Unbelievable Xi'an Hotel Deal: Starway Hotel Near Northwest University!
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the "Unbelievable Xi'an Hotel Deal: Starway Hotel Near Northwest University!" and I'm gonna give you the real skinny, the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre. Prepare for a rollercoaster, folks.
The Setup: Why Xi'an, Why Starway?
Listen, Xi'an is AMAZING. Terracotta Army, city walls, the Muslim Quarter… It's history overload in the best way. And Northwest University? Well, it's… in the area. The Starway Hotel, though? That was the gamble. The deal was tempting. Honestly, my wallet was screaming, "Okay, okay, let's try it!"
First Impressions: The Arrival… and the Elevator?
Okay, so "Near Northwest University" is… a flexible interpretation. It's a cab ride, but hey, the price made it worth it. The outside? Looked decent enough. Cleanish, anyway. And the lobby? Well, it had a lobby. You know, the kind with the slightly worn couches and the obligatory tired-looking reception staff.
Accessibility: I didn't specifically need any wheelchair access, but here's what I noticed. There is an elevator, which is a godsend. No stairs to lug luggage up. I did see a ramp at the entrance. Good start. I’m not sure about specially adapted rooms, so check ahead if that's crucial.
Check-in/out: My check-in was… efficient. Not exactly warm and fuzzy, but hey, swift is good. Contactless check-in/out wasn't available in my experience, but they did what they had to.
The Room: My Personal Fortress (Hopefully)
Okay, the room. This is where things get… interesting.
Available in all rooms: I can confirm: * Air conditioning: YES. And thank the heavens for it, because Xi'an gets HOT. * Alarm clock: Yep. Pretty standard. * Bathrobes: Nope. Not even a tiny cotton robe. * Bathtub: Mine had separate shower/bathtub - a win in my book. * Blackout curtains: Yes! Essential for sleeping off jet lag. * Carpeting: Yes, but the kind that looked slightly… used. * Closet: A closet! With hangers! * Coffee/tea maker: YES! Bonus points for the complimentary sachets. * Complimentary tea: See above. * Daily housekeeping: Yup, and generally well done. * Desk: Present and accounted for. * Extra long bed: Nope, standard length. * Free bottled water: YES! (I love free water.) * Hair dryer: Yes, and it worked! (Important.) * High floor: I didn’t specifically request one. * In-room safe box: Yep. * Internet access – wireless: YES! And free! * Ironing facilities: Actually, no. Not in my room at least. * Laptop workspace: Yes, on the desk. * Linens: Clean and decent quality. * Mini bar: Nope. * Mirror: Yes, and a big one. * Non-smoking: Yes. (Thank goodness). * Private bathroom: Yes. * Reading light: Yep. * Refrigerator: Nope. * Satellite/cable channels: Yep. TV. * Seating area: Just a small chair. * Separate shower/bathtub: YES! * Shower: Fine. * Slippers: Nope. * Smoke detector: Yes (I hope!) * Socket near the bed: Yes, thankfully. * Soundproofing: Actually, pretty decent. * Telephone: Yes * Toiletries: Basic but adequate. * Towels: Plenty of clean ones. * Wake-up service: I didn’t use it. * Wi-Fi [free]: It worked. Pretty reliably. * Window that opens: Yes, which is great for fresh air.
Now, here's the thing. The "room decorations" weren't exactly… stylish. Think functional over fabulous. But hey, it was clean-ish, had what I needed, and I wasn't paying for luxury.
The Hygiene Report: Sanitized or Sketchy?
This is critical right now, right?
Cleanliness and safety: Things felt… well, attempted. I saw the daily disinfection in common areas, I’m sure. Anti-viral cleaning products: I assume they used them. Hand sanitizer: was available at the entrance and in the lobby. Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn’t see it. Rooms sanitized between stays: I hope so. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: If they have them, I’m betting they were. Stuff trained in safety protocol: Hard to say. Things felt… presentable enough though.
I will say this: I didn't get ill. So, that's a win.
Food, Glorious Food (or Not): Eating and Drinking Adventures
Okay, the food situation… This is where things get messy.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: They have a restaurant somewhere (I think). I only saw a small coffee shop: which was mediocre. Breakfast [buffet] I actually skipped the breakfast buffet. I'm not a buffet person. Coffee shop: It had coffee. (See above.) Restaurants: one. Room service [24-hour]: nope at all I can tell you. Snack bar: I don't think so.
I'm not a huge fan of hotel buffets and restaurant so I stuck to the local food stalls.
Things to Do… or Not To Do
If you're looking for a hotel with a spa, fitness center, gym/fitness, a swimming pool, sauna, steamroom, or pool with view, you're in the wrong place. This is a no frills hotel.
Services and Conveniences: The Practicalities
Business facilities: I didn't need them. Concierge: Nope. Cash withdrawal: Probably somewhere nearby. Currency exchange: I didn't see one. Daily housekeeping: Yes, and it's pretty good. Doorman: Nope. Elevator: Yes. Facilities for disabled guests: I wouldn't know (see Accessibility section). Ironing service: Nope. Laundry service: Maybe, but I didn't use it. Luggage storage: Probably. Meeting/banquet facilities: I didn't see any. Safety deposit boxes: Yes. Smoking area: They have one. Terrace: Nope.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location (Or Lack Thereof?)
Airport transfer: I didn’t need it, but I’m sure they could help you. Car park [free of charge]: Yes; on-site. Taxi service: Yes. Easy to get.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again?
Here's the brutally honest truth. For the price? Yes. If you are on a budget and need a clean-ish place to crash with reliable Wi-Fi, it’s absolutely fine. Don't go expecting the Ritz, though. Think functional, not fancy.
The Sales Pitch (aka: The Unbelievable Xi'an Hotel Deal: Starway Hotel Near Northwest University Offer YOU Need!)
Tired of those sky-high Xi'an hotel prices? Do you want to explore the wonders of Xi'an without breaking the bank? Then listen up! I'm talking about the Unbelievable Xi'an Hotel Deal: Starway Hotel Near Northwest University!
Here's what you get:
- Clean, Functional Rooms: You'll get a room with Air Conditioning that is essential in xi’an
- Free Wi-Fi That Actually Works: Stay connected and share your Xi'an adventures with the world!
- Safe and Sanitized: They (allegedly) take hygiene seriously.
- Cheap, Cheap, Cheap: Incredible Value! You will pay less here than anywhere in the city.
Is this the Four Seasons? No. But is it a good, affordable base for exploring the historic city? Absolutely.
Book NOW! Limited rooms available! Stop overspending on hotels and start exploring Xi'an!
Bairnsdale's BEST Hotel: Gippsland Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my ridiculously ambitious and probably-going-to-end-in-disaster itinerary for the Starway Hotel Xi'an Northwest University Bianjia Village Xian China. Prepare for chaos, questionable life choices, and possibly a deep and abiding love for noodles. Here we go… or should I say, here we go, go, go!
Day 1: Arrival, Sensory Overload, and the Pursuit of Pillow Perfection (and maybe a decent cup of coffee).
- 6:00 AM (GMT+8): Alarm, the cruel mistress. Groggily swat at the phone. Oh, joy, a 13-hour flight and a 1 hour transit to my hotel… I swear, I booked this trip to relax, not to feel like I'm auditioning for a marathon.
- 8:00 AM (GMT+8 - ahem Beijing Time): Touchdown in Xi'an. Whew. The air is thick with… well, mostly jet fuel, but also a hint of something delicious cooking. I can smell it, this is a good sign. Customs was a breeze, which is either a testament to my well-behaved appearance or their incredible lack of interest in a slightly disheveled tourist.
- 9:30 AM (GMT+8): Taxi ride to the Starway Hotel. Okay, let's be honest, my Mandarin is nonexistent, so I just pointed at the address on my phone and hoped for the best. The taxi driver, bless his soul, seemed to understand. The city whizzed by in a blur of honking horns, street vendors peddling things I couldn't identify, and a relentless sun that beat down with the force of a thousand angry gods. This is Xi’an, alright.
- 10:30 AM (GMT+8): Check-in at the Starway Hotel. The lobby… well, it's functional. Think clean but not particularly memorable. The staff, bless their patience, navigated my broken Mandarin and eventually handed over the key. This is it. My base of operations. The beginning of my Xi’an adventure.
- 11:00 AM (GMT+8): The Room. Aaaaand… it’s… fine. It is a room. Bed… check. Bathroom… check. No window view to speak of, which may or may not be a blessing, depending on how much construction noise I have to endure. The real important test, right here: The Pillows. Okay, I’m pulling them out… Alright, one is solid. The other is… fluffy, but like, in the wrong way. It needs to be fluffer. Oh well. This is still good enough. Time to freshen up.
- 11:30 AM (GMT+8): Searching the hotel for coffee. Seriously, by time I'm done with the bathroom, I might be falling asleep on my feet. There’s an emergency. Coffee is the answer. After some frantic searching, I find the, shall we say, “breakfast area.” It's not exactly Starbucks, but the coffee is hot, and that's all that matters (for now).
- 12:00 PM (GMT+8): Exploring the neighborhood, with a map and a vague sense of direction. This is where the fun begins, right? My stomach is rumbling, the air is buzzing, and I feel a mix of excitement and sheer panic. Where to begin? I don’t know! It's all so… exciting!
Day 2: The Terracotta Warriors and the Terrifying Taste of… Something. (Prepare for the rambling to begin.)
- 7:00 AM (GMT+8): Wake up! Did I get enough sleep? Probably not!
- 8:00 AM (GMT+8): After a slightly better night's sleep, and a slightly better cup of coffee, I’m off to see the Terracotta Army! I’m so excited, I could explode! I've been planning this for months. I got my ticket, I packed my water bottle, and I’ve even practiced my "Ni hao!"
- 9:00 AM (GMT+8): Taxi to the Terracotta Army Museum. The drive is… interesting. I’m pretty sure the driver thinks I’m a complete idiot. He keeps saying things, and I just smile and nod. I'm like a happy, clueless puppy.
- 10:00 AM (GMT+8): OMG. I’m at the museum. I can’t believe it! The place is HUGE. Like, ridiculously huge. And the crowds… well, they’re also huge. I get my first glimpse of the warriors from a distance, and my breath catches in my throat. They're incredible. They have a certain stillness, but their energy is still there. One whole army, guarding the tomb of an emperor!
- 10:30 AM (GMT+8): Into the museums. I wander around, gazing in open-mouthed awe. The details are breathtaking. The faces. The armor. The scale of it all is truly mind-boggling, I can see a row of soldiers. I follow the crowd, trying not to get trampled. I spend hours in the exhibition halls, imagining the legions of soldiers guarding an Emperor. It’s an intense experience. This whole place is. In a word: WOW.
- 1:00 PM (GMT+8): I am starving. All the awe has made me hungry. Time for lunch. I find a local restaurant near the museum. I don't know what I’m eating, but it smells amazing. I point to something on the menu, feeling adventurous.
- 1:30 PM (GMT+8): The food arrives. It looks… interesting. And smells… extremely interesting. Spicy. And… crunchy? I take a bite. My eyes widen. My face starts to sweat. It’s… A LOT. The sensation is a mix of pleasure and pain. My mouth is on fire. Is it good? Is it bad? I honestly do not know!
- 2:00 PM (GMT+8): After a lot of water (and a lot of wiping of my brow), I tentatively try another bite. Okay, maybe it's growing on me? I still couldn’t tell you what I ate.
- 3:00 PM (GMT+8): Back to the Starway Hotel. I am exhausted from being both over-stimulated and, you know, nearly incinerated by lunch. I need a nap.
- 3:30 PM (GMT+8): Naptime.
Day 3: The City Wall, the Muslim Quarter, and The Sudden, Unbearable Urge to Buy a Silk Scarf (and a realization).
- 9:00 AM (GMT+8): I’m awake early! This has to be a first. I’m finally starting to adjust to the time difference.
- 9:30 AM (GMT+8): After a quick breakfast, I head towards the City Wall. I’m going to cycle along it. It’s supposed to be amazing.
- 10:30 AM (GMT+8): Rent a bike. The city wall is so massive! The bike is… adequate. The views are breathtaking. I’m in my happy place.
- 12:00 PM (GMT+8): I can't believe it, 3 hours! I spend the entire time just cycling slowly and absorbing the scenery. It’s almost meditative, this whole experience.
- 1:00 PM (GMT+8): Head to the Muslim Quarter. The smells alone are worth the trip. I am overwhelmed by the aromas of cumin and coriander and grilled meat; from a thousand different sources. It is a sensory explosion.
- 1:30 PM (GMT+8): Lunch in the Muslim Quarter. I find a tiny, packed stall and squeeze in. I eat and eat. I realize that being in a place like this unlocks a hunger I didn’t know I had.
- 2:30 PM (GMT+8): Shopping! Oh, the temptations! Silk scarves, jade trinkets, knockoff designer bags (tempting, but I resist the urge).
- 4:00 PM (GMT+8): I buy a silk scarf. It is bright red and ridiculously beautiful. I don’t know where I’ll wear it, but I don’t care.
- 5:00 PM (GMT+8): I have a sudden realization: I am actually enjoying myself. I’m not just tolerating the chaos; I’m embracing it. I’m lost! But I’m also having fun!
- 6:00 PM (GMT+8): Wander around. I get lost and I don't even mind.
Day 4: Farewell, Xi’an! (And the lingering scent of noodles).
- 8:00 AM (GMT+8): Another cup of coffee, a slightly melancholy breakfast. It's time to pack up.
- 9:00 AM (GMT+8):
Okay, spill. This "Unbelievable Xi'an Hotel Deal" – Is it *actually* believable, or am I about to walk into a dungeon?
Alright, deep breaths. Let's be real: "unbelievable" is a loaded word, right? I got suckered into this deal – the Starway Hotel near Northwest University, remember? – because, well, the pictures looked *okay.* Not exactly the Ritz, but clean, modern-ish… and the price? Seriously, it was cheaper than a decent kebab. So, yeah, I was skeptical.
The first impression? A bit… *meh.* The lobby was functional, slightly echoing, and smelled faintly of… well, I couldn't quite place it. Maybe a mix of disinfectant and something vaguely floral? But hey, for the price, I wasn't expecting a five-star spa aroma. The important thing was the room, and I'll be honest, it was surprisingly decent. Clean sheets, functioning AC (a godsend in Xi'an!), and a decent-sized bed. I've stayed in worse places in my life (think questionable hostels in Prague with a single, flickering bulb).
So, believable? Yeah, *mostly*. Don't go expecting marble bathrooms and room service, but if you're on a budget and need a comfortable base to explore Xi'an, yeah, it's definitely worth a shot. Just… temper your expectations a *little*.
Location, Location, Location! How far from the Terracotta Army are we talking? Can I actually *see* the city?
Okay, location is where things get… complicated. The whole "near Northwest University" thing? True. The hotel *is* near the university. Like, *really* near. Which means… lots of students. Which means, on weekends, a bit of a party atmosphere. More on that later.
As for the Terracotta Army… it's not *walking* distance. Not unless you're an Olympic marathon runner and pack a *lot* of water. Expect an hour or so by bus, maybe a little longer if you get caught in Xi'an traffic (which, let's be honest, you probably will). Public transport is your friend here, though. Cheap, reliable, and a great way to experience local life. Just be prepared to squeeze in with a *lot* of people – it's an adventure, let's put it that way.
And seeing the city? Absolutely! The hotel itself isn't in the *heart* of the tourist district, which is actually a plus if you want a more authentic experience. You're a short bus or taxi ride from the city walls, the Muslim Quarter (oh, the food!), and all the historical sites. Just download a map app and brush up on your basic Mandarin. Trust me.
What about the Wi-Fi? Crucial for all us digital nomads. Is it faster than a snail in molasses?
Ah, the Wi-Fi. My arch-nemesis. Okay, let's be honest: it wasn't *terrible*. It wasn't stellar, either. Think… a slightly overworked, but still functioning, worker bee. You could stream videos (eventually), check your emails (mostly), and post something on Instagram (with a bit of patience).
There were definitely times, though, when I wanted to throw my laptop out the window (not literally! It was a long trip!). Especially during peak hours. Everyone was online, simultaneously, trying to upload cat videos and connect with the outside world. Picture a bunch of students, exhausted from studying, all trying to download the latest episode of their favorite show. Yeah. You get the picture.
My advice? Download essential stuff beforehand. Or, you know, embrace the offline life for a bit. Read a book, talk to someone, actually enjoy life. (Easier said than done, I know!)
And the food scene near the hotel? I crave adventure (and deliciousness!).
Okay, the food! This is where things get *really* interesting. The immediate area around the hotel is… well, it's student-centric. Meaning, cheap eats galore! Think noodle shops, dumpling stands, and all sorts of delicious (and often, incredibly spicy) street food.
I had this *amazing* experience one night. I'd been wandering around, starving after a long day of sightseeing, and stumbled upon this tiny hole-in-the-wall dumpling place. The place looked a bit dodgy (questionable lighting, plastic stools), but the aroma… oh, the aroma! It was pure, unadulterated heaven. I pointed (because, let's face it, my Mandarin is… basic) and ordered a plate of these pork and chive dumplings. And they were *incredible*. Seriously, the best dumplings I've ever had in my entire life. Greasy, bursting with flavor, and so cheap I almost felt bad afterwards. I went back the next day. And the next. (Don't judge me.)
The downside? Be prepared to eat with chopsticks. And maybe pack some Pepto-Bismol. My stomach wasn't quite prepared for the spice levels at first. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
Any downsides? What's the catch? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, you want the dirt? Okay, here goes. There *are* downsides. It's not all sunshine and dumplings, sadly.
First, the noise. Remember those students I mentioned? They can be… vocal. Especially on weekends. Picture this: you're trying to get some sleep after a long day, and then BAM! Karaoke at 2 AM emanating from a nearby building. It wasn't every night, but it happened enough to make me consider earplugs (which, by the way, are a good idea). And the walls? Thin. You will hear everything. EVERYTHING. Even when you don't want to.
Second, the language barrier. Not everyone speaks English. Which means, you'll be using a translation app. A lot. Which, in turn, can lead to some hilarious misunderstandings. Like, I tried to order coffee one morning, and I *think* I ended up getting… a soup? Still not entirely sure. It was an experience, definitely.
And finally, the overall… "lived-in" feel. It's not a gleaming, pristine hotel. There are a few minor imperfections, a bit of wear and tear. But honestly, it's part of the charm, isn't it? It's not a sterile, generic hotel experience. It's… real. It's Xi'an.
Would you stay there again? Seriously. Put your hand on your heart!
Okay, this is the big one. Would I go back? Hmm… Putting my hand on my heart, I'd say… *maybe*.
If I were backpacking on a shoestring budget and needed a comfortable, affordable base to exploreScenic Stays
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