Nantong's BEST Hotel? Hanting Premium Railway Station Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… checks notes …Hanting Premium Railway Station Hotel in Nantong. And let me tell you, writing a review with this many categories is like trying to juggle flaming chainsaws while riding a unicycle. But hey, let's give it the old college try!
First, the basics. Accessibility: They say they're accessible, and I'll get into that messier bit later. Wheelchair Accessible: Well, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see elevators and ramps… but how well-maintained are they? That's a question that hangs in the air, like the smell of… well, hotels. Internet Access: Important! They offer the whole shebang – Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet [LAN], and various Internet services. Thank goodness, because a train station hotel without internet is just a recipe for utter boredom.
Now, let's talk relaxation. This is where things… get interesting. Gym/fitness is listed. Great! But is it a glorified treadmill in a closet, or a real space to break a sweat? Sadly, I didn't check it out. My relaxation strategy usually involves ordering ALL the room service. I'll save the spa for another trip– if I can make it through the first one.
Speaking of Cleanliness and Safety: This is crucial, especially post-plague. They tout Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and a whole host of other reassuring measures. I saw staff, trained, which is good. And there's Hand sanitizer all over the place, which I definitely appreciated. I always carry a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer, anyway. I have trust issues, you know? And while they have a First aid kit, you know what I DIDN'T see? A clear map of where things are. Not a huge dealbreaker, but I'm picturing a small, well-labeled one.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Oh, yes. This is where my heart truly lies. They have a restaurant! (Good start). Asian cuisine, International cuisine, Western cuisine… The Breakfast [buffet] had a decent variety, I'll give them that. But I'm a sucker for a good coffee shop, and theirs wasn't anything to write home about. The room service [24-hour] was, thankfully, available. Ordering late-night noodles in my room? Chef's kiss.
Okay, I need a breather. This is exhausting! Let's take a quick spin through Services and Conveniences. They have your usual suspects: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, etc. The Convenience store downstairs was a lifesaver for midnight snack runs. I really appreciated the Coffee/tea maker in the room. Essential. They also offered Food delivery. I had a lovely, small meal that I had to go pick up, because everything was shut down due to a local festival. Fun memory.
For the kids: They list Babysitting? I’m a single, childless adult. So, no comment.
Alright, the Getting around: Airport transfer? Possibly. Don't remember seeing it. They have an on-site Car park [free of charge]. Good for those driving in. They also offer Taxi service.
Available in all rooms: A sea of familiarities! Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature… you get the picture. I did appreciate the Blackout curtains. After a long day of travel, that is a godsend. The Slippers were a nice touch, too. What was NOT a nice touch? The bed. I'm not kidding; it felt like sleeping on a concrete slab covered with a thin sheet of cotton. My back still hurts, weeks later. Maybe it was the extra-long bed? I don't need an extra-long bed, by the way.
Now, let's get to the real juicy stuff. The actual, lived experience.
Accessibility, Re-Visited and Ranted:
I'm going to be honest; the accessibility thing? It felt… a little half-hearted. They have the ramps and elevators, sure. But I observed a couple of issues. First, the entrance isn't very clear to find, which makes me wonder if people could find it in the first place. Like, is the bellhop even familiar with them? Second, the layout is kinda confusing, some hallways are like a maze, as if they built it while blindfolded. They really could've done more to make navigation for anyone with mobility issues straightforward.
The Bed. Oh, The Bed.
Okay, I mentioned the bed. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was the worst bed I've slept in since… well, since I slept on the floor of a train station in Prague, which this hotel somewhat resembles. You know, like, the feeling of sleeping there. My lower back is screaming at me. It's a betrayal of the very essence of hotel comfort! I will be filing a complaint with the sleep gods.
The Food: A Tale of Two Meals.
The buffet breakfast was… fine. Standard hotel fare. Scrambled eggs, sausages, questionable coffee. However, the room service noodle situation was a genuine highlight. Comfort food perfection, delivered straight to my door. Now, if only they had a better coffee in the morning. This is a serious need!
A Little Side Note on the Aesthetics:
The hotel? It’s… functional. Think muted tones, generic art, and a general lack of personality. It isn't offensive, just a little… bland. I wouldn't expect any design awards to be won in this hotel.
My overall verdict?
Look, the Hanting Premium Railway Station Hotel in Nantong is fine. It's a roof over your head, near the train station, with free Wi-Fi and hopefully (depending on your needs) adequate accessibility. It has its good points: the noodles, the location, and free bottled water. But then there are the bad: the bed from the underworld, the confusing ramps, and the generally forgettable design. It’s a hotel that won't knock your socks off, but it will (hopefully) get you through a night. I might stay again… if I promise myself to bring a pillow. And maybe a yoga mat to sleep on.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-manic chronicle of my time at the Hanting Premium Hotel, Nantong Railway Station, China. Consider yourselves warned.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Train Station Confusion (aka, Beijing to Nantong – The Odyssey Begins)
6:00 AM: Wake up in Beijing. Actually, wake up before waking up, because I'm already tossing and turning, convinced I've missed my train. Turns out I’m not, but that doesn't stop the internal panic attack. This train, this journey will be a long one with the next stop being a new city for me!
Morning: Drag my overstuffed backpack (it seriously feels like I packed for a Mars mission) to the Beijing South Railway Station. Beijing is a whirlwind, beautiful, and so intensely busy. Finding my platform is an Olympic sport. I successfully navigate the throngs of people, mostly thanks to a combination of frantic pointing and the universal language of confused gesturing.
Afternoon (on the train): The train is packed. I've got a window seat, which is a blessing, and a perpetually snacking neighbor, which is… an experience. The sheer quantity of snacks consumed on trains in China is astounding. I’m pretty sure I saw a family of four demolish a whole watermelon in the space of an hour. I also witness a truly epic card game between a group of elderly men, complete with dramatic hand gestures and the occasional outburst of laughter that has me wondering if I should join in.
6:00 PM: Arrive in Nantong! Finally! The Nantong Railway Station is… well, it’s a railway station. Big, bustling, and full of people staring intently at their phones. This station is far less chaotic than Beijing's, which is a very thankful thing.
6:30 PM: Check into the Hanting Premium Hotel, which, bless its cotton socks, is right there. Honestly, after the train ride, I didn't have it in me to search further.
- First Impressions: The lobby is clean, bright, and smells vaguely of disinfectant and… is that a faint whiff of jasmine? Okay. Room is… small, bordering on compact, but clean. Cleanliness is the most important, this is a win! The air conditioning is thankfully on point. My room is also the only one, so I did great!
7:30 PM: Dinner! The hotel staff are friendly, but my Mandarin is… nonexistent. Luckily, the universal language of pointing at pictures on a menu is a lifesaver. I end up with something that resembles noodles and meat. It is absolutely delicious and feels like a warm hug after the ordeal.
8:30 PM: Attempt to watch TV. Fail. The channels are all in Mandarin, and I'm pretty sure one of them is just a slideshow of scenic landscapes. Fall asleep.
Day 2: City Exploration and the Mystery of the Missing Soy Sauce
Morning: Wake up refreshed! Or at least, more rested than yesterday. Decide to brave the city. Armed with my phone, a phrase book, and a healthy dose of optimism (which may or may not be misplaced), I head out.
10:00 AM: Attempt to navigate the streets. Nantong is a fascinating mix of old and new. Gleaming skyscrapers stand next to traditional architecture, and the streets are alive with the hum of scooters, bicycles, and the general hustle and bustle of city life. I get delightfully lost multiple times. This is a must.
Lunch: Find a small, local restaurant (again, relying heavily on pointing and smiling). The food is amazing. I discover the wonders of the small dishes and try something I later discover is a pig's ear. It's surprisingly delicious.
Afternoon: Visit a local park. It's filled with people practicing Tai Chi, playing games, and generally enjoying a leisurely afternoon. I attempt to join in a game of badminton. My skills are… atrocious. The locals find my efforts highly amusing. I find their effortless grace incredibly humbling.
5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Time for a small snack. I purchase some instant noodles to enjoy in my room.
6:00 PM: The Soy Sauce Incident. Here is the real drama. I open my noodles and find… no soy sauce packet. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. Is this a conspiracy? Is soy sauce in this country a rare commodity? Am I destined to eat bland noodles? I frantically search my bag, the minibar, everywhere. Nope. It's gone.
7:00 PM: The Solution: I am desperate. And so, I venture back out into the Nantong night, hunting for a little bottle of soy sauce for my noodles.
8:00 PM: Victory! I scour a local shop, manage to communicate my soy sauce needs via enthusiastic miming, and score a small bottle. Back to the hotel, triumphant!
9:00 PM: Eat noodles. With soy sauce. The best noodles of my life.
Day 3: The Deep Dive into Local Life (And My Growing Affinity for Street Food)
Morning: Another day, another adventure! I wanted to experience a more "local" aspect of Nantong, and so I took the bus. I was a total fish out of water here, and yet, it was amazing. The people were lovely, the kids were curious, and the scenery was phenomenal. Even if I was a little lost, that made the experience even more special.
Afternoon: More exploring! I found a fantastic street food market and got a little carried away. The smells, sounds, and sights were mesmerizing. I taste things I can't identify but am not even remotely concerned. It's all just so good!
6:00 PM: Dinner at a noodle shop. I order the same thing I ordered yesterday, wanting to see if it was as good. Honestly, it was even better.
Day 4: Departure!
Morning: Eat breakfast, pack to leave.
10:00 AM: The hotel is fine but not memorable. The city, now that… well, that was something special. I'm glad I stayed here and got to experience this.
10:30 Am: Out of the door! Goodbye, Nantong! Goodbye, Hanting Premium Hotel!
Final Thoughts:
The Hanting Premium Hotel? It was a solid stay. Comfortable and in a perfect location. But Nantong? Nantong was an absolute gem. The people were welcoming, the food was incredible, and the city itself had a charm that burrowed its way into my soul. I'll be back. (And I'll bring my own soy sauce. Just in case.)
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Hanting Premium Railway Station, Nantong: The Raw Truth (and FAQs!)
Okay, let's be real. You're probably looking at Hanting Premium near Nantong Railway Station because, well, it's convenient. And cheap. And maybe your train's at some ungodly hour. I get you. I've been there. This isn't a polished, PR-approved review. This is my actual, slightly-caffeinated, utterly-unvarnished experience.
1. Firstly, the Big Question: Is it *Actually* Near the Station?
Yes! Relief washes over you, right? That's the main draw. It *is* practically spitting distance. Okay, maybe a *small* spit. You can practically roll out of bed, stumble across the road (carefully!), and be at the ticket gates. I kid you not. Avoid the temptation of the "shortcut" through the construction zone – unless you enjoy a slightly muddy and confusing adventure. My suitcase *hated* that. I still think it's got a scar somewhere. Seriously though, factor in like, a five-minute walk max. Bliss for those early train departures.
2. What About the Room Itself? The Dreaded Room...
Okay, here's where things get a *little* more complicated. It *is* a Hanting. So, manage your expectations. Think "functional, clean-ish, and *probably* won't give you nightmares". My first impression was… well, it was fine. The bed? Surprisingly comfy. Actually, way better than some pricier hotels I've stayed in. I'm serious!. But, the decor? Let's call it… "minimalist-adjacent". Think beige, beige, and more beige. With maybe a splash of… beige? (Okay, I exaggerate a *little*.) The bathroom? Did its job. Shower pressure was decent, which is a win in China. Cleanliness? Generally okay, but I *may* have spotted a rogue hair in the shower. (I'm a guy, I'm used to it, but still. Note for future inspectors: clean those showers!). Honestly, it's not the Ritz, but it's perfectly acceptable for a short stay. I mean, you're probably there to SLEEP, right?
3. Can You Hear Your Neighbor's Snoring? Because, Let's Be Honest, That's the Real Question.
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? And the answer is... maybe. Sound insulation isn’t exactly their strong suit. I'm a light sleeper, and I *did* catch the occasional muffled conversation and the delightful chirping of the elevator. So, bring earplugs! Seriously, pack them. Trust me on this one. I learned the hard way. There was this… *thing*… the first night. Some kind of mechanical humming, which I *thought* was from the aircon. Then I realized it wasn't intermittent – it was CONSTANT. I was convinced it was a malfunctioning alien spaceship trying to abduct me. It wasn't (probably). But the earplugs saved me from a full-blown mental breakdown. So. Earplugs. Essential.
4. The Breakfast (Oh, the Humanity!)
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. Okay, here's the deal. Don't expect a lavish buffet. Think "basic, but edible". There was some… well, it might have been porridge. Or maybe just oatmeal. I'm honestly not sure. Also, a selection of… *things*. Some fried eggs. Some questionable sausages. And the bread? Well, let's just say it was… *bread-adjacent*. Definitely not sourdough. Definitely not artisan. I focused my efforts on the noodles (which were surprisingly good), and the coffee (which was… well, coffee). Look, you won't starve. But don't get your hopes up for a gourmet experience. Expect to grab something quick, or grab something from the nearby convenience store, which, by the way, is a lifesaver. I grabbed a bag of chips. A whole bag.
5. The Staff: Will They Understand My Broken Mandarin/English?
The staff were generally friendly - and that is key. English… well, it varied. Some spoke it better than others. Be prepared to use some basic Mandarin phrases (or, at the very least, your translation app). Pointing and waving is also a perfectly acceptable form of communication. Mostly, things went smoothly. They even helped me figure out how to print a boarding pass (after I’d managed to delete it from my phone, naturally – don’t judge). They were patient with my, let's just say, *unique* brand of communication skills. A lot of smiles, a lot of pointing, a lot of “Ni hao.” It worked. But be realistic, don't expect a full-blown concierge service. They are there to help, but the language barrier can be a thing. So, download a translator app now!
6. The Check-In/Check-Out Process: Painless or Panic-Inducing?
Check-in was pretty quick and painless, if you have your passport ready. Check-out? Even easier. Just drop your keycard and go. Though I should probably mention the *one* incident. I was running late for a train. *Really* late. Already envisioning the ticket agent's disdainful face. I basically threw my key at the front desk and BOLTED. About ten minutes later, I get a frantic phone call – and *this* really got me! Apparently, I'd left something in the room. My *charger*. (I'll pause while you shout 'cliché!' at the screen). They offered to keep it safe for me. I had to decide. Go back and get it, risk missing my train and get it the next day or give up and get a new one. I wasn't going back. I was late. It was a tough call. I was sad. A charger is a must. I could deal with any of the hotel's issues and lack of luxury but that charger was important. So moral of the story is, double-check your stuff before you do whatever I did. But the check-in/check-out itself? Generally, easy peasy!
7. Value for Money - Is it a Bargain or a Rip-Off?
It's a bargain. Period. For the convenience of being right next to the railway station, you're getting a decent deal. The location alone is worth the price, particularly If you're trying to save money andComfort Inn
