Shenyang's BEST Hotel Near North Railway Station? (Elan Inn Review)
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the Elan Inn near Shenyang North Railway Station. Forget pristine brochures and polished travel blogs – this is MY experience, warts and all. And trust me, there are some warts.
SEO-tastic Buzzwords, Let's Go! (Because apparently, that's the game)
We're talking Shenyang Hotel, North Railway Station Hotel, Elan Inn Shenyang Review, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Clean Hotel, Best Hotel near Train Station, you get the idea. Let's weave those in organically, shall we?
First Impressions: Arrival & Accessibility (aka, the "Oh, God, Did I Bring the Right Adapter?" Moment)
Rolling in after a LONG train ride, the first thing you need is accessibility. Listen, dragging luggage is a chore. Elan Inn benefits from being right near North Railway Station – seriously, practically spitting distance. That's a MASSIVE win. It's mostly flat, which is a relief after the chaos of the station itself. (And, yes, I did have to double-check I brought the right thingamajigs for my electronics. Travel brain, you know?)
The lobby is… well, it's a lobby. Clean-ish. There’s an elevator, thank the heavens. I didn't need the facilities for disabled guests, but the fact they are there is a big plus. Contactless check-in/out: Yep, they've got that. Smooth. My luggage finally made it to my room. Now.
Rooms: The Good, The… Okay, And the "Where's My Wall Socket?!"
Okay, let's talk rooms. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double check! (And YES, the Elan Inn actually delivers on the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – hallelujah!) Bathrobes? Nope, not for me but they might be available. Blackout curtains? Crucial for beating jet lag. Coffee/tea maker? Yes! (Saved my sanity, truly.) Daily housekeeping: The room got cleaned every day, which was nice. Desk: Functional. Bed: Comfortable enough after the train. In-room safe box: Useful. Mirror: Present and accounted for. Non-smoking room? Absolutely, and I appreciated it. Private bathroom, Shower, Toiletries. They had those. Towels? Soft enough, thank heavens. Window that opens? Ah, yes!
Now for the minor gripes. The placement of the socket near the bed… was not. I spend half the time looking for the place to connect my device. Also, the scale, for when I want to confirm the damage I inflict on myself. And the soundproofing, I’d say it was… good. Not excellent, but good.
Honestly, it was clean (a BIG deal for me). Hygiene certification? Not sure, but the staff were genuinely trying.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Hunt for Decent Coffee
Restaurants: There were restaurants – plural! – in and around the hotel. I’m not exactly one for Asian breakfast myself, but that option was there. I did have a coffee in restaurant, which was passable (I'm a coffee snob, okay?). There was a coffee shop, too. Didn’t try it, but it existed. Coffee shop options exist, so that's pretty good. Beyond the Asian cuisine in restaurant, there were also Western cuisine in restaurant. Some of the options, like salad in restaurant, were actually surprisingly good. Not a lot of choice, mind, and the happy hour wasn’t exactly a riot, but it worked.
Breakfast [buffet]: Fine. Functional. Filled me up. Breakfast takeaway service: Yep. Didn’t use it, but nice to know it was there.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or: The Unfulfilled Spa Dream)
Okay, here's where the Elan Inn gets a little… well, it promises a lot, right? Fitness center? Yep. Didn’t use it, because, you know, travel. Spa/sauna? Technically, yes – but let's just say it wasn't exactly the Four Seasons. Pool with view? Nope. Swimming pool [outdoor] - Again, Nope.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
Okay, let's talk safety. CCTV in common areas and outside property. Yep. Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms? Good. Security [24-hour]: present, but not intimidating. Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol: They were trying. And in these times, that counts for something. Room sanitization opt-out available: I appreciated that. Rooms sanitized between stays? Probably.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter
Daily housekeeping? Already mentioned that. Laundry service? Check, and it wasn’t extortionate. Concierge: Okay-ish. Currency exchange: Probably better rates elsewhere, but it was there. Convenience store: Handy for late-night snacks and forgotten toothbrush incidents. Elevator: YES!
For the Kids? Yeah, there was a babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal – but I don’t have kids, so I can't speak to the quality, but the options are there.
Getting Around: Speedy Transfers
Airport transfer? They offer it. Probably worth it, honestly. Car park [free of charge]? Bonus! Parking at train is always appreciated after an exhausting trip.
My Overall Vibe (and the Imperfections I Fell In Love With)
Look, the Elan Inn isn’t perfect. It’s not a luxury hotel. It's a clean, functional, and incredibly convenient place to crash near Shenyang North Railway Station.
The Biggest Takeaway: You're tired. You're probably a bit overwhelmed. You need a bed, hot water, and reliable Wi-Fi. The Elan Inn delivers on those things. And for the price? Absolutely worth it.
MY Quirky Anecdote: While I was there, a pigeon apparently managed to sneak into the lobby. The staff were chasing it with a broom. It was quite a comical spectacle. Made me feel… human. And that's the Elan Inn experience in a nutshell: functional, a little bit rough around the edges, and surprisingly charming in its imperfections.
Final Verdict: If you need proximity to Shenyang North Railway Station, book it. You'll be grateful you did, especially if you end up experiencing a pigeon chase of your own!
Now, for the Persuasive Offer! (Because that's what you came for, right?)
Tired of the Train? (Or, Need a Power Nap Before Your Next Adventure?) Here's Why You Should Book the Elan Inn RIGHT NOW!
Are you arriving or departing from Shenyang North Railway Station? Do yourself a HUGE favor and avoid the walking nightmares. The Elan Inn isn't just near the station, it's practically on top of it! That means less dragging luggage, less stress, and more time enjoying yourself.
Here's the DEAL:
Guaranteed Clean & Comfy Rooms: With FAST, reliable Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! You'll be in touch with your device instantly.
Convenience is King (or Queen!): Delicious food options are just downstairs, plus a helpful concierge to assist.
Safety First! We're taking your well-being seriously with rigorous cleaning protocols.
Stress-Free Arrival/Departure: Close proximity to the station, and, yes, the offer of a airport transfer.
Special Offer: Book your stay at the Elan Inn this week and receive a complimentary… shhh… a free bottle of water in your room, plus a discount on your next meal!
Don't waste precious travel time. Book your Shenyang stay at the Elan Inn today! Click here to book now! (This is where I'd put a link, if this were a real website.)
SEO Keywords (Again, Because They're Important!): Shenyang Hotel, North Railway Station Hotel, Elan Inn Shenyang Review, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Clean Hotel, Best Hotel near Train Station, Shenyang Travel, China Hotels, Cheap Hotels Shenyang
Madisson Hotel Jounieh: Your Lebanese Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is Shenyang, baby, Elan Inn-style. Expect chaos, ramen cravings, and maybe, just maybe, a genuine moment of connection with the soul of this bustling city. Here we go… (deep breath)…
The Shenyang Shenanigans: A Semi-Coherent Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Overwhelm, and Questionable Dumpling Choices
- 14:00 - Arrive at Taoxian International Airport (SHE). Okay, initial impression: HUGE. I’d heard it was ginormous, but seeing it… Damn. The air felt thick with anticipation and…pollution? Let's be honest, it's China. Grabbed a taxi – negotiation skills a little rusty, but managed to (hopefully) not get completely fleeced. (Fingers crossed!)
- 15:00 - Check into Elan Inn Shenyang North Railway Station Huigong Square Smart Shenyang. The place is… functional. Clean-ish. The key card reader is actively trying to steal my soul. The room? Well, it has a bed. And I'm already exhausted. Success!
- 16:00 - The Food Quest Begins! Okay, this is serious. Shenyang is dumpling CENTRAL. I'd read about it, seen the pictures, practically dreamed of those plump, juicy parcels of deliciousness. Wandered around Huigong Square, overwhelmed by a sea of characters I can't read and smells I can't identify. Ended up at a place that looked… promising. Ordered what looked like a pork and chive situation. Let’s call it “Interesting texture”. Maybe I need to learn Mandarin, or at least how to point effectively at a photo. Regret is setting in.
- 17:00 - The Great Observation Project Begins. A stroll around the square. The people-watching here is unparalleled! The speed at which someone can cycle past you with a mountain of groceries is truly impressive. Watched a group of elderly men playing Chinese chess (or something chess-adjacent) with intense focus, their faces etched with wisdom and…strategical doom? I should learn this game.
- 18:00 - The Dinner Debacle (Take Two). Okay, regroup. Found a recommendation on a travel forum (God bless the internet). This time… XLB! Or at least, I think that's XLB. The language barrier is real. The broth explodes in my mouth, scalding my tongue and leading me to believe I was a hot soup casualty. Glory! It was heavenly. Actually… the dumplings were worth the trip. The pure, unadulterated joy of eating those things after a long day. Okay, I officially love this city. Even if I can't read the signs.
- 20:00 - Bedtime. Collapse. Jet lag is kicking in. Attempted to use the hotel TV (more confusing symbols). Gave up, turned off the lights, and fell asleep. Before I went to sleep I kept wondering if I can find the missing sock that I lost on the first airplane ride. I guess it's gone.
Day 2: The Imperial Palaces and the Quest for Tea (and Sanity)
- 08:00 - Wake Up, Regret, and Regroup. Slept like a rock. Maybe the jet lag went away. Maybe it's all the dumplings. Either way, feeling… better. Need coffee. Desperately.
- 09:00 - The Shenyang Imperial Palace (Gugong) – Lost in Translation (and History). Majestic! Magnificent! Overwhelming! The scale of it is breathtaking. The architecture is simply stunning, and the history… well, I tried to absorb it via the English-speaking audio guide. But the details melted together. I kept fantasizing about sitting and drinking tea in the courtyard. Wandering and stumbling through the various courtyards. It's a sensory overload, but a beautiful one. Got some decent pictures.
- 11:00 - The Zhao Mausoleum (Beiling Park). Okay, I needed a break from the busyness. Escape to the park, away from the crowds, was exactly what I was looking for. The mausoleum itself is impressive, sure, but it was the peace! The locals playing instruments and dancing, the smell of the trees… Finally, a moment to breathe. I ended up buying some candied hawthorns from a street vendor. Weird, sweet, and oddly satisfying.
- 13:00 - The Lunch Labyrinth. Finding a place to eat that isn’t… “interesting texture” again is a challenge. Wandered aimlessly. Found a tiny, bustling noodle shop, pointed at a picture, and hoped for the best. It was gloriously greasy, and exactly what I needed. The woman behind the counter smiled and gave me some nod to let me know I was okay.
- 14:00 - Tea Time Tims. A single cup of tea, the pinnacle of my day. I found a teashop! A real, honest-to-God teashop. The ritual of the tea ceremony, the delicate aroma of the leaves… sheer bliss. Actually, I just wanted a cup. The tea was delicious. The world feels less chaotic.
- 16:00 - Lost in Translation (Again). Attempted to navigate the subway. Almost got on the wrong train approximately 17 times. The sheer number of people! Managed to make it back to the hotel. I hate crowds.
- 18:00 - Dinner… Dumplings! (I'm predictable, I know.) This time, a different place, recommended by a local. This time, I almost know what I ordered. It's like a game of Chinese roulette, every bite is a gamble.
- **20:00 - Early Night. Need to recharge. **Seriously, I'm shattered. The language barrier, the crowds, the sheer intensity of the city… I love it, but it's *exhausting*. Maybe tomorrow I’ll try to go somewhere quiet.
- 21:00 - The missing sock makes it's debut. I checked everywhere! I found it inside my suitcase.
Day 3: The Final Farewell And (Probably) More Dumplings
- 09:00 - Breakfast at the hotel. The continental breakfast of the champions. It's not great, but it exists. And I'm hungry.
- 10:00 - Last-Minute Scavenger Hunt. Found a silk scarf with Chinese dragons on it, which I now regret because it was too cheap. Maybe I can get through airport security with it on.
- 11:00 - The final dumpling run. I have one last chance. I am not going home without my next fix. Found one last dumpling place and ordered an assortment of pork and vegetables.
- 12:00 - Check out. Saying goodbye to the Elan Inn. The key card reader didn’t eat my soul.
- 13:00 - Go to the airport.
- 15:00 - Fly home. Goodbye, Shenyang! You are a confusing, beautiful, dumpling-filled enigma, and I have loved every chaotic, delicious, exhilarating moment. I'll be back, eventually. But first… I need a nap. And maybe a lifetime supply of dumplings.
- 16:00 - The Missing Socks make it's sad final appearance. I forgot it at the hotel. Now, I'm devastated.
Elan Inn Shenyang North Railway Station: The Good, The Bad, and The Maybe-I'd-Stay-Again? (An Honest Dive)
Okay, spill the tea. Is the Elan Inn *really* the best near the North Railway Station? I'm talking location, location, location... and everything else!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. "Best" is a strong word. Let's go with "convenient." Because, honestly, darling, that's what this place specializes in. Coming out of that train station after a 12-hour journey? You *will* be tired. You *will* want to collapse. And the Elan Inn is practically spitting distance. Seriously, you could probably chuck a bag of pork buns and hit the lobby. So, yes, location gets a solid A+. No dragging luggage through icy Shenyang streets, no questionable taxi rides. JUST. THERE.
But, and there's always a but, "best" it ain't, necessarily. It's not the Four Seasons, you know? Think… clean, functional, and probably a good place to crash with your backpack on. It's a budget hotel, remember that. The rest of the "everything else"... well, that's where things get interesting.
What about the room itself? Was it, you know, *clean*? I have standards. (Read: I'm a germaphobe.)
Ah, the cleaning... This is where I got a bit of a mixed bag of feelings. On the one hand, the sheets *were* crisp and white, which is always a good starting point. The bathroom seemed mostly clean, though I did spot a suspicious hair clinging to the shower wall. (You know, the kind of hair that makes you wonder if the cleaning crew even blinked in your general direction.)
And then there was the stain on the wall. I'm not sure what it *was*, exactly. Dried ketchup? A rogue splatter of something nefarious? I'm choosing to believe it was just old paint, because otherwise, my imagination would have run wild. Let's just say, if you're a stickler for pristine perfection, maybe bring your own disinfectant wipes. But overall, for the price and the sheer convenience? It was "clean enough" for me. Just don't go looking *too* closely.
Oh! And the air conditioning! It worked. Hallelujah! Shenyang summers are brutal. This alone gave it serious brownie points.
Tell me about the staff. Were they friendly? Helpful? Able to understand broken English?
This is where I have the most… *colorful* memories. The staff? They were… present. Let's put it that way. I wouldn't say they were overflowing with effusive greetings, but they definitely weren't rude. The language barrier was definitely a thing. My Mandarin is, shall we say, basic. Their English… well, think charades meets frantic hand gestures.
BUT! And this is important. They *tried*. When I eventually realized my phone charger was incompatible with the outlets (don't ask), the front desk staff, bless their cotton socks, went on a mission. A *mission*. They rummaged through drawers, consulted with each other, and eventually, after what felt like an eternity, produced a loaner charger. It didn't *quite* fit, but it worked! Solid effort. And that, my friends, earns them some major goodwill. Bless that lady’s socks again, she saved my phone from going silent for 30 hours.
One thing, though: the elevator. It was... questionable. It made a loud *CLUNK* every time it moved. I spent most of my time taking the stairs, just in case.
Breakfast! Did they even *have* breakfast? And was it, you know, edible?
Breakfast... Yes! They *had* breakfast. And it was... an experience. Let me elaborate: the breakfast was included, which is always a win. But the selection was… "Chinese hotel breakfast." (That's not a dig, it's an *observation*.) Think congee (rice porridge), some (often unidentifiable) hot dishes, and hard-boiled eggs. There was toast. And instant coffee. Strong. Very, very strong.
I'm gonna be honest: I probably ate a plate of plain white rice for about three days straight. But you know what? It filled me up. And the people-watching in the breakfast area was phenomenal. Witnessing the locals navigate the buffet with the gusto, that, that was the best part. So, edible? Yes. Delicious? Debatable. Entertaining? Absolutely.
Okay, the Big Question: Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Here's the thing: probably. Look, it's not a luxury hotel. It's not perfect. It has its quirks. But, and this is the kicker: the location is *gold*. And for the price, you get what you pay for. A clean-ish bed, a working air conditioner, and breakfast (even if you mainly eat rice). Plus, that whole 'near-the-train-station' thing is a lifesaver, especially when you're dragging around all of your worldly possessions.
So, if you need a place to crash near the North Railway Station and aren't expecting the Ritz? Yeah, go for it. Just pack your own disinfectant wipes. And maybe a good book to read while waiting for that questionable elevator.
Honestly, I’d stay there again. I've had worse. Way worse. And you, the intrepid traveler, will get through it. You’ll emerge victorious, probably a bit tired, maybe a little stained, but definitely with a few war stories to tell. That alone makes it worth it.
Are there any restaurants or shops nearby? Essentials, people!
Oh, yes, my friend! The Elan Inn is surrounded by a chaotic, glorious whirlwind of life. You've got everything a weary traveler could desire: tiny local restaurants (with menus mostly in Chinese – prepare for adventure!), convenience stores overflowing with snacks (hello, Pringles and instant noodles!), and even a few shops selling, well, *things*. It's a bustling area, so you won't have to wander far for the essentials. And the atmosphere? Electric! You can feel the pulse of Shenyang all around you.
One recommendation: find a small dumpling shop. Seriously. They're everywhere. And the dumplings? They are divine. Cheap. Delicious. Perfect fuel for your travels. Plus, you'll feel like you are really experiencing China!
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems or tips?
Okay, a few final whispers of wisdom. First, download a translation app on your phone. It saved me multiple times. Wander Stay Spot
