Unbelievable Kaifeng Stay: Starway Hotel's Drum Tower Magic!
Unbelievable Kaifeng Stay: Starway Hotel's Drum Tower Magic! - A Review That's Actually Honest (and a Little Messy)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to tell you EVERYTHING about the Starway Hotel in Kaifeng, China. And trust me, this is NOT going to be some generic, cookie-cutter review. I'm talking raw, unfiltered, slightly obsessed, and oh-so-slightly-disorganized. But hey, that’s how life (and travel) really is, right?
First Impressions: Location, Location, Location (and a Drum Tower!)
The whole "Drum Tower Magic" thing isn't just a marketing gimmick. The Starway Hotel is right there next to the Drum Tower. I’m not kidding, you can almost reach out and touch it! (Don’t try, there’s security, and I wouldn't risk it). The location is just chef's kiss. I'm talking prime real estate, easy access to the night market (more on that later, it's a must), and a general sense of being smack-dab in the middle of the action. Accessibility? Well, for those with mobility concerns, let's get real: China is, let's say, evolving when it comes to full accessibility. There's an elevator, which is a huge plus. But I definitely saw some areas (like the entrance) that could be a little tricky if you’re using a wheelchair. (Accessibility: Mostly good, with potential hiccups depending on your needs.)
The Room: Not Just a Room, a Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Yes, please! (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, 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 had a window that actually opened! (A small victory, but a victory nonetheless in a world of perpetually sealed hotel windows). The bed was HUGE (extra long, even!), and the blackout curtains? Divine. They were my best friends when the jet lag finally caught up with me. Bonus points for the slippers – essential for hotel lounging!
But…and there's always a but, isn't there? The bathroom phone was a little retro. Like, "Hello? Is it me you're looking for?" retro. And the scale? I think it was judging me. Seriously. (Strong emotional reaction: I have to admit, it did make me paranoid about gaining weight).
Cleanliness and Safety: They Take it Seriously!
Okay, this is not a drill. (Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Exterior corridor) I'm talking serious cleanliness. This hotel gets it. They were disinfecting everything! Hand sanitizer everywhere! Staff wearing masks! It was reassuring. I felt genuinely safe. Kudos, Starway!
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Surprise Surprises!)
Alright, let's talk about the most important thing, shall we? Food! The "Asian breakfast" was fantastic (Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.). I'm a huge fan of noodles, and their noodle soup was the bomb. The buffet was decent (and plentiful), but the coffee? Let's just say it wasn't the hotel's strong suit. I'm a coffee snob, I can't help it. There's a coffee shop though so at least you can get your fix.
I even tried the "salad in restaurant". I was cautious, but it was actually pretty good. And a big plus? The vegetarian options were surprisingly plentiful. I'm not vegetarian, but it's always nice to see that.
Things To Do (Beyond the Drum Tower!)
The Drum Tower is epic, obviously. But what ELSE does the hotel have? Well, not a ton, really. (Things to do, ways to relax: Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) There's a gym but honestly? I, uh, didn't go. (Sorry, not sorry). There's a spa, and a pool that looks pretty great (but I was too busy eating noodles). Oh, and there's a foot bath! That definitely caught my eye.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
They had a concierge! (Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, 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) And a convenience store. And a currency exchange. And, and, and… well, you get the idea. They thought of pretty much everything. The contactless check-in/out was a lifesaver (especially after a long flight).
Internet: Keeping Connected (or Trying To!)
Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Okay, this is where things got a tiny bit…frustrating. The Wi-Fi was free, which is fantastic! But the speed? Let's just say I spent a lot of time staring at loading screens. It was usable, just… not lightning fast. (Unspoken emotional reaction: I did rage-quit a few times Netflix.)
The "Unbelievable" Part: My Drum Tower Moment
This is the good part. You know how I said the location was the chef's kiss? One night, around dinner, the Drum Tower started…drumming. Seriously. They put on a light show too. It was right outside my window! The show was breathtaking, a perfect display of cultural grandeur. My heart actually did a little flutter. It truly was a magical experience, the kind that makes travel so worth it. Just the right moment.
The Verdict: Book It! But Be Prepared.
Look, the Starway Hotel in Kaifeng isn't perfect. The Wi-Fi could be better. The scale in my room needs to be banished. But the location – the location! – is unbeatable. The cleanliness is top-notch. The staff are friendly and helpful (even with my limited Mandarin skills). But most importantly, the experience is unforgettable. If you're looking for an authentic experience, in a great location, with a touch of "Drum Tower Magic," then absolutely, you should book this hotel.
My Highly Subjective (and Slightly Rambling) Recommendation:
Book this hotel! Just be prepared for the slightly slower Wi-Fi and maybe bring your own coffee. But trust me, the pros far outweigh the cons. You’ll have an amazing time.
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this Starway Hotel in Kaifeng, China, isn't just a place to sleep. It's an experience. And frankly, it's going to be messy, opinionated, and probably involve a lot of me muttering things under my breath. Here we go!
The Kaifeng Whirlwind (and My Inner Monologue)
Day 1: Arrival, Drum Tower Drama, and Dumplings of Destiny
Morning (aka: When the Jet Lag Hits You Like a Brick): Arrived at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. Okay, first hurdle cleared. Now, how does one navigate a Chinese airport? The language barrier is already a character in this travel saga. Finding a ride to Kaifeng was like a mini-adventure, involving frantic pointing, broken Mandarin, and a lot of bewildered smiles. Finally, we found a taxi driver willing to take us.
- Honest Moment: The car’s air conditioning was about as effective as using a wet paper towel to dry a puddle. I'm already sweating. Wonderful.
Afternoon: (A Fistful of Renminbi and a Hotel Room with…Character): Checked into the Starway Hotel. Right, let’s see what we got here… Found it, and the lobby looked alright. The room? Well, it had a bed. And a TV. And… a lingering floral scent that I suspect was battling multiple layers of prior guests' deodorants. Okay, we'll call it "rustic charm." In the end, it was okay.
- Quirky Observation: The hotel's wifi password was like a cryptic riddle. Took me a solid 10 minutes to figure it out, which I’m taking as a sign. My patience is apparently a test of the Gods.
Evening: (The Drum Tower Beckons - and I Nearly Get Lost): Headed to the Drum Tower. This thing is seriously impressive, standing tall, and the view, from the top, is amazing! I spent way too long just staring out at the city.
- Messy Structure & Emotional Reaction: The walk there… let's just say I took a "scenic" detour that involved winding alleyways, curious stares, and a near-miss with a speeding scooter. I’m sure people were thinking, "That is a tourist who is lost," And, you want to know what? They were right! But, hey, the street food stalls smelled AMAZING.
Night: Dumpling Delight and Street Food Shenanigans: Dinner was a glorious explosion of dumplings. Seriously, get the dumplings in Kaifeng. All kinds. The ones with the juicy pork? Heaven. The ones with the spicy dipping sauce? Double heaven. Found a bustling street food market, where I attempted (and mostly failed) to haggle for some skewers.
- Rambling: The sheer variety! You could easily spend a week just sampling snacks from different vendors. I ate so much, I probably added a few more layers to my already questionable self-image.
Day 2: The Kaifeng Iron Pagoda (and a Moment of Existential Dread)
- Morning: The Iron Pagoda (and My Fear of Heights): Decided to drag myself to the Iron Pagoda. Why did I, a person afraid of heights, think this was a good idea? It’s a magnificent structure, and the details are incredible. Climbed to the top (slowly, clinging for dear life). The view was great (I think), but I was mostly focused on not falling.
- Emotional Reaction: Wow. This place did a number on me.
- Afternoon: The Millennial Park (and the Lack of Shade): Visited Millennial Park. A lovely park, in theory. But the Chinese sun is relentless. I started looking for shade like a vampire.
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, China, invest in some more trees! My skin's now the same color as overcooked shrimp.
- Evening: The Kaifeng Museum and Lost in Translation: Headed to the Kaifeng Museum. Fascinating stuff about the city's history, but the English translations were… well, let's just say they added a layer of unintended humor. I'm fairly sure one exhibit described the Emperors as "handsome rule-makers" with "energetic desires."
- Doubling Down: I spent way too long giggling at misinterpretations. This is the true highlight of the museum.
- Night: Last Supper of Noodles: Found a little noodle shop. Ordered something I thought was beef noodle soup. Turned out to be slightly mysterious, but the flavors were incredible.
Day 3: Departure and The Emotional Crud (or, A Love Letter to Kaifeng)
- Morning: (Reluctant Farewell): Woke up, looked out the window at the city, and felt…surprisingly sad to leave. Kaifeng wasn't perfect. The hotel wasn't exactly the Ritz. But somehow, it got under my skin.
- The Emotional Crud: I will miss the chaos, the food, and the slightly bewildering beauty of everything.
- Afternoon: (Heading Back to the Airport): Grabbed a taxi.
- Honest Moment: I probably overtipped the driver out of sheer gratitude for getting me back to the airport without incident.
- Evening: (Back to Reality): On the flight, thinking about my trip.
Final Thoughts:
Kaifeng? Wonderful. The Starway Hotel? Memorable, in its own way. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to others? Hell, yes, but be prepared for a sensory overload. And maybe brush up on your Mandarin… or at least learn how to point aggressively.
This isn't a trip to be described in words. It's to experience. Enjoy the food, the beauty, and the absolute craziness of it all. You won't regret it. Just embrace the mess!
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Unbelievable Kaifeng Stay: Starway Hotel's Drum Tower Magic! (Or Maybe Not...) - FAQ
Okay, So...Is This Hotel REALLY Magical? The Drum Tower Thing... Spill the Tea!
Alright, let’s be honest. “Magical” is a strong word. The Starway Hotel, nestled right next to Kaifeng's Drum Tower, promises a ‘wow’ factor. And, well, it kinda delivers. The view from SOME rooms? Absolutely breathtaking. Imagine waking up to the ancient silhouette of the tower bathed in morning light… Until, you know, the construction noise starts. (More on that later.) BUT the magic? It’s more like a slightly rumpled, adorable kind of magic. It's the kind where you find a tiny, perfectly formed dumpling in your breakfast buffet and think, "Yep, this is what I came for." It's about the *feeling* of being in SUCH a historically rich place. Not necessarily pixie dust and unicorns.
Location, Location, Location! Is it REALLY Convenient?
Oh, the location. It's both a blessing and a curse. Yes, it’s right next to the Drum Tower, which is awesome for photo ops and feeling like you're living in a history textbook. You can practically roll out of bed and be sightseeing. Amazing! And getting to the night market? A breeze. But... remember that whole "construction noise" thing I mentioned? Turns out, the hotel is surrounded by… well, construction. For the ENTIRETY of my stay. Hammer, hammer, clang, clang! It was a constant, rhythmic reminder that even historically significant buildings need renovations. My room (which, to be fair, wasn't super-expensive) mostly overlooked a slightly depressing courtyard. So, convenience? Yes. Peace and quiet? Maybe not, unless you're a heavy sleeper (or, you know, wear earplugs… which I belatedly should have).
The Rooms: Are They Actually… Nice? Spill the Tea!
The rooms are... variable. I saw photos online. Gorgeous, spacious rooms with views that would make even the Grinch smile. My room? Well, it was clean-ish. Look, it *was* clean. Mostly. But the "view" wasn't quite the same. I wouldn't say it was "bad," just... not epic. It was, shall we say, "functional." Think slightly faded decor, a bathroom that had seen better days (but hey, the hot water worked!), and a bed that, after a long day of exploring, was… surprisingly comfortable. I think the key is to manage your expectations REALLY carefully. If you're expecting luxury, you might be disappointed. If you're expecting a clean, comfortable place to crash after a day of eating ALL the noodles, you'll be fine. Also, my air conditioning had a mind of its own. Sometimes freezing, sometimes hot. It added a certain… je ne sais quoi to the experience.
The Breakfast Buffet: A Culinary Adventure (Or a Mild Disappointment)?
Oh, the breakfast. This is where things got… interesting. Okay, so, it’s a buffet. And I LOVE buffets. I mean, what's not to love? An endless supply of questionable… er, I mean, *interesting* food! There were dumplings (see previous mention, which was the highlight), some kind of congee that looked like wallpaper paste but actually warmed me up (and kept the tummy calm after all the delicious street food I *knew* I'd be eating), and then… the usual suspects. Toast, instant coffee, some weird, vaguely meat-shaped object that I cautiously avoided. Let's just say it wasn't a Michelin-star experience. But, hey! For the price? And the sheer entertainment value of watching everyone navigate the buffet? It was strangely delightful. Plus, the staff were super friendly and helpful, even though I couldn't read a word of the labels. Point for charm!
Staff: Were They Helpful (Or Utterly Lost)?
The staff? Seriously, they were lovely. The check-in process was a tiny bit chaotic (there might have been a language barrier. Or two. Or three…), but they were incredibly patient, even when I was clearly struggling with translating my booking details through Google Translate. They always smiled, always tried to understand, and always seemed genuinely happy to help. One time I couldn't figure out how to turn the lights off – I'm not exaggerating, I stood there for a good five minutes furiously pressing buttons. The staff member who came to my rescue? God bless her. Total lifesaver. And a good sport. So, points for amazing staff (and good luck figuring out the light switches).
Drum Tower: What About the view?? TELL ME MORE.
Right, the Drum Tower itself. The actual *point* of the whole experience, right? Because you're supposed to stare out the window, marvel at the vista, and feel all historically significant. Let me tell you about my view: I took a room that *claimed* to overlook the Drum Tower. Claims are one thing. And yeah, from my room, I could *sort of* see it. If I leaned way, WAY out the window (not recommended, safety first, kids!), and angled my head just right, and squinted… Ah, there it was! A glimpse of the magnificent tower. The rest of the view? Meh. Construction. More buildings. So, the view is kinda what you make of it. My advice? Pay extra for the highest floor if you really MUST have that Instagram-worthy shot. Otherwise embrace the slightly… obscured majesty.
Would You Stay There Again? The Ultimate Verdict!
Okay, the million-dollar question! Honestly? Yes. And no. It really depends. If I were on a tight budget, going for the location, embracing the quirks, and appreciating the friendly staff, I ABSOLUTELY would. The price was very reasonable, and the location is UNBEATABLE. However, if I were looking for a luxurious, quiet, spa-like getaway, and a perfect view? Probably not. I'd probably look for something further away. Possibly. But then I'd miss the Drum Tower! Damn it. See? It's complicated. It's a fun hotel with some rough edges. It's an adventure, which is exactly what I was looking for. I left with a smile (and a slight suspicion I was starting to like construction noise). So, yeah. Maybe. Definitely maybe.
Random Awkward Moments That Need to be Mentioned
Oh, where do I even begin? Let's just say there were a few. First, the elevator was small. *Really* small. I'm talking, felt like I was in a phone booth with luggage. Second, the Internet was… spotty. Think dial-up speeds. Good luck streaming anything. Third, I ordered "tea". I don't think I'll ever be able to look at a tea bag the same way. The whole experience felt slightly surreal and wonderfully Kaifeng-y. Oh, and at some point during the night, someone knocked on our door... but then ran away! It happened more than once. I'm not making this up. It was wonderfully weird.
Pro-Tips! How to Survive, and Possibly Thrive, at the Starway Hotel
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