Nanjing's BEST Hotel Near South Railway Station? (Hanting Premium Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the murky, sometimes glorious, always unpredictable world of hotel reviews. And not just any hotel review, but the gut-check, honest-as-hell dissection of Nanjing's "BEST Hotel Near South Railway Station" – which, let's be honest, probably means Hanting Premium. (Spoiler alert: I'm guessing it's a Hanting. They're everywhere.)
The Big Question: Is This Thing Actually Good? (And Does Anyone Care?)
Okay, let's start with the basics. Accessibility. This is a HUGE deal, especially as someone who’s wrestled with suitcases that feel possessed. I’m talking ramps EVERYWHERE. Elevators that don’t smell like a stale cigarette someone tried to hide. Hanting Premium, PLEASE get this right. My lower back is begging for it. I’m looking for "Facilities for disabled guests" in this case - and a good one, you know?
Accessibility: Okay, here's the thing. I don't need a wheelchair, but I know what it’s like to lug luggage. That’s close enough. It’s South Railway Station, so it better be easy to get to. I’m hoping for elevators the size of small apartments, you know? I'm going to assume (crossing my fingers, toes, and anything else available) that it's decent. I see "Elevator" listed, which is promising. "Facilities for disabled guests" – now we're talking. I really hope that means more than just a slightly wider bathroom door. It's South Station – accessibility is practically mandatory.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Okay, this is where it gets tricky. I'd love a lounge where I can plonk myself down after a train, order a beer, and watch the world go by. "Restaurants" and "Bar" are listed – yay! Let's pray they're not all stairs-city. I need a place to eat. Seriously. After a train trip, my hunger transcends human comprehension.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above. Let's hope they take this seriously.
Internet - The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler:
This one's crucial. I, for one, can't live without Wifi. I need to update my social media, send those important emails, and of course, check my bank balance (don't judge).
- Internet Access: Good.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: AMAZING. This is the bare minimum, but I’m glad they get it. I hate hotels that nickel-and-dime you for Wi-Fi.
- Internet [LAN]: Nice to have, if you're old-school.
- Internet services: Details, please!
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Essential.
Things to Do / Ways to Relax – Because Sometimes You Just Need a Break:
Right, let's be real. I didn’t come to Nanjing to sit in a hotel room (well, maybe a little). But even the most energetic traveller needs a pit stop.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, seriously, WHAT does this particular Hanting offer? This list is a bit… ambitious, no? (Let's be realistic. It's probably a decent gym and maybe a tiny sauna.) I'm not expecting a full-on Four Seasons spa experience, but a little bit of chill would be lovely. I’m betting against “Pool with view”. Sigh. I'm holding out hope for a decent gym, though. Gotta work off all those dumplings, you know?
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Nobody Wants the Creeps:
This is a BIG one, particularly now. I'm basically paranoid about germs.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Breakfast in room: Potentially amazing, depending on the breakfast.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Useful if you're in a hurry.
- Cashless payment service: Smart.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Essential.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Reassuring.
- First aid kit: Always a good idea.
- Hand sanitizer: Thank you, modern world.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Yes, please!
- Hygiene certification: I hope so.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Another must-have these days.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Important.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Interesting.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: YES.
- Safe dining setup: Crucial.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Please and thank you.
- Shared stationery removed: Smart.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: You'd hope so.
- Sterilizing equipment: Excellent.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure:
Ah, the most important part of any trip, am I right? Food is essential for survival.
- A la carte in restaurant: Good.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Important for dietary needs.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: YES! GIVE ME ALL THE DIM SUM.
- Bar: See earlier thoughts.
- Bottle of water: Thank you, dehydration is real.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service: Buffet is fine, but I hope there are options that are not just deep-fried things.
- Buffet in restaurant: See above.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Essential.
- Desserts in restaurant: I’m all about the dessert.
- Happy hour: Score!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yay, options!
- Poolside bar: Dreaming…
- Restaurants, Room service [24-hour]: Good. 24-hour room service? SIGN ME UP.
- Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Options, options, options!
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Sometimes you just want scrambled eggs, you know?
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier:
These are the little things that can make or break your stay.
- Air conditioning in public area: Necessary.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge: Okay, fancy.
- Contactless check-in/out: Again, smart.
- Convenience store: Useful.
- Currency exchange: Good.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, please tidy up my mess.
- Doorman: Fabulous. I want a doorman.
- Dry cleaning: Nice.
- Elevator: (Again!)
- Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests: (Again!)
- Food delivery: Another huge plus.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Useful.
- Indoor venue for special events: Interesting.
- Invoice provided: Business travel, I guess.
- Ironing service: Great!
- Laundry service: Very good.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Wow. This is a high-end Hanting, apparently.
For the Kids – Family Friendly or Not?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: If you're travelling with kids, this one matters.
Access, Security, and Getting Around – Getting in, Staying Safe, and Moving on:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Pretty standard stuff.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Very comprehensive.
Available in All Rooms - The Nitty Gritty
- **Additional
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my itinerary. And it involves the Hanting Premium Hotel near Nanjing South Railway Station. Buckle up – it's going to be a ride.
Nanjing Adventure: Chaos Edition (Hanting Premium Hotel as "Base Camp")
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- 14:00 - (ish) Arrival at Nanjing South Railway Station: Okay, so I thought I had this all planned. Train tickets secured, the Hanting booked (supposedly "premium," we'll see about that). But then, the train was late. Cue internal freak-out. My flight got me here like 4 hours ago but the baggage was hell. The train station is a concrete jungle. The smells are… well, let's just say they're unique. Finding the hotel? A minor odyssey. Signs in Mandarin only? Brilliant, just what I needed. Finally, finally, I stumble upon the Hanting. My first thought: "Is this it? Seriously?" My second thought, after the utterly inept check-in process: "At least it has air conditioning." (A MAJOR LIFE SAVER).
- 15:00 - Hotel Room Reconnaissance: Room is… cleanish. The bed looks like a promise of sweet, sweet oblivion. The "premium" part? Debatable. Let’s just say my expectations were recalibrated rapidly. There's a weird crack in the ceiling. I'm convinced it's going to collapse while I sleep. The bathroom? Tiny. Like, I-can-shave-my-knees-in-the-shower tiny. But hey, the water does get hot, which is a win.
- 16:00 - Food Quest Alpha: Okay, hunger is clawing at my insides. Gotta find food. Google Maps says there’s a dumpling place nearby. Fingers crossed it’s not some tourist trap charging exorbitant prices. This is where my Mandarin (read: nonexistent) skills will be tested. Wish me luck. (Wish me luck with the street food hygiene too. I'm feeling a gamble)
- 17:00 - Dumpling Debacle (or, My First Nanjing Culinary Adventure): Found the place! It's chaotic and buzzing. The dumplings? Incredible. Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth gorgeous. But the language barrier… a comedy gold mine. I pointed, I gestured, I probably looked like a confused monkey. The cashier just stared. Eventually, she gave me a bag. I just ate everything, not sure what I was consuming. The after effects? Unsure. Delicious though. (I think. I hope).
- 18:00 - Post-Dumpling Stroll (and Existential Dread): Walking around, vaguely trying to get my bearings. The city is a vibrant assault on the senses. So many neon signs! So many people! Feeling a bit overwhelmed, tbh. I can barely bring myself to look at the huge crowds, the constant noise… Just a little homesick, wanting a nice cuppa tea and a chat with my mom.
- 19:00 - Supermarket Survival: Decided to brave the local supermarket for snacks and supplies (water is a must). The sheer variety of weird and wonderful snacks is overwhelming. I grabbed a bag of something labeled "Spicy Crispy Things" (no regrets). Also, discovered the joy of instant noodles. My stomach hurts a bit now.
- 20:00 - Room Rant and Netflix: Back at the Hanting. Propped up on the slightly lumpy bed, contemplating the meaning of life while watching Netflix. (My phone battery is at around 20%). Considering whether that crack in the ceiling is actually growing. Am a bit worried I don't have an adapter so I can't use my stuff.
- 22:00 - Sleep: Sleep is the plan. Praying the city noises don't keep me up, and that the ceiling doesn't collapse.
Day 2: The Tomb of Sun Yat-sen and My Inner Tourist
- 08:00 - Wake Up (or, the Art of Not Being Buried Alive by a Ceiling): Survived. Ceiling intact! Praise be. Time for a lukewarm shower and an attempt to look presentable.
- 09:00 - Breakfast Disaster: Breakfast at the Hanting is… well, it exists. A buffet of unidentifiable items. I cautiously chose a scrambled egg. I think it might be made of eggs.
- 10:00 - The Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen. Oh. My. God. Okay, this. This is the good stuff. The mausoleum is breathtaking, majestic, and serene. The sheer scale of it is awe-inspiring. The long, long, long climb up the stairs? Less inspiring. My legs are burning, my lungs are screaming, but the view from the top… worth every aching muscle. I may have shed a tear or two. (Okay, maybe just a single, slightly sweaty one). The history is just incredible!
- 12:00 - Street Food Round 2 (or, When Did I Become a Foodie?): Discovered a little street food stall near the Mausoleum. Had some sort of delicious, crispy pancake-like thing. I have no idea what it was, but it tasted like heaven. I swear, I'll probably get sick, but I don't care. I'm living the dream.
- 13:00 - The Ming Tomb: More tombs! Starting to have enough of tombs, but the historical sights were amazing.
- 14:30 - Back to the Hanting (and a Nap of Despair): Exhausted. A nap is non-negotiable. Everything hurts. My feet feel like they've run a marathon.
- 17:00 - Shopping (or, Why Did I Pack So Much Stuff?): Decided to find a local market for some souvenirs. Ended up buying a ridiculously oversized paper fan and a ceramic dragon that will probably break on the flight home. Impulsive purchases are the name of the game, people.
- 18:00 - Dinner: Hot Pot Time! I have no idea what I am doing. I have no idea what I ordered, but I am so much, much better at the chopstick thing! It's a communal experience, which is nice (even if I don't understand half of what's being said). The food itself is divine. Maybe too divine.
- 20:00 - The Hanting Hangout: The evening is spent recovering from my epic dumpling-and-hot-pot-fueled day. The air conditioning has finally kicked in, providing a welcome respite from the humidity. (If only it wouldn't get so cold).
- 22:00 - Attempt Sleep: Cross my fingers and hope that the ceiling remains firmly attached to the room.
Day 3: Departure & The Aftermath
- 08:00 - Wake Up (or, the Last Stand of the Ceiling): Still in one piece!
- 09:00 - Farewell Hanting Breakfast.
- 10:00 - Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble: I forgot to buy something for my dog. Panic buying.
- 11:00 - Train Station Shuffle: Heading back to the station, slightly more confident (and less lost) than before.
- 12:00 - Departure: Saying goodbye to Nanjing.
- 14:00 - Realization: Realizing I have completely fallen in love with this chaotic, beautiful, slightly stinky city.
- 15:00 - Future Plans: Already planning my return.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a mess. A wonderful, delicious, slightly terrifying mess. The Hanting Premium Hotel was decidedly not exactly premium, but it was a base camp. And Nanjing? Nanjing stole my heart. The food, the history, the sheer energy of the place… it was all unforgettable. Will I be back? Absolutely. Will I learn some Mandarin next time? Hopefully. Will I be less of a clueless tourist? Probably not. And that's perfectly okay. Because that's the beauty of travel, isn’t it? The chaos, the unexpected, the utter deliciousness of it all. Now, time to rest, I'm exhausted!
Hyatt Place San Juan: Your Dream Puerto Rican Getaway Awaits!
Nanjing South Station's "Best" Hotel: Hanting Premium - The REALLY Real Review!
Okay, seriously, is the Hanting Premium near Nanjing South Station *actually* good? I’m tired of the train station nightmare!
Alright, let's ditch the PR speak. "Good" is relative, right? Look, it's *convenient*. That’s the golden ticket. You get off the train, stumble out, and BAM! There it is, like a weary traveler's oasis. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. Is it a palace? Hardly. But after battling crowds and lugging suitcases, the proximity is a godsend. I mean, I've seen some *things* at Nanjing South – I’ve witnessed a grown man weep because he couldn't find the correct exit. Just the relief of not having to navigate that chaos makes it worth a serious look. My advice? Manage your expectations, and prepare for the practical over the luxurious. Think… functional comfort. Or, put bluntly: It'll do.
What about the location? Is it *really* close? I HATE walking with luggage.
Yes. Emphatically YES. "Close" is an understatement. We're talking, like, a five-minute stagger. Maybe less if you're really hustling (and not burdened with a ridiculous amount of shopping bags like *someone* I know...cough, cough...me). Seriously, it's visible from the station exits. The biggest hurdle is probably figuring out which exit to go through. I swear, half the time I get disoriented at that station – it truly is a labyrinth. But once you’re out, just keep your eyes peeled for the Hanting sign. It's basically a luggage-friendly sprint. That's a huge plus when you have a train to catch or are just plain exhausted.
The rooms...are they clean? I've read some reviews...
Okay, this is where things get a bit… unpredictable. They *try* to be clean. I've stayed there multiple times and it's been a mixed bag. Once, the bathroom was sparkling, bless them! Another time… let's just say I developed an unusually intense relationship with the antibacterial wipes. I'd suggest packing some. Seriously. It's China, and sometimes standards just…differ. The linens generally *smell* clean, but I always do a quick once-over. Look, I'm not a germaphobe, but I like to sleep in a place that doesn’t actively *threaten* my well-being. My advice? Bring your own. Wipes, maybe a spritz of Febreze. Prepare for the possibility of a less-than-perfectly-pristine experience, and you'll be fine.
Breakfast? Is the breakfast any good? Please, no mystery meat!
Oh. Breakfast. Let's just say… it exists. It’s included, which is always nice. But "gourmet" it ain't. Think functional fuel. It's usually a buffet. There's typically congee (rice porridge), some kind of questionable eggs (sometimes scrambled, sometimes…something else), maybe some buns, and a few sad-looking fruits. Coffee? Well, it resembles coffee. The quality ebbs and flows. I once saw a woman *devastated* by a particularly weak cup. It's a gamble. I usually grab some fruit and toast and try to get out of there with my sanity intact. If you're a breakfast snob, prepare to lower your expectations, or maybe find a decent noodle place nearby… which, thankfully, are abundant.
The Wi-Fi? Is it actually functional? I need to work!
The Wi-Fi… is… there. *Grumble*. It's usually okay for basic browsing. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. I’ve tried video calls in the past and it was… painful. Think broken up sentences and frozen faces. If you *absolutely* need to have reliable internet access, consider a mobile hotspot. Otherwise, well, pray. Just pray it's a good day for the Wi-Fi gods. I've learned to download anything important *before* I get to the hotel, just to be safe. Really, though, it's hit or miss. Don't bank on it if you have a crucial deadline.
What about noise? Train stations are notoriously loud!
Ah, the noise. This is important. You ARE near a major train station. You *will* hear some noise. It's not constant, but you'll hear trains announcing arrivals, cars honking, and the general hustle and bustle of a busy transport hub. I recommend requesting a room on a higher floor, and maybe earplugs. I ALWAYS pack earplugs. They're a lifesaver. However, I’ve found the windows do a decent job of blocking out most of the noise. It's not a silent retreat, but it's manageable. If you are a light sleeper, seriously, pack earplugs. It’s a must.
Is there anything around the hotel, like restaurants or shops?
Absolutely. The area around Nanjing South Station is a *hive* of activity. Loads of restaurants, from cheap and cheerful noodle shops to fancier options. There are convenience stores, and other shops. You'll find everything you need. I actually *love* exploring the area. It's a great way to feel the heartbeat of the city. But the hotel itself? It's not particularly scenic. Just functional. But everything you need is within stumbling distance. This is not a problem. You can easily find dinner, snacks, and anything else your heart desires. It’s super convenient. Think of it more as a launchpad than a destination.
What's the check-in process like? Is it painless?
It's usually relatively straightforward. The staff generally speak enough English to get by (though sometimes communication can be *interesting*). Have your passport and booking confirmation ready. Be prepared to fill out a form or two. Sometimes there's a queue, especially during peak travel times. I've known it to be quick and easy, and I've known it to involve a bit of fumbling and pointing. Patience is a virtue, my friend. But overall, it's not *too* bad. They are generally efficient. Honestly, the biggest hurdle is often the sheer volume of people. Prepare for a bit of a crowd.
Okay, the elevator situation...what's the elevator situation? I'm tired of stairs!
