Hanting Hotel Huzhou Deqing: Your Luxurious Escape Awaits!
Hanting Hotel Huzhou Deqing: My Whirlwind Weekend & The Truth They Don't Tell You! (Spoiler: It's Mostly Pretty Good!)
Okay, so I'm back from Deqing, and I'm still trying to disentangle myself from the Hanting Hotel. "Luxurious Escape Awaits!" they chirped. Well, 'escape' is what I got, mostly from my own messy life, but was it luxurious? Let's unpack that. Buckle up, because this is going to get… raw.
First Impressions: The "Accessibility" Gauntlet and the Elevator That Didn't
Right off the bat, the "Accessibility" checklist is… mixed. Wheelchair accessible? Supposedly. But getting to the actual accessible areas? That's where things got interesting. The website promised ease, but I swear I saw a ramp with a 30-degree incline. My own two feet felt the burn, so I shudder to think how someone in a wheelchair would fare. The elevator? Well, let's just say it looked like it had seen better days. I spent a good five minutes mentally calculating whether I could leap to the next floor if it decided to give up the ghost. (Note to self: Pack a parachute next time).
Internet Shenanigans (and My Near-Instant Addiction)
Internet? Ah, yes. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank goodness, because my phone's data plan is basically a retirement fund in itself. Internet access – LAN? Yep. And Internet access – wireless I tried both. Both worked. The connection was surprisingly decent, considering the hotel's "rustic" charm. This became a problem, though. I immediately became glued to my laptop, binge-watching some seriously questionable reality TV. The laptop workspace in the room was a blessing… and a curse. Days blurred into a haze of low-quality television and lukewarm coffee. Seriously, I think I need an intervention.
The Cleanliness & Safety Dance (and My Germaphobe Tendencies)
Look, I'm not going to lie. I'm a complete clean freak. So, the Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas were a definite plus. The Rooms sanitized between stays? Reassuring. The fact that, even with all the "sanitizing," they had the option for you to Room sanitization opt-out available? Genius! I opted in though. The Hand sanitizer dispensers at every turn? My kind of place. And shout out to the staff for being Staff trained in safety protocol. They looked like they knew how to handle things. I felt pretty safe, which is a big deal for a worrier like me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Diet Went Out the Window
Okay, let's talk food. I'm usually on a pretty strict diet, but the Hanting practically begged me to give in. Restaurants? Plural. A la carte in restaurant? You got it. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a highlight. I ordered way too much dim sum. The Breakfast [buffet]? A glorious, carb-laden free-for-all. I was in there like swim-suit on a sunbather. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. The Coffee shop? I may have spent an embarrassing amount of time (and cash) there. Room service [24-hour]? Oh, yes. Because sometimes you need a plate of noodles at 3 AM, okay? It was the kind of Snack bar. I am very glad they had a Bottle of water.
What I DIDN'T get?
The Vegetarian restaurant. I'm not one, but it would have been a nice option, and the Western cuisine in restaurant wasn't great. They also didn't have a Poolside bar.
The Spa and Fitness Fantasy (or My Unfulfilled Aspirations)
Alright, so the website promised a "luxurious escape." Did I find it? Well… the Spa/sauna was a definite plus. They had a pretty good Sauna. I almost went to the Steamroom, but I chickened out. The Fitness center? I intended to use it, I really did. It had a Gym/fitness. I saw it. I walked past it. I smelled the sweat. I went back to my room to watch more TV. The Massage was a temptation, but I ended up being too lazy to book it.
Body scrub and Body wrap? Didn't even look into it. My idea of "pampering" is a lukewarm bath and a questionable face mask. Still… maybe next time?
Things I Did:
- I went to the Pool with view. What I saw was the Swimming pool [outdoor]. It wasn't bad.
- I didn't do. Foot bath. Shame
Services and Conveniences: Helpful Stuff (and Me Being a Mess)
The Air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver. The Concierge was helpful when I needed directions (I am directionally challenged). Daily housekeeping was a godsend, considering the state I left my room in. Dry cleaning and Laundry service were tempting, but I’m a wash-in-the-sink-and-hope-for-the-best kind of traveler. Luggage storage came in handy.
The Facilities for disabled guests are listed but the accessibility is a bit sus. Food delivery, I didn't try it. Cash withdrawal, I didn't need. Invoice provided, I will have to check that. They had a Gift/souvenir shop for a nice treat, I found a Smoking area.
For the Kids (Thank God I Don't Have Any)
The Babysitting service existed. Thank goodness. The whole Family/child friendly made me want to run away. There was some Kids facilities.
The Room: My Temporary Kingdom (and Its Quirks)
The room itself was… fine. Non-smoking rooms were a plus. The Air conditioning worked. The Alarm clock, I never used it. There were Bathrobes, nice touch, although I just wore my own pajamas. The Bathroom phone??? Who uses a bathroom phone anymore? The Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in! The Coffee/tea maker was essential for fueling my TV-watching addiction. The Free bottled water was appreciated (especially after all the dim sum). The Desk was a mess. The Mini bar was tempting. The Refrigerator was just for my emergency stash of snacks. The Separate shower/bathtub, I loved the bathtub. The Slippers were comfy.The Socket near the bed was essential for my phone-charging needs. The Soundproofing was alright, but you could still hear the hallway chatter. But I loved the Window that opens.
Getting Around: Mostly Smooth Sailing (Except for That One Taxi)
Airport transfer? Nope, I drove. Car park [free of charge] was a definite plus. I didn't use the Taxi service, but I did try to flag one down. Let's just say, it didn't go well. I will try the Car power charging station next time.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Yes, but with some caveats. The Hanting Hotel Huzhou Deqing is not perfect. It has its flaws. It has some areas of questionable "accessibility." It enabled my TV-watching addiction. But it also has charm. It has a great breakfast buffet. It has a convenient location. And most importantly, it was an escape. So, yeah, I'd go back. Just promise me I can get a better taxi next time. And maybe a massage.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Nandha Karaikal, India - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because my trip to the Hanting Hotel in Deqing, Huzhou, China? Let's just say it was less "polished travelogue" and more "slightly bewildered tourist stumbles through the unknown." Here's the beautiful, chaotic mess:
Day 1: Arrival - The Jet Lag Shuffle and Noodles of Glory
- 6:00 AM (ish) - Shanghai Pudong International Airport: THE TREK BEGINS. Oh. My. God. Did I really think I could handle a 14-hour flight and then immediately hop on a train to Huzhou? Jet lag is a cruel mistress. I swore I saw a talking panda in the duty-free shop. Or maybe that was just the exhaustion.
- 8:00 AM (ish) - Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: Navigating this place felt like being dropped into a Godzilla movie set: HUGE, bustling, and utterly incomprehensible. I managed to (eventually) find the train to Huzhou, thanks to a very patient elderly woman who kept pointing at things and saying "Huzhou! Huzhou!" like I was a particularly dim-witted puppy. Bless her heart.
- 11:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Huzhou Train Station: Success! The city feels… well, normal. A bit more relaxed than Shanghai. Now, to find a taxi. And to understand Chinese. Ugh. Google Translate is my new best friend (and occasionally my worst enemy, thanks to some hilariously mangled translations).
- 12:30 PM - Hanting Hotel Deqing: Finally! Check-in was painless. The room… well, it’s clean and the air con works. Success! After taking a much-needed shower.
- 1:00 PM - Deqing City Streets: The food. Oh, the food. I stumbled down the street, blinking in the sunshine, and literally followed my nose. I ended up in a tiny, family-run noodle shop. The menu was entirely in Mandarin, and the grandma behind the counter just smiled at me. I pointed at a picture and crossed my fingers. What arrived was a steaming bowl of the most delicious, subtly spicy noodles I've ever had in my life. I ate them standing up, right there on the curb, completely unconcerned with the world. Pure, unadulterated noodle bliss. This, my friends, is what travel is all about. Forget the fancy restaurants, the Michelin stars. This was it.
- 3:00 PM - Jet Lag Nap: Crashed HARD. Woke up feeling slightly resurrected.
- 6:00 PM - Wandering After Dark: I'm not sure what I expected, maybe a quiet night, maybe a drink somewhere, but the world outside was so vibrant, and the night air had a certain buzz to it.
Day 2: Temples and Tea and Possibly Regret
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel: Hotel breakfast. It's… fine. There's some sort of congee-like substance that I'm cautiously sampling. The coffee is instant, and tastes like sadness.
- 10:00 AM - Mogan Mountain Exploration: Oh, Hell Yes! A local suggested Mogan Mountain. I envisioned a gentle stroll, maybe a cute little tea house. HA! Mogan Mountain is steep. Like, "butt-clenching hike" steep. I huffed and puffed my way up, questioning all my life choices. But… the views? Jaw-dropping. Absolutely stunning. And yes, there was a tea house. And the tea? Glorious.
- 1:00 PM - Descent and Lunch: My legs are screaming. Found a small restaurant, tucked away in a side street. The food? Delicious. And incredibly cheap. There was a language barrier again, but the owner just pointed and smiled, and I was fed. What more could a traveler ask for?
- 3:00 PM - Trying Some Local Snacks: I saw the vendor and I went over. The snacks! Some were greasy, some were sweet, some were… well, I'm not sure what some were, but I ate them anyway. Honestly, maybe I should have regretted it, but I didn't!
- 5:00 PM - Back to Hotel: I decided to take a break, because my feet were killing me and I don't think I could think straight.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a Recommended Restaurant: The place was great. They didn't necessarily understand me, but they were friendly, and the food was just fantastic.
Day 3: The Huzhou Hustle and a Bitter-Sweet Departure
- 9:00 AM - Still Awake!: Wow, this is a first. Hotel food again, I guess.
- 10:00 AM - Explore Huzhou City: I wanted the full experience. I walked around the city, saw the boats on the water, and even found a small shop with silk products.
- 12:00 PM - A Final Meal: I found a small noodle house near the hotel, had another bowl of those noodles, and started considering whether I should stay a bit longer.
- 2:00 PM - Time to Go: I am at the train station. I am so ready to go. And yet… a small part of me is reluctant. It was fun.
- 3:00 PM - Goodbye, Huzhou, hello (hopefully) less jet lag!
- 4:30 PM - Airplane time: The ride was bumpy, but I was ok.
- 8:00 PM - Back home: I'm tired; my feet hurt, but I'm happy.
Imperfections and Rambles:
- The Language Barrier: It's a constant game of charades. "Ni hao" and "xie xie" are my best friends. Google Translate is a life-saver, but sometimes it's just plain bonkers. Like the time it translated "I'm allergic to peanuts" into something about a "peanut demon." I’m pretty sure I almost caused an international incident when I ordered food once and got… something that looked vaguely like a giant, hairy caterpillar. (It tasted surprisingly good, though, don't tell anyone).
- The People: The people. The kindness. The smiles. Seriously, despite the language barrier, people have been overwhelmingly welcoming. I got lost one day and a little girl just grabbed my hand and led me to the nearest bus stop. It was adorable and made me feel safe.
- The Fear of the Unknown: Let's be honest, there were moments of panic. Moments where I thought, "What have I done?!" But those moments always passed, replaced by the thrill of discovery.
Quirky Observations:
- The sheer number of scooters. And how effortlessly they weave through traffic. I'm pretty sure they're powered by sheer willpower.
- The ubiquitous use of umbrellas, even when it’s not raining. Sun protection is serious business.
- The amazing, delicious, cheap food.
- The fact that I have no idea where I’m going half the time, but I’m having an absolute blast.
Emotional Rollercoaster:
- Joy: The sheer joy of discovering a hidden gem of a noodle shop. The exhilaration of reaching the top of Mogan Mountain. The warmth of a stranger's smile.
- Frustration: The language barrier. The occasional feeling of being utterly lost and clueless.
- Awe: The beauty of the landscapes. The vibrancy of the culture. The sheer experience of being there.
- Minor Regret: Probably should have packed more comfortable shoes.
- Gratitude: This trip, with all its messiness, it's one of the best experiences I've had and I am so grateful for these memories.
This, my friends, is the real travel experience. The messy, imperfect, utterly human experience. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a good cup of coffee and maybe a nap. Until next time, Huzhou!
Serena Kim Boi: Vietnam's Hidden Paradise Awaits!
Hanting Hotel Huzhou Deqing: Your (Potentially Delightful, Potentially Chaotic) Escape - FAQ!
So, what's the *deal* with this Hanting Hotel in Deqing? Is it actually luxurious, like the ad says?
Okay, let's be real, "luxurious" is a *relative* term, right? Look, it's a Hanting. It's clean. It's functional. Think "modern budget," not "Emperor's Palace." I went expecting a five-star experience and…well, let's just say my expectations were *slightly* adjusted. I mean, the lobby was nice enough, with these weird, abstract paintings that I *think* were supposed to be calming? They just kind of...made me ponder the meaning of life while waiting for the elevator. And the elevator…one time, it got inexplicably stuck *between* floors. Panic sets in fast, even if only for like, 30 seconds. (Okay fine, it was more like 45…and the thought of having to pee the entire time…) So, luxurious? Maybe. In the "you have a working AC and a comfy bed" sense. Prepare yourself.
How are the rooms? Are they…spacious? Or am I going to be navigating a minefield of luggage and furniture?
Spacious? Let's call it "efficiently designed." Seriously, think Tetris with furniture. They're not tiny, but you're not going to be doing cartwheels. I stayed in a double room, and honestly, it felt a bit…cramped. Especially with all my stuff (I *always* overpack). The bathroom was perfectly functional, though – good water pressure is a win in my book. But, and this is a *big* but, the view from my window... it was of another building. A very, very, *close* building. So, no romantic sunsets for me. Unless I climbed out the window (which I did not do… mostly). So, pack light. Very light. And maybe bring some earplugs, just in case your neighbor has loud opinions about…stuff. You never know.
What about the location? Is it convenient, in the middle of nowhere, or somewhere in between?
Ah, the location. This is a bit of a tricky one. It's in Deqing, which isn't *exactly* the center of the universe, but it's not in the boonies either. It's close to the train station, which is a huge plus if, like me, you're not a fan of long taxi rides. There are shops and restaurants *nearby*, which is good for grabbing some food or stocking up on snacks (essential for any good hotel stay, in my opinion). But getting around…well, you probably won't be strolling to any major tourist attractions. It’s more like "get a taxi or a Didi." One time, I walked for *ages* trying to find a decent coffee shop. (This is a tragedy, by the way. A *real* tragedy.) Verdict: Convenient *enough*, but plan your transportation strategy beforehand. Download a Chinese ride-hailing app. Trust me. You'll thank me later. This is not a place for spontaneous adventures on foot. Unless you enjoy walking. Maybe bring comfortable shoes.
Do they have a restaurant? And if so, is the food any good?
Okay, the restaurant situation… let's just say it's…*available*. I did have the breakfast buffet once. It was…an experience. There was a lot of stuff that I couldn't identify. Some kind of mystery meat (I, uh, passed on that). The pastries looked delicious (I had a couple of those, they were safe). They offered eggs, though, cooked to order. That was a win. I, however, was so tired. The language barrier, the jetlag, the…everything just got to me. I remember sitting there and staring into space, my hand resting on my head, trying to figure out what I was supposed to do with this egg. Oh, and the coffee…it was *weak*. Very, very weak. So, eat at your own risk. Or, you know, find a cafe. The one I found *after* an epic walking adventure was excellent. Don’t tell the hotel I did that.
Is there Wi-Fi? Because, you know, gotta stay connected to the world…and update my Instagram…
Oh, yes, there's Wi-Fi. And it *mostly* works. It's not lightning-fast, mind you. More like…a gentle breeze of connectivity. Enough to check emails, browse the internet, and occasionally post an Instagram story (if you're patient). Sometimes it cuts out. Sometimes it slows down to a crawl. It's the sort of Wi-Fi that breeds a strange sort of Zen-like patience. You just…accept it. You learn to live in the moment. You might develop a new appreciation for the things you *can* do offline. I had a moment where I was almost completely unconnected and I swear, I think my brain actually rested. I may have had a moment to focus on…books. Seriously. I may have looked at a BOOK! It was like a complete break down from the world. Well.. until the WiFi started working again. So, be prepared to occasionally unplug. Embrace the digital detox. It might do you some good. Or try to download a VPN before you go.
Anything else I should know *before* I book? Any hidden surprises I should be aware of?
Okay, alright, let's be brutally honest. I'd like to share some secrets, the things that I really learned during my stay. 1. The "Do Not Disturb" Sign: Seriously, *use* it. The cleaning staff have a habit of, shall we say, being enthusiastic. I swear, *one time*, I had the sign up, and *still* heard knocking. And then the handle start to move, even with the lock on! It's not always the best, but the enthusiasm is there. 2. The Power Outages: They happen. Pack a phone charger and maybe a small flashlight. This happened two times. One time, I was in the shower! I felt like I was in a horror movie! 3. The Staff: They’re generally friendly and helpful, but be patient. A little bit of basic Mandarin goes a long way. And if you don't speak Mandarin, be prepared to mime...a lot. I spent a good five minutes trying to explain to the front desk that my key card wasn't working. It was...an experience. The woman on the front desk started laughing at me. I laughed too. 4. The Noise Levels: Even with the windows closed, there is a certain amount of noise. It depends on location, of course, but in my case I was constantly hearing banging, traffic, and chatter. This is China! 5. The "Free" Toiletries: They are…adequate. Bring your own shampoo and conditioner if you're picky. (I am. Very picky.) 6. The Elevator Issue (again): Yeah. Don't be surprised if it gets stuck. Bring a book. Look, despite the quirks, the Hanting in Deqing is…fine. It’sFind Your Perfect Stay
