Uncover the Hidden Gem: Elan Inn Zigong – Your Molly Escape in China!
Elan Inn Zigong: My Molly Escape in China (and Why You NEED It!) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from the Elan Inn in Zigong, China, and I have opinions. This isn’t your sterile, perfectly-polished travel blog. This is the real deal, flaws and all, because frankly, life, and travel, are messy. And the Elan Inn? Well, it surprised me in a bunch of ways. Let's dive in… and maybe grab a snack first, because this is gonna be a long one.
First Impressions (and, uh, Accessibility):
Zigong. Population: a lot. Elan Inn. Okay, Google Maps said it was there. The first thing that hit me wasn't the fancy lobby (more on that later), it was the relief that I’d actually found the place! This is important, because, let's be honest, sometimes navigating China feels like a level in Super Mario Bros. Anyway, Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a well-thought-out space. The hotel boasts Facilities for disabled guests. Now, I think I saw an Elevator, which is fantastic. They seem to have considered accessibility, though I didn't get a chance to fully test it. Check those specific needs before you book, though, just to be safe. Also, Car park [free of charge] is a definite win. Finding parking in China can be… an adventure.
The Rooms: My Little Zen Sanctuary (Mostly):
Alright, the rooms. The Air conditioning? Thank God, because Zigong can get humid. They have Air conditioning in public areas too, thank the travel gods. My room had everything: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (wtf? Okay…), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (a lifesaver!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens. Basically, everything you could possibly need, plus a few things you'd never think of (bathroom phone!). The bed was comfortable enough. The Blackout curtains were pure heaven after a long day of… well, exploring. The complimentary tea? A nice touch, perfect for battling jet lag.
Internet and Tech Stuff: Connection Anxiety Begone!
Let's be real. Being connected is crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Thank you, Elan Inn! And it worked! Internet access – LAN too, for the truly hardcore. I even spotted Audio-visual equipment for special events (fancy!). They also have Projector/LED display, which is cool for the conference crowd.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Quest for the Perfect Breakfast):
Okay, food. One of the most important aspects of any trip, right? The Elan Inn delivers, thank goodness. I'm not sure why I get so worked up about breakfast, but I do. They have Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes. Breakfast service? Yes. Room service [24-hour]? Again, yes! They have a Coffee shop and Restaurants. They boast Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and even a Vegetarian restaurant! Now, the buffet… it was good, not amazing. Don’t get me wrong, I ate plenty. But, the coffee? Let's just say it wasn't quite the perfect brew I crave. However, the sheer variety available made up for it. I did manage to score some amazing coffee/tea in restaurant at other times!
Anecdote Time: One morning, I was particularly hung over (let’s just say I had an experience with the local baijiu), and I ordered Breakfast in room. It arrived promptly, salvation in the form of scrambled eggs and questionable sausages. It hit the spot. Seriously, it saved me. Thank you, room service!
They also have a Snack bar, Bar, and Poolside bar. Plus, Daily disinfection in common areas, Food delivery, Individually-wrapped food options, and a Safe dining setup – all making me feel safe and secure. They also have a Sanitized kitchen and tableware items which is a super important thing.
Relaxation Station: Spa Days and Other Treats (and the Swimming Pool with a View!):
Okay, this is where the Elan Inn really shines. They have a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Insert happy sigh here. The Pool with view was gorgeous. I spent a good hour just floating around, staring at the city lights. Seriously, pure bliss. I didn't get a chance to try the Body scrub or Body wrap, but I did get a fantastic Massage. One of the best I've had in ages. All that sightseeing really worked up my muscles. They also offer a Foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Maybe a Little Paranoid, in a Good Way):
Let's be real, safety is paramount, especially while traveling in a foreign country. They were on it! Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I felt safe and they even have a Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Soundproof rooms.
Things to Do and See (Beyond the Hotel… Sort Of):
So, Zigong. What to do? This part is a little tougher, because the Elan Inn is sort of a destination in itself. They have a Gift/souvenir shop. I did venture out, though! Zigong is known for its dinosaurs (seriously!), so make sure you carve out some time for that. The hotel is central enough to get you around. They offer Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking. Getting around was mostly easy, thanks to helpful staff and the occasional bout of charades (my Mandarin is… well, nonexistent).
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
Okay, the Elan Inn really went above and beyond here. They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Facilities for disabled guests, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. They even have Babysitting service. The Concierge was super helpful, even with my limited Chinese.
The Quirks and Imperfections:
No place is perfect, right? One slight issue: the language barrier. While staff was super friendly and tried their best, English proficiency was a bit limited in some cases. Download a translation app beforehand! Also, the internet, while mostly reliable, did occasionally hiccup. Be prepared to troubleshoot. Lastly, I didn’t see any pets!
Final Verdict: Should You Go? Absolutely! (If You Want a Molly Escape)
The Elan Inn Zigong offers a truly unique stay. It's a place to relax, recharge, and explore. It's not perfect, but that’s what makes it charming. The combination of fantastic amenities, excellent service, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere makes it a winner. If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a little luxury, and if you don't mind a little bit of messy, real-life travel, then book your stay. It's an escape, a cocoon, a safe haven in a bustling city, and I’m already plotting my return.
**But wait, there's more! (Because,
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Sheraton Qiandao Lake Getaway
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Sichuan adventure in Zigong, China, centered around the Elan Inn. And let me tell you, "organized" is not my middle name. More like "Wanderlust, with a dash of chaos".
Elan Inn Zigong Molly Zigong: A Sichuan Sojourn (of Sorts)
(This is more of a suggestion, a loose framework, a suggestion for things to trip over than a meticulously planned itinerary. Consider yourself warned.)
Day 1: Arrival and Sichuan Soup-er Power!
- Morning (ish): Trans Siberian Express (or whatever flight gets you there): Land in Zigong. Airport pickup? Ha! Let's be real. Probably a slightly disgruntled taxi driver who "doesn't speak English" but miraculously knows how to drive to the Elan Inn. Expect some serious gesticulation and a whole lotta squinting at my phrasebook. This is already turning into a comedy of errors, and I love it.
- Afternoon: Check-in and the Great Wall of Anxiety (Trying to order food): The Elan Inn. Probably small, possibly charming. I'm hoping for a cozy room, maybe with a view? (Spoiler alert: Probably won't get one. My luck usually involves a view of a brick wall.) First impression? The lobby's likely to be a flurry of activity. The staff? Hopefully patient, because I need a lot of help with Mandarin.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Culinary Catastrophe (but delicious!): The first challenge: FOOD. The glorious, fragrant, fiery food of Sichuan. I envision a quest for truly authentic, spicy, tongue-numbing deliciousness. This could go horribly wrong, mind you. Like, tear-inducing, “why did I order that?” wrong. But hey, that's half the fun! We're talking potentially finding a local restaurant near Elan Inn. I'm picturing a tiny, bustling place with a menu I can't understand and waiters who look at me like I'm from Mars. I'll try to point and smile. Maybe make some desperate hand gestures. The goal? Mapo Tofu, Dandan noodles, and a whole lotta chili oil.
- Anecdote alert: Remember that time in Taiwan where I accidentally ordered something with chicken feet? Yeah, that lesson has NOT been learned. We'll see.
- Evening: Post-Spice Siesta: After dinner, it's back to the Elan Inn. Exhaustion will take over. Bedtime will be early.
Day 2: Dinosaur Dreams and Dizzying Heights
- Morning: Dinosaur Park Delirium: Zigong is famous for its dinosaurs! The Zigong Dinosaur Museum is the star of the show. Expect to be wowed. T-Rex skeletons, fossil finds. The whole shebang. I also expect to get hopelessly lost. Navigating public transportation in a foreign language is like playing a video game with no instructions and a cheat code you're never gonna figure out.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure the dinosaurs will be judging me. I'm sure their ancient, fossilized eyes are bored of the tourists.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The Salt History Museum and Zigong Lantern Festival (Preparation): I'm not sure how much time I have for this. If there is time, the Salt History Museum is a must. Exploring this industry and the history of Zigong is a must. In the afternoon, I will have a quick look at the preparation for the Zigong Lantern Festival, as I'm going to be here. The decorations will give me time to understand the vibe of this city and what to expect.
- Afternoon: Back at the Elan Inn.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm probably going to be exhausted and my feet are going to hurt. After the museum, I'll need a coffee and a good rest to prepare for the biggest event of the trip.
- Evening: The Zigong Lantern Festival - A Shower of Lights! OH. MY. GOD. This is the thing I'm most excited about. The Zigong Lantern Festival is known worldwide for its dazzling displays. I'm talking giant, illuminated sculptures of dragons, pandas, and anything else you can imagine.
- Messy Structure: Expect crowds, expect awe, expect to be utterly blown away. Camera fully charged. Ready to be overwhelmed. The sheer scale of it will be insane.
- Rambling: The crowds, the smells of street food, the noise. This will be a sensory overload in the best way possible. I'll try to write down everything I see. I won't succeed. I will, however, snap a thousand photos. And probably still miss some of the best things. It will be great!
- Emotional Reaction: I'm going to cry. I am probably going to cry from pure joy.
- Late Night: Elan Inn Recuperation: After the Lantern Festival, it's a late night. I'm going to collapse in bed at Elan Inn.
Day 3: Tea Houses, Temples, and The Taste of Yesterday (maybe)
- Morning: The Elan Inn Food (Maybe): I'll be looking for a western breakfast because I can't stomach the local food anymore. I'll be looking for eggs and bacon.
- Late Day: Temples and Tea Houses, and Maybe a Cooking Class: I don't know what I'll do today, but I will explore a local temple or a tea house. Or if I am lucky, a cooking class. I will go around and try to find the best-hidden spots.
- Opinionated Language/Strong Emotional Reaction: I may encounter some truly breathtaking architecture inside the temple.
- Evening: Farewell Feast (or More Spicy Disaster): One last meal in Zigong before I leave. I'm hoping to brave another restaurant. This time I will be looking forward to trying something new, with a little bit less spiciness.
- Late Night: Sleepless Thoughts and Departure Prep: I will go around preparing my bags, and I will be thinking about my previous experience in here.
Day 4: Departure, and a Thousand Memories (and Pictures).
- Morning: Goodbyes (or "Zai Jian"): A final, quick breakfast. Check out of the Elan Inn. Negotiate with another taxi driver. Hope to arrive in time to catch my flight, or train.
- Stream-of-Consciousness/Final Thoughts: The Elan Inn. It was like living in a movie set. I'm going to miss all these people.
- Afternoon: Sayonara, Sichuan. Until next time!
- Traveler's Note: Be ready for the unexpected. Embrace the chaos. The best travel memories are always the messy ones.
Uncover the Hidden Gem: Elan Inn Zigong – Your Molly Escape in China! (Or, My Zigong Adventure...For Better or Worse!)
Okay, spill the tea! What *is* Elan Inn Zigong, and why is it supposedly a "Molly Escape"? Am I gonna find some hidden underground rave scene? (Asking for a friend...obviously.)
Alright, alright, hang on to your hats (and your sanity!). "Molly Escape" is my own *slightly* dramatic – okay, intensely dramatic – way of saying this: Elan Inn Zigong is a surprisingly decent hotel in Zigong, Sichuan, China. And... the "escape" part? Well, it's the escape from the relentless, mind-numbing routines of everyday life. You know, the 9-to-5, the grocery shopping, the never-ending pile of laundry that mocks your very existence. Zigong, well, it just *felt* like an escape, especially after the chaos of Chengdu. No, there's no hidden rave scene. Unless you count the karaoke bar down the street blasting questionable pop music 'til 3 AM... which, let's be honest, might have been a *personal* rave.
Look, I'm gonna level with you: I needed a breather. And Zigong, with Elan Inn as my base camp, *delivered*. It wasn't glamorous, it wasn't perfect, but it was… well, different. And sometimes, different is all you need.
So, like, *why* Zigong? What's so special about this place? Is it all just… salt mines? (I read *something* about salt….)
Okay, yes, the salt mines are a *thing*. They're fascinating, actually. Zigong's history is steeped in salt. Seriously, it *is* salt. Think ancient mining, vast underground systems, and the source of the city's prosperity for centuries. You can even take a tour! (More on that later, trust me.) But, beyond the salt (and the dinosaurs… there's a *fantastic* dinosaur museum, which I highly recommend, even if you’re not a dino-nerd, because… giant skeletons!), Zigong offers a glimpse into a more… *authentic* China. Less polished, less touristy (at least, *when* I was there), and packed with character. It's got a real, lived-in feel. Unlike those perfectly curated travel photos on Instagram.
Alright, alright, get to the hotel already! What was the Elan Inn *really* like? Were the beds comfy? The Wi-Fi decent? Did you, you know, get eaten by bed bugs? (Asking the important questions here!)
Okay, okay, fine. The Elan Inn! First impressions? Clean. Actually, surprisingly clean. For the price (which, let's be frank, was *amazing*), the quality was pretty remarkable. The beds? Comfortable enough! Not like, cloud-nine, five-star hotel comfy, but perfectly acceptable after a long day of… well, *doing* things. (More on the “things” in a minute). The Wi-Fi? Hit or miss. Mostly miss, if I'm honest. Lots of buffering, which, in the age of Netflix, is a personal tragedy. No bed bugs, thank the heavens! (I'm a paranoid sleeper, so that was *huge*.) The staff was friendly, although my Mandarin is absolutely atrocious, but we managed to get by with a combination of gestures, Google Translate, and a whole lot of smiling. Seriously, I still remember the woman at the front desk; she was so patient with my complete communication failures!
Speaking of “things,” what did you *do* in Zigong? Besides, you know, existing and battling the Wi-Fi?
Ahhh, the “things”! Right. Well, I visited the Zigong Salt History Museum, which was genuinely fascinating, and I spent hours marveling at the dinosaur museum. Seriously, the sheer size of those prehistoric beasts… mind-blowing. I wandered around the streets, soaking in the local atmosphere, and eating… *everything*. The street food in Zigong is phenomenal! Spicy dumplings, noodles, you name it. (Okay, maybe I ate *a lot* of spicy dumplings… my apologies to my digestive system.) And… well, I did take a few naps. Let’s just say that the “escape” aspect included a fair amount of relaxation. It's not all go-go-go, you know? Sometimes, you just need to curl up on a bed (a relatively clean bed!) and recharge your batteries.
Okay, what was the absolute *worst* part? Because nothing's perfect, right? Spill the tea (again!).
Ugh, the *worst* part? Well, there wasn't one catastrophic, life-altering event. But, if I *had* to pick… the language barrier was a killer. I speak almost no Mandarin. And while most people are incredibly patient and helpful when you flail around trying to communicate, there were a few moments… let's just say that ordering food could be an adventure. There was one time I think I accidentally ordered an entire plate of… something. Still not sure what it was. But I ate it! Because, well, I already ordered it. And because I'm nothing if not adventurous (and hungry). Also, the city itself wasn't exactly known for its… *polished* infrastructure. Some roads were a bit rough, and there was a certain level of constant construction noise. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? (I'm laughing because I'm also slightly traumatized.)
So, would you recommend the Elan Inn Zigong? And, more importantly, would *you* go back?
Okay, drumroll please… Yes! Absolutely yes, I would recommend the Elan Inn Zigong. Especially if you are looking for something different, authentic, and easy on your wallet. It’s not the Ritz-Carlton, folks. But it's clean, comfortable, and strategically positioned to explore all of Zigong's wonders.
Would *I* go back? Hmmm… Let me think… (I'm picturing the spicy dumplings…) Yes! I'd absolutely go back. I might even try to learn enough Mandarin to order more than just "noodles" and "beer." Zigong isn't for everyone. It's a bit rough around the edges, it doesn’t have the glitz or glamour of, say, Shanghai. But if you're looking for an authentic, eye-opening experience, a chance to step outside of your comfort zone, and a break from the everyday grind… well, then the Elan Inn Zigong might just be your Molly Escape, too. Just, you know, pack some extra Wi-Fi patience. And maybe some Pepto-Bismol… for the dumplings.
PS: Seriously, go see the dinosaurs. You won't regret it. (Seriously, go!)
