizing I forgot to pack a travel adapter. Sigh.
Day 2: The Rainbow Mountains and the Dawn of a Deep, Undying Obsession (and maybe a slight food poisoning scare)
- Early Morning (Zhangye Danxia National Geopark - 6:00 AM): Okay, alarm. Up before the sun. The Rainbow Mountains. The reason I came here. Taxi ride. The drive was beautiful, even in the pre-dawn gloom. Hope the driver doesn't start singing again.
- Sunrise at Danxia (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): HOLY. MOLY. Forget everything I said about the hotel being "functional." This. THIS is why I'm here. The colours! The sheer scale! The way the light shifts and changes on the formations! I'm pretty sure I shed a tear. A ridiculously emotional one, but I don't care. I could spend a week just standing there. This is not just a view; it's an experience. I spent nearly two hours wandering between the viewpoints, gaping in awe. I have like 150 pictures of basically the same thing. I'm obsessed.
- Mid-Morning (Breakfast and Snack Break - 9:30 AM): Tried to find some real breakfast. Ended up with what was probably a questionable pancake from a street vendor. It tasted okay, but I kind of regret it now.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (Danxia - More Gaping, Hiking a Bit, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): I had to go back. Wandered around more. Tried a few of the trails (some are a bit tricky with the heat which is rising rapidly). Took a million more photos. Seriously, I may have to buy a new hard drive. The sheer beauty of the place made me a bit giddy. I nearly missed my transport.
- Afternoon (Lunch and Hotel Rest, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Back to the city. Had a light lunch (which I now HIGHLY regret). Feel a slight rumbling in my stomach. Is this the pancake, or could it be the hot pot? Pray for the former! Tried to rest in the hotel, but found myself staring out the window.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Relax a bit, maybe an early dinner, hope to survive, 4:00-9:00 PM): My stomach feels like a tiny, angry volcano. Avoiding the spicy stuff. Mostly just drinking water and hoping for the best. The wifi is still crap, which is probably just as well. Maybe it's a good thing. Maybe I'll try to get some more sleep.
Day 3: Trying to be a "cultural" tourist and ending up in an awkward tea ceremony, and a brief appreciation for the quiet, and then… (Maybe) Departure
- Early Morning (Binggou Danxia Scenic Area, 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM) Feeling a little better. Decided to be brave and have some conjee. The Binggou Scenic Area is less famous than the Rainbow Mountains, but equally stunning in its own way! It has these amazing rock formations. The colours are different here, more reds and creams. I spent the morning wandering around and taking in the scenery. A lot fewer people than the Rainbow Mountains, so I could really enjoy the place.
- Mid-Morning (Tea Ceremony Attempt, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Brave again! I attempted a tea ceremony. I found a little tea house. It seemed like an authentic experience, and I wanted to immerse myself in the culture. I am not graceful. I am clumsy. The tea master was patient, explaining all the steps and the importance of the ceremony. I poured hot water on the tea leaves, smelled the aroma, and I took tiny, delicate sips. I spilled some tea, accidentally bumped the table, and generally made a fool of myself. The tea was actually pretty good, but mostly, I was just relieved when it was over.
- Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Found a small restaurant and got some noodles with chicken.
- Afternoon (Relaxing, Contemplation, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Decided to skip activities and get some writing done. I spent a long time staring out the window, thinking about everything. There's something so peaceful about just sitting and being. I let the sounds of the city wash over me, the clatter of the markets, the hum of traffic. I might have even appreciated the lack of wifi (okay, maybe not).
- Evening (Dinner, Departure, 6:00-10:00 PM): Decided to go to a nearby restaurant. Packed and prepared to depart.
Final Thoughts:
Zhangye, you are a chaotic, beautiful, and often confusing place. I came here for the mountains, and I wasn't disappointed. Did the journey have its ups and downs? Absolutely. Would I come back? Maybe. The food nearly killed me, the wifi was a joke, and I look terrible in that hat. But the Rainbow Mountains? They were worth every single bit of discomfort. Travel isn't always about perfect plans or flawless execution. It's about the unexpected, the slightly scary, the utterly breathtaking moments that make you feel alive. And Zhangye? You gave me plenty of those.
Unbelievable Datong Luxury: Hanting Premium Hotel's South Gate Secret!
Zhangye Hanting Hotel: Gulou's, Uh... "Hidden" Gem? Alright, Let's Do This. (And Lord Help Us!)
Okay, so, is it *really* a "hidden gem"? Because that phrase needs to be retired, like, yesterday.
Look, "hidden gem" is a travel agent's fever dream, right? My expectations were, to put it mildly, LOW. I mean, it's a Hanting Hotel, which, let's be real, doesn't exactly scream luxury. But hey, it's *in* Gulou, which is convenient, right? Maybe. Okay, so, gem? Define gem. It's clean-ish. The staff *try*. The coffee? Think instant, but stronger. Is that a gem? Look, it’s… functional. Let’s just say it’s a place to lay your weary, sand-filled head after a day of staring at the Rainbow Mountains. And in that regard, yeah, it kinda works. But a *gem*? I’m filing that under "creative writing."
What's the room situation like? Are we talking dungeon, or… slightly less depressing dungeon?
Alright, the room… It was… a room. Compact. Efficient. Decorated in a palette best described as "beige adjacent." Think IKEA, but before they figured out good lighting. I'm talking fluorescent tubes that hummed with the energy of a thousand angry wasps. The bed? Firm. Like, seriously, *firm*. I think it might have been designed to cure back pain. Or inflict it. I’m still not sure. The bathroom? Functional, again. The shower… let’s just say I learned a LOT about how water pressure works in a variety of pressure systems. And the towels? Thin. Like, practically transparent. But hey, at least the air conditioning worked. Mostly. Sometimes. Okay, maybe it just blew mildly cool air most of the time. But hey, it was better than the desert heat outside. So, yeah, not a dungeon. More like… a well-lit, beige-toned, slightly-above-mediocre box.
The breakfast. Tell me about the breakfast. (I'm already bracing myself.)
Oh, breakfast. Bless its heart. Okay, picture this: a buffet. A buffet of… well, let's call it "local delicacies" with a generous dose of "what is *that*?" There were… things. Some sort of congee that looked vaguely grey and watery. Noodles, of course. And… bread. I'm talking the kind of bread that could double as a doorstop. There were also these… fried dough sticks. They were, uh, interesting. Salty. Greasy. And… addictive. I ate, like, five. Then I felt guilty. Then I ate another two.
The coffee? As mentioned, INSTANT. I'm convinced it was brewed with the tears of a thousand disappointed travelers. But hey, there was fruit! Watermelon! And… some kind of… yellow fruit. I didn't try it. I was too scared. My advice? Lower your expectations. Eat the fried dough sticks. And maybe smuggle in a granola bar or two. You'll thank me.
Okay, but the *location*. Is being in Gulou as convenient as everyone says? Or am I walking for MILES with my luggage?
YES! Okay, this is the one thing the hotel has going for it, and if you don’t value location, you’re probably not reading this. RIGHT in Gulou. That’s good. Really good. This is where things get interesting. Gulou is like the… the beating heart of Zhangye. It’s got food stalls, shops, everything you need. And the hotel? Smack-dab in the middle of it. Walkable to, oh, I don’t know, ALL the things. The night market? Right there. Restaurants? A hop, skip, and a greasy fried dough stick away. Public transportation that is… let's call it *assertive*? Close by. So, location? A big, fat, beautiful WIN. WORTH the slightly-less-than-stellar everything else. Absolutely. Saved my butt. Seriously.
Service? English proficiency? Should I brush up on my Mandarin?
Service… "Enthusiastic" is probably the best way to put it. The staff were unfailingly polite, bless their hearts. Smile-y, helpful… as far as their limited English allowed. English proficiency? Let's say it’s... *emergent*. A phrase book? Absolutely essential. Google Translate? Your new best friend. I had this whole thing where I tried to order a coffee (which I think they knew was an abomination, and maybe that's why I didn't get a decent brew), and it turned into a full-scale interpretive dance involving frantic hand gestures, miming drinking, and eventually, a very confused but sympathetic receptionist. I actually *enjoyed* the battle, honestly. So yeah, brush up your Mandarin (or at least download a translation app and hope for the best. It's part of the fun!).
Okay, real talk: Did you *like* it? Would you go back? Or are you permanently scarred?
Okay, the raw, unfiltered truth? I wouldn’t call it love, and I’m not planning on getting it tattooed on my arm. However, I could see myself going back. Here's the thing: Zhangye's about the *experience*. The Rainbow Mountains. The crazy food. The pure, unadulterated *adventure* of it all. The Hanting Hotel Gulou is… a place to sleep. Clean enough. Safe enough. And the location? Priceless. So, would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats: Lower your expectations. Bring your own coffee (and maybe some snacks). Embrace the adventure. And remember, it’s not about the hotel; it’s about the *you* in Zhangye. And, hey, the fried dough sticks... I still dream about them… It was an experience. And if you treat it like an experience, not a… "luxury stay" (and let’s be honest, that word isn’t in the vocabulary of Zhangye hotels), you'll be fine. You’ll be better than fine. You'll be… surviving. And that right there? That’s a win in my book.
