Nanjing's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (Hanting Hotel Jingwu Rd Review!)
Nanjing's BEST Kept Secret? (Hanting Hotel Jingwu Rd Review!) - Or Did I Just Blow It?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea… and the lukewarm coffee, and maybe a little bit of my sanity, on the Hanting Hotel Jingwu Rd in Nanjing. This place… well, let's just say it's a rabbit hole. A surprisingly clean and functional rabbit hole, but a rabbit hole nonetheless. Is it Nanjing's "best kept secret," as I'm being asked to claim? That depends. Let's unpack this, shall we? And be warned, this won't be your usual, pristine hotel review. I'm writing this after three sleepless nights, fueled by instant noodles and a desperate need for a decent shower. So, bear with me.
First Impressions (and the Immediate Panic):
Okay, so accessibility first. I’m not in a wheelchair, but navigating a foreign city with questionable directions and limited Mandarin skills is its own kind of… challenging. The hotel itself seemed pretty accessible, with an elevator (thank god!), but the getting there was the real adventure. (Side note: the "express" check-in/out is more like a frantic shuffle involving translation apps and the universal language of pointing. It worked though, so kudos.)
The exterior corridor setup didn't exactly scream "luxury," but hey, it's practical, and it meant I could see the potential for some serious people-watching (which, sadly, my jet lag mostly prevented). The first thing I noticed? A 24-hour front desk! That's crucial when you arrive at 3 AM, convinced you've accidentally booked a room in a parallel dimension. Security seemed pretty tight too, with CCTV in the common areas and a 24-hour security presence. Phew.
The Room: A Surprisingly Pleasant Surprise
Right, the room. The room. The non-smoking rooms are, well, non-smoking. And blessedly clean. My expectations were low, I'll be honest. But the room itself was… nice! Actually. I was greeted by air conditioning (thank the heavens!), a desk (crucial for pretending to work), and a comfortable bed (extra long – always a win!). They even had blackout curtains, which is a godsend after a red-eye flight.
Available in all rooms: Okay, let's tick some boxes: Air conditioning (check!), Alarm clock (check, even if I still use my phone), Bathrobes (nope, not here. Bring your own, fancy pants!), Bathroom phone (seriously? Who uses these anymore?), Bathtub (yes! Oh, the joy of a hot bath after a day of navigating the Nanjing subway!), Blackout curtains (double-check!), Carpeting (yup), Closet (yup), Coffee/tea maker (YES! Essential for survival!), Complimentary tea (sort of – it's a tea bag, but hey, it's free!), Daily housekeeping (miracle!), Desk (ditto!), Extra long bed (yes!), Free bottled water (hooray for hydration!), Hair dryer (YES!), High floor (not sure, but I'm high enough to see the city!), In-room safe box (yup!), Interconnecting room(s) available (whoa!), Internet access – LAN (yes!), Internet access – wireless (free Wi-Fi!), Ironing facilities (probably, but I haven't attempted the wrinkle warfare), Laptop workspace (essentially a desk), Linens (clean!), Mini bar (nope, but the refrigerator is a great second choice), Mirror (multiple!), Non-smoking (duh!), On-demand movies (I prefer my own, but hey), Private bathroom (obvs), Reading light (essential!), Refrigerator (cold drinks!), Safety/security feature (more like a general level of safety), Satellite/cable channels (meh), Scale (didn't touch it), Seating area (kinda), Separate shower/bathtub (yassss!), Shower (it works!), Slippers (surprisingly comfy!), Smoke detector (thank you!), Socket near the bed (hallelujah!), Sofa (nope), Soundproofing (decent), Telephone (still there!), Toiletries (basic), Towels (clean!), Umbrella (nope), Visual alarm (nope, but good to know!), Wake-up service (maybe), Wi-Fi [free] (yes!), Window that opens (yes!).
Okay, phew, I think I covered it all. Important: it was clean. Really clean. Even the bathroom, which is usually a hotel’s Achilles heel, was spotless. And they provided fresh towels daily. Small things, but they matter when you're far from home. It's the basics done well.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Big Tick!
This is where Hanting really shone. After everything that is going on in the world, I was hyper-aware of cleanliness. The hotel seemed to be taking it seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products (or so they claim!), as well as daily disinfection in common areas.
- Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays – made me feel safer.
- Staff trained in safety protocol – they seemed to know what they were doing.
- Individually-wrapped food options were available, and I noticed the safe dining setup.
This was a huge relief.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Quest for Sustenance
Alright, let's talk food. This is where things get a little… patchy.
- Breakfast [buffet] was advertised, but it was a basic Asian breakfast. Mostly dumplings and noodles. I'm not complaining, but I was craving some Western food, something more.
- There's a coffee shop and a restaurant. The Asian cuisine was decent, the coffee/tea, okay…
- Room service [24-hour]: Lifesaver for late-night cravings. The options were limited, but hey, it's room service!
- Bottle of water = Essential.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Maybe Not the Primary Focus
This isn't a resort, folks. This is a functional, get-things-done kind of place. There's no pool with a view or spa/sauna, or steamroom. There's a fitness center, but I didn't use it. Basically, don't come here expecting a pampering holiday. This is more about the necessities.
Services and Conveniences: Surprisingly Robust
This is where Hanting actually punches above its weight.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (essential for the modern traveler)
- Daily housekeeping was impeccable.
- 24-hour front desk – already mentioned, but crucial.
- Laundry service and dry cleaning.
- Luggage storage = helpful.
- Car park [free of charge] – a big plus in a city.
- They can arrange an airport transfer.
- There is a convenience store to satisfy your cravings.
- They provide a cash withdrawal machine.
Getting Around: Easy(ish)
- Airport transfer – convenient, but book in advance!
- Taxi service – readily available.
- Car park [free of charge] – a definite win if you're driving.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
This isn't a family-focused hotel, but there are family/child-friendly aspects. I didn’t see a Babysitting service, But the hotel's overall clean and convenient nature may be enjoyable for the kids.
The Verdict: Nanjing's Best Kept Secret? Maybe, If You're Looking For…
Okay, so is the Hanting Hotel Jingwu Rd a "best kept secret?" I wouldn't go that far. It's not a glamorous destination, but if you want a clean, comfortable, and affordable base for exploring Nanjing, then yeah, it's worth considering. It's solid. The clean rooms, the service, and the all-around convenience makes it a good choice.
Here's the Deal – Book Now… Seriously!
Are YOU ready for Nanjing? Don't let the search overwhelm you:
Book your room at the Hanting Hotel Jingwu Rd NOW and get:
- GUARANTEED spotlessness.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- An incredibly affordable stay.
- Close proximity to the local sites.
- Excellent customer service by friendly staff.
Click this link and book now! Don't wait! This
Manali's BEST Non-Stop Cafe & Hostel: Epic Stays & Eats!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is the real deal, a messy, beautiful, probably-wrong-but-definitely-meant-well attempt to navigate the chaos that is Nanjing, China, with the Hanting Hotel Jingwu Road Hongyang Furniture Centre as my (temporary) base.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Impossibility of Translating "Dumplings" Correctly
- 6:00 AM (Beijing Time… which is, like, midnight in my body): Arrive at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG). Seriously, is it even legal to feel this tired? The whole journey felt like I was being compressed through a pasta maker.
- 7:00 AM: Customs. Survived. Barely. This is a universal truth: all customs officials look at you with a silent judgment that makes you question every life choice you've ever made.
- 8:00 AM: Taxi to Hanting Hotel. The driver… let's just say his driving style could be charitably described as "improvisational." I swear, he considered potholes as optional artistic flourishes.
- 9:00 AM: Check into the hotel. Oh, the sweet, sweet relief of air conditioning. The room is… functional. Don't expect luxury, but the bed seems vaguely like it might not be a torture device.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Unpack. Stare blankly at the wall. Swear I'll be productive. Fall asleep with my head on a damp towel. Jet lag is a beast.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Attempt to find food. This is where things get interesting. Armed with a translation app and a desperate desire for sustenance, I ventured out. The goal? Dumplings. (At least I thought I could get them)
- Anecdote: My Mandarin is, shall we say, rudimentary. I pointed at a picture and said "Jiaozi?" (dumplings). The vendor nodded enthusiastically. The food that arrived?… Well, let's just say it tasted like disappointment in deep-fried form. I’m pretty sure it was some sort of fried dough, and I was not impressed. I ate it anyway because, you know, survival.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Nap. Repeatedly. The concept of "awake" is becoming increasingly abstract.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wander around the hotel area. The Hongyang Furniture Centre is… a lot. Imagine a Home Depot, then multiply it by a factor of a hundred. I got lost. Several times. Found a small teahouse, which I desperately needed. The tea was lovely, and the brief moment of calm was necessary for my sanity.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Determined to redeem myself. This time, I used the app to show a picture of actual dumplings! Success! (This time). Felt a flicker of hope at that moment.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Stare out the window. Contemplate the vastness of the universe and what, exactly, I'm doing here. Feel slightly overwhelmed, but also strangely excited.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Pray for the jet lag gods to have mercy on my soul.
Day 2: The Confucius Temple and the Inevitable Mishap
- 8:00 AM: Wake up (ish). Jet lag is still a little bitch, but I'm at least semi-functional. Coffee is my new best friend.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Visit the Confucius Temple area. This is stunning. The architecture, the history, the sheer exuberance of it all is…wow! I could easily spend an entire day there.
- Quirky observation: The amount of delicious street food is almost overwhelming. Like, my willpower is being tested at every single stall.
- Emotional Reaction: I felt a sense of peace walking through the Temple. It's a welcome escape from the chaos of the modern world.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch near the Confucius Temple. Managed to order something not-fried. Victory!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore! Wander! Get completely and utterly lost.
- Mishap: Oh, the mishaps. This is where the real fun begins, and things start to fall apart very quickly. Decided to try riding a bicycle. I haven't ridden a bike in a decade. Bad idea. Let's just say I narrowly avoided a collision with a very confused rickshaw driver and ended up with a skinned knee. The locals were very amused. So was I, eventually.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Ice cream to soothe the ego and the knee.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Return to the hotel. Apply antiseptic and reflect on the existential nature of bicycle safety.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Ordered something that looked vaguely familiar. Still, no fried dough.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Watch the sunset. Contemplate the fact that tomorrow, I might actually try to learn some Mandarin. (Wish me luck. I will need it.)
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Dreaming of dumplings and avoiding bicycles.
Day 3: Something Special
- 8:00 AM: Awake. (Again)
- 9:00 AM: Doubling down on the Food Experience: I'm going to find the perfect dumpling. I need to find it! It will be my mission. The whole reason I am here. I'm going to ask a specific local who looks like they know (hopefully).
- 10:00 AM: Find the locals. (I hope) Try to speak. Fail, horribly. See if they understand.
- 11:00 AM: Try to find food. Find food. Not fried dough.
- 12:00 PM: Get the dumplings.
- 1:00 PM: Eat the dumplings.
- 2:00 PM: (Maybe), take a walk to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.
- 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Reflect on the power of perfectly cooked dumpling.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner.
- 8:00 PM: Prepare to leave tomorrow.
…And Beyond:
This itinerary is, of course, subject to change. Life happens, jet lag hits harder than expected, and sometimes, you just need another nap. But that's the beauty of it, right? Embrace the mess. Laugh at the mishaps. And for the love of all that is holy, find the perfect dumpling.
Wish me luck. I'm going to need it! (And maybe a bicycle helmet).
Escape to Paradise: La Posada de la Gula Awaits in Jarandilla de la Vera!
Hanting Hotel Jingwu Rd: Nanjing's... Secret? (My Chaotic Review)
Okay, spill the beans. Is the Hanting Hotel Jingwu Rd actually a "secret"? Don't be coy!
Alright, alright! "Secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It's not like there's a coded knock and a password to get in. But honestly, I stumble on it because well, I missed the train, I was cranky, and I NEEDED a bed. It's not exactly plastered all over the travel blogs in huge neon lights. Let's just say it's a solid, dependable option, not overrun with tourists (yet!). I think, if it *is* a secret, it's mostly a secret from *me* until I desperately need a place to stay.
What's the general vibe? Is it... clean? (Please tell me it's clean.)
Okay, deep breaths. Yes! Mostly. Look, I'm a bit of a clean freak (don't judge!). And generally, the cleanliness is… respectable. The rooms have a minimalist feel, which I secretly love because it minimizes clutter. The bathroom? Surprisingly decent. I always do a thorough check (you know the drill: under the bed, behind the door – just in case). I didn't find any horrors, which, let's be honest, is a win in my book. I also once found a tiny, almost invisible, stain in the shower, that was my fault for not looking well enough! I mean, you get what you pay for!
The Location! Location! Location! Is it convenient for actually seeing Nanjing?
This is a tricky one. Jingwu Road isn't smack-dab in the middle of the action, it's not a scenic neighborhood to begin with. You're a tiny bit away from the main tourist draws, but, like... Nanjing is huge! It's walkable, which is awesome if you like to walk (and I do!), to the closest subway station (a godsend!). And the metro system is pretty darn good. It's not the *ultimate* location if you want to be right on top of things. But if you want a bit of peace and quiet (mostly!), it's a pretty decent starting point. Now I realized that walking to nearby snack stores is a big upside.
Tell me about the rooms. Size? Amenities? Anything noteworthy?
The rooms are… functional. They're not palatial suites, okay? They're the size you’d expect for a budget hotel – compact, but not claustrophobic. The bed, the most important thing in my life, is… fine. Not the fluffy cloud of dreams, but comfortable enough to get a decent night's sleep. There’s usually a TV (sometimes with questionable channels – I once got stuck watching a Mandarin cooking show for 2 hours, I regret nothing!), a small desk, and the usual stuff like toiletries and a kettle. One time, the AC was a bit wonky, it blew cold air when it was supposed to be warm... I swear I could feel my lungs freezing over. But thankfully, they sorted it out pretty quickly. Also, the wifi is, at least, reliable.
The Staff! How's the service?
Okay, service… This is where things get a little… variable. Some staff members are fantastic – friendly, helpful, and eager to please. Others… well, let's just say their English isn’t the best. I always try to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, which usually helps. But honestly, I remember one time, I was desperately trying to explain that my key card wasn't working. I swear I was there for 10 minutes, gesticulating wildly, and finally, a kind older gentleman just sighed, took the card, and got me a replacement. Bless him! Generally, it's adequate. Don't expect Michelin-star level pampering, but they'll get the job done.
Breakfast! Is there breakfast? And should I bother?
Yes, there *is* breakfast. And, honestly? It's… okay. It's that usual hotel breakfast buffet experience. Think: a mix of Chinese and Western options, probably nothing too special to write home about, but it'll fill a hole, and it's convenient. I've had days where I wolfed it down, because I was in a rush, and days where I skipped it entirely and splurged on delicious street food. That's the beauty of the location, I'd say skip it!
The Noise! I HATE noise! How's the soundproofing?
Ugh, noise. Look, it's a budget hotel in a city. Soundproofing is… not its strongest suit. I've heard everything from the clatter of trolleys in the hallway at 6 am (which I blame on my weak hearing) to the muffled sounds of other people's conversations. Earplugs are *essential* if you're a light sleeper. I always pack them now. It's probably the biggest drawback, but well, you can't have everything, can you?
So, would you recommend it? The final verdict!
Okay, here's the thing. For the price? It's a solid option. I wouldn't call it luxurious, but it's clean enough, the location is decent, and it's generally a stress-free experience, at least for me. If you're a budget traveler, or just looking for a place to crash for a night or two, it's perfectly acceptable. But, if you're expecting five-star opulence and a spa treatment, you'll probably be disappointed. I'd recommend it, cautiously. Just pack those earplugs! And maybe learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, it helps!
Tell me your "Double Down" experience!
Oh, the stories I have about the time I had to stay there for a week... Let me tell you, a *week*. It was a whirlwind of meetings, and I'd just arrived in Nanjing. I got there at 2 AM, exhausted, and everything went wrong! The room itself was fine, same old Hanting. Until the first night! I spent *most* of that night, and the following nights to be fair, being kept awake by a symphony of noises. The one that got to me the most wasn't from the hotel, or its guests, it was the construction site next door. I swear I could hear the hammers, and I thought the bed itself was shaking! I felt like I would never survive the weekTrip Stay Finder
