Unbelievable NIHAO Hotel: Hailar's Hidden Gem in Hulun Buir's Ancient City!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re heading to Hailar, the gateway to the Hulun Buir grasslands, and – drumroll please – we’re checking into the Unbelievable NIHAO Hotel. And folks, let me tell you, the name does not disappoint. It's a lot to take in, but let me paint you a picture, warts and all.
First Impressions: The Arrival - A Mix of "Wow" and "Where Am I?"
Getting to the NIHAO Hotel is, well, an adventure in itself. Hailar isn't exactly known for its streamlined transport. The airport transfer was… efficient. Like, "get you there" efficient. But the drive offered a glimpse into the vastness of Hulun Buir, which is breathtaking. The hotel, nestled in the "Ancient City" (which feels more like a slightly-off-kilter historical theme park) is impressive from the outside. Think ornate, a little bit over the top, and… well, “Unbelievable” is definitely applicable. The exterior corridor felt a bit like a movie set, but a very photogenic one. Finding the entrance was a minor quest, and I admit, I initially walked the wrong way. Welcome to the real world, buddy! And the exterior CCTV made me feel like Big Brother was watching - which, well, probably he was.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Let's be real. I didn't specifically scout out this hotel's accessibility, because I'm not personally using a wheelchair, but I took a good look around. The elevator, thankfully, was a blessing as the hotel is spread across a few floors. I did see some facilities for disabled guests, but how extensive they are, I honestly can't say. Parking in the car park [on-site] seemed plentiful and free, which is always a bonus. BUT, the sidewalks around the hotel, and indeed, the "Ancient City" itself, didn't scream "wheelchair-friendly." So, proceed with some caution here, folks.
Rooms - Plush, But Expect the Unexpected.
Okay, the rooms. My room was… well, "Unbelievable" in the sense that it was HUGE. The extra long bed was a definite plus. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver come morning, battling the intense sunshine. I had a sitting area, a desk, and, believe it or not, a bathroom phone. Now, I’m not sure when I’d need to call from the bathroom, but hey, they thought of everything, I guess. The slippers were comfy, and the bathrobes were… almost luxurious. The complimentary tea and coffee makers were a welcome touch. They even had a mirror! And the shower, with plenty of hot water, was amazing! Air conditioning worked perfectly! A life-saver
Here's the thing, though – and it's what makes this place so endearing – there were a few quirks. Like, the on-demand movies selection was…questionable (lots of subtitled action films). The satellite/cable channels were a tad limited. But, honestly, who cares? You're in Hailar! Get out and see things! The window that opens was a breath of fresh air and some much-needed ventilation for the room.
Cleanliness and Safety - Modern World Worries, Mitigated.
Okay, COVID era, let's be real, we all have germ-anxiety. I was happy to see hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The hotel emphasized it's safety with daily disinfection in common areas and staff trained in safety protocol. They listed: Individual-wrapped food options, Room sanitization between stays. Some rooms also came with optional opt-out for room sanitization.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Expedition.
The Asian breakfast was a solid start to the day. Lots of noodles, dumplings, and, you know, the general deliciousness of Chinese breakfast. They also had Western breakfast options, including cereals, and I swear, the best fried eggs I've had in ages. The breakfast buffet itself was an adventure, with a chef offering pancakes with a smile. I can't even tell you the name of the restaurants, but the choices were plenty, offering Asian cuisine. I spotted vegetarian restaurant options, too. The coffee shop served decent coffee, and the poolside bar, although it looked tempting wasn't opened as I visited during the offseason. The pool with a view, unfortunately, was closed during my visit.
The "Things to Do, Ways to Relax" Rundown - A Mixed Bag…but Good!
Okay, here’s where things get a little… interesting. I'm a bit obsessed with spas. I did spot the spa/sauna, the steamroom, and I even the fitness center and gym/fitness, but honestly, I was too busy exploring to actually use them. I'm a sucker for massages, so had to try it. I also did have a glorious massage. It wasn't a deep-tissue, get-all-the-knots-out kind of massage, but it was relaxing, and the ambiance was just right. They also had a foot bath which was heavenly. I really regret not getting a body scrub or body wrap. I'm now kicking myself. Oh well!
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things that Matter.
The front desk [24-hour] was super helpful. They helped get me a taxi, which meant I did not have to haggle… which is a blessing. The concierge was knowledgeable and helped with local suggestions. They also had a luggage storage facility. The daily housekeeping was efficient, and my room was always spotless. Dry cleaning and laundry service were available, too. I also used the cash withdrawal service. Plus, the hotel had an important service: a doctor/nurse on call. They offered the invoice provided service.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly (But Don't Expect Disneyland).
I didn't travel with kids, but I did see evidence of family/child-friendly amenities. They have babysitting service, which is a huge bonus for tired parents. They had also a Kids meal option!
Internet - It's There, Mostly.
The Wi-Fi [free] was… okay. It worked, most of the time, but don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. They advertise Wi-Fi in public areas which was accurate, and even Internet access – LAN in the rooms.
The "Unbelievable" Factor…and Why You Should Go.
So, why is the NIHAO Hotel "Unbelievable"? It's not just the name. It's the feeling. It's the sheer experience of being in this slightly surreal, wonderfully imperfect place. It's that feeling of being somewhere that's both familiar and utterly unique. It’s the staff, who were all genuinely friendly, despite the language barrier. It's the feeling of being somewhere real, not just some cookie-cutter hotel.
The Verdict: A Strong Recommendation with a Few Caveats
Look, the Unbelievable NIHAO Hotel isn’t flawless. It’s got its quirks. It's a bit rough around the edges. BUT, that’s part of its charm. If you're looking for a sanitized, predictable hotel experience, this ain't it. But if you want an adventure, if you want to be immersed in a culture, if you want to feel like you've stumbled on a hidden gem, then book this hotel now.
And for all this, I give the Unbelievable NIHAO Hotel: Hailar's Hidden Gem in Hulun Buir's Ancient City, a solid 4 out of 5 stars!
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Istanbul's Hidden Gem: Hampton by Hilton Old City - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, color-coded travel brochure. This is the REAL DEAL, a messy, glorious, "I-probably-ate-too-much-sheep-intestine-and-now-I-feel-like-a-balloon" itinerary for Hailar and Hulun Buir, China. Specifically, based out of the NIHAO Hotel in Hailar and with a wander through the Zhongyangqiao Ancient City. Let's get this chaos started:
Hulun Buir Heist – A Wanderer's Wacky Weekend (and Possibly a Breakdown… or two)
Day 1: Hailar - Arrival and the Great Walrus of Sleep (or, the Jet Lag Monster)
- Morning (ish – let’s be real, more like late morning): Landed in Hailar. The airport was… well, it was an airport. Efficient, but not exactly bursting with personality. The NIHAO Hotel, though? Actually, pretty slick. Clean, modern, and the staff spoke just enough English to not make me feel completely incompetent. Checked in, took a look at my room, and promptly collapsed onto the bed. Jet lag slammed into me like a runaway yak.
- Afternoon (or what I thought was afternoon): Woke up feeling like a zombie that had been force-fed instant noodles. Ate whatever free breakfast they had. The food was a solid 6.5/10, probably. Went down to the lobby. And walked around Hailar's city center. The streets are nice and safe, but people keep looking at me, maybe because I took out my camera.
- Evening: Took a nap back at the hotel and watched some random Chinese television. Even without understanding a word of it, the shows were ridiculously entertaining. Dinner at a local restaurant across the street. Ordered something with a lot of meat. It turned out to be… a lot of meat. A lot. Felt a little intimidated by the sheer volume, and still I ate about 85% of it! Back to the room, where sleep, finally, claimed me. I'm not sure I was even awake for more than a minute at a time tonight.
Day 2: Zhongyangqiao Ancient City: The Beauty and the Blunders (and the Battle with the Babushka Doll)
- Morning: Finally! The actual beginning of the tour. After a decent sleep, I was ready to go. Walked around Zhongyangqiao Ancient City. It's a bit touristy, but honestly? Stunning. The architecture is magnificent and the streets are well-preserved. The sun was shining and the atmosphere was great. Took a million (okay, maybe a few) photos. I'm going to make a photo album.
- Afternoon: Lunch in Zhongyangqiao. Found a tiny noodle shop tucked away in a side street. The noodles were ridiculously good. The language barrier was, shall we say, challenging. Pointed at the menu, smiled, and hoped for the best. The result was an absolute masterpiece.
- Afternoon (continued… because I lost track of time): Discovered a souvenir shop selling traditional dolls and trinkets. Became utterly obsessed with a particularly beautiful babushka doll. Spent WAY too long trying to negotiate the price (my Mandarin is nonexistent, so we were communicating through a combination of hand gestures, frantic pointing, and increasingly desperate facial expressions). Eventually, she agreed. Victory! I now have a babushka doll. A tiny little piece of China right here in my travel bag. This feels like a HUGE win.
- Evening: Back to the hotel. I was so tired from the emotions and the walking. Had a lovely dinner. The hotel's restaurant serves the best noodles.
Day 3: Hulun Buir Grasslands: A Nomad's Nightmare (or, the Search for Inner Peace…and a Decent Bathroom)
- Morning: This is it. Hulun Buir grasslands! A day trip out to the vast, rolling landscapes. Hired a local driver. The drive itself was stunning. Incredible. Wide open spaces. Endless blue sky. The grass rippled in the wind like the waves of an ocean. I almost cried. It was overwhelmingly beautiful.
- Afternoon: Found a nomadic family. Their ger (yurt) was warm and welcoming (even if the air inside smelled vaguely of…well, everything). Drank salty milk tea (which, surprisingly, wasn’t as bad as I'd anticipated). Tried my best to converse with the family through my translator app. Lots of laughter, lots of misunderstandings.
- Afternoon (continued… because I'm getting desperate now): THE BATHROOM SITUATION. Okay, look. Let's just say… it was basic. Rural. Rustic. Utterly lacking in Western amenities. Let your imagination do the work. I survived. I tell you, I came close to tears. It was an experience, that much I'm certain of.
- Evening: Back to Hailar. Exhausted. Soul-filled. Emotionally drained. The grasslands… they do something to a person, you know? Dinner back at the hotel, ate the delicious noodles again, and instantly passed out.
Day 4: Hailar - Farewell…For Now, or, The Last Hurrah (and the Fear of Missing Out)
- Morning: Woke up surprisingly refreshed. The jet lag seems to have finally given up the ghost. Wandered around the city a bit more, trying to soak up the last of Hailar. Found a local bakery. Their pastries were… let's just say, they were… "authentic." I definitely tried the one with the suspicious green filling. Regret was immediate, but the experience was… unforgettable.
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Bought more trinkets, a few extra babushka dolls, and a hat that – I'm pretty sure – makes me look like a Cossack. Packed my bags. Said goodbye to the friendly hotel staff.
- Evening: Taxi to the airport. Looking out the window as I was going through the city, I felt this weird longing and the feeling of, "I just wanted to stay a little longer and see a little more." Hailar, Hulun Buir, you were something else.
- Flight: Took out my journal and wrote down everything I could remember. I was smiling the entire flight.
Post-Trip Thoughts (aka, the Gut-Wrenching Review):
The Good: The ancient city, the beauty of the grasslands, the incredible food (most of it!), the friendly people (despite the language barrier), the NIHAO Hotel's lovely and modern facilities.
The Bad: The bathroom situation on the grasslands. The pastry with the suspicious green filling. The occasional feeling of being very lost. My lack of Mandarin skills. The jet lag (still giving me emotional whiplash).
The Ugly: The lack of decent internet in some areas. My potential for another babushka doll shopping spree.
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Even with the questionable bathrooms and the questionable pastries. Hulun Buir… you've captured my soul. The next time, I'm spending more time with those nomads. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn a few phrases in Mandarin. Or, at least how to say "where is the restroom."
Overall Rating: 4.5 babushka dolls out of 5. A truly unforgettable, messy, and beautiful travel experience. Go. Just… go. And pack extra toilet paper. You'll thank me later.
Unbelievable NIHAO Hotel: Hailar's Hidden Gem – or Just a Gem-Hued Illusion? Let's Find Out!
Okay, Seriously, *Why* is this NIHAO Hotel supposed to be "Unbelievable"? Is it, you know, *actually* unbelievable?
Alright, buckle up, because "unbelievable" is a strong word. And honestly? It depends. They pitch it as this hidden haven in the ancient city of Hailar, Hulun Buir. Think: cozy, charming, authentic. And, in *some* ways, they're right. I went with HIGH expectations based on one friend, let's call her... Brenda, who gushed about it for weeks. She's a travel blogger, mind you, so she has the inherent bias of seeing *everything* through rose-tinted lenses.
My experience? Well, sometimes "unbelievable" is a synonym for "slightly chaotic but with bags of character." We'll get to that. Essentially, expect a delightful *mix* of genuinely lovely things and… let's say “cultural opportunities for learning patience.”
What's the actual *location* like? Is it REALLY in the “ancient city”? Sounds like a gimmick.
Okay, okay, the "ancient city" thing? Yeah, it’s a *bit* of a stretch, but not entirely bogus! Hailar's ancient city is more like a historical district with some well-preserved or reconstructed traditional architecture. The hotel is actually *in* that area, which is good because it gives this feeling of exploring a really old part of the city, It’s a maze of cobblestone streets and some pretty legit historical buildings, the streets are filled with little souvenir shops and stalls selling strange but delicious snacks. Think… less a time machine, more a themed park with *slightly* less air conditioning.
The plus side? You're literally steps away from some amazing local restaurants. The negative? My phone's GPS went haywire at some point, so getting a Didi back in the evening proved to be a multi-step ordeal. I ended up stumbling around for a solid 20 minutes, asking for help with the locals and ended up having a hilarious conversation with this grumpy guy who eventually pointed me in the right direction. The best part? We communicated with a mix of frantic gesturing and broken Mandarin – it was an absolute delight!
Let's talk rooms! Are they actually *nice*? Or just… exist? Any weird room quirks?
Alright, the rooms are where things get REALLY interesting. Remember Brenda? She had a *suite*. Said it was "luxurious." I, on the other hand, booked a standard room. Let's just say, "luxurious" is not how I'd describe it. It was… adequate. Cleanish, but with a slight (and I mean, *very* slight) musty smell, like the ghosts of a thousand nomadic travelers.
The real quirks? Oh, honey, they're there. The shower pressure was… unpredictable. One minute, a gentle trickle; the next, a jet-engine blast of arctic water. They had these adorable little teacups in the room. Which I loved! And one tiny little thing, I think I found a lost sock once in my room.
What about the decor? It's… traditional. *Very* traditional. Expect lots of wood, some slightly faded tapestries, and maybe a portrait of a very stern-looking Mongolian warrior. It definitely *felt* like you were in Northern China. Be prepared for the possibility of feeling a bit cramped, depending on your room size. I got lucky, sort of. But I wouldn't say no to a new pillow and a new bed, the one I had felt a bit old.
What about the food? Is the breakfast included? (And *is* it any good?)
Breakfast IS included! Which is fantastic, right? Except… prepare for a culinary adventure. It's a buffet, and it's… well, it's *Chinese* breakfast. Think noodles, some sort of mystery meat, a range of pickled vegetables that I couldn’t identify, and steamed buns. I’m not saying it’s bad! It’s just… different. And by the third day, I was seriously craving a Western-style egg and toast.
BUT! They had this amazing soy milk, which was utterly delicious. And they had tiny, crispy fried eggs that were *perfect*… when you could get them. Oh, and the coffee? Let's just say, it was a *strong* coffee, and I might have had a few jitters that morning.
I ended up making friends with this super-sweet elderly lady, who worked in the breakfast area. I helped her fill the small bowls with condiments and she kept sneaking me extra fried eggs. She was absolutely adorable. That's when I realized the food itself wasn't so bad, it was the *experience* that made the breakfast special.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
Right. The staff? It’s a mixed bag. Some of them are genuinely lovely, super helpful, and will go out of their way to assist you. *Some* speak very little English. Which makes for some interesting conversations. Like, I once needed more toilet paper… which turned into a game of charades that involved elaborate miming and a lot of giggling from both sides. It was the most memorable request I ever had in any hotel.
But overall, the staff is eager to please. The front desk was a bit of a challenge at times. The first day they forgot to give me my room key (twice), and the staff didn't quite understand the concept of giving a wake-up call. I ended up waking up late for an important tour. I was so angry that I almost created a scene, but then, something happened. From a small little window, I saw this gorgeous view overlooking the city and I slowly, but immediately, felt relaxed, and decided to let it all go.
Is there anything else that makes NIHAO feel "unbelievable?" Any cool amenities or activities?
Okay, here’s the thing. There's a lovely little courtyard, perfect for a quiet cup of tea. They have a small library… if you like books in Mandarin. And, and *this* is cool! They have a traditional Mongolian barbecue night once a week. Which is an *experience*. Lots of singing, dancing, and eating. They're grilling meats on an open flame and the smell is intoxicating!
But the real "unbelievable" factor? The *atmosphere*. It’s a place where you can actually slow down. It's not sterile; it’s not perfect. It’s messy. It's real. And despite the slightly chaotic organization, the occasional language barrier, you feel this warm hospitality that's very hard to find these days. I had a lot of expectations going in, and they were partially met. But it gave me an amazing experience that I will always remember.
Would you recommend staying at the NIHAO Hotel? Stayin The Heart
