Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Hanting Premium Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Hanting Premium Hotel's Secret Revealed! (Or, My Rollercoaster Ride Through Xi'an's Finest)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a truth bomb on you regarding the Hanting Premium Hotel in Xi'an. Forget the polished travel brochures; this is the real deal, a messy, honest, and occasionally hilarious look at what it's really like to stay there. Let's get down to business, because I'm still recovering from all the… experiences.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Can We Get a Ramp, Please? (and Wi-Fi That Works?)
So, first things first: Accessibility. This is a big one for me, as I'm a sucker for hotels that actually consider guests of all abilities. And… drumroll please… the jury is still out. The lobby was grand, the décor… well, let's say "modern minimalist with a hint of traditional flair" - not my usual cup of tea, but hey, it's Xi'an! – but I didn't see clear signage or immediate obvious ramps. This definitely needs a bit of a rethink. That being said, they do list Facilities for disabled guests in their amenities. So, let's hope that actually translates to a positive experience on the ground!
Internet? Oh, You Mean the Elusive Wi-Fi?
God, the internet. It was available, advertised as Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. But let’s just say it had moments of spectacular unreliability. Picture this: you're trying to upload your Instagram-worthy snap of the Terracotta Army (more on that later!), and… spinning wheel of death. Maddening. I ended up spending half my time wandering the lobby searching for stronger signals. Thank God they had the option for Internet Access – LAN in the rooms, but who carries around a LAN cable anymore?! They need to sort this Wi-Fi out. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events – all of these should be reliable!
Cleanliness & Safety: Are They Really Killing the Germs? YES!
Okay, this is where Hanting Premium shines. I'm a neurotic germaphobe at heart, and I felt surprisingly safe here. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Rooms sanitized between stays, and their Hygiene certification all whispered sweet nothings of cleanliness in my ear. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere. And the staff? They took their Staff trained in safety protocol seriously. It was a relief, knowing they were taking things like Physical distancing of at least 1 meter and Safe dining setup seriously. They even offer a Room sanitization opt-out available which is a nice touch. CCTV in common areas & CCTV outside property also gave me peace of mind.
Dining: From Buffet to Battleground (and Back Again!)
Food! The Restaurants were… varied. The Breakfast [buffet]? A glorious, chaotic mess. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant – it was all there, a culinary free-for-all. The coffee? Undrinkable, unfortunately. But the Buffet in restaurant offerings were actually pretty good - I particularly enjoyed the little dumplings. The Coffee shop served decent coffee (thank god!). They even offered Breakfast in room, which was a godsend on a few occasions when I was feeling particularly antisocial. And the Poolside bar? Well, that’s where I spent a lot of time. The Pool with view was gorgeous, and that bar? Excellent for… you know… happy hour! They also have Alternative meal arrangement in place. One thing though – could use some more salad in restaurant and soup in restaurant options!
Room Service [24-hour]: My New Best Friend.
Bless the Room service [24-hour]. After those exhausting days of exploring, I was living off that. The A la carte in restaurant menu was decent, but the Room service was faster and more convenient. The food varied, but the convenience was everything. They even had Water which was perfect.
Ways to Relax & Things to Do: Pools, Saunas, and the Terracotta Army (Obviously)
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Hanting Premium boasts a fantastic array of relaxation options. Spa/sauna and they had Spa treatments available. Let me just say… the Massage was divine. Hands down, worth every penny after a long day of museum hopping. The Sauna was great too. There's also a Swimming pool which was a nice little oasis, though the Pool with view was the real star. The Fitness center? Standard gym stuff. Good if you're into that. I'm not. I ate dumplings instead. They even had a Foot bath – which, honestly? After walking miles in Xi'an, my feet loved it. And speaking of museums…
Things to Do (Outside the Hotel): Terracotta Army, Great Mosque, and… More Dumplings!
Okay, let’s be clear: Xi'an is amazing. You must go see the Terracotta Army. Seriously. It’s jaw-dropping. Then the Great Mosque, the City Wall… you'll be shattered but happy. Make sure you budget time for the food, including ALL the dumplings. I'd recommend the souvenir shop to buy some gifts.
Services and Conveniences: Your Every Need… Almost.
Okay, the Services and conveniences are pretty comprehensive. Concierge, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage, Daily housekeeping, and Elevator – all on point. Cash withdrawal was easy. Currency exchange was a lifesaver. Food delivery was available (again, very convenient!). They even have Facilities for disabled guests – though as mentioned earlier, the execution could be better. The availability of Car park [free of charge] is fantastic.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
I don't have kids, but from what I saw, they’re Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service, and likely Kids meal options (though I didn’t see them).
Getting Around: Navigating the Chaos.
They offered Airport transfer, which was a must. The Car park [free of charge] was a bonus. They also had Taxi service available.
The Room Itself: My Cozy Little Fortress (Mostly)
My room? Ah, the room. Non-smoking rooms were a blessing, not a given in China. The Air conditioning was essential. Air conditioning in public area too, which was great. I love a good Blackout curtains and a well-stocked Mini bar. The Coffee/tea maker got a lot of use. The bed? Extra long bed, and comfy. Wi-Fi [free]… when it worked. The Soundproofing was pretty good, too, which was helpful for someone who needs their beauty sleep. The Shower, Separate shower/bathtub and Slippers were basic, but clean. I loved the Bathrobes. The Closet was spacious, and the In-room safe box gave me peace of mind. Honestly, the room was great - comfortable, and generally quiet.
The Quirks: My Unfiltered Thoughts & Feelings
Okay, let’s get real. This isn't a perfect hotel. I already mentioned some of the annoying things. But… I still loved it. There’s a certain… charm… a sense of genuine effort that made me overlook the minor flaws. I felt like I was part of something real, not just a tourist.
My Anecdote: Dumplings, Dragons, and a Near-Disaster
Let me tell you one story. One day, after a particularly grueling day of museum-hopping, I decided to order room service. I ordered a spicy noodle dish. And… oh my god. It was the spiciest thing I had ever tasted. I needed to find water, quick - the essential condiments that were supposed to come along with the food were missing! I ran to the small corner store/ Convenience store in the hotel. I poured water down my throat and I felt like I was breathing fire. Still, I survived. This is what I'm talking about. This hotel makes memories.
Final Verdict: Should You Book? YES! (But, With These Caveats…)
Look: Hanting Premium isn't perfect. The internet is a gamble and the accessibility needs improvement. But the cleanliness and the amazing location is amazing, the spa is to die for, the food is adventurous, and the staff is genuinely nice.
Here's my offer and why you HAVE to book it:
**Tired of bland, cookie-cutter hotels? Craving an authentic Xi'an experience that’s both luxurious AND safe?
Rock Port Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at Super 8!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to wrangle a trip to Xi'an, specifically the Hanting Premium Hotel near Dayan Tower, and document it in a way that feels… real. Prepare for chaos.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Wall Hangover
Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye): Landed in Xi'an. Airport felt like a giant, echoing, beige box. Immigration was mercifully quick, which I attributed to looking vaguely lost and pathetic. Grabbed a taxi. The driver, bless him, seemed to understand "Hanting Premium Dayan Tower" even though I butchered the pronunciation (and probably the Mandarin too). The ride was a blur of honking, scooters weaving like angry bees, and buildings that looked like they’d been designed by a committee with conflicting visions.
Afternoon: Checked into the Hanting. It’s… clean. Surprisingly clean, actually. The room is small, but functional. My travel-sized shampoo exploded in my bag, leaving a slick, lavender-scented mess. Now I'm paranoid about everything else leaking. Note to self: Invest in more zip-lock bags. Dropped my bags and immediately collapsed. The jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks, and a wave of panic washed over me. This is my first time in China, and I'm slightly terrified and slightly thrilled.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Dragging myself out of bed was a monumental effort. But the Terracotta Army awaits! (Or, well, the ticket office for the Terracotta Army. I'm getting ahead of myself). Took the subway (mostly figuring it out by looking confused and following everyone else) to the Terracotta Warriors museum. HOLY. MOLY. The scale of it is just…gobsmacking. You see pictures, right? They don't do it justice. Thousands of warriors, each with a unique face. I’m not usually prone to emotional outbursts, but I actually got a lump in my throat. Standing there, imagining them all buried for centuries, and the skill and dedication… it's just… wow.
Evening: Dinner. I aimed for "authentic." I ended up ordering something. I have no idea what it was, but the chili oil was lethal and the noodles were… interesting. Let's just say my stomach is feeling things. Wandered around the bustling night market, fueled by a desperate need for sugar (and a lingering sense of awe from the warriors). I accidentally bought a pair of socks with a panda on them. My feet are now slightly confused. Back to the hotel to collapse. The bed is a welcome sight, even though I'm pretty sure my internal clock is currently set to "Mars."
Day 2: Pagodas, Pedestrians, and Pickle Juice
Morning: Woke up feeling like I’d been run over by a small bulldozer – a slightly grumpy, jet-lagged bulldozer. The breakfast at the hotel was… a thing. I opted for a questionable pastry and strong, bitter coffee. (I miss my American coffee shop already). Headed to the Dayan Pagoda. Climbing to the top offered breathtaking views of the city. It’s beautiful, but man, my legs are burning. And the constant stream of people is exhausting. Seriously, the number of selfie sticks here is a national hazard.
Early Afternoon: Explored the surrounding plaza. Found the fountain show! It’s… Vegas-esque, but in a charming, slightly off-kilter way. Children were laughing, grandmothers were taking videos, and I was just… taking it all in. Trying to absorb the energy. This place is alive.
Late Afternoon: Took a stroll through the Muslim Quarter – the ancient city in the center of Xian. It was a sensory overload in the best way possible. The smells of sizzling street food, the shouts of vendors, the vibrant colors! I tried some lamb skewers – delicious, smoky perfection. I also, bravely, or stupidly, depending on your perspective, tried a drink from a street vendor. I thought it was some type of juice, but it tasted like the brine from a pickle jar. My face probably registered my exact opinion on that.
Evening: Decided to tackle a cooking class. I thought I'd be a natural. I'm not. I managed to mostly burn my dumplings and made a dreadful mess of the noodles. The instructor looked at me with a mixture of amusement and pity. I’m questioning my life choices and everything I thought I knew about myself. But hey, at least I got to try! Afterwards, I wandered around the streets again, still feeling a little lost and overwhelmed, but definitely having an adventure.
Day 3: The City Wall and Farewell Fear
Morning: I finally feel less like I’m a zombie. Rented a bike and cycled along the ancient City Wall. Awesome! It's HUGE. Miles and miles of history stretching out before you, and you feel like you're on top of the world. The views are amazing. Wind in my hair, sun on my face, a brief moment of feeling like I'd actually figured this whole travel thing out!
Afternoon: Spent it shopping for souvenirs. I've already overspent and I'm still not sure what I want to bring back. Navigating shops filled with trinkets is hard. I’m starting to feel like I understand very little again. Found a beautiful silk scarf. It cost a fortune. But I deserve it, right? At least, that's what I'm telling myself.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Panic hit. The realization that I have to leave. I'm actually sad. Which is weird, because for the first two days I just wanted to be home. The mixture of being exhausted and overwhelmed and feeling like I barely scratched the surface of this place is a lot to take. I’m packing my bags (carefully this time, no more exploding shampoo), and there's a strange mix of relief and sadness. Is this the cultural immersion I thought I wanted? I think so
Evening: One last street food feast. I'm going out with a bang. Trying everything I didn't dare before: spicy noodles, fried bread, more lamb. And surprisingly I feel okay. Maybe I wasn't as bad a cook as I thought because I am still here. Back to the hotel with a suitcase filled with memories, panda socks, and a lingering scent of chili oil. Reflecting on how this was a journey.
Final Thoughts (and Unedited Ramblings):
Xi'an is… well, it’s a lot. Exhausting, exhilarating, and humbling all at once. It's a place that will challenge you, frustrate you, delight you, and almost definitely make you question your sanity at least once. I’ve stumbled through Mandarin, burnt dumplings, eaten things I couldn't name, and I’ve seen things that have taken my breath away. But I’ve also laughed, learned, and – dare I say? – grown. I leave slightly broken, slightly richer, and definitely with a deep, abiding respect for the Terracotta Army. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing earplugs, a dictionary, and a hazmat suit for the chili oil. Wish me luck!
Escape to Paradise: Jamaica's Adults-Only Royalton Blue Waters Hideaway
Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Hanting Premium Hotel's Secret Revealed! (Or, Did I Actually Sleep?)
Okay, so I just got back from Xi'an, and let me tell you, my brain feels like a terracotta warrior that's been left out in the rain. And the Hanting Premium Hotel? Hoo boy. Let's unravel this tangled yarn, shall we? Prepare yourselves. This ain't your grandma's FAQ.
1. Is this hotel actually *premium*? Like, legit, foie gras and diamond-encrusted toothpicks premium?
Alright, settle down, bougie-pants. No diamond toothpicks. But seriously, *premium*? It's... complicated. The decor? Think sleek, modern attempts at luxury. Marble-esque surfaces, moody lighting (read: dim as a dungeon), and enough gold accents to make Liberace blush. They tried. And, honestly, sometimes, when the light hit just right, with a post-jet-lag haze softening everything, it *felt* premium. Other times? It felt like they'd raided a discount warehouse of "luxury-inspired" goods.
My room? It was…vast. Like, you could probably stage a small mime performance in the bathroom vast. Maybe I could even have fit another person and a small pony. (I did *not* attempt to source a pony. I’m not *that* premium.) One night, I swear, I got lost trying to find the coffee machine. Found it eventually, though — thank heavens for caffeine, am I right?
2. The location. Is it actually convenient for exploring Xi'an’s ancient wonders? Or am I going to be stuck in taxi hell?
Okay, the location...depends on your definition of "convenient." It’s *relatively* central, which is Hotel-Speak for “a ten-minute taxi ride to everything, if the traffic gods are smiling on you." The Terracotta Army? Yeah, plan on at least a forty-five-minute drive, maybe longer depending on the season (and the inevitable tourist bus exodus).
I personally *hated* the taxi situation. Seriously. Trying to flag down a cab in Xi’an felt like trying to catch a greased pig at a county fair. And even when you *did* get one, the language barrier was a charming exercise in non-communication. "The City Wall?" I'd ask, gesturing wildly. "Yes!" they’d enthusiastically respond. Then, they’d promptly take me to a completely different, possibly alien, location. So, yes, the location? Fine. The taxi situation? Trauma.
3. Let's talk food. Breakfast. Specifically. Was it the kind of breakfast that makes you want to high-five a stranger? Or the kind that makes you secretly cry into your congee?
Oh, the breakfast. This is where the whole "premium" facade started to crack. The congee was…well, it was congee. Basic. Edible. Not *thrilling*. The "continental" section? A sad assortment of stale croissants and dubious-looking fruit. Honestly, I spent most mornings plotting how I could sneak out and raid a nearby street food stall for proper, delicious breakfast. Which I did. Repeatedly.
One morning, I *did* see someone eating a fried egg and bacon that *might* have been from the kitchen, but they were using a butter knife as their spoon, and I'm not sure if that was poor manners...or a statement? Either way — it wasn't inspiring. Definitely a congee-cry situation some days. Consider bringing snacks. Seriously.
4. The staff. Were they helpful? Friendly? Or did they spend their days staring at the ceiling, contemplating the meaning of life?
Alright, the staff. Here's where the Hanting Premium Hotel really *tried*. They were, generally, incredibly polite. Almost too polite. The smiles were abundant, the bows were frequent, but, and this is a big but, communication was…challenging. My Mandarin is about as good as a baby penguin's. English? Variable.
One day, I tried to ask for a simple iron and ironing board. I ended up with a small, decorative vase and a half-eaten bag of prawn crackers. I'm not entirely sure how that happened. Eventually, through a series of charades, frantic pointing, and sheer dumb luck, the ironing board arrived. But, on a whole, they are *really* trying. It's like they are trying to give you the best service.
5. The biggest secret, eh? Dish it, already. What's the *real* deal?
Okay, deep breaths. The "secret," the *one* thing I'll never forget? My sleep. Or lack thereof. The soundproofing in my room was... nonexistent. I'm not kidding when I say, I heard *everything*.
The hotel was next to a rather busy road. I'm pretty sure I could identify the specific make and model of every truck that passed at 3 am. Then, there were the other guests. The ones who apparently thought 2 am was the perfect time to have a karaoke party. The ones whose children seemed to be training for the Olympics in the hallway outside my room. The door slamming? A symphony of bangs.
I spent my nights in a state of bewildered semi-consciousness. I started to hallucinate – I swear I saw a miniature terracotta warrior playing a tiny drum set on my nightstand one night. I even considered moving into the bathroom for a night, just for a sliver of quiet. I took to wearing earplugs, and a blindfold!
And that's the secret! I would say the secret is: Bring earplugs. Bring a white noise machine. Possibly a sleep mask. Maybe even a small tranquilizer dart for emergencies. Otherwise, sleep...well, sleep is a distant dream.
6. Would you stay there again? Be honest, now.
*Deep breath*. Um…maybe? Look, despite the sleep deprivation and the breakfast woes, the hotel was…fine. It was clean-ish. The staff were lovely, even if we couldn't always understand each other. The location was okay. And the price…well, let's just say it didn't break the bank.
If I were to return to Xi’an, I would certainly *consider* it, but only after checking the room's soundproofing situation and packing enough earplugs to supply a small army. The lack of sleep was a definite deal-breaker. Maybe if I win the lottery and can afford a private villa with soundproof walls, I *might* upgrade. Until then, it's a hesitant "maybe."
But listen, Xi'an is phenomenal! The Terracotta Army, the City Wall, the food (when not at the hotel) – all worth the trip! And even if the hotel wasn't *perfect*, it was part of the adventure. So, go. See Xi'an. Just...pack your earplugs. And maybe some snacks. You’ve been warned!Stay Collective
