Yulin's BEST Hotel? Wanda Plaza Hanting Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Yulin's BEST Hotel? Wanda Plaza Hanting Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!) - A Hot Mess of Thoughts!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your typical hotel review. This is going to be a chaotic, honest, and probably overly-detailed dive into the Wanda Plaza Hanting Hotel in Yulin. I'm talking EVERYTHING. Forget the polished PR speak; we're going full-on messy reality.
First Impressions (Accessibility: The Grind Begins!)
Getting to the hotel was…an experience. (Don't ask about the taxi, let's just say it involved a lot of pointing and even more translation app magic.) Straight off the bat, I'm thinking: Accessibility. This is crucial. While I don't need a wheelchair directly, the thought is always on my mind, and the hotel advertised "Facilities for disabled guests."
Well… the entrance looked pretty flat, which is a good start. The elevators, however? Slightly terrifying. Like, I held my breath each time we ascended, picturing a sudden, dramatic plunge. (Okay, maybe I've been watching too many action movies.) The corridors seemed wide enough, and the signage was, for the most part, easy to read. But honestly, I didn't get a detailed look. I was far too busy trying to navigate my luggage and fight off the jet lag.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Baffling
The room itself? Let’s break it down, category by category - because I do not miss a thing.
- Available in All Rooms: Okay, so, Air conditioning, check. Alarm clock, check. Bathrobes, double-check! (I love a bathrobe, don't judge.) Bathroom phone? Seriously? Is this the 80s?
- Essentials: Bathtub. Yes! (After a day of battling the airport and the language barrier, a good soak is heaven.) Blackout curtains – a GODSEND. Carpeting, a bit suspect (I'm a clean freak, and carpets, no matter how good, always feel…questionable). Closet - check. Enough space to hang my many, many outfits.
- Tea and Coffee: Coffee/tea maker, and Complimentary tea, YES. Morning rituals must be honored.
- More room features: A Desk – essential for catching up on emails (blech). An Extra long bed, perfect for sprawling. Free bottled water, a life saver (hydration is key!). Hair dryer, a mandatory item in my book. A In-room safe box - useful, but I'm always suspicious of hotel safes, what's the deal?!
- Amenities Continued: Laptop workspace, Internet access – wireless (thank goodness!), Ironing facilities, praise the heavens! (Wrinkled clothes make me twitchy).
- The Rest: Linens, seem fine. Mini bar – overpriced, as always. Mirror, check. I need to check myself, okay? Non-smoking - thank the lord, smokers are the bane of my existence. On-demand movies, who uses those anymore?! A Private bathroom, a must. A Reading light, check. Refrigerator, useful, but probably just for water or a late-night snack.
- Safety and Security: Safety/security feature – I couldn’t find anything, but there are Satellite/cable channels, something to watch. Scale, yikes. Seating area – needed. Separate shower/bathtub - awesome! Shower, check. Slippers – nice touch! Smoke detector, yes. Socket near the bed – a modern necessity, but I ended up using my own extension cord anyway. Sofa, a bit lumpy. Soundproofing, well, kinda. I could still hear the street noise. Telephone, why is this still a thing?! Toiletries, the generic kind, but they did the job. Towels, fluffy enough. Umbrella, important (I'm never prepared for rain). Visual alarm? Didn't spot one. Wake-up service – used it, and it worked. Wi-Fi [free] – yay! Window that opens – a breath of fresh air (literally).
The Room: Some Specifics!
The best part? The bed. Honestly, the best sleep I've had in ages. (Well, once I'd wrestled with the sheets for a bit, they seemed a bit…starchy.) And the blackout curtains! Heaven. I could finally sleep in without the sun trying to peek in on me. The worst part? The bathroom. Fine, but not amazing. It’s functional, but not exactly luxurious. The water pressure was a bit weak, which always bugs me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Food Adventure!
Now, let's get to the good stuff – food!
- Asian breakfast - I was excited, but it was a bit… underwhelming. The noodles were soggy, and the dumplings were flavorless. The fruit selection, however, was great! I could only eat small portions.
- Breakfast [buffet], a classic, and this hotel delivered. I ate everything I could get my hands on! (Okay, maybe not everything.) It was the perfect place to start my days. Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Coffee shop - a must!
- Restaurants: There was a Restaurant, serving Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant. I ate at both. While the quality of food was not spectacular, it did the trick and made me full. They had Desserts in restaurant, which I loved.
- Bar: There was a Bar and Poolside bar. I never got the chance to go - I hate the idea of drinking alone.
- Room service [24-hour]: I indulged a few times. The food was… well, it was room service. Not the best, not the worst.
- Snack bar: I should have checked this out!
Things to do:
There were a few opportunities to unwind and relax.
- Fitness Center: There was a Fitness center, and Gym/fitness, which I ignored at all costs. Look, I'm on holiday! But hey, it was there if I felt guilty.
- Spa: The real highlight? Spa. I booked myself a Massage. It was the most amazing experience - exactly what I needed to relax.
- And More: The Sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool looked tempting, but I never got around to them.
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID Factor (Ugh)
Alright, let's address THE elephant in the room… COVID-19.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, hopefully.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, I saw them doing it, but I didn't see what they were using.
- Hand sanitizer, available scattered.
- Individually-wrapped food options, mostly.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, not always observed by the other guests (sigh).
- Rooms sanitized between stays, I hope so!
- Staff trained in safety protocol, again, hopefully!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, this seems good.
I was really grateful for the Cashless payment service, as well as the Breakfast takeaway service!
Services and Conveniences: Bits and Bobs
- Air conditioning in public area– thankfully.
- Business facilities– never used them.
- Concierge– helpful, but sometimes communication was a struggle.
- Convenience store– handy for snacks, but overpriced.
- Currency exchange– never used.
- Daily housekeeping– essential.
- Elevator– see my earlier comments about potential terror.
- Facilities for disabled guests– see my comments above.
- Food delivery– used this a couple of times, which was easy!
- Luggage storage– safe and easy.
- Meeting/banquet facilities– didn't check them out.
- Ironing service– a god-send, always!
- Laundry service– okay, but a bit expensive.
- Safety deposit boxes– didn't use.
- Smoking area– bless them for having this!
Staff: A Mixed Bag
The staff were generally trying their best. Some spoke decent English, others, well, we relied on translation apps. They always smiled and were polite, even when I was being a grumpy tourist.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Okay, so, the Wanda Plaza Hanting Hotel wasn't perfect. Far from it. There were quirks, frustrations, and moments of pure, unadulterated chaos. But…would I stay there again?
Honestly? Probably. If I needed a place to,
Escape to Paradise: Hotel El Jardin de Eugenia, Ribadesella's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "drunk diary entry after inhaling too much Lanzhou noodles." My journey through Hanting Hotel Yulin, Development Zone, Wanda Plaza, Yulin, Shaanxi, China… well, it's a saga.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Quest (or, "Oh God, I'm in Yulin")
- 15:00 - Dazed and Confused Arrival: Okay, so the airport? Let's just say the customs officer looked at my passport like I’d smuggled in a talking teapot. Found a slightly dodgy airport taxi, praying it's not a human-trafficking front because, let's be real, the air is thick with suspicion. After the taxi arrived, I had to check in at Hanting Hotel Yulin Development Zone Wanda Plaza Yulin.
- 16:30 - Check-in Chaos: Hanting Hotels. The name sounds… solid, right? Think again. The lobby was a symphony of ringing phones and stressed faces. The person behind the counter? Their English was as good as my Mandarin (which is, in a word, pathetic). After much gesticulation, I secured a room. It’s clean, but the flickering fluorescent lights could induce seizures. I will try to ignore it.
- 17:00 - The Room and First Thoughts: My room may be a bit small, It got everything. The usual stuff: TV blaring some ancient Chinese soap opera, tiny bathroom with suspiciously patterned tiles. But hey, it has a bed. And wifi, which, let's face it, is the cornerstone of modern existence. I’m sure I'll be fine. Not.
- 18:00 - Launching the Noodle Mission: I must. Find. Noodles. Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles, to be specific. I had read a lot about it. Wandered out onto the bustling streets. This is when I realize Wanda Plaza isn't just a place, it's a thing. A colossal, neon-lit behemoth of consumerism. Found a place that looked promising. Big mistake number one.
- 19:00 - Noodle Nirvana (and the Aftermath): The noodles themselves were glorious. Perfectly chewy, swimming in a rich broth, and topped with the most tender beef I’ve ever tasted. Pure bliss. Now the problems start. The spicy soup was delicious enough to make my nose run and make even my tongue feel the need to leave the place. The noise. the heat. The staring! I'm pretty sure I'm the only foreigner within a twenty-mile radius. My internal monologue went something like this: "Eat faster! You've got a reputation to uphold! Does my face look red? Do they think I can't handle the spice? Maybe I should order another bowl…” Oh, and the bathroom? Let's just say I emerged with a renewed appreciation for indoor plumbing.
- 20:00 - Retreat and Regret: Back at the hotel, I collapsed onto the bed. I felt a strange mix of satisfaction and mild existential dread. Was that the best bowl of noodles I’ll ever eat? Probably. Will I be able to handle this level of cultural immersion for the next few days? Debatable. Ordering some snacks from a local delivery service because the hotel’s vending machine has the most depressing assortment of stale biscuits.
Day 2: The Wanda Plaza Labyrinth and a Surprisingly Profound Tea Ceremony
- 09:00 - Breakfast of Champions (or at Least, Something Edible): The hotel breakfast buffet was… interesting. A variety of cold cuts that looked like they’d been around since the Tang Dynasty, some suspicious-looking congee, and mystery dumplings. I stuck with the toast and jam.
- 10:00 - The Wanda Plaza Odyssey Part 1: Decided to brave Wanda Plaza again. This time I’m armed with google translate. Oh, I don’t know what I was thinking. This place is vast. I spent a solid hour just trying to find the right escalator, getting sidetracked by a dazzling array of phone cases, and a store selling nothing but Hello Kitty merchandise. My sanity slowly begins to crumble.
- 12:00 – Lunch at a Dim Sum paradise: I was starving and found a restaurant that looked promising. Dim sum. It arrives in bamboo steamers, each dish a tiny, bite-sized explosion of flavour. So addictive. I am starting to see the appeal of this plaza, it's a paradise for hungry people.
- 14:00 – Tea Ceremony (yes, really!) : Wandering aimlessly in Wanda Plaza. Found myself in a tiny, unassuming tea shop. I got drawn in by the scent of jasmine and finally decided to try it. The tea master, with a serene smile. The tea itself? Absolutely divine. It transported me to a place of calm, something I desperately needed. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated peace. Who knew a cup of tea could be so damn profound?
- 17:00 – The Wanda Plaza Odyssey Part 2 : By this point, I think I officially lost my mind. Stumbled into a karaoke bar. (I can’t sing and don’t speak Mandarin, I have no ideas why I’m in here. I left.
- 19:00 – Dinner and a Near-Death Experience with Spicy Hot Pot: Okay, so, I thought I understood spicy. Nope. This hot pot, a bubbling cauldron of fire and fury, nearly did me in. The heat was so intense, but the flavour was so unbelievably intoxicating! I cried and then, I just had to order another dish.
- 21:00 - Reflecting on Life (and the Spice): Back at the hotel. I am lying in bed, unable to sleep, thinking about the hot pot. My mouth is still on fire, my stomach is making strange noises, and I'm pretty sure I might not make it to breakfast tomorrow. But… it was worth it.
Day 3: Yulin's Ancient Walls and a Farewell Feast (and Possibly a Medical Emergency)
- 09:00 - Breakfast of… Fear?: Another buffet. The usual suspects. Plus something that resembled a pickled prune. I ate the toast, very slowly.
- 10:00 - Exploring Yulin's Ancient Walls: I had to go! The old city walls of Yulin. The ancient walls are beautiful and well-preserved. I enjoyed a moment.
- 12:00 - Lunch with a Twist: Ordered a seemingly harmless noodle dish. It arrived swimming in a fiery orange broth. My eyes watered, my face was flushed. I finished every spicy drop.
- 14:00 - Wanda Plaza? Really? I went for a swim in the hotel pool. It was surprisingly refreshing. Before going to Wanda Plaza. My wallet begged me to stop.
- 18:00 - Farewell Feast (and a Potential Trip to the Emergency Room): I ordered spicy crabs for my last dinner. The restaurant owner looked apprehensive. The crabs were delicious, but something went wrong. I began breaking out in hives! My throat started itching! I think it might have been the crab, or the chili oil, or maybe I’m just allergic to China! I had a minor panic attack.
- 20:00 - Back to the Hotel; I am waiting and waiting for my medicine to do its work. I am exhausted. I am scared. And I am… strangely, happy.
- 22:00 - Flight tomorrow: I am ready to go. I am thankful for the experience.
Final Thoughts:
Yulin? It's a sensory overload, a cultural rollercoaster, and a culinary adventure. You'll be challenged, you'll be confused, and you'll probably ingest something that makes you question your life choices. But you know what? It's also beautiful, delicious, and utterly unforgettable. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm packing extra Pepto-Bismol and a phrasebook that actually works.
Unbelievable Luxury: 5 Senses Await in Your KL Executive Suite!
Okay, spill the tea. Is the Wanda Plaza Hanting Hotel in Yulin *actually* as bad as everyone makes it out to be? (And is it near that, uh, *interesting* market?)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. "Bad" is subjective, right? But look, the Wanda Plaza Hanting… it's an experience. It’s less “luxury stay” and more “surviving Yulin.” First off, yes, it's near the market that's, shall we say, *known*. Let's just leave it at that. So, location-wise, you're in the thick of it. That can be good (instant access to… *things*… mostly food, tbh) or bad (noise, smells… let's not go there). Honestly? I think being near the action is a pro, if you're prepared. Prepared for *anything*.
The room *itself* – What's the deal? Cleanliness? Comfy beds? Or a biohazard zone?
Okay, the room. Right, the room. Deep breaths. Okay. Expect… basic. Like, *really* basic. Think "Ikea-chic" that's been slightly abused. Cleanliness? Well, it's… variable. I’d bring my own disinfectant wipes. My first room had a lingering… *aroma*. Not pleasant. I think I saw a speck of something I’d rather not identify near the window. Switched rooms. Second time around was better. Still, I’d rate the cleanliness a solid… C-. The bed *was* relatively comfortable. Thank god. After a long day of haggling for dragon fruit, a comfy bed is a gift from the gods.
Washing things! The bathroom situation? Is it a modern-day marvel or a plumbing nightmare?
The bathroom. Oh, the bathroom! Okay, I’m going to have to be honest here. My first experience in the bathroom was an absolute comedy of errors. The shower… well, the shower head was detached. I mean, *completely* detached. I spent a good five minutes trying to reattach it, looking like a total idiot while getting soaked. Finally gave up and just held it like a garden hose. Then the water pressure… imagine a sad little trickle that barely manages to wash away the grime of the day. The hot water? Don't get me started. It came and went like a flaky friend. Bring your own shampoo and conditioner. Seriously. They provide the bare minimum.
How about the staff? Helpful? Grumpy? Fluent in any language other than… well, Chinese?
The staff. Ah, the staff. They’re… there. My Mandarin is passable, so I can’t really speak to their English proficiency, but they seemed… efficient. Not overly friendly, but efficient. One guy did help me with the broken shower head (eventually. After much pointing and gesturing). The check-in and check-out process was painless. But don't expect them to be falling over themselves with hospitality. It's functional, not particularly warm or welcoming. But hey, at least they're there!
The breakfast. Supposedly included? Is it worth braving? Or a culinary disaster?
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. I'd heard rumors. I approached it with a healthy dose of skepticism. And… it was edible. Mostly. It's your standard Chinese hotel breakfast – rice porridge, some sad-looking eggs, a variety of… things… in various questionable textures. I stuck to the noodles and the bread (thank *god* for the bread). Honestly, it was not the highlight of my trip. But it filled a hole and kept me from starving. Think of it as fuel, not fine dining.
Okay, let's get real. What's the *one* thing you remember most about the Hanting Hotel experience?
The *one* thing? Okay, this is going to sound weird. But... the *door*? No, wait, it's the *keycard*. It was like, a flimsy little piece of plastic, and it wouldn't work. For, like, an hour. I spent an entire blessed hour going back and forth to the front desk, awkwardly trying to explain the problem. The staff were, bless their hearts, trying. But the card reader was ancient. The battery was probably dead. I was locked out. I swore. I ranted. I considered sleeping in the lobby. Eventually, after a *massive* amount of fiddling and reprogramming, a new card worked. It was a small victory, but it felt huge. This single keycard saga pretty much sums up the whole experience: slightly chaotic, a bit frustrating, but ultimately… survivable. And honestly? Kind of funny in retrospect.
Would you recommend it? Honestly?
Okay, the big question. Would I recommend the Wanda Plaza Hanting? Look, it depends on your expectations and your budget. If you're looking for luxury, run. Run far, far away. If you need something clean, comfy, and *reliable*? Maybe look elsewhere. But if you're on a budget, need a place to crash, and are up for a bit of… adventure? And you're near the market, it's a decent place. It's a Yulin experience. Embrace the chaos. Bring your own disinfectant and a good sense of humor. You might just survive. Probably. Maybe.
Any other tips for surviving a stay at the Yulin Hanting?
Oh, yes. Several. Bring:
- Disinfectant wipes. Seriously.
- Your own toiletries. The hotel's offerings are, shall we say, minimal.
- Earplugs. The street noise can be *intense*.
- A sense of humor. You'll need it.
- A healthy dose of "this is an adventure" attitude.
- Patience. Lots of it. Especially when dealing with the keycard.
- And maybe a backup plan. Just in case.
Anything else should I be aware of specifically about the location?
For the love of all that is holy: double check everything when you check in. The room number is often written in a tiny, often wrong font. Also, be prepared for some… interesting smells. It's close to a busy market and the hotel has seen some things. Don't expect much help if you need to find an ATM, those can be tricky to find. Try some street food. Just be careful and think of the best food in Yulin.
