Nanjing's Hidden Gem: Xianhemen Hotel You NEED to See!
Nanjing's Xianhemen Hotel: Is This Hidden Gem Really Shining? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to dive headfirst into the Xianhemen Hotel in Nanjing. They call it a hidden gem, and honestly, I love a hidden gem. But are they actually gem-ing? Let's find out. I mean, I've just spent a few days here, and my brain is still trying to untangle the noodles of my experience. This…is gonna be a long one.
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First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle (Because, Y'know, it Matters):
The Xianhemen is a bit of a trek to get to, which immediately makes me question the "hidden" part because I felt like I had to wander down a hidden side street, then a back alley, before finally finding it. It's in the Xianhemen area, duh, which is decent, but not right in the heart of the action.
Accessibility: Now, this is where things get interesting. They say accessible, and they mostly deliver. Elevator: check. Wheelchair accessibility: For the most part, yes. Ramps are present where needed, and the hallways are wide enough to maneuver. Facilities for disabled guests: They list this, which is a good start. I didn’t personally need any of these services, so I can't speak to their quality, but the fact they offer them is a big plus. However, I could immediately see a few potential hiccups with the bathroom layout in a couple of rooms. It wasn't perfectly designed – things felt a bit cramped, like they just kind of crammed in the essentials. My advice? Call ahead and specifically ask about the accessibility features in the room you book. Don’t just trust the website.
Internet Fiasco & the Rest of the Tech:
Internet Access: Oh boy, the internet. So, they tout Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which initially made me do a little happy dance. Let me tell you, that dance was SHORT-LIVED. The Wi-Fi, in my room especially, was… let's just say it wasn't exactly winning any awards. I'm talking buffering YouTube videos, dropped calls, and the general feeling of being trapped in the dial-up era. On the plus side, they have Internet [LAN], for those of us who are still rocking the ethernet cable life, but I'm not sure that’s everyone’s cup of tea. Internet services are listed, and I’m guessing that means something, but I wouldn’t exactly rely on it. The Wi-Fi in the public areas fared a bit better, but still not stellar. I'd recommend getting a local SIM card if you're planning on doing any serious work.
They do have Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center. Someone is taking their business meetings seriously.
Rooms (The Good, The Bad, and the "Huh?"):
My room? Fine, serviceable. It had Air conditioning (a lifesaver in Nanjing!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (who uses those anymore?), and a Bathtub. The Blackout curtains did their job, thank god. Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea (a nice touch)… you get the gist.
The real star in the room was the size of the bed. Extra long bed, baby! I felt like I was sleeping on a king size mattress! This was definitely a win, and it's what I needed after a long day of exploring.
The Desk was decent, perfect for my laptop workspace. Free bottled water, always appreciated. Hair dryer – check. In-room safe box – check. Interconnecting room(s) available – Not for me, but good to know. Ironing facilities – yes. Laptop workspace – well, the desk. Linens were clean and comfortable. Mini bar – stocked with the usual suspects. Non-smoking room (THANK YOU!). On-demand movies – I didn’t bother, so can’t say how good they were. Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security features, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (SCORE!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (thank you, thoughtful hotel designers!), Sofa, Soundproofing (mostly effective!), Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, and a Wake-up service, and a Window that opens. I’m not sure why, but there was a Mirror in the room that wasn’t particularly well-placed. That’s just me though.
Oh, but here's a weird one: an Additional toilet. Why? WHY? Like a double-decker porta potty in your room? I have no idea why this was necessary. Still scratching my head about that one.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone (My Happy Place…Mostly):
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. The Xianhemen Hotel Spa is… pretty darn good. It's a huge perk for this hotel. They have a Fitness center (didn't use it, because, you know, vacations), a Foot bath, Gym/fitness, and a Pool with view (gorgeous, especially at sunset). They have all sorts of Spa/sauna stuff – a Sauna, Steamroom. I splurged on a Massage, and it was heavenly. The therapist was professional, and the pressure was perfect. They also offered Body scrub and Body wrap, which tempt me for my next visit.
The Swimming pool itself is fantastic. Swimming pool [outdoor] is also available, which is especially great during the hot Nanjing summers.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Food Adventure):
The Restaurants are a mixed bag. They have a Bar, a Coffee shop, and a Snack bar. Lots of Restaurants. Breakfast [buffet]: A decent, but not mind-blowing, Breakfast [buffet] is available. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, all the usual suspects. A la carte in restaurant is also an option. I found the quality of the food to be variable. One day it was great, the next… not so much.
Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant - They have a decent selection to cater to all palates.
Poolside bar: Lovely. The happy hour was a great way to unwind. They offer a Bottle of water for that, and a Soup in restaurant.
Room service [24-hour]: Available, which is always a plus.
Here's the story: I decided to order what looked like a simple salad. It came with way too much dressing. It was a Salad in restaurant. The Desserts in restaurant were good, though.
Daily Disinfection & Safety (Did I Survive?):
Cleanliness and safety are taken seriously here. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff are definitely Staff trained in safety protocol, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Sterilizing equipment. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available. Safety/security features are in place. I felt safe. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Extras):
They offer a lot of services, too many to mention. Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store. Currency exchange: I can’t vouch for their rates. Daily housekeeping. Doorman. Dry cleaning, Elevator. Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Luggage storage. Laundry service, Invoice provided.
Food Deliveries and other Extras:
Okay, so the hotel does offer Food delivery to the room, which could be life-saving. And look, you might need it because they also have a Convenience store. The lack of any kind of Smoking area or the mention of Pets allowed is interesting to note.
For the Kids & Family Friendliness
The hotel is Family/child friendly. Yes,
Brussels' Hidden Gem: B&B Le Lys d'Or - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're heading to Nanjing, and specifically, the Hanting Hotel near Xianhemen Zidong Commercial Street. Forget perfect planning, this is gonna be a glorious, chaotic, and hopefully, hilarious adventure. Consider yourself warned.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Odyssey (aka, jet lag's got me again)
Morning (or What Is Morning Anyway?): Landed in Nanjing. Ugh, the flight. You know the drill. Cramped seats, questionable airplane food, and that weird guy in the back who insists on reclining his seat at the exact moment you're trying to sip your coffee? Yeah, that guy. Anyway, finally arrive, customs is a breeze, and I locate the pre-booked driver (thank god, negotiations with taxi drivers after a 14-hour flight are NOT my jam). The drive to the Hanting… well, let's just say the scenery wasn't exactly what I expected. Kind of a blur of high-rises and scooters, but honestly, I was too busy fighting off the nap monster to really see anything.
Afternoon: Hotel Hell & Noodle Nirvana: Check in to the Hanting. My room? Adequate. Clean. Basic. Like a slightly less exciting IKEA showroom. But hey, there's a bed, which is all that matters to someone who hasn't slept properly in, oh, a month. I’m unpacking. The real adventure starts: FOOD. I'm starving. Like, "hangry enough to eat a small child" starving. Google Maps informs me there is a delicious noodle shop mere steps away. I'm practically drooling as I stumble out the door.
- The Noodle Shop: Oh. My. God. This place. Tiny, bustling, the air thick with the scent of chili oil and something mysteriously wonderful. The menu is entirely in Chinese, but thank heavens for pointing and smiling. I manage to order a giant bowl of… something. Turns out to be the most INSANELY delicious, spicy, slurpy, rich noodle dish of my LIFE. It was a religious experience. And yes, I did slurp. Shamelessly. Noodles everywhere. My face, the table, my shirt. Worth it. Absolutely. Bloody. Worth. It.
Evening: Jet lag slams me. Hard. The noodles were amazing, and the fiery sauce definitely woke me up. Tried to do some light sightseeing but my brain just switched off. Went back to the hotel. Attempted to read, failed miserably. Then, it was lights out and a glorious, deep, sleep.
Day 2: The Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum, and My Questionable Sense of Direction
Morning: Feeling slightly less zombie-ish, thanks to the miracle of sleep. Today: Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum! I think I can navigate public transport… Wish me luck.
Morning (Continued): Okay, the metro wasn't that bad. A little crowded, a lot of staring, and I may have accidentally gotten on the wrong train for a bit, but hey, that’s what travel is all about, right? Eventually, I find the place. WOW. The mausoleum is majestic. The sheer scale of it is breathtaking. I wander the grounds, taking photos, trying to soak it all in. The climb to the top? Brutal on the thighs, WORTH IT for the view. This is what I wanted out of this trip. The entire scene and place.
Afternoon: Attempt to find a decent lunch place. Again. I wander around, getting delightfully lost. I pass a tea shop, and a bakery. And another noodle place. tempting. End up eating what I HOPE is a vegetarian spring roll from a street vendor. Delicious! But… did it have meat? Probably. Don't ask. Anyway, It's all good!
Evening: Found a local bar. And the people watching is better than any movie. I also, may have, ordered a drink I did not know what it was. And you know what? It was good. I think. I had another one.
Day 3: The City Wall, More Noodles (Obviously), and a Bittersweet Farewell
Morning: The Nanjing City Wall! I love this place! Another climb, but this time, my legs feel like they’re made of concrete. Still gorgeous, especially with the morning sun. This time, I'm slightly better at my bearings, enjoying the fact, I can move and see things. I may have let out an "epic" reaction. It was… epic.
Afternoon: More noodles. You know I can't resist! Find a different kind of noodle place. They are all delicious here! Maybe I found a favourite new place? Or maybe I am just enjoying my time to the fullest!
Evening: Packing up my things. The trip is coming to an end. I got to say goodbye to the lovely staff at the hotel. I had gotten to know a few of them over the last few days. It's always bittersweet when you leave a place you've grown to love, even in such a short amount of time.
Random Thoughts & Imperfections:
- Language Barrier Blues: My Mandarin is non-existent. Google Translate is now my best friend and worst enemy. (It can be surprisingly inaccurate).
- The Food: Seriously, the food. I could happily eat noodles every single meal. And I have.
- The People: The people are so incredibly friendly! Even when there is a language barrier everyone are so helpful.
- Overall Trip Rating: Fantastic. Messy, imperfect, full of noodles, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm already planning my return.
So, there you have it. A truly authentic, unfiltered account of my Nanjing adventure. Remember, travel isn't about perfection, it's about experiencing the world, embracing the chaos, and maybe, just maybe, finding your new favorite noodle dish (and getting a little lost along the way). Until next time, Nanjing!
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Xianhemen Hotel: Nanjing's Secret...or Maybe Not So Secret Anymore?! (My Brain is Still Processing It)
Okay, So What IS This 'Xianhemen Hotel' Thing Anyway? Is It Actually *Hidden*?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Hidden Gem" is maybe a *slight* exaggeration. It's more like...a charmingly obscure hotel in Nanjing, China's Xuanwu District. Honestly, finding it felt less like uncovering a treasure and more like navigating a maze of construction sites and questionable street food stalls. I'm pretty sure I wandered into someone's actual living room at one point. But *eventually*, blessedly, you get there. The "hidden" part? It's not screaming for attention like some tourist traps. Think...whisper, not shout. My first thought when I saw the entrance? "Huh. Okay." My second thought? "Is that a cat napping on a parked scooter?" (It was. He was very judgmental.)
The Aesthetics are a Big Deal, I hear. Is it Insta-Worthy? Like, REALLY Insta-Worthy?
Insta-worthy? Yes. But not in that surgically-enhanced, perfectly-curated, 'look-at-my-life' sort of way. Xianhemen has a raw, authentic beauty. Think exposed brick, soaring ceilings (in some areas anyway), and a kind of faded grandeur that whispers stories. There's a courtyard that practically *begs* for dramatic lighting at sunset (speaking from experience, take advantage of it!). I actually had a minor existential crisis during my stay because I was spending more time trying to capture the perfect picture than, you know, *experiencing* the place. Totally the photographer's curse. My advice? Take *some* pictures, but prioritize soaking it in. Trust me, the memories will be worth more than double-tapped likes. The imperfections? They add character. Like, there was a slight dampness in my room, but it just added to the ambiance, I swear! Or maybe I'm gaslighting myself.
What's the Vibe? Is it Relaxing or More... Bustling?
It's *definitely* not a party hotel. Thank God! The vibe is all about tranquility and a slower pace. Think reading books in sunny corners, sipping tea, and, you know, generally just existing in a state of pleasantness. It's the kind of place where you actually *hear* yourself think. Which, for me, was terrifying at first. I'm used to constant noise, constant distraction. But by the second day, I was practically meditating in the bathtub. Unless the construction noise from *next door* started up again. That was less Zen, more "argh, why?!" Still, mostly relaxing. Mostly.
The Rooms: Are they... Good? (And What About Bedbugs? I'm Asking the *Real* Questions Here!)
Okay, let's be real. Bedbugs are a legitimate concern. I gave everything a good once-over. (Nothing. Phew!) The rooms themselves are...varied. Some are stunning, with those gorgeous high ceilings I mentioned. Others…well, let's just say my first room felt a little like staying in a converted broom closet. The AC also had it's moments of insanity too, but after a quick fix by the front desk everything was perfect. Then again, a simple enough fix. They're clean, comfortable (most of them), and definitely NOT cookie-cutter. I will also add that the staff was incredibly nice about moving me to a nicer room upon request. Consider that a huge plus in my book. Just...manage your expectations a *smidge*.
Food! What About the Food? Is There Anything Beyond Instant Noodles?
The hotel itself has a small restaurant and a bar that offer pretty decent, if somewhat simple choices. The breakfast was okay, a little repetitive, but sufficient to start your day. I'm a picky eater, (I admit it) and even I found something good. The REAL win here are the amazing local street food stalls. I spent a whole afternoon wandering the nearby streets, stuffing my face with everything from... (and my brain is still hazy on the precise name, but it involved a very delicious savory pancake-like thing) to the spiciest noodles known to humankind. (My tongue is still recovering.) Warning: Be prepared for a *serious* food coma. So much food. So many amazing smells. And so many new flavors to experiment with. Don't miss this!
Location, Location, Location! How's the Area? Is it Easy to Get Around?
The location is pretty good, considering. It's in a cool part of town, though I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a bit of a maze at first. Getting to the hotel from the Metro was a bit of an odyssey, but a fun one, honestly (once I figured out the bus system, with the help of a very patient local). It's well situated for visiting various sights and museums, but it's not *right* in the thick of things. Which, for me, was a bonus. You're close enough to the action to get what you want, far away enough to escape it for some peace. I did a lot of walking, a lot of exploring, and I found some of the best dim sum of my life just a ten-minute walk away from the hotel. The best part of exploring this area is that you can't tell what you're going to end up seeing.
Okay, Spill the Tea! What's the *Absolute* Best Thing About the Xianhemen Hotel?
Okay, here's the thing. It's not just one thing. It's a *feeling*. It's the feeling of somehow being transported to another time, another place, even though you're smack-dab in the middle of a bustling city. It's the feeling of discovering something unique, something *real*, that hasn't been filtered and sanitized for the masses. It's the fact that the people are nice. It's the slightly chipped paint, the creaky floors, the unexpected beauty in the ordinary. It's the fact that it's not perfect...and that's what makes it absolutely perfect. And that one time I got a little lost in the back, and I stumbled upon a hidden courtyard, and drank tea in a room no one else used...and it felt like a secret. That was pretty good. Honestly, I should probably go back.
Any Deal-Breakers? Anything I Should Know Before Booking?
OK, reality check. I'm going to be honest. If you require relentless luxury or are overly sensitive to noise, thisCozy Stay Spots
