Hangzhou Getaway: Hanting Hotel's Zhejiang Uni City College Charm!
Hangzhou Getaway: Hanting Hotel's Zhejiang Uni City College Charm! - My Chaotic, Honest, and Somewhat Obsessive Review (And Why You Should Probably Book It)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your polished travel blog. This is real life, and my stay at Hangzhou Getaway: Hanting Hotel's Zhejiang Uni City College Charm was… well, it was something. Let's just say I've got a lot to unpack, both figuratively and literally. And hopefully, this chaotic mess of a review will actually help you decide if this place is right for you. SEO be damned, I'm going for realness.
First Impressions (and a Minor Panic): Accessibility, Check-In/Out, and the Dreaded Elevator…
Right off the bat, let's talk about accessibility. This is a big deal for a lot of people, and the Hanting does… okay. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so that's a good start. The elevator? Well, it existed. I'm not going to lie, it was a bit slow and sometimes felt like it was contemplating its own existential dread, but it got me where I needed to go. Check-in/out was listed as "express" and "contactless," which is great, I'm always a sucker for efficiency. I did feel a bit like a cog in a very efficient machine, but hey, at least I wasn't stuck waiting for an hour.
The Room: A Haven (Almost) of Cleanliness… and a Very Particular Bed…
Alright, the room itself. CLEAN. Like, seriously, the "Rooms sanitized between stays" and "Daily disinfection in common areas" stuff? It felt like it. They definitely take "Cleanliness and safety" seriously, and in these times, that’s a HUGE win. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Hand sanitizer" EVERYWHERE… you could probably eat off the floor (though I wouldn't advise it).
Now, the bed. Oh, the bed. It was… interesting. "Extra long bed"? Yes, indeed. My feet didn’t hang off the end, which is a rare and beautiful thing for me. However, the mattress was firm. Like, REALLY firm. I'm talking, you could bounce a quarter on that thing. I’m a side sleeper, so it took some getting used to. But hey, at least I didn’t have a saggy, lumpy mattress that made me feel like I was sinking into the abyss. Blackout curtains? ABSOLUTELY essential. I'm a notorious sleep-in, so I was grateful.
Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! – The Lifeline of a Digital Nomad?
The Wi-Fi, thank the gods, was indeed free. No hidden fees, no complicated passwords. Just glorious, unfettered internet access. "Internet access – wireless," "Internet access – LAN" - they got it all, bless their little digital hearts! I’m a digital nomad, so this is basically oxygen for me. And it worked. Streaming movies? No problem. Zoom calls? Smooth sailing (mostly). This is a huge plus, honestly. Especially after a long day of sightseeing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Adventure… (with Minor Ups and Downs)
Okay, let's dive into the food situation. This is where things get a little… complicated.
- Breakfast: Listed as "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast", "Breakfast [buffet]", and "Breakfast takeaway service." Look, the buffet was… well, it was there. Nothing mind-blowing, but it did the job. There was the usual assortment of Asian dishes and Western breakfast staples. It had coffee, I managed to choke down a few cups, and it filled my stomach. "Breakfast in room”? I didn't try it, but it was an option. Breakfast takeaway, though, that's a win! Perfect for when you're running late.
- Restaurants/Snacks: "Coffee shop." There was one, and it was fine. "Snack bar." Ditto. "Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant." Okay, there's a LOT of options listed here, which is GREAT, right? Well, the reality on the ground was a bit… less expansive. I did see a few restaurant options, but I spent most of my time exploring the local street food scene. Honestly, do that. It's way more exciting.
- The Poolside Bar (or, The One That Got Away): "Poolside bar." This SOUNDED amazing. Images of me, poolside, cocktail in hand, are what I was envisioning. There IS a pool, a "Swimming pool [outdoor]" and a "Pool with view", which is even better! But I never actually found the poolside bar open. Maybe I just had bad timing, but it was a real bummer.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Spa Delights, Fitness Failures (and a Weird Obsession)
The list of ways to "relax" is extensive. "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Fitness center," "Foot bath," "Gym/fitness," "Massage," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/Sauna," "Steamroom," "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]". On paper, this place sounds like a paradise.
- The Spa: I did indulge in a massage. And it was… glorious. Truly. After a day of pounding the pavement exploring Hangzhou, it was exactly what my weary muscles needed. I felt like a puddle of happy goo afterwards. Score one for the Hanting.
- The Gym: Okay, the "Fitness center" was small, but it had the basics. I attempted a workout, but it was hot, the gym equipment looked a little… loved … and let’s just say I didn’t last very long. No comment on "Body wrap", "Body scrub", "foot bath", the steamroom or the sauna.
- The Pool: It looked inviting. The "Pool with view" sounded tempting. I even brought my swimming trunks. But after a few days, I still didn't get round to swimming. Just… never materialized.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag… and the Case of the Missing Iron
"Air conditioning in public area," "Concierge," "Daily housekeeping," "Dry cleaning," "Elevator," "Gift/souvenir shop," "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Safety deposit boxes," "Smoking area," "Terrace," "Xerox/fax in business center," These are all good things, right? They make your life easier? Mostly, yes.
- Housekeeping: Top-notch, and "Daily housekeeping" was indeed there. The room always looked immaculate. A HUGE plus!
- The Ironing Service Disaster: Now, "ironing service." I needed to iron a shirt, a basic necessity. I called, and they said… "no iron in the room, but can provide ironing service." Okay, fine. I left the shirt. Three hours later… nothing. Cue frantic phone call. Turns out, it was still being "processed." By the time I got it back, it was slightly less wrinkled than when I sent it, but I was too late to wear it out.
- The Concierge: Super friendly and helpful. Always there to lend a hand or point me in the right direction.
- The Elevator (Again): I mentioned before, I had to.
- The Coffee shop: I mentioned prior, it was fine.
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathing Easy (Mostly)
I’m a bit of a germophobe (don’t judge), so this was crucial for me. The "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Hand sanitizer," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization opt-out available," "Staff trained in safety protocol," "Sterilizing equipment," "CCTV in common areas," "Fire extinguisher, Front desk," and "Security [24-hour]" all created a sense of security. I felt relatively safe, which is HUGE.
For the Kids: Babysitting?… Maybe Not (But Family-Friendly Vibes)
"Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids meal," - The Hanting claims to be family-friendly. I didn’t travel with kids, so I can't speak to that specifically.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, Car Park, and My Personal Yak-Mobile…
"Airport transfer," "Bicycle parking," "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," "Car power charging station," "Taxi service," "Valet parking," Okay, options galore! I opted for the taxi service, which was efficient and hassle-free. The "Car park [free of charge]" is a definite perk if you're driving.
The Verdict: Should You Book It?
Okay, so, after all the rambling and the slightly unhinged observations, here's the deal: Hangzhou Getaway: Hanting Hotel's Zhejiang Uni City College Charm is a solid, reliable option. It's clean, it's convenient, the Wi-Fi rocks, and
Bower Inn Bridgwater: Your Dream Somerset Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Hanting Hotel Hangzhou Zhejiang University City College adventure. This isn't your glossy travel brochure; this is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-hungover truth.
Day 1: Hangzhou, Hello (and a whole lotta jet lag)
- 7:00 AM (ish) - Arrival & Hotel Chaos: Landed in Hangzhou, feeling like a pancake someone had run over (thanks, 14-hour flight!). The air, thick with a delicious, slightly polluted perfume of spices and… well, everything. Finding the Hanting Hotel was an absolute saga. Google Maps kept glitching out which lead me to go back and forth; around a few construction sites only to finally stumble upon the place. Ah, the joy of travel!
- 7:45 AM - The Room Revelation: Okay, the room… it's clean, it's functional, and it definitely smells faintly of disinfectant and maybe… history? (You know, that kind of hotel history where you wonder what secrets those walls have witnessed.) The bed felt like a slab of concrete after my flight, but the aircon blasted a freezing hurricane of coolness, which was a very needed relief.
- 9:00 AM - Lunch Adventure (or Disaster?): I braved the street food scene. This is where my linguistic abilities fell apart immediately. I pointed, smiled, and hoped for the best. I got… something. It was… interesting. Let's just say my face registered a spectrum of confusion, mild delight and then the realization that I might be allergic to something I couldn't identify. But hey, adventure!
- 1:00 PM - West Lake Wanderings (Attempt 1): Jet lag was a raging beast. I attempted the iconic West Lake. Stunning, absolutely stunning. But my brain was running at about 30%. Took like 20 photos of the same bridge, and almost fell in the lake twice while gazing at the scenery. Maybe I should have just slept.
- 4:00 PM - Nap Time Re-evaluation: Decided sleep was a better idea. This also turned into me not waking up until the next day.
Day 2: West Lake, Again and some Regrets
- 9:00 AM - Regrettable Breakfast: The hotel breakfast… well, let's not go there. Let's just say I stuck to the fruit and a suspicious-looking juice.
- 10:00 AM- West Lake, Take Two: Right. This time, fueled by actual sleep. I rented a bike (which almost ended in disaster, let’s just say my coordination is questionable), and circled the lake. This place is breathtaking, especially when the sun is hitting the water. It was worth the near-death experience on a bike. I spent a solid hour just staring at the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. I mean, come on, the name alone is magical!
- 1:00 PM - Longjing Tea Plantation Delight The next part had a bigger agenda, so off to the longjing tea plantation. The trip there in a taxi was a nightmare. The driver didn't speak a word of English and I kept getting stares from other passengers. Once I arrived at the tea plantation I was filled with pure joy. The aroma was mind blowing. The tea was heavenly.
- 3:30 PM - The Missing Wallet Meltdown: During tea I realized my wallet and phone where missing. I did go into panic. I was pretty sure I left it in a taxi. Cue a frantic, sweaty search. I ended up asking the hotel to help me. The staff was very helpful. By the end of the day, it was recovered.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner, Drinks, and the Realization I Suck at Chopsticks: Tried to eat at a local place. The food looked incredible. Ordering was an adventure. By the end of the night my entire upper body was covered in food. I may have given up on the chopsticks.
- 9:00 PM - Early night to sleep
Day 3: Arts, Adventures, and Airport Antics (or, Why I Should Never, Ever Fly Alone)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Round 2 (Slightly less disastrous): Found a western style restaurant for breakfast. I had an enjoyable meal.
- 10:00 AM - Zhejiang Art Museum: Visited a local art museum. I found the place beautiful. I could of spent all day.
- 1:00 PM - Packing and Pre-Departure Panic: The time had come. The last day was a blur of packing, checking out, and the impending doom of the airport. I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to leave just enough time to get to the airport.
- 2:00 PM, The Airport Run: This is where things escalated. I had 30 minutes to get to the airport and go through security. I ran. I mean, like, sprinted. Luggage bouncing, sweat pouring, a general look of utter desperation. I somehow made it.
- 3:00 PM - The Flight (and a New Appreciation for Flight Attendants): The flight… well, it happened. I slept, the plane landed, and I was safely back home.
Overall Thoughts (aka, My Emotional Rollercoaster):
Hangzhou, you beautiful, chaotic, intoxicating place, absolutely worth every second. The food, the scenery, the utter lack of clear communication – it was both incredibly frustrating and incredibly rewarding. I'll definitely be back, probably with better language skills, less luggage, and a more realistic expectation of my sleep schedule.
Also, I'm never flying solo again. Airport stress is just not my forte. Wish me luck as I start planning my next adventure.
Escape to Luxury: Peek'n Peak's Unforgettable French Creek Getaway
Hangzhou Getaway: Hanting Hotel & Zhejiang Uni City College - The Messy Truth!
Is the Hanting Hotel actually *near* Zhejiang University City College? I'm picturing a hike!
Okay, so "near" is subjective, right? Like, my idea of "near" is "within shouting distance," which, sadly, is *not* the case here. The Hanting Hotel... well, let's just say it's a solid bus ride away. Depends on traffic, which in Hangzhou, can be a beast. I got cocky one morning and thought "Oh, it's just right around the corner!" Turns out, it wasn't. Ended up sprinting, late for a meeting, sweating like a pig, and looking like a complete fool. So, pack your patience, a charged phone for entertainment on the bus, and maybe a snack. And DEFINITELY don't wear your best shoes. Trust me on that one.
The rooms... are they truly as budget-friendly as they seem online?
Budget-friendly? Yep. Cheap? Also, yep. Think… minimalist. Think… functional. Think… "Did they forget the air conditioning?" (Happened to me, once. In the middle of JULY. Sweat, again! I seriously thought I was going to melt). Look, it's not the Four Seasons. But for the price, you can't complain *too* much. The beds are usually okay, the bathrooms are… passable (bring your own fancy toiletries, trust me). Just don't expect luxury. Expect a place to crash, recharge your phone, and maybe, *maybe* get a decent night's sleep. Honestly, I spent most of my time outside anyway exploring - and that's what matters!
What about the food? Is there anything decent *nearby* the hotel (and by "nearby," I mean, like, within, say, a five-minute walk, so I don't have to sprint *again*)?
Okay, this is where things get potentially glorious, people. The immediate vicinity might be a bit…hit-or-miss. But venture a little further, and you're in for a *treat*. Seriously. I'm talking street food heaven! Noodle stalls with the most amazing broth you've ever tasted (forget that diet, just eat the noodles!), little dumpling shops where the ladies are *fast* and the dumplings are *fresh* and delicious. There's usually a 7-Eleven or two for emergencies (hello, instant noodles at 3 AM!), but trust me, *explore*. Wander. Get lost. The real food gems are tucked away, just waiting to be discovered. That's how I stumbled upon this tiny little place that served the BEST scallion pancakes. I’m drooling just thinking about them right now! Now, if you're a picky eater, might be a challenge. Be adventurous.
Is it easy to get around Hangzhou, or am I doomed to wander lost forever?
Okay, so, I am directionally challenged. Utterly, hopelessly, ridiculously so. Finding my way is *not* my strong suit. And even *I* managed to get around Hangzhou. The public transport system is surprisingly good: buses are everywhere, and the metro is pretty efficient. Ditch the tourist maps and download a navigation app if you like. But even getting lost isn't *so* bad. You might stumble upon a hidden gem! Just be prepared to ask for help (most people are super friendly) and learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. "Where is the…" (Nali shi…) is your new best friend. The worst part? It's all written in Chinese, and I can't read it! One time, I somehow ended up on a bus going in the *opposite* direction. Ugh. So, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, but definitely doable. Just try to embrace the chaos (and maybe pack a small water bottle for those unexpected detours).
What's the vibe like around Zhejiang University City College? Is it fun, or just super serious student stuff?
It’s a student area, so, obviously, there's a bit of that "studying hard, playing harder" vibe. You'll see students everywhere – hunched over books in cafes, rushing to class, yelling across the courtyard in what sounds like a secret language (Mandarin, I think!). The atmosphere is energetic, sometimes a little chaotic, but definitely lively. Loads of trendy cafes and restaurants popping up. I've seen everything from tiny little tea houses, to bubble tea stands, to huge, loud karaoke bars. It's your classic university town experience. It can veer from incredibly inspiring to a bit overwhelming, really depending on your mood. On my last trip, I actually ended up striking up a conversation with a group of students. They were practicing English, and I was trying to practice my very, very terrible Chinese. It was hilarious. And the food was great. Just be prepared to be out of the ordinary... tourist. And if you do, maybe bring some extra cash; everything’s tempting!)
Any tips for dealing with the language barrier? My Mandarin is... nonexistent.
Okay, so, embrace the awkward. Seriously. Learn a few basic phrases – "hello," "thank you," "where is the bathroom" (essential!). Google Translate is your friend. Download an offline translator *before* you go – you’ll thank me later. Point at things, mime things, and don’t be afraid to look silly (you will, anyway!). People are generally patient and helpful, even if they don't speak English. I went through several embarrassing encounters. One time, I was trying to order coffee, and I ended up somehow ordering…a whole plate of fried insects. Now that's a story for a different day. Don't stress too much; body language and a smile can go a long way. And remember, the best travel stories often come from the moments when things go hilariously wrong.
Overall... would you recommend this trip? Is it worth the hassle?
Honestly? Yeah. Even with the slightly-less-than-luxurious hotel, the language struggles, and the occasional bus-related adventures, yes. Hangzhou is beautiful. It’s got this amazing mix of ancient history and modern life. The West Lake is stunning (go at sunrise, even if you have to drag yourself out of bed!), and the food scene (especially around the university) is incredible. The Hanting Hotel is a functional base, not a destination in itself, but it’s perfectly fine (for the price!). It’s a good launching pad for exploring. Just go with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to embrace the chaos. You'll have a blast! Just don't expect perfection. Expect memories. Expect food comas. Expect to get lost. And that’s what makes it all so worthwhile.
