Xian's HOTTEST New Hotel: Bell Tower Views & South Gate Luxury!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just survived a week at the brand-spanking-new "Bell Tower Views & South Gate Luxury!" and I'm here to spill the (organic, naturally-sourced, I'm-sure-they-mention-it-somewhere) tea. Forget the brochure speak, this is the REAL DEAL. Or at least, my very real, sleep-deprived, slightly-overjoyed-and-slightly-frustrated take on it.
First Impressions & The Great Accessibility Gambit:
Let's be real, getting into Xian is a journey (hello, bustling airport!). So, how accessible is this "luxury?" Well, that’s where things start to get a little…mixed. The good news? Elevator, baby! (Praise the heavens for not having to lug my suitcase up a million stairs). And there are definitely facilities for disabled guests listed, a big plus. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I did notice wide hallways and ramps where needed. So, kudos on that front. However, I saw… zero info on actual accessibility in the rooms. It's a "check with the hotel" situation, I suspect. Something to definitely confirm before booking if accessibility is a major concern. Airport transfer is an option, which is a lifesaver after a long flight, too.
Internet… or, "The Wi-Fi Saga"
Okay, let's talk internet. Because, apparently, in the year 2024, flawless Wi-Fi is still a luxury. The brochure boasts Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which is… mostly true. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, all listed. In my room? It was a bit spotty. Like, I'd get a burst of speed like a caffeinated cheetah, then it'd vanish, leaving me staring at the loading symbol with the same existential dread as when I remember I left the oven on. Luckily, the Wi-Fi in public areas was a bit more stable. Wi-Fi for special events is listed for business, and the Business facilities are numerous. However, if you're relying on a rock-solid connection for, say, that video call with the boss, I’d recommend the lobby or the Coffee shop, which ironically, had the most reliable connection. They do offer Internet [LAN], so maybe, just maybe, you should consider bring your own wired connection for guaranteed internet access. A little inconvenient, but hey, we live for the inconvenient, don't we?
Cleanliness and Safety: Living in a Bubble (Maybe A Beautiful One):
This hotel is obsessed with cleanliness (in a good way!). Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol… I felt like I was living in a sterilized bubble. While that might sound clinical, the effect was fantastic. Everything sparkled. The Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and the staff was absolutely on top of hygiene. They even had Hygiene certification. I really appreciated that! It felt safe. The Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security/safety feature, gave peace of mind.
Room Rundown: The Good, The Baffling, The "Why Is There a Scale?":
My room? Okay, let's break it down. They seriously went the extra mile. The Air conditioning was glorious (and crucial in Xian's summer heat). Air conditioning in public area is another highlight. The Blackout curtains were a game-changer for sleep, and the Bedding (extra long, naturally) was like sleeping on a cloud. Complimentary tea, coffee/tea maker, and free bottled water? Always a win.
- The Baffling: The Scale. Why? I’m on vacation. I don’t need to validate my existence by weighing myself every morning. My inner self is happy with a bit of dessert, the extra pounds, the lack of workouts.. Why is it here?
- The Good: Seriously comfortable Bed. The Slippers! Such a small touch, but it just felt extra indulgent. The separate shower/bathtub was AMAZING. Lush bath products, I tell ya. The Non-smoking rooms are key, because I'm not sure how anyone can enjoy a nice view of the Bell Tower through a hazy veil of smoke. The Window that opens for fresh air.
- The Not-So-Great: The Reading light design. Beautiful-ish. But its direction and the lightbulbs and its positioning made it difficult to read comfortably. I ended up using the more general light on the ceiling.
- The "Why?" The Mirror positioned at an odd angle. Not ideal for hair & makeup. Just a silly observation.
And finally… the Extra long bed's pillows: Soft, comfortable, but more for decoration than real use.
Things to Do (Besides, You Know, Being):
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. This hotel is all about the "chill vibes," which, in itself, is a win. You can check out the Terrace, soak up some sun while the Pool with view offers stunning vistas (though, be prepared for some potential crowds – it’s that kind of hotel). They have a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, and a Sauna, Steamroom, Spa, Spa/sauna. I did the Massage, and it was divine. Honestly, I think I spent a whole hour just trying to remember my name. They offer a Body scrub and a Body wrap, if that's your thing (I'm a sucker for a good scrub). And, if you need a little detox, the Foot bath is seriously underrated.
But wait, there's more!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes):
Listen, I love food. And the options here? Pretty solid. They have a Restaurants. The Asian cuisine in restaurant is the first place to start. The Breakfast [buffet] is decent, including Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. A la carte in restaurant is also available. I ate at the Vegetarian restaurant, where I thoroughly enjoyed myself. They have a Snack bar, Poolside bar, Bar. They serve Happy hour, meaning happy times! I also got my dose of dessert with the Desserts in restaurant. And there is the Coffee/tea in restaurant, the Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, all to make you happy. This breakfast service is amazing! They offer Bottle of water too! The only real criticism – and I’m being picky here – is the slightly inconsistent quality. Some dishes were amazing, others were…meh.
Services & Conveniences: They Got You Covered (Mostly):
The Cash withdrawal is a lifesaver. The Concierge was incredibly helpful (and patient with my terrible Mandarin). The Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, and the Laundry service were a major bonus for a longer stay. They have Luggage storage, which came in handy when I wanted to explore. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station and is definitely a plus for my travel needs because that's a huge relief in a new city. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out are a godsend in these pandemic times. Babysitting service for all the kids. The Convenience store is located on the premises, so you can buy all your essential condiments.
The Unmissable Offer for Xian's Bell Tower Views & South Gate Luxury:
Okay, here's the deal, folks. You want to book this hotel? DO IT. But here’s the secret, to make it even sweeter…
The "Xian Adventure Package":
- Book a minimum of 3 nights, and receive FREE breakfast daily.
- Enjoy a complimentary massage and a complimentary drink at the bar.
- Late check-out (subject to availability) so you can squeeze every last moment of luxury out of your stay.
- And because I know you're wondering about the best views, a complimentary upgrade to a room facing the Bell Tower, if available, for you to enjoy the amazing views!
- Limited-time offer: Book your stay before [Insert Date Here] and ALSO receive a 20% discount on excursions to the Terracotta Army!
My Verdict:
Bell Tower Views & South Gate Luxury? It's a solid yes. It's not perfect, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. The location is fantastic, the rooms are comfortable, and the staff is genuinely friendly. Just remember my advice: confirm those accessibility needs, pack your patience (for the Wi-Fi), and get ready to relax. You deserve it.
Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars. (Would be 4.5 if the Wi-Fi were sorted!)
Escape to Paradise: Erawan Villa Hotel, Koh Samui Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a journey. My chaotic, potentially disastrous, but hopefully hilarious journey to find myself (and maybe some decent dumplings) in Xian, China, based out of the oh-so-charming Hanting Hotel Xian Bell Tower South Gate New Store. Let's see if I survive.
Pre-Trip Mental Breakdown (aka Planning Phase – or Lack Thereof):
- Brain Fog Alert: Okay, so I vaguely booked the hotel. The name sounds…fine? Somewhere near the Bell Tower? Cool. Xian? I think I’ve seen pictures. Terracotta Warriors, right? Don't even ask me about the visa situation. Currently operating on a "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" mentality, which, let's be honest, is my MO for life.
- Packing Panic: What do you pack for China? The internet tells me everything from mosquito nets (are mosquitoes really that brutal there?) to cashmere scarves (will it be freezing? Scorching?). Currently staring at a suitcase overflowing with too many "just in case" outfits and a slightly obsessive amount of hand sanitizer. I'm pretty sure I'll regret everything I'm packing.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dumpling Crisis
- Morning (ish): Flight from (insert city here). Turbulence. I hate flying. Got a window seat (score!), spent the whole flight trying desperately to avoid becoming best friends with the guy next to me. Failed. He kept talking about his stamp collection. Ugh.
- Afternoon: Landing! Xian's airport is… big. Actually, everything here seems big. Surviving the airport – passport control, currency exchange, the general chaos of international arrivals. Found a taxi driver who claimed to know where the Hanting was. Cross fingers.
- Late Afternoon: The Hanting. Okay, it's… functional. Clean-ish. The receptionists – bless their hearts – are attempting English. There's a slight smell of… something. Maybe it’s jasmine? Maybe it’s the ghosts of a thousand tourists past? The jury's still out. At least there's air conditioning, because the humidity outside is trying to hug me to death.
- Evening: The Dumpling Disaster (and Redemption!): Okay, here's where it got real. I NEEDED dumplings. Like, soul-crushingly needed them after the flight and the existential threat that is international travel. Wandered around the neighborhood (lost, predictably), eventually stumbled upon a "Dumpling Heaven" place. Looked promising! Ordered a selection of everything. The problem? I didn't understand ANYTHING. I gestured, pointed, smiled like a maniac… and was served a mountain of… well, they were definitely meat-based. Some were edible. Some were… not. My stomach is rumbling now. The language barrier is real, folks.
- Redemption Arc: After the dumpling misadventure, I stumbled, utterly defeated, into a smaller, more local-looking place. I pointed at a picture of what looked like dumplings. Success! These were incredible. Actual, authentic, perfect dumplings. Tears may or may not have been shed.
- Night: Collapsed into bed. Jet lag is hitting me like a freight train. My internal clock is currently rotating at an odd angle. Contemplating life, the universe, and the best way to learn Mandarin. Tomorrow: The Terracotta Warriors. Wish me luck.
Day 2: Warriors, Walls, and Wobbly Knees
- Morning: Holy crap, the Terracotta Warriors! Wow. Just… wow. The scale is mind-boggling. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of these clay soldiers standing in formation after centuries. It’s genuinely awe-inspiring. Spent way too much time taking selfies with the statues like a total tourist… because, well, I am a total tourist! I may have been slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists, too, which is ironic, I know.
- Anecdote Time: There was this little kid running around inside the museum, which, honestly, I wanted to do too, but security guards in China don't mess around. I may have accidentally almost tripped over a low-hanging piece of rope while trying to take a photo. It was not my proudest moment.
- Afternoon: The City Wall. So, the wall is huge. Like, you can cycle on it. I'm not much of a cycler, though. Decided on a walk. The views are amazing, but my legs are screaming. Pretty sure I'm going to need a massage (which is a win, right?). Found a tiny street-food stall on the wall and ate some mystery skewers. Tasty! and, I didn't die, which is always a bonus.
- Evening: Trying to find dinner. Again. This time, armed with some basic phrases in Mandarin (Ni hao! Xie xie! Wo bu dong!). The struggle is real, but I'm getting braver. Or perhaps just hungrier. Managed to order SOME kind of noodles. Pretty good.
- Quirky Observation: Chinese people LOVE karaoke. The entire city seemed to be filled with muffled sounds of singers serenading… someone. I kind of love it.
Day 3: The Big Goose Pagoda and Backstreet Bliss
- Morning: The Big Goose Pagoda. A magnificent ancient structure (sensing a theme here). The climb to the top was… a workout. The view of Xian from up there was totally worth huffing and puffing the whole way up. Did I mention how hot it is? Seriously considering relocating to Antarctica.
- Afternoon: Wandered through the Muslim Quarter. A total sensory overload. The smells, the colors, the chaos…amazing! Ate ALL the street food (carefully). Seriously, though, the food is incredible, and I'm pretty sure I’m putting on weight at an alarming rate. The best part was getting utterly and gloriously lost. Finding hidden alleyways, chatting (badly) with local vendors, and feeling completely out of my comfort zone.
- The Ramble: I also bought a cheap fan decorated with a picture of a panda, because why not? I now carry it around everywhere, like a proper tourist. I love it. I need to stop buying things. I'm already starting to dream about the souvenirs I'll have to haul back home.
- Evening: Managed not to get completely lost finding a restaurant. Celebrated with a truly phenomenal spicy noodle dish. Feeling pretty smug about my rudimentary Mandarin skills. Maybe I can survive this trip.
Day 4 and Beyond: The Great Unknown (and More Dumplings?)
- Morning: (Or whatever part of the day I manage to get out of bed) Plans? Ha! Who needs plans? Maybe a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum? Probably get lost again. I'm expecting a lot more of that.
- Thoughts: I’m making it up as I go, learning to love the chaos, the language barriers, and the ever-present feeling of "what did I just eat?" I'm learning to navigate a new culture, and, slowly but surely, learning something about myself. Oh, and the dumplings. Still obsessed with the dumplings. Maybe I’ll find the perfect dumpling shop before I leave. It’s definitely on my list. This trip is a beautiful, messy adventure, and I wouldn't trade it for anything… except maybe a slightly less humid climate.
- Closing Remarks (For Now): This itinerary is a work in progress. I'm sure there will be more stumbles, more delicious food discoveries (and disasters), and a whole lot more laughter along the way. Stay tuned… if I survive. Wish me luck! (And send dumpling recommendations.)
Bell Tower Views & South Gate Luxury: The Real Deal (and the Real Mess) - FAQ!
Okay, so, Bell Tower Views & South Gate Luxury... is it *actually* luxurious? Because, let's be honest, sometimes "luxury" just means overpriced disappointment.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to get real. "Luxury"? *Pfffft*. It's a sliding scale, isn't it? My initial reaction? "WHOA, fancy!" (Think: me, gaping at a ridiculously sparkly chandelier in the lobby after practically living on instant noodles for a month to afford this trip.) Yes, the lobby *is* impressive. Think marble, soaring ceilings, that aforementioned chandelier that could probably finance a small country, and staff who greet you with a bow so deep you'd think they were auditioning for the Olympics.
But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? The "luxury" depends on your definition. The bathroom *was* glorious. Huge soaking tub – perfect for dramatic sighs and dissolving all my travel anxieties. The toiletries? Top-notch stuff. And the view... the *view*! Absolutely stunning. The Bell Tower illuminated at night? Forget about it! Instagram gold (and I *may* or may not have spent a solid hour just snapping photos).
However… and this is where the messiness comes in… the "luxury" also involved a slightly malfunctioning air conditioner that produced a noise that *sounded* suspiciously like a dying walrus. And the promised "complimentary fruit platter" was suspiciously *not* complimentary. So, yeah. Luxury-adjacent, maybe? Still, overall, the good outweighs the bad – and look, I’m a sucker for pretty things, especially when they're coupled with a killer view.
What about the location? Bell Tower *and* South Gate? Surely that's a *major* win for sightseeing, right?
Listen, location, location, location! Yes, it's a win. A HUGE win. I mean, you literally step out of the hotel and BAM! Bell Tower. Like, you could probably throw a rock (don't actually do that) and hit it. Okay, maybe not. The South Gate is practically a hop, skip, and a jump away. The City Wall? Right there! Everything's at your fingertips. It's fantastic for seeing all the sights! This is where my initial excitement went into overdrive.
Here’s the catch, though: *masses* of other tourists. It can be overwhelming initially until you get use to it. A sea of selfie sticks and people generally bumping into things. Trying to navigate the crowds to get a clear photo with the Bell Tower and the south gate can feel exhausting until you start to see the humor in it. Also, you're in the heart of things, things are going to be busy and noisy late into the night. If you're a light sleeper... good luck. I needed earplugs, an eye mask and a LOT of patience. But, again, worth it because… the location is *that* good. Pro Tip: Schedule your sightseeing for *early* morning or late evening to avoid the worst of the crowds. Or, you know, just embrace the chaos, like I did. It's part of the experience!
Let's talk food! The hotel restaurant? Any good? Any hidden gems nearby? (Because I'm *always* hungry.)
Food! Yes! This is important. The hotel restaurant? It's… fine. Decent breakfast buffet (though the coffee could use a serious upgrade, and I’m *very* particular about my coffee). Dinner? Okay, but expensive. You're paying for the view, not necessarily the culinary artistry, let's be honest. I *did* have a memorable Peking duck there one night. My stomach still remembers that. *Sigh*. I might have eaten half by myself.
But the *real* treasures? Lurk *outside*. Oh, my goodness, the street food! Right outside the South Gate, the food streets are *insane*. Every imaginable flavor! I dove headfirst into the local cuisine. I fear I may or may not have overindulged in the Roujiamo (meat sandwiches). The biang biang noodles were legendary! It's cheap, it's delicious, and it's a total sensory overload in the best possible way. My tastebuds are *still* thanking me. Definitely, definitely explore the surrounding streets. Don’t be afraid to point and say, "I want that!" and then maybe point at some more. Trust me.
What was the *absolute best* thing about the hotel? And the *absolute worst*? Be honest, the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Okay, here we go… the *best* thing? The *view*. No contest. Waking up to that Bell Tower every morning? Pure. Magic. It just took my breath away, honestly. And, okay, the staff. They were incredibly attentive. And the bathroom… *swoon*. That big tub. I can definitely see myself there now. The best... yes the view. The view. I'm going to say it again. The view.
The *worst*? Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest here. The noise. Seriously. Even with earplugs, the street noise could be relentless, especially if your room faces the street. The loud conversations, the delivery bikes, the general hubbub of a bustling city… it can wear you down. Also, the *slightly* questionable state of the air conditioning unit. That walrus-esque noise. And the inflated prices of things inside the hotel. But again the view... can't be said enough.
Would you go back? Would you recommend it?
Would I go back? Hmm... Yes. Probably. The location, the view, the good bits of the luxury… it all outweighs the downsides, for me. I would, however, request a room *not* facing the street. And pack plenty of earplugs. I also would budget more time for the street food scene. Seriously, prioritize those noodles!
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with caveats. If you're looking for a perfectly quiet, budget-friendly experience, look elsewhere. If you're a light sleeper, prepare. If you're looking for convenience, stunning views, and a taste of luxury without breaking the bank, then absolutely. Just go in with realistic expectations, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace the glorious chaos of Xian. It'll be an adventure, which is exactly what travel is about, right?
