Xingtai College Getaway: Unbelievable Hanting Hotel Deals!
Xingtai College Getaway: Hanting Hotel Deals… or a Rollercoaster of Expectations? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans on my recent Xingtai College Getaway fueled by those "Unbelievable Hanting Hotel Deals" – the ones that promised a luxurious escape. Hold onto your hats, because it wasn't all sunshine and roses, but it was an experience. And frankly, I'm still unpacking it all (both literally and figuratively).
First Impressions: Reaching for the Sky (or Just the Elevator?)
The promise of a deal! That's what snagged me. "Hanting Hotel Deals" – sounds good, right? Off I went, imagining fluffy towels and a world of relaxation. Let’s start with the basics, shall we?
- Accessibility: I need to be honest, I didn’t specifically check for wheelchair accessibility, mainly because I don't need it currently! But I did notice an elevator (phew!) which is a lifesaver, plus the Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned. This is important to note.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer was offered, which I didn't use, but it's good to know it's available. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] are also listed, which is always a bonus. I personally drove and found parking a breeze. Taxi service, of course, is available too.
- Check-in/out: They have Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out. Which is a godsend when you're tired after a long journey.
The Room: A Sanctuary? (Mostly. Emphasis on "Mostly.")
My room had the usual list of amenities. And they were all there. Good thing, I'd have rioted if they'd missed the Air conditioning!
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (YES!), Bathtub (double yes!), Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (luxury!), Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wi-Fi [free]. The basics, covered.
- The Good: The Bathrobes were heavenly. Like, I might have lived in them. Seriously, a plush bathrobe can make any stay better. The Blackout curtains were also a blessing! The hotel was surprisingly quiet. I'd rate the Soundproofing as pretty darn good.
- The Not-So-Good: Okay, the Internet access – wireless was a bit…spotty at times. I'm talking buffering YouTube videos in the 21st century! That's just rude. Also, I swear the Mirror in the bathroom magnified everything. My face was not cooperating that entire trip.
- Random Observation: My window? Opened! Which, in a hotel, is a victory in itself.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safeish? (and Slightly Paranoid)
Let’s be real, in the post-pandemic world, cleanliness is everything.
- The Good: They were definitely trying! Anti-viral cleaning products were mentioned. There was Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed genuinely invested in keeping things spic and span. Rooms sanitized between stays is a huge plus.
- The Maybe-Not-So-Good: While they mentioned Rooms sanitized between stays, I couldn’t see it happen. Maybe I was missing the cleaning crew's ninja skills! They do have Hygiene certification, though. shrugs
- The Anecdote: I went for a quick coffee downstairs early one morning and saw a staff member in serious-business-mode disinfecting the elevators. It gave me confidence. I'm pretty sure I saw them taking out all the shared stationary, so bonus points for that. They also have a lot of stuff in place like CCTV in common areas
Dining: Food, Glorious, Food… or a Quest for Culinary Adventure?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Because food is my love language.
- Restaurants: Several restaurants! This is promising. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast: I opted for the Breakfast [buffet] and there was an Asian breakfast option which was delicious.
- Coffee Shop: The coffee shop was pretty standard.
- The Good: The Breakfast [buffet] was decent. They had the essentials.
- The Not-So-Good: The 'coffee' situation needs some serious improvement. Let's just say it was…optimistic.
- The Anecdote: One evening, I was feeling adventurous and tried to order room service. The 24-hour room service? Fantastic in concept, less so in reality. The menu? Extensive. The wait time? Let's just say I considered learning to cook. Eventually, my food came. It tasted… well, it tasted like it had been on a journey.
Things to Do/Relaxation: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Fantasies…or Just Napping?
This is where the hotel really shines. Or could shine, depending on your priorities.
- Ways to relax: They have Spa, and Sauna.
- Other Activities: They offer Gym/fitness.
- The Anecdote: Sadly, because the coffee was so hit-or-miss, I never did make it to the Spa. I DID, however, sneak in a nap in the afternoon.
- Impression: I suspect that the spa experience is far from what I'm used to. But hey, the possibility is there! And I can't fault them for trying.
Services and Conveniences: Helping or Hindering? This is where you start to gauge whether there's a team of people or a handful of very dedicated staff holding the place together.
- Essentials: They have Air conditioning in public area, Concierge is available, Daily housekeeping keeps things tidy and their Doorman is on duty, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes.
- The Good: Daily housekeeping. I love it. Clean sheets are a gift.
- The Not-So-Good: Their business set up is solid. The Xerox/fax in business center, for example.
Overall Verdict: Worth it? Maybe… with Reservations.
The Xingtai College Getaway, thanks to those "Unbelievable Hanting Hotel Deals," was… an experience. I’d give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
It's not perfect, and the experience will absolutely vary depending on what you're looking for. This doesn't sound like a place to go if you're relying on high quality. It does, however, sound like a place that is dedicated to the basics and willing to try!
Final Tip: Go with an open mind, pack some backup coffee, and embrace the adventure! And for heaven's sake, use the bathrobes. They're worth everything!
Escape to Paradise: Swaloh Resort & Spa, Tulungagung's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Xingtai, China, Hanting Hotel, and let's just say… the plan is loose. Prepare for a journey, not just to a place, but through my brain. And trust me, it's a wild ride.
The Xingtai Xing-Ting (Get it? Ting as in… never mind.) Adventure: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (Hanting Hotel Edition)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Instant Noodles (Oh, and the Hanting Hotel… eventually.)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, so, the flight. Let's not talk about the flight. Let’s just say my pre-flight anxiety peaked when I accidentally packed my passport in a ziplock bag with a half-eaten bag of gummy bears. (Don't judge. Anxiety makes you do weird things). Finally touch down at the airport. Breathe deep. Smell of… airport. (Is that a thing? It should be). Now, the fun part: finding a ride to the Hanting Hotel. Google Maps promises a straightforward journey. Google Maps also promised me a relationship that lasted longer than a week. So, yeah.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Arrival at Hanting Hotel!… eventually. Taxi driver understood “Hanting Hotel Xingtai College” but apparently “shortest route” was not in his vocabulary. We toured all of Xingtai. By the time we arrived, sweat dampened my travel-worn shirt. And my mood. But hey, at least the lobby was… okay. Sort of sterile, but clean. Which, after the taxi odyssey, felt like a minor miracle. Check-in. Try to understand the front desk attendant, who is charming but my Chinese is basically "ni hao" and "xie xie". (Nailed it, right?).
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The Room. First impression: small, but functional. Second impression: "Wow, these pillows are… firm." (Like, architectural-firm-that-actually-builds-things firm). Unpack (or, let's be honest, dump my suitcase onto the bed), assess the situation: a single cup, a kettle, a tiny TV. Oh, the TV! I try the remote. Nothing. Try again. Still nothing. Panic sets in. No TV means no… comfort. (Dramatic pause).
- Dinner: Instant noodles. The universal travel food. The ultimate comfort food. I even add… gasp… an egg. (Microwave-cooking mastery, achieved!) I realize I only have chopsticks that are way better than the plastic ones usually given with takeout. I am now an instant noodle chef.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Bedtime (Whenever. I’m on vacation!)): Attempt to decipher the TV guide. Fail. Stare at the ceiling contemplating the meaning of life, the firmness of the pillows, and the sheer audacity of the Chinese word for "pillow" (I will learn it eventually!). Vaguely remember the hotel's wifi password. Post a sweaty, travel-weary selfie on social media. Get zero likes. Cry a bit. Fall asleep.
Day 2: The College, the Market, and the Great Pillow Rebellion.
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. (Hopefully, it’s not just more instant noodles with an egg). Actually, the breakfast is surprisingly decent. Think… a buffet of mystery meats, steamed buns, and what appears to be congee swimming in, probably, more mystery. But I’m a cultural explorer! I dive in, trying everything. (Except the meat that looks suspiciously purple. Just a gut feeling).
- Visiting Xingtai College: This is the reason for my trip! (Work, actually, but "trip" sounds much better). Walk around the campus, ogling at the students, feeling like a total old fogey. Take a picture with someone who may or may not be smiling.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore local market! The air is thick with smells I can’t identify, the vendors are shouting (I think), and everything is… fascinating. I stumble on a stall selling dried… something. I tentatively try a piece. Surprisingly delicious! I buy a bag. (My stomach is probably going to hate me later.)
- The Great Pillow Rebellion: Back at the hotel. Those pillows. They are mocking me. The firmness is now a direct affront to my sleep. I attempt to fashion a makeshift pillow out of… my (clean) travel towel.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Explore the area near the hotel. Get hopelessly lost. End up at a small noodle shop. Point at what looks good and hope for the best. Is it spicy? Probably. Do I care? Nope! It’s delicious. Experience, for the first time ever, the joy of a spicy noodle bowl.
- Dinner: More noodles! This time, the real deal. This time, bliss.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Bedtime): This is where the evening falls apart.
Day 3: The Temple, The Shopping, and… The Pillow, Again.
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit Xingtai's ancient temple. The architecture is stunning, the incense swirls, and I try (and fail) to follow along with the (possibly) Buddhist chants. I buy a souvenir. A small, ceramic cat that looks perpetually judgmental.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Shopping. I'm not a shopper, but this place is a maze of delights. Bargaining is involved; my Mandarin is challenged. I eventually settle on a pair of knock-off Adidas.
- The Great Pillow Rebellion: Part 2: The towel pillow is still not working. I spend thirty minutes fluffing and folding and otherwise contorting myself to achieve a comfortable sleeping position. Fail. Contemplate ripping the pillow in half and stuffing the contents with spare clothes. Reject this vision.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Revisit the market for more delicious weird snacks. Take more photos. Wonder why I didn't bring a real camera. Vow to learn more Mandarin so I can argue with the knockoff Adidas vendor.
- Dinner: More noodles. (I sense a theme here). But this time… slightly different. I find a new noodle shop, this one with an even more enthusiastic staff (or maybe they just saw my haggard face).
- Evening (8:00 PM - Bedtime): Watch (finally!) some TV. The channel is in Chinese, and I understand absolutely nothing. But it’s… soothing. Fall asleep. Curse the pillows.
Day 4: Departure, Reflection, and a Vow to NEVER FORGET THE NOODLES.
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Pack. Leave the hotel. Taxi ride! Less stressful, but still… an experience.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Flight home. Reflect on Xingtai, the noodles, the questionable snacks, the judgmental cat, and the pillows of doom.
- Evening (4:00 PM - Bedtime): Home. Instant noodles for dinner, because, you know, comfort. Order a new pillow online. Dream of noodles.
- Final Thoughts: Xingtai was… messy. But it was also amazing. It wasn't perfect, and I didn't do everything I planned. But I tasted delicious food. I saw beautiful things. I survived the Hanting Hotel. And, most importantly, I was me. And that, my friends, is a journey worth taking. Now, about those pillows…
Xingtai College Getaway: Hanting Hotel Deals - The Truth (and a Little Bit of Me, Too)
Okay, Seriously, Are These Hanting Hotel Deals *Actually* Good? Like, Legit Good?
Alright, buckle up, because I’m about to get real. Good? Look, "good" is subjective, right? I'm not going to lie; my expectations were LOWER than a limbo dancer with a bad knee. We're talking Hanting Hotel in Xingtai, not the Ritz. But… yeah, they're actually pretty decent deals. We're talking maybe 150-200 RMB a night for a room? And this is Xingtai. That's a steal! You could blow thrice that amount on a single night in Beijing.
My experience: I went last month. The room? Clean. The bed? Surprisingly comfortable. The shower? Hot water! (A HUGE win, trust me. I stayed somewhere in rural China where the water was basically… iced chai. Nightmare fuel.) The *downside*? The walls were paper-thin. I could hear the couple next door's entire… uh… conversation. Let's just say I learned a lot about their relationship (and their questionable taste in karaoke). But for the price? Yeah, legit good. If you're expecting luxury, you're in the wrong place. If you're expecting a clean, convenient, and CHEAP place to crash while exploring Xingtai, you're golden.
What's the Catch? (Because there's ALWAYS a catch, isn't there?)
Okay, yeah, here's the goss: there ARE catches. Let's be honest, it wouldn't be a deal without them.
- Location, Location, Location: The Hanting hotels are in Xingtai, which is fantastic if you're *IN* Xingtai. Not so fantastic if you're trying to get to Beijing or Shanghai. Make sure it's strategically placed for your interests. I ended up walking for an hour to find a decent noodle place. My feet *still* haven't forgiven me.
- Limited English: Don't expect fluent English at reception. Bring your translation app. Like, IMMEDIATELY. I once tried to order a taxi using only Google Translate. It took me like 20 minutes, a LOT of pointing, and some very confused hotel staff.
- Breakfast (or Lack Thereof): Breakfast is usually… basic. Think congee (rice porridge), some questionable fried things, and maybe a sad-looking boiled egg. Don't bank on it. Pack snacks. Seriously. My stomach protested loudly every single morning until I found a 7-Eleven.
- Noise! I mentioned the paper-thin walls. Also, Chinese hotels in general aren't exactly known for their soundproofing. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Bring. Earplugs. I woke up to a rooster crowing at 5 AM. In a *city*. Mind. Blown.
The biggest catch is simply the *experience*. Xingtai isn't a big tourist destination. So if you're expecting to party, this isn't the place. But if you're looking specifically for the college getaway and can tolerate a certain quirky charm, you will get away with it.
I'm a Student. Is This Deal Actually *Student* Friendly?
ABSOLUTELY! This is where it truly shines. It's crazy cheap, and anything cheap is college student friendly. I *was* a student, so I know what I'm talking about. Think ramen noodles for dinner cheap. The Hanting deals are a total lifesaver for budget travelers and students. I remember scraping the bottom of my backpack for *yuán* to buy a Coke. Now you can actually enjoy yourselves without feeling guilty about spending all that money.
Pro-Tip for Students: Check the hotel's Wi-Fi situation BEFORE you book. Some are better than others. Make sure it's decent for streaming your shows, researching for your thesis, or, you know, video calling your mom. I ran into some awful connection problems when I tried to upload a presentation, and I almost lost it. Never again.
Bonus: Xingtai is far enough away from the big cities that prices in general are cheap. Which means you can actually afford stuff while you are studying there! Food, transportation, and cultural attractions will be affordable. Basically you get a life that you can afford to actually LIVE.
What Can I *Do* in Xingtai? Besides, you know, sleep?
Okay, okay, I'm not going to lie: Xingtai isn't exactly bursting with iconic tourist attractions. Think of it as a chance to experience a "real" Chinese city, away from the packed streets of Shanghai or the glitz of Guangzhou. A chance to just... be.
Here's what I recommend:
- Explore the Local Markets: Eat everything. Try the strange fruits. Get lost.
- Go to a Tea House: Sip some tea, people watch, and try not to fall asleep. I actually found it rather relaxing.
- Visit the Xingtai Museum: Learn about the local history, if you like that kind of thing. I did. It was actually kinda interesting!
- Wander through the Parks: Observe locals, enjoy the greenery, and try to find some peace.
Again, don't expect the Eiffel Tower. But the charm is in the everyday life. The street food. The local interactions. The sheer… *differentness* of it all. Embrace it!
What About Transportation? Is it Easy to Get Around?
Getting around Xingtai is manageable. Not the easiest thing in the world, but manageable. You'll likely mostly use:
- Taxis: Relatively affordable, but make sure you know how to use a translation app and have the hotel address ready in Chinese!
- Buses: Cheap, but can be confusing to navigate if you can't read Chinese. (Learn some basic Chinese characters, it'll help!)
- Walking: Quite a bit of walking is involved. Bring comfortable shoes. Seriously! Because Xingtai is much smaller than a Shanghai or Beijing, it's nice to go for a stroll, and the price is right.
My story: I once tried to take the bus and misread the sign. I ended up miles away from where I wanted to be. It was an adventure... in a slightly unwanted direction. Be prepared to ask for help (with your translation app). People are generally friendly and willing to help. Even if you end up somewhere you didn’t expect.
Any Tips for Booking?
Booking? Easy peasy. Go online (easiest to use a VPN, though). Use one ofBook Hotels Now
