Nanjing's Hidden Gem: Hanting Hotel Review (Ming Palace Metro!)
Hanting Hotel (Ming Palace Metro!) - My Nanjing Adventure: Expect the Unexpected
Okay, so Nanjing. Majestic, historic, and… a city that can be a little daunting to navigate if you're not fluent in Mandarin (spoiler alert: I'm not). Enter the valiant Hanting Hotel, conveniently located near the Ming Palace Metro station. "Hidden Gem" might be a touch optimistic, let's be real, but it's solid. It's…fine. But read on, because my experience was anything but fine. It was a rollercoaster!
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (Like My Mandarin Skills)
Okay, let's be practical. Accessibility is HUGE for me, and I'm happy to say… it’s a mixed bag. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, which is great. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. You know, like, actually seeing them. I didn't get a proper chance to assess, BUT the elevator definitely existed. That's a win. More info on this is absolutely needed.
Cleanliness & Safety - Soothing My Inner Germaphobe (Mostly)
This is where Hanting shone. Seriously. The pandemic has turned me, and probably you, into a sanitizing fiend. And Hanting gets it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. They shout it from the rooftops! The daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. The staff was definitely trained in safety protocol. They were also, thankfully, rocking hand sanitizer dispensers EVERYWHERE. I even saw them sterilizing equipment. Now, that’s what I’m talking about!
My room? Spotless. Like, ridiculously spotless. Now, the option to opt-out of room sanitization? Not sure about that. As a germaphobe, that idea freaks me out slightly. But I'd bet a lot of people appreciate it.
Rooms: Cozy…ish.
Okay, the rooms. Let’s be real, they're not the Ritz. But they're clean, relatively spacious, and… well, they have everything you need. Crucially, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and it worked, hallelujah!). Air conditioning? Yes, thank the heavens for that. Blackout curtains? Essential for someone who loves their beauty sleep. I didn’t have interconnecting rooms, or high-floor access.
The Bathroom Situation: A Tale of Two Showers
The bathroom was functional. The water was hot. The shower… let’s just say I experienced both a powerful jet stream and, on a separate occasion, a gentle drizzle. It’s China, right? Embrace the unexpected. The slippers and robes were a nice touch. Especially in this case.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Belly Was Never Bored
Here's where things get interesting. Hanting doesn't boast Michelin-starred restaurants. BUT, there are a few options.
- The Hotel Restaurant: I tried the Asian breakfast once. It was… an experience. Let’s just say it wasn’t the highlight of my trip. It was good for an Asian breakfast, but nothing spectacular. They did offer a buffet in the restaurant. You could also order a la carte in the restaurant.
- Coffee Shop: The coffee shop was my saving grace. Especially in the mid-afternoon when the jetlag decided to hit hard. They had good coffee and cakes! Yes!
- Room service [24-hour]: This was a lifesaver. Especially the night I realized I couldn't figure out how to order food delivery!
- Snack bar: I wouldn't say there was a "snack bar" as much as a small selection of crisps and that was perfect.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
- 24-hour Front Desk: Excellent. Especially because I had some trouble figuring out the lock on the safe… more on that later.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was spotless EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
- Free Car Park [on-site]: Huge win if you arrive with your car.
- Dry Cleaning/Laundry Service: Yay!
- Luggage Storage: Essential when you’re trying to squeeze in one last dumpling feast before your train.
- Elevator: Praise be!
Things to Do and Ways to Relax - Finding My Zen (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, this is where Hanting is not a resort. I wouldn't advise coming here with the intention of a spa weekend. There’s no pool. There's no gym. But if you want to relax? Well, get a massage elsewhere!
Getting Around - Ming Palace Metro Station: Your Golden Ticket
Okay, the REAL selling point for me? The Ming Palace Metro Station is RIGHT THERE. You can practically roll out of bed and onto the subway. Seriously, this is invaluable for navigating Nanjing. Saves massive time and money on taxis.
My Personal Hanting Highlights (The Good, The Bad, and the Hilarious)
- The Safe Saga: One night, I couldn't figure out the safe in my room. I mean, really couldn't. I tried everything! Turns out, I was overthinking it. The 24-hour front desk was AMAZING. I’m not sure if the staff knew how to lock a safe, but they were super friendly through my awkwardness.
- The Breakfast Buffet: Asian Edition: I already said this but I need to re-iterate. I ate the breakfast. I survived. I still don't recommend it.
- The Location, Location, Location: Seriously, the metro access made everything so much easier. It took me to the city’s major attractions such as: Presidential Palace, the Confucius Temple, and Xuanwu Lake which I recommend.
- The Price: This is a budget-friendly hotel. You get what you pay for, and in this case, you get a clean, convenient, and fairly safe base for exploring Nanjing.
Is Hanting Hotel (Ming Palace Metro) Right for You?
If you're:
- On a budget.
- Prioritizing cleanliness and safety.
- Wanting easy access to the metro.
Then, YES, absolutely. It’s a solid choice.
If you’re:
- Looking for a luxury experience with all the bells and whistles.
- Expecting fine dining.
- Need extensive spa facilities.
Then, no. Look elsewhere.
The Offer You Can't Refuse - Book Now and Experience Nanjing (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Tired of overpriced hotels that leave you feeling like a tourist trap? Craving an authentic Nanjing experience without sacrificing cleanliness and convenience? Hanting Hotel (Ming Palace Metro) is your answer!
Here’s why you should book NOW:
- Unbeatable Location: Steps from the Ming Palace Metro Station – explore Nanjing with ease!
- Peace of Mind: Our commitment to safety and cleanliness will soothe your travel anxieties.
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy comfortable accommodation without emptying your wallet.
- Convenience at Your Fingertips: 24-hour room service, a helpful staff, and all the amenities you need for a smooth stay.
Book your stay at Hanting Hotel (Ming Palace Metro) and experience the real Nanjing! Don’t wait, your Nanjing adventure awaits! And don’t worry, the safe is WAY easier to use than I made it sound… probably.
Escape to Paradise: Coco Villa's Luxury Awaits in Sri Lanka
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is my real-life, slightly-chaotic-but-definitely-memorable trip to Nanjing, centered around the Hanting Hotel near the Nanjing Museum and the Ming Palace Metro Station. Prepare for some glorious mess, because, well, that's just how I roll.
Day 1: Arrival, Ramen Rage, and a Glimmer of Grandeur
(Morning - Arrive in Nanjing, Hanting Hotel Check-In, and Ramen-Induced Fury)
- 7:00 AM (approx.): Arrived at Nanjing Lukou International Airport bleary-eyed and convinced I'd left my sanity on the plane. The airport was…efficient. Not scenic, not particularly friendly, just…efficient. Immediately started battling the language barrier. "Where's the bloody taxi rank?!" (Translation: "Excuse me, could you please direct me to the designated area for taxis?")
- 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Taxi ride to Hanting Hotel. Okay, the taxi driver seemed to know where he was going. I mean, we eventually arrived. The streets were a symphony of scooters and honking, which I found both exhilarating and terrifying. Gave a generous tip. Lord knows he deserved it.
- 10:00 AM: Finally, finally checked into the Hanting Hotel (praise the heavens for pre-booked rooms!). It's clean, simple, and…well, it's a hotel. My room smells vaguely of air freshener and a lingering hint of cigarette smoke that clearly refuses to die. Decency to the staff who were super helpful with the check-in. The location, near the museum and the metro, seemed perfect.
- 11:00 AM - Noon: Attempted to find lunch. Disaster followed. Wandered aimlessly, my stomach growling a symphony of hunger. Stumbled upon a ramen shop…or so I thought. Ordered a bowl of something that looked like ramen, but tasted like sadness and regret. The noodles were mushy, the broth tasted suspiciously of tap water, and the "pork" was a collection of unidentifiable gristle. I ate, of course. But I did so with a bubbling rage. My food. Why!
(Afternoon - Nanjing Museum: Overwhelmed by History and the Sights)
- 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Nanjing Museum. Oh. My. God. This place is massive. I mean, you could get lost in here for days. The sheer volume of artifacts is mind-boggling. Spent a good hour just staring at the jade collection, feeling a profound sense of awe. (And maybe a little bit of envy – those pieces are gorgeous!) Walked around for many hours and was completely overwhelmed. The history here is so dense, and the stories…heartbreaking. I got lost. I couldn't read a thing, but I loved it all the same. Truly.
- 4:30 PM: Decided to leave early. Stared at the exit for 5 minutes. Exited with a huge "Wow".
(Evening - Dinner Mishap & Early Retreat)
- 7:00 PM: Tried a local restaurant. The menu was in Chinese, of course. Pointed at pictures, hoping for the best. Ended up with something that looked like fried chicken but was actually a particularly spicy form of fermented tofu. My mouth was on fire. I sweated. I cried a little.
- 8:00 PM: Retreat to the hotel room. Collapse on the bed, nursing a bottle of water and a newfound respect for the spicy food tolerance of the locals.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Netflix, in bed. Sleep, to recharge for tomorrow.
Day 2: Ming Palace, Memorial Hall, and Metro Mayhem
(Morning - Ming Dynasty Grandeur (and a Stray Cat with an Attitude))
- 8:00 AM: Dragged myself out of bed. The lingering ramen rage had subsided, replaced by a dull ache in my legs from yesterday's museum marathon. Determined to explore the Ming Palace ruins. The metro is surprisingly easy to navigate! Even with my terrible Chinese. Found the staff very helpful.
- 9:00 AM - Noon: Ming Palace. The scale of this place is unbelievable. Imagining the grandeur of the imperial court flourishing here… it's breathtaking. Walked through the ruins, imagining the emperors and their court. I fell in love with it all! I then encountered a stray cat. We made eye contact. I offered some of my pastry. She gave me a look that said, "Are you kidding me?" Then she stalked away, with the grace of a feline empress.
(Afternoon - Massacre Memorial and a Descent into Gloom, and then Optimism)
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. This was a difficult visit. The weight of history bore down on me, a heavy, crushing thing. The exhibits are so graphic and heartbreaking. I cried. I wanted to leave. But I also felt a responsibility to bear witness, to remember. The strength of the Nanjing people is unbelievable. While difficult to view, the people of China will never forget this event. This is something I will never forget.
- 4:00 PM: Walked around the streets after the memorial hall. Took some photos, and watched the people.
- 4:30 PM: Walked into a random shop, and picked up something.
(Evening - Metro Meanderings, Dim Sum, and a Glimmer of Hope)
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Metro exploration. The metro system in Nanjing is a marvel of engineering. Efficient. Clean. And surprisingly quiet, save for the occasional loudspeaker announcement in rapid-fire Chinese. Wandered around, got slightly lost, but who cares?
- 7:00 PM: Finally found a dim sum restaurant. Food was delicious. I inhaled every single bite. A perfect end to the day.
- 8:00 PM: Headed back to the hotel, feeling exhausted but strangely…happy.
Day 3: Departure and Reflections
(Morning - Last Bites & Metro Mania)
- 8:00 AM: Checked out of the Hanting Hotel. The staff were friendly, but I was almost ready to leave.
- 9:00 AM: Took the metro to the airport.
(Afternoon - Departure
- 10:00 AM: Arrived at the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Fligh back home.
My Reflections and Anecdotes
Okay, let's be honest. This trip was not perfect. I got lost, I ate some questionable food, and I embarrassed myself countless times. But it was also… incredible. Nanjing is a city of contrasts: ancient history and modern progress, bustling streets and quiet parks, moments of joy and moments of profound sadness. It's a city that challenges you, pushes you, and ultimately…leaves you changed.
- The Ramen Rage: This is so important, I'm going to double down. I'm still haunted by that ramen. I've considered starting a support group for travelers who've suffered ramen-induced trauma. I’m not exaggerating when I say it affected my entire outlook on Day 1. Never again.
- The Nanjing Museum and the Meaning of History: The Nanjing Museum is amazing. I mean, just the sheer scale of everything! I found myself captivated, and I know I saw only a fraction of it. The history, the jade! The sheer volume of artifacts is boggling.
- The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall: What Lies Behind the History: This memorial hall will break you. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It’s a powerful, and emotionally draining, experience. But it's essential to bear witness, to remember. It's a reminder of the darkest aspects of humanity, and the importance of empathy.
- The Metro and the City: The metro is so awesome. Being a fan of metro systems, I fell in love with it. Getting around, even with my terrible Chinese, was surprisingly easy.
- What I ate: Lots of food, with many moments of joy and horror. Dim sum. Spicy tofu. Ramen. Oh, that ramen…
- The Stray Cat: That cat was basically my spirit animal. I wanted to adopt it. I should have adopted it.
Would I return to Nanjing? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Next time? I’ll bring a phrasebook, a translator app, and a healthy dose of curiosity. And maybe…a hazmat suit for the ramen.
So, there you have it. My messy, honest, and utterly human experience of Nanjing. Go, explore, get lost, learn some history, eat some questionable food. And most importantly…enjoy the ride. Because it’s going to be one hell of an adventure.
Alma Jerusalem: Israel's Soul-Stirring Secret Revealed
Hanting Hotel (Ming Palace Metro Stop!) - The Unfiltered Truth: A Questionable But Honest Review
Okay, spill it. Is Hanting REALLY as budget as they say? And is the location actually... good?
Oh, honey, budget? Let me translate: *cheap*. Like, "I could probably afford ramen *and* a small carton of milk" cheap. And the location? Well, the proximity to the Ming Palace Metro stop is undeniably a *huge* win. Being able to stumble out of the station and practically *fall* into the hotel after a day of dumpling-induced bliss is pure genius. But let’s be real, my first impression? Think slightly… institutional. Fluorescent lights, a lobby that could double as a waiting room for a dental appointment… you get the picture. But, and this is a big but, the *price*. For being that close to the metro and some seriously cool stuff? Totally worth it. Consider it an investment in your Nanjing adventure, not a luxurious stay.
The rooms… the rooms… are they actually clean? Be honest, are we talking roach motel?
Okay, deep breaths. Roaches? Thankfully, no, not *that* level of horror. However, "spotlessly clean" isn't exactly the phrase that springs to mind. Let's just say "thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis by someone who *tries*." I once found… a stray, very small, and likely dehydrated, ant. It was more comical than horrifying. The sheets? Okay, they're fine. Nothing luxurious, but they *seem* clean. The bathroom, which can be a deal-breaker for some, was… adequate? No mold monsters, which is a plus. Bring some disinfectant wipes – you'll thank me later. And a sense of humor. That's crucial.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because I need to *stay* connected. (#influencerlife, lol)
Oh, the Wi-Fi. This is where the true test of your patience begins. It *exists*. That's the good news. The bad news? It can be… temperamental. Think dial-up internet in the 2000s. Sometimes it's blazing fast, allowing you to post those Insta stories of your delicious dumplings. Other times? You're better off writing carrier pigeons with your travel plans. Just be prepared to embrace the digital dark ages occasionally. I found myself wandering into the lobby more than once, desperately trying to catch a signal, looking like a crazy person. Embrace the struggle, you'll survive. Maybe. Download some stuff beforehand, just in case.
Breakfast? Is there a breakfast? And is it... edible?
Breakfast! Oh, bless their cotton socks, they *offer* breakfast. Let's just say it's… an experience. The options are… limited. Think pre-packaged buns, possibly slightly stale, some sort of congee (rice porridge) that resembled wallpaper paste in appearance, and maybe a sad-looking boiled egg. I'm talking about a level of breakfast where the only thing that could have been improved was my own expectations. But listen, you're not exactly paying for Michelin-star dining, are you? I’d highly recommend getting some street food instead, the food vendors outside the hotel were much tastier - and much more entertaining to watch.
Is the staff helpful? Or are they, you know, *that* kind of hotel staff?
The staff! Okay, this is a mixed bag. Some are lovely, helpful, and genuinely try their best. Some… well, communication can be a challenge. My Mandarin is… let's call it "developing." I once tried to ask for an extra towel and ended up explaining the entire plot of a very confusing soap opera. Don't expect fluent English, but they're generally polite. A little patience and a translation app are your best friends. Just remember: smile, be polite, and you'll usually be fine. And if all else fails, mime. It’s surprisingly effective.
Anything seriously annoying that I should know before booking? Like, REALLY annoying?
Oh, yes. The walls. They're thin. REALLY thin. Like, you can practically hear your neighbors breathing, let alone… other activities. I once got to experience a full live concert by the person in the room beside me. And I mean *concert*. Vocal warm-ups, the works. Earplugs are an absolute necessity. Consider it a built-in feature, part of the "budget experience." Oh! Don't even get me started on the elevator. It's slow. Painfully, achingly slow. It’s like it's powered by hamsters on tiny treadmills. Be prepared to climb stairs if you're on a high floor. And the air conditioning? Sometimes it works great, sometimes it feels like a lukewarm summer breeze. Embrace the chaos! It’s part of the charm… or the lack thereof.
Okay, let's say I booked it. Knowing everything… would you stay there again?
Honestly? Yeah. Despite all the flaws, the location is *that* good. I mean, the Ming Palace Metro! You're right there! You can conquer Nanjing from that spot. And for the rock-bottom price? It's a trade-off I'm willing to make. Am I expecting luxury? Absolutely not. Am I expecting a perfect stay? Nope. But for a clean(ish), convenient, and affordable base for exploring the city? Hanting (Ming Palace Metro edition) gets a grudgingly positive nod from me. Just… bring earplugs. And a good sense of humor. Seriously.
Quick Tip... Anything you wished you’d known *before* you showed up?
PACK EXTRA TOILET PAPER! No joke. I ran out once. I spent an uncomfortable evening, after finally finding some, trying to stealthily and quietly resupply (without waking my neighbor and his impromptu concert). Also, don’t be afraid to haggle with the taxi drivers. They see foreigners and start to smell money! Oh, and *invest* in a portable power charger. You'll need it for your phone, because you'll spend half your time taking pictures of things to prove you actually survived the experience. Now go forth, and conquer Nanjing!
