Qingdao's BEST Hotel Near Hai'er Metro? (Hanting Hotel Review!)
Hanting Hotel near Hai'er Metro, Qingdao: A Review That's More Messy Than Meticulous
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your typical, polished hotel review. We’re diving headfirst into the Hanting Hotel near the Hai'er Metro station in Qingdao. And before you ask, yes, I did consider other hotels, but honestly, the convenience factor of being near the metro won me over. Plus, the price? Let's just say my wallet was singing a hallelujah.
First Impressions: The Good, the Slightly Off, and the "Wait, What?" Moments
Right off the bat, accessibility seemed decent. There's an elevator – a definite win for anyone who's ever lugged a suitcase up five flights of stairs (been there, done that, still nursing the memory). But then you notice… where are the ramps? I didn't specifically need them, but I started wondering if someone with mobility issues could navigate everything painlessly. Hmmm. That's a minor ding, I guess.
Internet Shenanigans & The Quest for Wi-Fi (and Sanity)
The brochure promised free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glorious words. The reality? A bit more… tangled. Getting connected was a little like trying to herd cats. I spent a good fifteen minutes wrestling with the login page and the hotel's Wi-Fi portal. Eventually, it did work, but the connection speed felt like it was stuck in the dial-up era. My productivity took a nose-dive. Frustration level: HIGH. I mean, I know LAN Internet is available, but seriously? Who uses that anymore? We're in the 21st century. (Let's just hope the hotel upgrades its internet infrastructure soon.)
Cleanliness & The Sanitization Obsession (And My Own Little Germaphobe Tendencies)
Okay, I’m not gonna lie. I'm a little germaphobe. So, I was, well, pleased with the emphasis on cleanliness. The promise of "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Daily disinfection in common areas" made me breathe a tiny sigh of relief. And my room? It looked clean. I say “looked” because, hello, I’m not a forensic cleaner. But everything appeared to be in order. The emphasis on the "Rooms sanitized between stays" and the "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items" were comforting. I mean, after the pandemic, it is a must, right?
The Room Itself: Functional, With a Dash of "Meh"
My room was… fine. Functional. Not particularly exciting, but clean. The desk was adequate for typing (once I actually got the sluggish internet to work!). The bed… well, it was a bed. Not the cloud-like experience of a luxury hotel, but it was comfortable enough. The "extra long bed" was a plus, I suppose, and there were things like a desk and a closet. Standard stuff.
Beyond the Bed: Things to Do (Or Not) and Ways to Relax (Or Struggle To)
Alright, the brochure hinted at a fitness center. "Fitness center" is perhaps an overly generous description. It felt more like a glorified closet with a treadmill that looked like it hadn't been used since the 1990s. I tried to use it, but the dread set in after two minutes. No thank you. And the "Pool with view"? Nope, nonexistent. The "Spa"? Forget about it. I think the only way you could relax here is if you fell asleep mid-Netflix binge.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (or, More Accurately, a Hunt for Edibles)
Breakfast was included, yay! And I’m generally okay with Asian breakfast. Let's just say if you're expecting a gourmet experience, you're probably in the wrong place. There were certainly enough options, from various pastries to noodles. There was also a “buffet” that can be described as…adequate. Honestly, it was fine. I didn’t get food poisoning, so that’s a plus. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was a lifesaver.
One afternoon, I ventured down to the "coffee shop" to grab a quick bite, but it was closed. Sad face emoji. Turns out, I could get room service, but it was 24-hour service, which is cool, but it could be better.
Services and Conveniences: The Practical Stuff (And a Few Quirks)
The staff were polite, though their English was a little… limited. Communication could be a challenge. There’s a "Concierge," but they mostly seemed to handle standard requests. The "Daily housekeeping" was also a plus. The elevator was a lifesaver, as I mentioned. The "Cash withdrawal" service was also convenient.
For the Kids: Not Exactly a Disneyland Adventure
I did not have my kids with me, but I noticed there's "Babysitting service" available… and "Kids facilities". I'd assume this is a hotel more focused on practicality than entertainment.
Security & Safety: A Reasonable Sense of Security
There were "CCTV in common areas," and "Security [24-hour]" which made me feel safe. And the "Fire extinguisher" was welcome! I mean, you kind of want to see a fire extinguisher in any hotel, right?
Getting Around: The Metro is Your Friend (For the Most Part)
The big selling point for this hotel? Location! Right near the Hai'er Metro station! It was super convenient for getting around and exploring Qingdao. And the "Airport transfer" was also available (though I didn’t use it).
The Verdict: A Functional Fortress, Not a Fancy Escape
Overall, Hanting Hotel near Hai'er Metro is a decent choice if you prioritize convenience, affordability, and a generally clean and safe environment. But if you're looking for luxury, pampering, or a wide array of amenities, this isn't the place. It's a functional hotel, gets the job done, and offers a decent base of operations for exploring Qingdao. I probably wouldn’t go back for a romantic weekend… but for a quick trip? Yeah, it's okay. And, honestly, at that price point, I can't complain too much. It's like a reliable old car: it gets you from point A to point B, even if it's not exactly a Ferrari. The internet could certainly improve, but hey, you can't win them all.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars (with extra points for proximity to the metro!)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Huizhou Xilin West Lake Hotel!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is a trip… experience. And it's all starting from, you guessed it, the Hanting Hotel Qingdao Hai'er Industrial Park Metro Building Station. Let's dive in, shall we?
Qingdao Chaos, Day 1: Arrival and Existential Crisis in a Hanting Hotel
14:00 - Arrival at Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO): Okay, first things first: navigating Chinese airports is like a real-life game of "Where's Waldo?" except Waldo's luggage is always late. Found my bags… eventually. The air already felt different, heavier, a mix of sea salt and… well, I'm not sure what. But it was definitely Qingdao.
- Anecdote: The woman next to me on the plane spent the entire flight meticulously arranging her hair. Like, hours. I wanted to know what she knew. What secrets she held. Was it a Qingdao-specific hair ritual? I’ll never know.
15:00 - Taxi (Negotiation Fail, #1): Finding a taxi was a battlefield. Haggling is an art form, especially in China. I tried. I failed. Miserably. Ate the inflated price. Lesson learned: brush up on your Mandarin (or embrace the power of Google Translate).
16:00 - Check-in at Hanting Hotel: Well, here we are. My humble abode for the next few days. First impressions? Clean. Functional. And, let's be honest, a bit… sterile. Like a hospital room that's also a very efficient vending machine. The staff? Super polite. Though I suspect they've seen it all. Probably even worse things than me trying to check in after a 14-hour flight and a failed haggling attempt.
- Quirky Observation: The elevator music is… relentless. I think it was the same three songs on repeat the entire ride. Starting to question my life choices already.
16:30 - Room Reconnaissance and Existential Dread: Okay, room check. Bed. Desk. TV playing… some kind of historical drama with dramatic music. Bathroom is surprisingly good. Shower is a win. But… that view though… overlooks a parking lot and the industrial park. Sigh. This is reality, people. This is travel: a blend of exciting and mundane.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm tired. Really tired. This whole trip feels so much bigger than me realizing. The weight of being far from home, the feeling of not knowing what to do once the itinerary kicks in… it's a lot. I'm probably going to take a nap. A long one. I need to regroup.
18:00 (ish) - Nap-ocalypse, followed by a desperate hunt for food: Woke up disoriented. What is time? What is life? I should probably eat. But the thought of venturing out again? Terrifying. But my stomach is waging war on my brain.
- Imperfection: I gave up and got some instant noodles from the 7-Eleven. The packets contained more sodium than I'm comfortable with, but I'm too tired to care. It was what I needed. Don't judge me.
19:30 - Staring out the window at the neon glow from the factory: I’m watching through my window the hum from the factories, and I cannot help but wander what is going to await me tomorrow. Will I be able to enjoy myself? Will I enjoy my stay? Will I have fun exploring?
21:00 - Bedtime and the hope for day 2: Going to try to sleep soon. Hopefully the elevator music won’t haunt my dreams. Good night. And a silent prayer that tomorrow I'll actually manage to do something interesting.
Qingdao Chaos, Day 2: The Beer, the Beach, and a Fishy Encounter.
- 08:00 - (Attempted) Wake-up: Nope. Still mostly a puddle. But I need to seize the day! This is my mantra. Still, the sun has to wait, I need an hour or two more to recover.
- 09:30 - Breakfast (a gamble): The hotel breakfast is a… mixed bag. Not bad, per se, but definitely unfamiliar. I try some congee (rice porridge), some questionable-looking pickled vegetables, and a suspiciously fluffy bun. It's an experience. I eat it anyway because I am committed.
- 10:30 - Bus to Zhanqiao Pier (and OMG the crowds): Finally, some real Qingdao! The Zhanqiao Pier. The iconic landmark. The place where every tourist must go. The bus ride was a masterclass in public transport etiquette. I navigated it like a champ. Mostly.
- 11:30 - Zhanqiao Pier: The pier itself is stunning. The water, the sky… I have to admit, Qingdao is beautiful. The sea breeze. The smell of… something fishy. (That’s the sea, right?)
- Anecdote: I saw a kid trying to feed a seagull a french fry. The seagull was unimpressed. The kid was heartbroken. Such is life.
- 12:30 - Lunch at a Seafood Restaurant (and the Great Seafood Gamble): Okay, my first real Qingdao seafood experience! I ordered everything on the menu… just kidding. But I did try some local specialties. The clams were surprisingly good. The sea urchin? A bit… much. My tastebuds are still reeling.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: Oh man, the sea urchin. I’m not sure what I was expecting. It looked great. The waiter said it was the best dish. It tasted like… the ocean. And not in a good way. I’m pretty sure I accidentally swallowed a bit sea water.
- 14:00 - Qingdao Beer Museum and the Brewery Tour: Ah, the pièce de résistance! Finally, the beer. I LOVE Beer. The beer museum was… informative. The brewing process is detailed. The best part? The tasting! I tried a few different Qingdao beers. And they were… delicious.
- Doubling Down: I had a very long sip of beer. I'm not a lightweight, but three free glasses of beer will get to anyone. I enjoyed myself with the history of the beer and being able to just taste what the Chinese have known about beer for years, it’s so cool!
- 16:00 - Beach Time (and the Sand in EVERYTHING): Time for some beach relaxation! I headed down to the Golden Beach. The sand was… everywhere. In my shoes. In my hair. Somehow, it was also in my sandwich. But the view was worth it. The ocean sparkling in the sun. The relaxed vibe. I could get used to this.
- Messier Structure: The beach was also crowded. Like, really crowded. But, you know, it's a popular spot. There were all sorts of people: families with kids, couples, people flying kites, tourists like me. And the sand, I tell you. The sand was relentless. I’m pretty sure I’m still finding it.
- 17:00 - Errands and wandering in shops: Well, let’s see what other cool things are here. I looked through some shops, asked if anyone has some ice cream, and saw some souvenirs!
- 20:00 - Dinner and reflection at a local eatery: I went to a tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant recommended by the front desk. I struggled with the menu. But I ordered something (probably noodles). The place itself was full of locals, and I was the only foreigner. The best food I’ve had so far.
- Opinionated Language: I loved the food. Honestly. It was simple, it was cheap, and it was delicious. No frills, just good Chinese food. I loved the people there.
- 21:00 - Back to the Hanting Hotel: Going to try to sleep early to wake up early tomorrow. Gotta take it easy, but still be productive.
Qingdao Chaos, Day 3: Maybe Some History? Maybe Not.
09:00 - Wake up and regret: The sun hurts. I'm slow. I may never get out of bed.
10:00 - Breakfast (again with those weird pickles): I'm becoming weirdly attached to the hotel breakfasts.
11:00 - The Badaguan Scenic Area. (attempt #1): I tried to venture there but… the crowds. Again! I felt my energy draining. Cancelled.
12:00 - Lunch (at a random place, and it's even better than last night): God, this food is good. Maybe I should just eat. More noodles. More deliciousness. So many people stare at me, and I see their eyes, but I don't care. The place is a bit messy and loud, but you know what. I am happy.
**
Hanting Hotel Near Hai'er Metro: The REALLY Raw Review! (Or, Did I Survive?)
Okay, so, *literally* the BEST hotel near Hai'er Metro in Qingdao? Is this Hanting place *actually* as good as everyone says? Or am I walking into a budget-friendly disaster zone?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. "Best" is a strong word. Let's say... the MOST convenient? Look, Qingdao has options. Fancy hotels, quirky guesthouses, probably even a yurt or two if you look hard enough. But sometimes, you're tired, your brain is fried from trying to decipher Mandarin menu items, and you just need a bed. The Hanting near Hai'er Metro is *definitely* convenient. Like, steps away. Okay, maybe a short, slightly stressed-inducing stumble. But yeah, close. It’s also… budget-friendly. Which is a nice way of saying, don’t expect gold-plated toilets.
My initial impression? Well... there was a distinct air of... practicality. Think Ikea, but for hotels. Clean, functional, and devoid of any unnecessary frills. Honestly, after a 14-hour flight, "clean and functional" was music to my weary soul. The lobby was a bit sterile. Like, the kind of sterile where you’re half-expecting a nurse to hand you a small plastic cup and tell you to "collect." Don't worry, you won't. But the check-in process? Smooth. Amazingly smooth. Blessedly smooth. After the chaos of navigating the airport, that alone was worth the price of admission.
What's the room actually like? Are we talking cockroach-infested hovel or surprisingly decent digs?
Okay, the room. Ah, the room. Let's be clear: this isn't the Ritz. But it's not the Bates Motel, either (thankfully). My room? Compact. "Cozy," if you're feeling optimistic. "Slightly claustrophobic," if, like me, you're prone to minor panic attacks in confined spaces. The bed was… a bed. Firm. Very firm. More like sleeping *on* a plank of wood, rather than *in* a cloud, but hey, it did the job.
Here's the slightly mortifying thing: the first night, convinced I'd get the dreaded bedbug bites, I literally *strip-searched* the mattress. Like, lifted it up, peered underneath with a flashlight. This is not my proudest moment. But! (and this is important!) no bedbugs. Or cockroaches. Or, thankfully, any other creepy crawlies. So, bonus points for cleanliness. Then there was the bathroom. Tiny. Think a small box, and then think of the box shrinking a little more. The shower? Efficient, if not particularly luxurious. Water pressure? Adequate. Hot water? Yes! A small victory, after a long flight. The only thing that truly bothered me? The *slight* lingering smell of cleaning product. Like, *really* clean cleaning product. Which, ironically, made me question the cleanliness! Go figure.
Breakfast! Crucial. Is there breakfast? And if so, is it edible? Because I *need* my morning fuel.
Okay, breakfast. Deep breath. Yes, there *is* breakfast. It's a buffet. And… okay. Let's be honest. It's not the reason you're booking this hotel. Think… basic. Think… "filling." Think… the kind of experience that makes you appreciate the simple pleasures of a decent piece of toast.
There was some kind of congee (rice porridge), which I cautiously tasted. It was… okay. I may have added a LOT of soy sauce. There were some sad-looking scrambled eggs. And bread. Lots of bread. And some sort of processed meat product that looked vaguely terrifying but, in a moment of weakness (and extreme hunger), I actually ate. It wasn't terrible. It wasn't fantastic. It was… breakfast. It filled a hole. Which, sometimes, is all you really need. The coffee, I should mention, tasted suspiciously like dishwater. So, yeah. Bring your own instant coffee. And maybe some granola bars. Just in case. I did, and was very thankful for it.
Help! I'm lost in the labyrinthine world of Chinese TV! What's the TV situation like? Because, you know, downtime entertainment.
Ah, the TV. This is where my language barrier became truly apparent. The TV? It's there. It works. But the channels? All in Mandarin. Except for a smattering of English-language news channels, which, let's face it, are mostly depressing. So, prepare for a lot of scrolling and hoping for a miracle. I attempted to find something, *anything*, remotely familiar. No luck. Ended up staring at a quiz show of people frantically shouting (I assume) answers. I have no idea what happened. I just gave up.
My advice? Load your phone with movies or downloaded podcasts. Seriously. You'll thank me later. The only thing that saved me? The *one* English channel that played the same movie, over and over, during my whole stay. A bad action film. I watched it. Twice. Just to have something I remotely understood. At least it was something!
The Wi-Fi! Is it usable? Because, you know, Instagram, email, staying connected to the outside world.
Wi-Fi. This is crucial. And, thankfully, the Wi-Fi at the Hanting? Actually, it's pretty decent. Fast enough for browsing, emailing, and even (gasp!) streaming a few things. I managed to actually upload a few photos to Instagram. Which, after staring at Mandarin quiz shows, felt like a major accomplishment. So, yes. Wi-Fi is good. Consider it a win.
Location, location, location! Besides being near the metro, what's the ACTUAL neighborhood like? Things to do? Restaurants? Anything besides the hotel itself?
Okay, let's talk neighborhood. Being right next to the Hai'er Metro is a huge plus. Gets you everywhere. The area around the hotel? Functional. Not particularly picturesque, but hey, you're not there for the scenery, right? There's a big shopping mall nearby which is...well, a mall. Plenty of restaurants, ranging from local noodle shops (which I highly recommend, even if deciphering the menu is an adventure) to some more familiar fast-food chains. And a few convenience stores, perfect for grabbing snacks and bottled water. Oh, the bottled water. A necessity. The tap water? I didn't even *think* about it.
Exploring the area? The metro takes you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Qingdao itself is a beautiful city, the old German Architecture is stunning. The beaches are lovely, the beer is famous...I would be willing to go again, which is probably the best endorsement that can be given to a hotel, and the neighborhood. Just remember you are in China...prepare for some chaos, some beautyBook Hotels Now
