Shenyang's BEST Hotel Near the Railway Station? (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Hanting Hotel Shenyang Railway Station: My Honest Review - Forget the Brochure, Here's the Real Deal!
Alright, buckle up, because we're ditching the corporate spiel and diving headfirst into my actual experience at the Hanting Hotel near the Shenyang Railway Station. I'm talking real talk, the good, the bad, and the slightly… confused. Honestly, the hotel is a bit of a whirlwind, but let's break it down, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof, Sometimes):
Getting there? Easy peasy. Smack-dab near the train station – perfect if you’re hauling luggage like I was (hello, overpacking!). The accessibility situation, however… Let’s just say it’s… variable. While they do have an elevator, perfect for a weary traveler like myself, navigating the initial entrance felt a bit like an obstacle course. Sidewalks aren't always the smoothest, and signage could be clearer, which is a headache if you're visually impaired.
(Editorial Aside: To the Hanting management: a little ramp action at the entrance wouldn't kill ya, and maybe some clearer Braille signage wouldn't go amiss. Just sayin'.)
Rooms: The Good, The… Well, Tolerable:
Okay, so I opted for a non-smoking room. Excellent choice. The air conditioning blasted out a beautiful, welcome chill after the Shenyang summer heat. And the blackout curtains? Absolute game-changer. Slept like a log. Seriously, those things could block out the apocalypse.
But then… the "complimentary tea." Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the gesture, but the tiny, sad, single-serving tea bag and the barely-there kettle felt a little… lonely. And the internet! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Wonderful! But let's be real, sometimes it was faster to send a pigeon with a message. Occasionally, I actually had to work… and the slow internet was a major pain. My laptop workspace was… well, a desk. Nothing fancy. Basic. Functional. Which is fine… but a decent chair wouldn't hurt either. My back now hates me.
The bathroom was… functional. The shower? Adequate. Though sometimes, the hot water felt like it was on a short vacation. I eventually discovered the trick was to turn the faucet to exactly the right point. (This felt like a skill I should have been rewarded for mastering!).
Cleanliness & Safety (Can't Complain TOO Much):
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! Especially given the times. They really seemed to be trying on the cleanliness front. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff wearing masks. Room sanitization between stays? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably. I mean, I didn't see them, but I assume so. I give them kudos for attempting to keep things tidy.
(Side note: I'm not entirely sure how seriously they took the "individually-wrapped" thing, though. The mini-shampoos in the little plastic things felt a bit… wasteful, but also reassuring? Don't judge).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Navigating the Culinary Landscape (Mostly Successfully):
Okay, this is where things get really interesting. They offer "Asian Breakfast," and "Western Breakfast". Let's just say my western palate was…challenged. The buffet was… well, bustling. It was hard to find tables. Breakfast was a bit of a free-for-all, and I was left feeling like I'd stumbled into a food fight.
There was a coffee shop. Coffee was… serviceable. (Never truly great). I mostly stuck to the little bottled water they provide, though. Always safe.
They also had a restaurant, but I stayed away. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated. I saw "A la carte" and "Buffet" options, and the whole thing screamed “cultural immersion.” Maybe next time. Also, I wasn't feeling terribly adventurous.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Blessings and Blunders:
They offer everything, listed above. I.e., Laundry service, I never personally utilized, but the option makes your stay longer more pleasant since you don't have to wash your items in the bathroom. They have a concierge. Who I never spoke to. Same with a Doorman. I just kept walking.
There's a luggage storage. A gift shop. A convenience store. (Which, let's be honest, is always a lifesaver). And Wi-Fi in the public areas. This feels redundant to mention at this point. I never used it, because I had wifi in the room. Everything felt… standard. Acceptable. Predictable.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and the Whole "Wellness" Shebang:
Okay, so, let's be honest. I wasn't looking for a spa day at the Hanting. (Though, a foot bath sounds appealing right now, after all this walking). I did spot a fitness center. Didn't go. It felt… daunting somehow. This is more of a "I'm-looking-for-a-bed-and-some-peace-and-quiet" kind of place. Not a "let's-sculpt-our-bodies-and-indulge-in-a-sauna" kind of place.
For the Kids (Or Lack Thereof, in My Case):
Didn't pay any close attention, but there's Family/child friendly. They probably have some sort of a babysitting service, but It's not really kid-oriented.
Getting Around: The Practicalities:
Airport transfer? Probably. Car park [on-site]? Sure. Taxi service? Yep. All the basics. This is Shenyang, it's meant for business.
In Conclusion: Worth It?
Look, if you're looking for luxury, this isn't it. If you're hoping for a five-star experience, keep looking. But, if you're looking for a clean, functional, reasonably priced hotel near the railway station? The Hanting delivers. It's a decent option for a quick stopover, or for someone who just needs a place to sleep and do some work (with a little patience for the Wi-Fi). It's not going to knock your socks off, but it serves its purpose. It’s fine. And sometimes, that's all you really need. 6/10. Would probably stay again, if I were in that area and needed something… well… basic.
Escape to Paradise: The Phoenician's Unforgettable Scottsdale Getaway
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is the unvarnished truth of a trip to Shenyang, China, centered around the Hanting Hotel near the train station. And trust me, it's going to get… real.
Shenyang Shenanigans: A Semi-Coherent Journey from a Slightly Derailed Mind
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Luggage Wrestling
14:00 - Arrival at Taoxian International Airport (SHE): Let's be honest, this airport is… functional. Like, a very beige, slightly tired version of functional. The immigration line? A slow, shuffling ballet of tired travelers, all of us mentally chanting, “Please, let my passport be in order. Please, let my passport be in order.” I swear, the official’s face didn't crack a smile once. Not a good omen, I thought.
15:30 - Shenyang Railway Station Bound: Okay, the airport shuttle bus – a slightly terrifying experience on its own. Picture this: a bus driver with nerves of steel weaving through a sea of mopeds and taxis, honking with the dedication of a symphony conductor. I clutched my bags like they were life rafts. Dear God, let them get me to the station. Please!
16:45 - Hanting Hotel Shenyang Railway Station: This is it, my temporary haven. And wow, the lobby’s…minimalist. Think IKEA showroom meets a slightly neglected motel. But hey, the essentials seem to be covered. (Cleanish room, wifi that mostly works). The real test? Battling my suitcase up to the fifth floor. Note to self: Invest in lighter luggage, or a dedicated bellhop.
18:00 - Dinner: Street Food Quest: Right, time to brave the culinary battlefield that is street food in Shenyang. My mission? Find something edible and hopefully not too adventurous for my delicate Western stomach. Found a place selling what looked like delicious meat skewers. OOH, YES! I pointed, smiled like a fool, and hoped for the best. The result? Surprisingly delicious. Success! The slightly spicy sauce was a revelation. I think I could get used to this.
19:30 - Sunset stroll around the Railway Station: Okay, the station area isn't exactly picturesque. Think urban sprawl meets a touch of grit. But watching the sun dip behind the towering buildings had a strange appeal. Reminded me a little of Blade Runner… but with more questionable smells wafting from the food stalls. Found a little park. Tried to remember the Chinese I had learned before coming.
21:00 - Bedtime: Exhausted, exhilarated, and a little bit terrified of what tomorrow brings.
Day 2: Forbidden City & the Pickle Conundrum
- 08:00 - Breakfast: Hotel 'Breakfast' (or, the Art of Toasting White Bread): Let's just say, the hotel breakfast isn't a culinary masterpiece. Think white bread, instant coffee, and enough questionable pre-packaged pastries to give even a seasoned sugar-holic pause. I think I'll just stick to the toast.
- 09:00 - Shenyang Imperial Palace (Forbidden City): Okay, this is why I'm here. The Imperial Palace! Absolutely stunning. The architecture is incredible, the colors are vibrant, and the history… Mind-blowing. Wander through the courtyards and I'm transported to another world. I could almost see the emperors and their court. The sheer scale of the place is impressive. Definitely worth battling the crowds.
- 12:00 - Lunch: Food Court Adventure: The food court next to the palace… well, it was a learning experience. A very pungent, potentially questionable learning experience. I wandered around, completely overwhelmed by the choices. What is that? And what is that? And is that… pickled anything? I ended up with something that might have been chicken noodles. The accompanying pickled vegetables? Let's just say they required a serious dose of internal fortitude. I'm guessing I'm in for some digestive drama later.
- 14:00 - The Mausoleum of General Zhang Zuolin: Headed out to the Mausoleum. A little further to get to than I thought. But another cool place. The architecture is definitely very unique from what I've seen before. The tombs were very opulent. I wonder what General Zhang Zuolin would think of all the tourists.
- 16:00 - Back Near the Hotel: Time to attempt to find a Starbucks. I need some familiar, and comforting.
- 18:00 - The Pickle Conundrum: Okay, back in the hotel room. The aftermath of the pickle experience is… unpleasant. Hours later, My stomach is doing the tango. I knew I should have stuck with the plain noodles.
- 19:00 - Dinner and Bedtime: Stick to what I know. Plain rice porridge. And pray for a peaceful night.
Day 3: The Railway Station Rendezvous & an Unexpected Cultural Exchange
- 09:00 - Morning stroll: Okay, time to face the world. Again. This time, I'm determined to explore.
- 10:00 - A wandering: Found a place selling some old calligraphy. Very cheap, also! I didn't know how to bargain. So I just bought it at full price.
- 12:00 - Last Dinner: A noodle shop. Again. This time. I know what I'm doing. I ordered something very simple. And it was probably the best meal I've had.
- 14:00 - Back to Hanting Hotel: Time to check out. I need a taxi to the airport. Finding a trustworthy one will be my last hurdle.
- 15:00 - Leaving: I'm off to the airport. Bye, Shenyang!
Final Thoughts (and a Confession)
Shenyang wasn't what I expected. It was messy, demanding, and sometimes downright confusing. There were moments where I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. But there were also moments of genuine wonder, delicious food (despite the pickle incident), and unexpected connections. Ultimately, it was a raw, unfiltered experience. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything.
P.S. If you see me again near a pickle, please stop me. And maybe offer me a Pepto-Bismol. Just in case.
Escape to Paradise: Jeju's Kkothyanggi Badasori Pension Awaits!
Hanting Hotel Shenyang Station: You're Gonna Need This FAQ (Trust Me!)
Is the Hanting Hotel Near Shenyang Railway Station *really* that close? Like, "I can practically smell the train grease" close?
Okay, let's get this straight: YES. The Hanting near the Shenyang Railway Station? It's practically hugging the station. You stumble out, bleary-eyed from your overnight train, and *boom* – there it is. Seriously, I once timed it. From the main exit, with a hefty suitcase and a desperate craving for coffee, it took me maybe... five minutes? And that included wrestling with a dodgy map app that insisted I was in the middle of a dumpling shop. (Pro-tip: You'll *definitely* want to grab dumplings eventually... more on that later.)
What's the room situation like? Clean? Cozy? Or, you know, "budget-friendly" aka "slightly suspect"?
Alright, honesty time. "Cozy" might be stretching it. "Compact" is a better word. They're not palatial suites, but they *are* generally clean. I've stayed in worse, let's put it that way. Think functional, not fancy. Expect the basics: bed, TV, tiny bathroom (the shower... well, let's just say you might get intimate with the shower curtain). My biggest gripe? The air conditioning. It's either arctic blast or "barely a breeze." One time, I swear, the AC was fighting me. I cranked it up, got freezing, cranked it down and it was suddenly a sauna. It’s a *struggle*, I tell you!
The WiFi – does it actually *work*? Because I need to update my Instagram with all the train photos!
Ah, the eternal question! The WiFi... can be a bit temperamental. Sometimes it's lightning fast, perfect for uploading those mandatory travel selfies. Other times... well, let's just say it's slower than a snail in peanut butter. I recommend having a local SIM card if reliable internet is crucial (which, let's face it, it probably is). I've spent frustrating hours staring at loading screens, cursing the gods of connectivity. But hey, maybe it's a good excuse to disconnect and, you know, *talk* to people? (Said no millennial ever). Seriously though, consider a data plan if you need to function online.
Are there any dining options nearby? Besides the aforementioned dumpling shops of mysterious location?
Yes! Food is *everywhere* around the station. Dumpling shops abound, as previously mentioned. And trust me, find one and get a *plate*. Don't be afraid to point and gesture; your stomach will thank you later. There are also your usual fast-food suspects (McDonald's, KFC, etc.) if you're craving something familiar. But PLEASE, for the love of all that is travel-worthy, venture out and try some local spots! I had a bowl of noodles so spicy, it made me momentarily question all my life choices – and I *loved* it! It was a true culinary adventure (and possibly a premature trip to the bathroom, but hey, the memories!).
What about the staff? Helpful? Grumpy? Speak any English? (My Mandarin is, let's just say, "developing.")
The staff are generally helpful, but English proficiency can be a bit of a mixed bag. Some speak a bit, some speak none. I once tried to explain to a front desk clerk that my key card wasn't working. My frantic hand gestures, combined with a series of increasingly desperate Google Translate attempts, resulted in me accidentally requesting a toothbrush and a massage. They got it sorted eventually (the key card, not the massage), but it was a performance! Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. "Ni hao" (hello), "Xiexie" (thank you), and "Wo bu dong" (I don't understand) will go a long way. Prepare for a bit of charade, but overall they are patient!
Okay, the *real* question: Would you stay there again?
Honestly? Yes. And here's why. The location is unbeatable. You've got a train to catch? No problem. Early flight? Easy peasy. Cheap and cheerful (mostly). It's not luxurious, it's not glamorous, but it gets the job done. It's perfect for a quick stopover, a budget-friendly base for exploring Shenyang, or even a last-minute booking when everything else is full (because the railway station hotels get snapped up FAST). Plus, the dumplings. Always the dumplings.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm suddenly craving a dumpling...
Anything I should *specifically* watch out for? Like, are there any weird quirks or annoying issues?
Oh boy, where do I even *begin*? Okay, let's be real: the noise. It's a railway station hotel, remember? You *will* hear trains. You *will* hear people. Bring earplugs, seriously. Like, pack them before you pack your toothbrush. The noise levels can range from "ambient city sounds" to "a freight train is currently inside my head." Also, the elevators can be a bit... unreliable. I've waited an inordinate amount of time for a lift. Don't be surprised, walk if you can. Finally, the water pressure in the shower can be a bit like a spritzer rather than a proper shower. Don't expect a powerful jet stream. Be prepared for a bit of a delicate dance with the water temperature, too. Don't expect perfection in the bathroom!
So, the dumplings. You mentioned dumplings. Tell me more. (Please.)
Okay, so the dumpling situation is a *core* part of the Hanting experience, in my book. You step out of the hotel, and the air is thick with the aroma of simmering, pan-frying, and steaming. Literally within a few feet, you stumble upon these tiny, family-run businesses. Don't be frightened by the lack of English signage, or the potential for a language barrier. Walk in, point at the dumplings that look appealing (they’re usually in a glass-fronted cabinet), and gesture to the type of sauce you want. The pork and chive dumplings are a classic for a reason. They're juicy, savory, and the perfect fuel before or after a lengthy train journey. I had a plate of them, I almost cried! Seriously. And the chili oil! Don't skip the chili oil. Be brave. Embrace the spice. Remember, this is part of the adventure! It's not just about the hotel; it's about the whole experience, and those dumplings are the cherry (or maybe the hot, spicy chili oil) on top!
