Dalian's BEST Hotel Near the North Railway Station? (Hanting Hotel Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the murky, sometimes delightful, world of Dalian hotels! And specifically, we're talking about… the Hanting Hotel near the North Railway Station. Now, I've stayed in enough budget hotels to be a connoisseur of slightly-off everything, so let's get down to brass tacks. Is this place a hidden gem, or a slightly-less-than-sparkling turd? Let's find out.
First, the Basics: Accessibility, or the Art of Not Tripping Over Things (Hopefully)
Alright, crucial stuff. Accessibility: This is where even budget hotels should try to shine. The Hanting attempts to do this. I say attempts because the website's a bit vague, but from what I gathered, they have elevator access (thank GOODNESS), which is a MUST near a train station, especially with luggage. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I wasn't able to dig up details. If you need absolute certainty, call ahead and demand specifics. Don't just trust some blurry online description.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't see explicit details, but it's a budget hotel. Expect that access might be good, but comfort might not be a priority. Proceed with cautious optimism.
Wheelchair accessible: See above. Definitely call. Don’t just roll in and hope for the best.
Internet, Internet, Internet - Seriously, Give Me My Damn Wi-Fi!
Okay, the modern traveler's lifeline. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! YES! Thank the heavens! And it was… mostly okay. Internet access – wireless is a given. Internet access – LAN (for the old-schoolers, I guess?) is listed too, but honestly, who's plugging in a cable these days? The real test: could I stream a trashy K-drama without it buffering every five seconds? Mostly yes. Success. Although, there were a few times where I had to fiddle with the connection. You know, the usual hotel Wi-Fi shenanigans. It's not perfect, but hey, it's free!
Beyond the Basics: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Odd
Let's get into the weeds.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (or, How to Avoid Starving)
- Breakfast [buffet]: Listed, and that’s promising. Asian breakfast, or western? I think you can get both. The "buffet" usually looked a bit… basic. Get there early if you want to avoid picking over scraps. It's not a culinary masterpiece, but it'll fill you up.
- Coffee shop/ Restaurants/ Bars: It looks like they have a coffee shop. Great for my caffeine needs during my train ride. As far as anything interesting? I didn't get the feeling that Dalian North Railway Station is a culinary hotspot. Don't expect Michelin-star quality. This is about sustenance, folks. Fuel before the journey.
- Room service [24-hour]: Listed. This is a HUGE plus, especially after a long train ride. Even if it's just instant noodles and a lukewarm beer, having something available is golden.
The Cleanliness and safety aspects are very important for a budget stay:
- Cleanliness and safety: Well, the hotel claims it is doing EVERYTHING. They list Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options. I still washed my hands, a lot.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I hope so, like really hope so.
- Hand sanitizer: I wish it were everywhere, but yes.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I would recommend doing it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yeah, I would hope so.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: I can’t say for sure, as the hotel felt pretty bare.
Services and Conveniences (or, The Little Things That Matter)
- 24-hour reception: An absolute necessity. Especially when you arrive at midnight, frazzled from a train journey.
- Elevator: Saved my life (and my back).
- Luggage storage: YES! Super helpful for early arrivals/late departures.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: This isn't a luxury hotel, but hey, it might be handy for a quick refresh.
- Cash withdrawal/Currency exchange: Always a plus.
- Convenience store: For snacks. Because snacks are life.
For the Kids (or, Pray They Behave)
- Family/child friendly: Probably not a kid-focused hotel, but should be fine.
- Babysitting service and Kids meal: Doubtful.
The Room Itself: A Detailed Inspection
Okay, let's talk about the actual SQUARE FOOTAGE.
- Air conditioning: Thank GOD. Dalian can get HOT. Air conditioning in public area is also important.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping off jet lag.
- Coffee/tea maker: Standard. Essential.
- Free bottled water: Nice!
- Hair dryer: Usually present.
- Internet access – wireless: Check.
- Non-smoking: Crucial.
- Private bathroom, Shower: Essential.
- Towels, toiletries: Yep.
- Scale: Really, who needs to weigh themselves on a hotel room scale?? (Okay, maybe some of us… )
My Biggest Takeaways:
- Location, Location, Location: Right beside the train station. Perfect for a quick overnight stay, or a convenient base for exploring. You’re not coming here for the hotel. You're coming here for the location.
- Cleanliness (Mostly): My room was tidy, and the staff seemed to be on it. But… yeah, I still brought my own wipes. (I'm paranoid, okay?)
- Value for Money: It’s a budget hotel. You’re not paying for luxury. You're paying for convenience and a place to sleep. And you get it.
- Don't Expect Miracles: This isn't a five-star resort. Temper your expectations.
The Heartbreak Hotel – (and the occasional triumph)
Let me tell you about one particular moment. I arrived after a brutal train ride, completely zonked. The lobby was… functional. Not pretty, not inspiring, just… there. Check-in was fast and efficient, which was a blessing. The elevator went up, the keycard worked… YES! But then… the room. It was small. VERY small. But… clean. Everything worked. The AC blasted freezing air (which, in the Dalian summer, is a good thing). I collapsed onto the bed, happy to be horizontal. Then, I turned on the TV… and there was one English-speaking channel. Praise the gods of cheesy action flicks!
There was a slight musty smell, and the shower pressure was a bit… pathetic. But, I could live with it. Because let's be honest, after the train, any bed and shower is a win.
The Pitch: BOOK IT (But with Realistic Expectations!)
So, is the Hanting Hotel near the North Railway Station the "Best Hotel" in Dalian? Absolutely not. Is it THE best hotel near the North Railway Station for a certain type of traveler? Maybe.
Here's the deal: You're a traveler who prioritizes convenience. You need a clean bed, a hot shower, and a solid Wi-Fi connection, and you're on a budget. You value location over lavishness. You're not afraid to pack a bottle of hand sanitizer and maybe a few of your own snacks.
Here's my offer:
Book the Hanting Hotel near Dalian North Railway Station and get:
- Instant Access to the Train Station! (Seriously, roll out of bed and you're practically there!)
- Free Wi-Fi (Stream all the trashy TV your heart desires!)
- A Hot Shower (Even if the water pressure is a little weak!)
- A Clean Room (Hey, it's budget, but they try!)
- A Decent Breakfast (If you get there early enough!)
But, I'm not going to lie to you. This isn't The Ritz. Manage your expectations!
Book now, and consider it a win if all you need is a clean, functional base for your Dalian adventures! But don't expect perfection. And definitely bring your own snacks.
Escape to Paradise: Brisa do Mar Apartments Await in Fortaleza, Brazil!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your average itinerary. This is my itinerary, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride. We're talking Hanting Hotel Dalian North Railway Station South Square, Dalian, China. Prepare for beautiful chaos.
Day 1: Dragons, Dumplings, and Desperate Google Translate
8:00 AM - Arrival in Dalian! (Or, the Great Train Scam)
Okay, so the train from… well, somewhere… was supposed to arrive at 7:00 AM. Lies! Utter lies! Welcome to China, where punctuality is a suggestion, not a rule. I arrived, bleary-eyed, at Hanting Hotel Dalian North Railway Station South Square. The hotel? Clean, basic, and exactly what you want when reality hits you like a wet noodle. Finding it was a minor victory in the chaotic city of Dalian I can tell you.
9:00 AM - Breakfast: The Dumpling Dilemma
Food is life, especially in a new place. Armed with zero Chinese and a Google Translate app that's about as reliable as a politician's promise, I bravely ventured out for dumplings. I pointed, I smiled, I made unintelligible noises. Mission accomplished: I got dumplings. They were… divine. Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth, juicy, porky perfection. I swear, I could have eaten a thousand. Actually, probably not. My stomach is, shall we say, susceptible.
10:30 AM - Wandering (and Wondering)
Dalian is… a city. A vibrant, bustling, slightly overwhelming city. I wandered. I got lost. I stared at the architecture, a bizarre mix of Soviet and… well, I'm not sure what. It's a visual buffet, that's for sure. Found a park with a giant dragon statue. Took a picture. Felt the sheer weirdness of being a tourist.
1:00 PM - Lunch: Lost in Translation Take Two (and a Lesson in Chopsticks)
Okay, seriously, I am going to master the art of chopsticks. By lunchtime, I'd failed twice, having the food fall off the sticks, that is until I met a woman who helped me to practice. Lunch was at a no-frills place with pictures on the menu. Thank God for pictures! Ordered something that looked… interesting. Turns out it was fish. Spiced with tons of black pepper. My mouth was on fire. I regretted everything. But also, it was good.
2:30 PM - The Struggle is Real (Shopping Edition)
Wandered into a local shop, maybe I was hoping to buy some souvenirs. I think I got swatted with a Chinese fan and ended up with a bag of… who knows. I swear I was trying to communicate with the shop owner but it just wasn't working and that was that.
4:00 PM - Relaxation (and Mild Panic)
Back to the hotel. Needed a nap. Jet lag is a beast. Also, the sheer volume of new experiences was starting to overwhelm. I felt like I was living in a movie, but I was the clumsy, bumbling lead.
6:00 PM - Dinner: Dumplings Part Deux (A Man's Gotta Have a Vice)
Couldn’t resist. Back to the dumpling place. This time, I ordered the same things, but I made sure to ask how they made some dishes. It was a learning experience, I'd rather get back into the streets and learn some more.
7:30 PM - Evening Stroll (and Existential Dread)
Walked along the harbor. The city lights were beautiful, the air was cool. And the sheer vastness of China hit me. So many people! So much history! So much… I don't know. It was beautiful and felt a little lonely, which is always the price of going on adventures.
9:00 PM - Bedtime. Exhausted and Excited.
Seriously, my feet hurt. Tomorrow: more adventures, more dumplings, and hopefully, some semblance of understanding.
Day 2: The Coastal Chaos
8:00 AM - Breakfast: Leftover Dumplings (Waste Not, Want Not) Reheated dumplings. Still tasted amazing. Victory!
9:00 AM - To the Coast!
I decided to embrace the chaos and took a local bus to the coast. It wasn't expensive but, I couldn't understand the ticket taker. They were nice and just let me on.
10:00 AM - Rock and Rolls (and Waves)
The coast was breath taking. I managed to get to the water edge and take some photos. I spent the entire of the morning just staring at the sea. I felt relaxed, and that's how the day went.
12 Noon - Lunch: Seafood (More Fish)
Ate seafood by the coast. The fish was fresh and seasoned well. I think I'm going through a fish phase, but I don't mind.
2:00 PM - Exploring the Coast
I managed to find a shop with some artwork from locals. Ended up purchasing a painting. I'll have to find a way to get it home.
6:00 PM - Dinner: The Great Chicken-Rice Incident
Okay, disaster. Tried ordering chicken and rice. Ended up with… something. Not sure what. Edible? Barely. I gave up. Resorted to the snacks I'd bought earlier.
Day 3: Train Departure and the Unwritten Chapter
8:00 AM - Breakfast: Last Dumpling Stand
One last dumpling hurrah. I swear, I'm going to miss those things!
9:00 AM - Packing and Pondering
Packing. Reflecting. Dalian was a whirlwind. Messy, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
10:00 AM - Departure to where-ever!
Head to the station. On to the next place.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a snapshot of my trip. It's not perfect. It's not polished. It's real. And that's the beauty of it. Dalian—you were wild. I'll never forget you. (And the dumplings!) Now, where to next?
Uncover Marbella's Hidden Gem: The Dazzling Dama de Noche!
Dalian's BEST Hotel Near North Station? (Hanting Hotel Review - My Chaotic Truth!)
Okay, so you're headed to Dalian, gotta catch a train from the North Station, and you're asking the BIG question: "Where do I crash?" Well, buckle up, because I'm about to unleash the full, unfiltered truth about the Hanting Hotel. And let me tell you, it was...an experience. Not always a *good* experience, but definitely one. Let's dive in, FAQ style, because frankly, I need to organize this messy memory palace before it swallows me whole.
1. Is the Hanting Hotel REALLY that close to the Dalian North Railway Station?
Oh. My. Gosh. YES. It's practically spitting distance! Seriously, you could practically roll out of the station, into the hotel, and fall onto the bed. I think it's a maximum of a five-minute walk, even if you’re dragging your luggage and have the sense of direction of a particularly lost penguin. This is *absolutely* the hotel's saving grace. When you're sleep-deprived and dodging crowds, this proximity is a godsend. My train arrived at like, 3 AM, and the thought of wandering lost in Dalian was a HARD NO. The Hanting saved me from a potential existential crisis.
2. What's the room REALLY like? Is it clean? Cozy? Instagrammable?
Okay, let’s cut the fluff. Instagrammable? Absolutely not. Cozy? Debatable. Clean… well, let's say "tolerable." The room itself? Compact. Tiny, really. Imagine a shoebox, then take away the shoe. The bed? Firm. Like, dangerously firm. My back ached for days *after* I left. The pillows? Suspiciously flat, like they’d seen better centuries. Did I mention the walls were paper-thin? I could hear the neighbor's questionable karaoke choices until the wee hours of the morning. (Trust me, you don't *want* to know what they were singing.)
There were a few… questions about the cleanliness, shall we say. Let's just say I did a *very* thorough wipe-down of pretty much everything with disinfectant wipes. (Pack those, people! Trust me.) I found a stray hair (which definitely wasn't mine) and a mysterious stain on the carpet. It's not a *filthy* place, ok? It's just… not a place you want to linger on the details.
3. What about Wi-Fi, AC, and other amenities?
Wi-Fi: Spotty. Constantly cutting out, like it was having a personal existential crisis of its own. AC: Worked, thankfully. Dalian can get scorching in the summer. But the control panel? Looked like it was from the 1980s, with buttons that barely functioned. I swear, I spent half an hour just trying to figure out how to turn it *off*. (Spoiler alert: I eventually gave up and just endured the noise). The water pressure in the shower also left something to be desired. More of a gentle trickle than a proper shower, but hey, it got the job done, eventually.
There was a small TV, which was… something. Mostly Chinese channels, which weren't exactly my jam. (Although, I did accidentally stumble upon a cooking show that was *fascinating* despite not understanding a word.) The hotel staff was, well, "present". They weren't particularly bubbly or eager to help, but they weren't rude either. More like… neutral. Utterly, gloriously neutral.
4. Is there breakfast? And is it any good?
Breakfast… *sigh*. Yes, there *was* breakfast. Included in the price, even! But the less said, the better. It was… basic. Very basic. Think sad, lukewarm congee, mystery meats that you’d rather not know where they came from, and the whitest, most flavorless bread imaginable. I'm pretty sure the coffee was recycled from the previous day. I lasted one morning. After that, I hit up the 24-hour convenience store across the street for instant noodles and a carton of questionable yogurt. My advice? Skip the breakfast. Seriously. Your stomach will thank you. And maybe bring your own coffee.
5. What was the service like? Helpful? Friendly?
Okay, let's be honest. The staff wasn't going to win any awards for friendliness. They weren't *unfriendly*, mind you. More like…efficient. They got the job done. Check-in? Smooth, if a bit perfunctory. Asking for an extra towel? Delivered, eventually. Requesting help with the bizarre AC controls? Met with a blank stare. I felt like I was inconveniencing them just by existing at times. Don't go expecting warm smiles and personalized service. It's a budget hotel. You're getting the basics. You're paying for proximity to the station, not a luxurious customer experience.
6. Give me a single, standout, *epic* story from your stay.
Alright, you asked for it. This one’s a doozy. This happened at 3 AM, after a ridiculously long train ride. I was utterly *exhausted*. I finally, *finally*, managed to wrestle the AC into submission. I was drifting off to sleep when… BAM. Loud construction noises. Hammering. Drilling. The full orchestra of industrial mayhem. At 3 AM.
I was LIVID. I stumbled out of bed, half-blind with rage, and marched (or rather, wobbled) to the front desk. The poor guy behind the counter, bless his soul, looked like he hadn't slept in days. I tried to explain the situation in broken Mandarin and increasingly desperate English, pointing dramatically at the ceiling. He just shrugged. SHRUUGED! He didn't speak English (or at least, pretended not to). He mumbled something in Chinese, and I *think* he said "construction." At *three AM*.
I went back to my room, defeated. I considered checking out at that very moment. But it was 3 AM, and the train was leaving again in a few hours. I knew from experience that finding another hotel at that time of night would have been a nightmare, so I did the only thing I could do. I closed my eyes, put in my earplugs, and mentally prepared for the sound of drilling. I honestly don't know *how* I fell asleep after that. It probably had something toHoneymoon Havenst
