Unbelievable Huangshan Views: 0517 Inn's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Unbelievable Huangshan Views: 0517 Inn – Let's Get Real, Folks
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the jasmine tea, they have that at 0517 Inn, I'll get to that) on this supposed "Hidden Gem." I'm not gonna lie, I went in with sky-high expectations thanks to the photos. Those sweeping Huangshan mountain vistas? Yeah, they looked incredible. Did 0517 Inn deliver? Well, let's just say it's a complicated love story. This ain't your sterile travel blog review. This is me, raw and unfiltered, after a few days of altitude, questionable dumpling choices, and way too much green tea.
SEO & Metadata (We'll Hit That, Too, Don't You Worry!)
Let's get the boring, but necessary, stuff out of the way first. This review is all about:
- Keywords: Huangshan, 0517 Inn, Anhui Province, Mountain Views, China, Hotel Review, Spa, Restaurant, Accessible Hotel, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Wi-Fi, Travel, Accommodation, Chinese Travel
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of 0517 Inn in Huangshan, China. Explore breathtaking mountain views, assess accessibility, dive into the food (and the questionable choices!), and discover if this "hidden gem" is worth your precious vacation time. Spoiler alert: it's complicated.
Alright, SEO done. Now, for the REAL stuff.
First Impressions & The Great View Gambit (Getting Around the Labyrinth)
Accessibility, let's start there. Because, honestly, navigating some of these mountain hotels feels like climbing Mount Everest with a broken ankle. 0517 Inn claims to be accessible. They have an elevator, which is a HUGE win. A HUGE WIN! But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? Some of the pathways to the rooms are a bit… challenging. Think cobblestones and slight inclines. Not ideal for a wheelchair, but manageable with a cane, I'd say. (Access, Facilities for disabled guests)
The lobby? Absolutely stunning. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the mountains. (Pool with view) You're immediately hit with the "wow" factor. But sometimes, "wow" is just a smokescreen.
Room Rumble: The Good, the Bad, and the Smelly Towels
My room, a "Superior Mountain View Double" should have been idyllic. And, well, it was… most of the time. The view? Breathtaking. Like, "stop-breathing-for-a-minute" breathtaking. (Swimming pool, Pool with view, Soundproofing, Bathroom, Bathtub, Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Closet, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. )
Here’s where the stream of consciousness starts to kick in, because that's what I felt!
The bed? Heavenly. The blackout curtains? Clutch. The in-room Wi-Fi? Mostly reliable (thank God! (Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Wi-Fi in public areas) because I needed to check my Insta feed, and you know I needed to share this view!).
But, okay, the truth bomb: the towels. Okay, maybe I'm a princess, but they smelled a little musty. And the shower pressure? Weaker than my resolve to resist the tempting dumplings. (Shower, Toiletries, Bathrobes, Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Free bottled water, Interconnecting room(s) available, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Sofa, Telephone) I asked for a change, which was swiftly granted (kudos to the staff!), but it made me wonder… what were they washing these in? Pure mountain spring water? Probably not. Still, a minor gripe. I'm not there to be perfect.
Food Glorious Food (or, The Dumpling Debacle)
Let's talk grub. The on-site restaurants are a mixed bag. (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Essential condiments, Kids meal)
The breakfast buffet was decent. A solid selection of Asian and Western options. The coffee, however, was…well, it woke me up, which is all I could ask for. (Coffee/tea in restaurant) There were fresh juices, too.
The a la carte options in the evening were more hit-or-miss. I stupidly ordered dumplings from one restaurant. Let's just say, my stomach and I had a… spirited conversation the next day. But hey, lesson learned. Stick to the noodles, people! The noodles are safe. (Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant)
The poolside bar? Worth it. The drinks were strong, the views were stronger. (Poolside bar)
Relaxation Respite: Spa Shenanigans (or, Why I Got a Body Wrap)
Okay, here comes the good stuff. The spa. (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool) Because after all the dumpling drama, I needed some serious R&R. I treated myself to a body wrap. I'm not going to lie, I felt like a swaddled burrito. But a very relaxed, mountain-view-appreciating burrito. The massage was divine. (Massage) Seriously, they worked out the knots I didn't even know I had. (Sauna, Steamroom)
The fitness center? Well, I intended to go. Let's just say the pull of the pool and that view was stronger. (Gym/fitness, Swimming pool, Pool with view)
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID-Era Checklist (Let's Be Real)
Now, in pandemic times, you're always wondering about cleanliness. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) 0517 Inn had the usual precautions. Masks were required in public areas (mostly), hand sanitizer was readily available, and they seemed to be taking things seriously. I felt relatively safe. They mentioned something about using anti-viral cleaning products, but who really knows what's going on behind the scenes?
Services & Conveniences: The Perks (and the Potential Pitfalls)
The staff were, for the most part, lovely. (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Airport transfer, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Cash withdrawal, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Family/child friendly, Food delivery, Front desk [24-hour], Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Proposal spot, Restaurant(s), Room service [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Taxi service, Terrace, Valet parking, Xerox/fax in business center) The concierge was helpful with arranging transportation (airport transfer, taxi service). They had a convenience store for snacks and essentials (always a win!). They even offered a babysitting service, which, as I didn't need, felt more like advertising for something I wasn't interested in, but hey, good for them!
The elevator was a lifesaver. The terrace? More like a breath of fresh air. The doorman? Always a cheery face.
Quirky Observations & Moments I'll Never Forget
- The Shrine: There was a small shrine in a corner of the lobby. Random, kinda cool. I left a few coins for good luck. Always a good idea.
- The Staff's English: It wasn't perfect, but their smiles and willingness to help made up for any linguistic gaps.
- The Lost Luggage Drama: Okay, this one was definitely a bump. My bag got
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-curated travel itinerary. This is a Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) adventure, raw and unfiltered, from yours truly. Zero five one seven… that postcode is a jumble to me, but the mountains are calling! And I'm answering, even if I pack the wrong shoes (which, knowing me, is highly likely). Day 1: Arrival and "Are You Kidding Me with This View?!"
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Ugh, flight. Always the worst. Scrambling for the last in-flight pretzels, wedging myself into a seat designed for a hobbit, and listening to someone's questionable choice in music choices. Arrive at Tunxi International Airport. Breathe a sigh of relief that my luggage (mostly) survived. The air is thick with… well, I'm not sure yet. Excitement and a slight hint of jet lag?
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Taxi to the hotel in Huangshan City. Oh, the sweet, sweet smell of something… vaguely spicy and exhaust fumes. First impressions? Everything looks a little… gray. But hey, gray is a good color for mountains, right? Right?! Check into the Huangshan International Hotel (or whatever the place is called). I swear, it's something with "International" in the name, because how else would you know it's international?! I am now remembering a previous trip where I had to take a shower directly wearing the same clothes I used all day.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: First impression: I'm already overwhelmed with all the people!! But the hotel room is nice, but let's face it, I'm already picturing the view from the top of a mountain. I want to leave. Now. But no, I have to eat something. Let's go outside and find the food. Let's find the place to start this mountain adventure!
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at some random restaurant with a name I can't pronounce. Found a place with a menu that, let's be honest, is mostly pictures. Pointing and hoping for the best! Ordered something that looked like chicken feet. What the hell? The food is okay, but I don't know if I like the chicken feet.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Afternoon exploration: Walk around the old town. It's beautiful! Old stone streets, black and white architecture… feeling a little like I've stepped into a painting, maybe. Bought a ridiculously overpriced paper fan. It's very pretty, though. Probably overpaid. But I'll be able to wave at this place for the memories later. Walked for how many hours again? I really need to go back.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and a few beers. And by "a few," I mean whatever it takes to ward off the first wave of "Why am I here?" existential dread. Found a place serving local beers. I think the beer is called "Huangshan Beer," I can't be sure. Anyway, this place is a mess with all the people. I ordered some noodles that probably are going to taste amazing when I go up the mountain.
8:00 PM - Bedtime: Collapse. The day's adventures are over and I am ready for the mountains.
Day 2: The Ascent and a Brush with… Altitude Anxiety
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Wake up! (I think). The alarm clock can be scary. Early enough to beat the crowds (hopefully). Down a quick coffee in the hotel room. This is the real deal today.
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Take a bus to the base of Yellow Mountain, Huangshan. I already saw a lot of people and I am starting to feel overwhelmed. It's a long drive. I can't stand people. I feel bad for saying that.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Prepare for the climb. Time to be a mountain goat! Ok, maybe more of a mountain… slug. The cable car is an option, but where’s the fun in that? This is also going to be exercise so. I can't wait! I can't wait to feel the soreness!
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The ascent! Okay, the first hour was great. I got this! So, like, the mountains are beautiful. The scenery… it’s breathtaking. Actually, it is breathtaking, in a way that might be partially due to the altitude. Starting to get winded. The second hour, I started seriously questioning my fitness level, and if I really needed to carry this water bottle. The third hour, I started thinking about bribing someone to carry me on their back. But still, the view. The damn view! Towering pines, impossibly shaped rocks, clouds swirling like cotton candy. It's like a Chinese painting come to life. The last hour was a blur of sweat, grunts, and the realization that my legs are probably not going to forgive me. I made it, dammit! But I am tired.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a mountaintop restaurant. The food is probably going to be awful. The view is amazing. I found a decent place to rest. You can't bring too much food, because you don't want to have to do the climb.
2:00 PM - Sunset: Explore the peaks! Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion, Beginning-to-Believe Peak… the names alone are epic. Spend most of the time just… staring. I found this place to be amazing.
Sunset: Watch the sunset! One of the most amazing things I have ever seen! The colors are amazing! The view is even more amazing!
Evening: Descend and eat whatever dinner I end up with.
Day 3: A Return to Reality (Sort Of)
Morning: Sleep in! (If my aching legs allow it).
Morning: Look for the local market with souvenirs.
Afternoon: Take a bus back.
Evening: Head back home.
Final Thoughts (or, The Rambling Aftermath)
Huangshan was… wow. It was challenging. It was beautiful. It was a little bit terrifying, but also exhilarating. More than anything, it reminded me of how truly insignificant I am in the face of nature's grandeur. Plus, I got a killer tan. And if you're lucky, maybe I'll remember to take some pictures to show off what I am talking about.
Okay, I'm exhausted. But in the best way possible.
Escape to Paradise: O Goyla Dairy's Luxurious Hotel (Formerly Osho Inn)
Unbelievable Huangshan Views: 0517 Inn's Hidden Gem Revealed! (Prepare for the Sarcasm & the Scenic Overload)
So, what's the *deal* with this 0517 Inn everyone's raving about? Is it REALLY as amazing as the Instagram pics – or just another tourist trap posing as paradise?
Okay, deep breath. Let's be honest. I'm not usually one for gushing. But 0517 Inn? Yeah, it's… pretty darn good. Okay, FINE, it's *phenomenal*. Look, those Instagram photos? They're not *entirely* lying. Expect the clouds. Expect the peaks. Expect the "OMG I can't believe I'm breathing this air" moments. Expect a slight delay at check-in, because honestly, *every* hotel has that. The real question is: is it worth the hype? After I lost my umbrella and ran to my room and almost tripped on the stairs? YES. Absolutely YES. Especially when you wake up to a sunrise that makes you question your entire existence in the most beautiful way possible.
Are there REALLY incredible views from the rooms? I'm picturing a cramped, windowless box...
Hah! Okay, I GET IT. Been scarred by the "hotel room with a view of the alley" experience, have we? Yeah, forget that. The views? They're not "pretty good." They're "jaw-on-the-floor-can't-believe-this-is-real" good. My room (I think it was number 42, or whatever, honestly memory foggy from the hike and the insane scenery) literally had a panorama. I mean, the *entire* mountain range felt like it was practically *in* my room. I spent a good hour just staring, coffee in hand, utterly useless. I even *forgot* to take photos for a solid five minutes. (That's practically a personal record of zen.) So, yeah. Views. You'll have them. Prepare to be humbled. Maybe pack some tissues... for the happy tears. Or, you know, allergies. Because there's A LOT of nature.
What's the actual *Inn* like? Is it all rickety stairs and questionable plumbing?
Okay, here's the *real* scoop. It's not the Ritz. Let's be clear. It's rustic. Charmingly so. Think cozy, not sterile. The stairs are… well, they're *there*. Don't expect a lift. The plumbing? It worked! (Relief!). The beds were clean. The blankets smelled fine. Considering you're in the middle of freaking *mountains*, it's surprisingly comfortable. It's got that "family-run-charm" vibe, which means the service is friendly but maybe a little *laid-back*. Which, honestly, after a hike like the one you’re about to do, you kinda need. It’s all part of the experience. The only real downside was the occasional *slight* chill in the air at night, but it's high up, and the views make up for it.
Is the food any good? Or am I doomed to a week of bland hotel breakfast buffets?
Okay, listen. The food is... decent. Let's be honest: you're not going for a Michelin-star experience. It's hearty. It's filling. It's exactly what you need after hiking ALL DAY. They had some…interesting…breakfast options, like a congee that was slightly too watery for my taste. But the staff fixed that, and it was fine. There was definitely an abundance of dumplings. The best part? Eating it on the terrace, overlooking the sunrise. Pretty much any bland food is instantly elevated by that view. Prepare to fight the urge to steal the entire plate for yourself because the sunset is so great (I did!).
Okay, the views. I *get* it. But what about the actual *Huangshan* hike? Any tips for a total newbie? (Or someone who considers "walking to the mailbox" a major cardio event?)
Oh honey. Huangshan. Where do I even *begin*? First, pack light. And I mean *light*. Every single step will be a test of your willpower (and the strength of your knees). Staircases. So many staircases. My hamstrings still haven't forgiven me. Go slow. Seriously. Don't try to be a hero. Take breaks. Hydrate constantly. Pack WAY MORE WATER than you think you'll need. Wear good shoes! (I learned that the hard way, and it involved a blister the size of a small continent.) The cable car is a lifesaver, use it! But the most important tip? Don't give up. There will be times you want to quit. When your legs are screaming and your lungs feel like they're on fire. But when you reach the top and *see* that view… it will all be worth it. Promise. (And if you're still struggling, just remember I made it, and I almost tripped over my own feet at the check-in. You CAN do this.)
Is there a particular time of year that's best to go? I'm terrified of crowds… and also freezing cold!
Crowds, eh? Yeah, Huangshan is *popular*. Avoid the Golden Week holidays like the plague! Shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) are probably your best bet for a balance of decent weather and manageable crowds. The views are amazing year-round, but be prepared for anything, weather-wise. Layers are your friend. Even in summer, it can get chilly up there. And if you go in winter? Prepare for potentially stunning snowy landscapes… and *extreme* cold. (And maybe pack a flask of something warm to get you through the day). I was there in October, and the weather was pretty perfect, but I did wish I'd brought a hat. And gloves. And maybe a portable heater...
Any *specific* hikes or viewpoints I absolutely HAVE to see? Don't give me vague answers!
Okay, you want specifics? Alright, here's my personal Huangshan itinerary, which, to be honest, was more of a "wandering-around-in-awe" kinda thing. But here are the things you ABSOLUTELY cannot miss:
- The Sunrise at Lion Peak: Okay, get up EARLY. Like, *ridiculously* early. But trust me. That sunrise is… yeah. The pictures don’t do it justice. I actually forgot to take a picture; I was too busy just standing there, mouth agape. It was a religious experience, minus the religion. And the cold. The biting, soul-crushing cold. But still, worth it.
- The Cloud Sea: This changes all the time, so you have to just get luckyLow Price Hotel Blogzero five one seven inn Huangshan China
zero five one seven inn Huangshan China
