Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel Yan'an - Your Yanan Getaway!
Here's my brutally honest, beautifully messy, and SEO-optimized review of the Starway Hotel Yan'an! Buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average hotel review!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits? Let's See About That: My Yan'an Getaway at the Starway Hotel – The Unvarnished Truth!
Okay, so picture this: Yan'an. History. Revolution. And me, desperately needing a break from… well, everything. The Starway Hotel Yan'an promised "Unbelievable Luxury." My expectations? Slightly skeptical, a little bit excited, and mostly hoping the WiFi worked. Because, let's be real, a modern traveler’s survival depends on a decent internet connection.
First Impressions & Getting Around (and Maybe a Tiny Tantrum)
Finding the hotel wasn't a total nightmare. The car park [free of charge] was a definite win – saved me a small fortune. Parking in city centres is an experience. But if you’re hoping to use public transport, you’ll be happy to know taxi service and airport transfer are available, so getting Around Yan'an is relatively painless.
Now, the elevator, a must when you're hauling luggage and feeling jet-lagged. Thank goodness it worked. Phew. Check-in/out [express] was a godsend because I was exhausted.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and My Soapbox Moment)
I didn’t need specific wheelchair access, but I always assess things. Facilities for disabled guests were… present, but the level of accessibility seemed a bit hit-or-miss. This is a huge deal, people! Hotels need to seriously prioritize this. I'm talking clearly marked access routes, accessible bathrooms, and a general awareness of the needs of all guests. Come on, Starway! You can do better!
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Comfy Bed!
Okay, let's get down to business: my room. My Non-smoking room, thank goodness. Inside;
- Air conditioning - essential for a comfortable stay.
- Of course, there was an internet access – wireless so I could stream movies, work, and social media. I was so thankful for the Wi-Fi [free].
- Desk and Laptop workspace – I got work done, but was glad to have a seating area to unwind from the day.
- Refrigerator and Coffee/tea maker – a life-saver for afternoon tea and late-night snacks!
- Additional toilet – helpful for multiple guests.
- Air conditioning – made it perfect.
- Alarm clock – kept things going.
- Bathrobes - luxury.
- Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpet, Closet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
I actually loved the ridiculously comfortable Extra long bed. Seriously, it was like sleeping on a cloud (a cloud with excellent support, mind you). However, the bathrooms were, well, a little… dated. Functional, yes. Luxurious? Let's just say it wasn't the spa-like experience I'd hoped for.
The Internet Saga (Oh, the Drama!)
Remember how I mentioned the internet being crucial? Well, Internet access – wireless was a bit… temperamental. Sometimes lightning-fast, sometimes slower than a snail in molasses. I actually shrieked in frustration one evening when I was trying to upload a video. (Dramatic pause) Thank goodness for the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, but it was still spotty at times, which was a definite downer. I ended up using the Internet and Internet [LAN] and Internet services as alternates.
Food Glorious Food (Mostly Good, Some Questionable Choices)
The hotel offered a Breakfast [buffet]. The selection? Pretty standard. There was Asian breakfast and Western breakfast in the Buffet in restaurant, but let's be real, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was so-so. But the Asian cuisine in restaurant was actually pretty good, which was a pleasant surprise. I also tried the A la carte in restaurant one day. It was decent, but not mind-blowing. The Desserts in restaurant were a highlight! A definite win. I even used the Breakfast in room service a couple of times, which was great for lazy mornings. It's so important, isn't it? The Snack bar provided me with all sorts of food.
Ways to Relax (Spa, Sauna, and a Pool…With a View!?)
Now for the fun stuff! The Fitness center looked decent, although I didn't actually use it (guilty!). But the Spa/sauna, and Steamroom were a total win. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, was nice and relaxing. Pool with view, and Swimming pool [outdoor] were absolutely stunning, providing a perfect place to relax, and work on my tan, or take a little swim.
Cleanliness & Safety: My Inner Germaphobe Approves!
This is HUGE right now, people. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely! This made me feel safe.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag (and My Advice)
The Concierge was helpful. Invoice provided – always a plus for business travelers. The Cash withdrawal machine was, well, it worked.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
I did use the Laundry service, and it was fast and efficient. A definite win. And the room service [24-hour]? Again, a lifesaver when I was feeling particularly lazy.
For the Kids (Because, Apparently, People Have Them!) I won't lie, I wasn't sure what to expect when someone said "Kids facilities, babysitting service, and kids meal."
Overall Impression: Worth It?
Okay, so would I recommend the Starway Hotel Yan'an? Maybe.
The Pros:
- Comfortable bed!
- Cleanliness and safety are top-notch.
- Convenient services.
- Stunning pool - must visit.
The Cons:
- The internet can be unreliable.
- Bathrooms could be updated.
- Accessibility needs improvement.
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- Hotel with free Wi-Fi Yan'an (this is huge!)
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- Things to do in Yan'an (because you’ll want to explore!)
My Final, Unvarnished Verdict: If you value comfort, cleanliness, and convenience, and you’re prepared for a few minor hiccups, the Starway Hotel Yan'an could be a good choice - I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars in the end!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're plunging headfirst into… the Starway Hotel Yan'An Baotashan Erdao Street in Yan'An, China! This ain't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel blog. This is real life, folks. Get ready for the ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Wall of Noodles (and Doubt)
Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): The Airport Shuffle. Flight from… well, let's just say far, far away. Landed in Xi'an (or was it Yan'An itself? Honestly, the jet lag's kicking in). The airport, already a confusing maze, multiplied itself in my sleep-deprived brain. Found my luggage eventually. Victory! Now for the transfer… which involved a bus that seemed to enjoy a scenic tour of every single construction site. Fine. Adventure.
Morning(8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrival in Yan'An and Hotel Check-In.* After a rough 4 hour bus ride, We finally arrive and check into the Starway Hotel. Ok, I did get the room with the Baotashan view… which is pretty sweet, even if the air feels suspiciously like it’s been seasoned with… well, dust. The room? Functionally basic. Cleanish. The internet? Let's just say it's giving me flashbacks to dial-up. I'm here to see the sights, not binge-watch Netflix. (Ha! Unless…)
Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Noodles, Victory, and a Slight Panic. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place on Erdao Street. The place was literally buzzing with locals. Ordered the Yan'An noodles… HUGE. Like, a mountain of noodles in a glorious, spicy, utterly delicious broth. Ate it all. Felt a brief, glorious moment of victory over my (admittedly small) appetite. Followed by instant regret. What if my gut explodes? What if I can't find a western toilet? What have I done?
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): The Pagoda of Anxiety (Baotashan). Okay, this is the big one, right? The iconic photo spot. The Baotashan Pagoda. Climbed the stairs… slowly. This felt like something out of a history book. The views… well, they were stunning, sure. But was I feeling it? Or was I just trying to keep up with the super-fit Chinese tourists, who were practically dancing up the steps? Plus, I'm pretty sure I saw a rat. Definitely a slight wobble in my patriotic enthusiasm.
Evening (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM): Dinner and the Phantom of Spicy Regret. Found a Sichuan hotpot place. Because, why not? Ordered enthusiastically (or, as enthusiastically as my limited Mandarin allowed). The food was amazing… and fiery. My mouth is currently in a state of war with my taste buds. We may need to revisit the toilet issue…
Night (8:00 PM - Onward): The Hotel Room Contemplation. Back at the hotel. Lazing on the bed in the semi-darkness. Typing this. Contemplating life choices. Wondering if I should have packed more anti-diarrheal medication. Considering a late-night snack of instant noodles (because, clearly, self-preservation isn't my strong suit). A low-level hum of jet lag and digestive anxiety.
Day 2: Yan'an Evolution and the Muddy River
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Delayed Breakfast and the Power of Coffee. Breakfast at the hotel. This time I play it safe, and go for the bland congee. Coffee? Well, it passed for coffee, but like the internet, it was slow and weak. Needed a shot of caffeine to try and ward off the fatigue caused by the terrible sleep I got; all due to the spicy food and my weird bed.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Yan'An Revolution. Visited the museum and the various sites that were pivotal during the Chinese Revolution. I always liked the idea of being a history buff, but reading the descriptions, and gazing at the original living environments of the leaders, brought me to a realization that I'm probably never going to be a history buff. The exhibits were interesting. But the sheer weight of historical significance kind of crushed me. All that sacrifice, all that struggle… and I'm just a tourist, wandering around, slightly indigestioned.
Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): The Taste of Freedom (Maybe). Found a little cafe near the museum. Simple, unpretentious food. The pork belly was… actually, surprisingly good. Maybe the revolution was about good food… or maybe I was just hungry.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): The Yellow River and Muddy Water. Took a day trip down to the Yellow River. The muddy water of the Yellow River, it lived up to its name. It was… fascinating. Visited a small dam near the river. A few locals were fishing. Felt a certain peacefulness, even though I’m on my own.
Evening (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM): The Return, and a Bowl of Plain Rice.Back here. Didn’t want the spicy stuff! We ordered plain rice this time. It tasted like victory. Or maybe it was just the lack of fiery pain.
Night (8:00 PM - Onward): The Great Internal Debate, and Dreams of Western Toilets.More bed. More pondering. Contemplating the meaning of life, the questionable quality of hotel pillows, and the pressing need for a decent cup of coffee. The jet lag's starting to creep back. I hope I can sleep tonight. And may god grant me the wisdom to navigate the bathroom situation…
Day 3: Departure (Hopefully Without Disaster)
Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): The Morning Ritual. Wake up with the first rays of sunlight, and try to get a solid cup of coffee. Pack. Double-check for passport. Pray to the porcelain gods that the hotel's plumbing holds.
Morning (7:00 AM - 8:30 AM): Last Meal, Last Look. One last congee and tea. Maybe one last look outside the window. Feel a strange surge of melancholy. Did I do it all? Did I see, do, and feel? I guess I did.
Morning (8:30 AM - 11:00 AM): Travel Back.* The airport shuffle again. This time with a slightly clearer head.
Departure: Finally, escaping the grip of Yan'An, China. Goodbyes aren't for me.
So, that's it. Yan'An, China. Not perfect, messy, and sometimes a little terrifying. But also filled with moments of wonder, delicious noodle soup, and the quiet joy of surviving another day. Would I go back? Maybe. After a very, very long nap and a large supply of digestive aids. Until next time, dear reader. And may your own travels be filled with a little bit of chaos (and a lot less spicy food, if you're like me).
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel Yan'an - Your Yan'an Getaway! (And Let’s be Honest, a Slightly Over-the-Top Experience)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *actually* luxurious? Like, is it worth the splurge?
Alright, fine. Let's get the elephant in the room addressed immediately. "Luxury" is subjective, people. What's luxurious to me might be "slightly over-decorated gold leaf" to you. But... yes, *generally*, it lives up to the hype. The lobby? Grand. The staff? Utterly charming (mostly, more on that later). The rooms? Spacious. But here’s the deal, get ready for some seriously questionable design choices. I'm talking gold accents that probably cost more than my car and enough marble to build a small mausoleum. But, hey, if you're into feeling like you're temporarily living in a Faberge egg, knock yourself out. And the location? Smack-dab in the heart of... well, Yan'an. Which, let’s be honest, isn’t the most bustling metropolis on earth. But that's part of the charm, right? It *is* a bit of a splurge though – budget accordingly. Because after the hotel, there’s the whole "eating" thing to consider.
So, the reviews mention amazing views. What's the deal? Panoramic vistas of... what exactly?
Okay, the views… they *are* pretty spectacular. Depending on your room (and your luck), you'll be gazing out over the rolling hills of… well, Yan'an-ness. It's a historical region, so expect a lot of… earth. And the occasional interesting building thrown into the mix. But honestly, the best view I had was from my… oh, you’ll want to know about the *rooms*... the corner room I got was a suite! The balcony! (A little small, admittedly, but hey, details, details). It had a view of mostly… other buildings. (Cue the sad trombone). So, yeah, views: potentially breathtaking, guaranteed to be of something... scenic. Manage your expectations. Oh, and don't be surprised if you hear some construction noise, though it usually dies down by late afternoon. (Construction in China is a whole *other* level of persistent, let me tell you.)
The food! Is the food *good*? I’m a foodie! Do they have enough non-Chinese options?
Right, the food. Okay, buckle in, foodie, because it's a rollercoaster. The breakfast buffet is a *scene*. Think mountains of noodles, an army of steamed buns, and a whole lot of… things I couldn't identify. The coffee? …Err, let's just say it's "robust." If you're craving Western fare, expect a mixed bag. They *try*. Bless their hearts, they really do. But the "omelet" might be a culinary adventure. I tried ordering a burger once. It came… promptly. It tasted like something I *shouldn't* have eaten. But on the plus side, there were some genuinely delicious local dishes on offer, and the fresh fruit was, as the kids now say, 'slaps'. I mean, some of it was… fine. And the staff in the restaurant are super sweet, bless their cotton socks. Just… maybe pack some emergency protein bars.
What about the service? Is it impeccable, or is there a slight language barrier vibe?
The service is… enthusiastic. Truly. They *want* to help. They're *trying* their best. The language barrier? Yes, it can be a thing. Prepare to mime, use Google Translate, and occasionally resort to frantic hand gestures. I swear, at one point, I tried to order a taxi and ended up getting a massage. (Not complaining, but not what I asked for!). But overall, the staff are lovely. They're eager to please. And they genuinely appreciate your presence. Just be patient, be polite, and have a sense of humor. Especially if you’re trying to explain the concept of “plant-based” anything. It's an experience!
Okay, let's get real: What's the biggest potential downside? Any dealbreakers?
Alright, no sugar-coating it. The biggest potential downside? Location. Yan'an isn't exactly a bustling hub. You'll need to accept that you may spend a lot of time *in* the hotel. Plus, for the budget-minded, it's a shocker. I mean, I almost choked on my gold-plated fork when I saw the bill. The Wi-Fi? Spotty at times. And the air conditioning could be a little overzealous. My room could get a little… Arctic. I had to wear a sweater to keep the chill at bay. Also, that slightly wonky elevator situation I mentioned? Yeah, that can be a pain. But honestly? For me, the biggest dealbreaker was the breakfast bacon. It was just… not worth the calories. Seriously, bring backup bacon. Or, at the very least, manage your expectations.
Tell me about the *rooms*! What are they actually like?
Okay, the *rooms*. This is where the story gets interesting. I snagged a corner suite... which was HUGE. The size of my entire *apartment* back home! The bed? Gigantic. The bathroom? Marble. GOLD. More gold than a pirate's treasure chest! (I'm not kidding. Gold. Everywhere.) The air con, as mentioned, could freeze you to the core, but the view wasn’t *terrible*. The TV had a million channels, mostly in Chinese (which, hey, I *tried* to learn a few phrases!). But the *real* drama was the bathtub. A glorious, oversized, *heart-shaped* bathtub. I mean, who needs a heart-shaped bathtub in Yan'an? (Answer: apparently, *I* did.) I spent a good hour basking in bubbles, feeling ridiculously decadent. The only problem? The water pressure felt like a leaky garden hose. But hey, I’m not complaining. It was… memorable. I swear, I almost considered moving in permanently. Honestly, the rooms? They were… excessive. In a good way! Just… be prepared for the gold.
What's the biggest *unexpected* delight about the Starway?
This is a tough one. I went in expecting luxury and got… well, *some* luxury. But the biggest unexpected delight? The *staff*. Seriously. They were *so* genuinely welcoming, eager to help, and always smiling. (Despite, I'm sure, the occasional clueless foreigner like myself!) They made the whole experience… well, not just luxurious, but *enjoyable*. Especially the lady at the front desk who, after myHoneymoon Havenst
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