Holiday Inn Nanyang: Your Unforgettable Chinese Escape Awaits!
Holiday Inn Nanyang: My Brain Dump of a Chinese Escape (and Why You Should Book It)
Okay, folks, let's talk about the Holiday Inn Nanyang. Or, more accurately, let me talk about it. Because honestly, after my trip, I feel like I know the place, warts and all. And let me tell you, there are a few. But before we get into the nitty-gritty (and the occasional dramatic sigh), let's start with the promise: Your Unforgettable Chinese Escape Awaits!
Yeah, that's what they say. And honestly? They're mostly right. But be warned: this ain't some perfect, Instagram-filtered paradise. This is real life, with all its delightful chaos and… well, sometimes questionable decisions.
First Impressions & Getting There (The Accessibility Tango)
Right off the bat, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. The website claims to be accessible, and they tout Facilities for disabled guests. Look, I don't need a wheelchair, but I'm always checking these things because, well, life is unpredictable. And the reviews… they're a bit vague. This is an area where I'd love to see more specific information. Are the ramps truly up to snuff? Is the elevator reliable? Are the bathrooms truly accessible? Holiday Inn Nanyang, please, be specific. I'd also like to see if the hotel has Car park [free of charge]; that would be wonderful.
From Airport to Bliss (and back again): They offer an Airport transfer, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. I opted for it, and it was smooth. Okay, now I'm getting ahead of myself. I should mention they do have Taxi service and Valet parking if you feel like spending slightly more.
Internet Hell & Heaven (Wi-Fi & Beyond)
Alright, let's talk tech. Because, let's face it, we're all addicted. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! They also have Internet [LAN], if you’re old-school. And Wi-Fi in public areas. Seems like every room has Internet access, which I’m more than happy to have.
Now, the bad news? Sometimes the Wi-Fi acted like it was powered by a grumpy hamster. You know, one minute it's whizzing along, and the next… buffering hell. You'd be tempted to scream at the damn thing. But hey, I survived. And I’m pretty sure it's improved since I went.
Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and Quirks
Okay, my room. It was… fine. It had Air conditioning (essential!), and lovely Blackout curtains (thank goodness for those after battling jet lag). There was a Coffee/tea maker (bliss!). A Refrigerator (handy for the water they give you). A Free bottled water (very important for a hydrated vacation). It's also not particularly luxurious, but it's functional. They also provide Complimentary tea. Most of my room was clean, with Daily housekeeping, and they provided fresh Linens and Towels.
I also noticed the presence of an Alarm clock and a Desk. The Closet and the Ironing facilities would be useful, if I had to use them. And, happily, a Mirror. There was also a Laptop workspace, and a Seating area, which was also great to have. There was a Smoke detector in the room, and I saw Smoke alarms. It's important to feel safe in your stay.
The bathroom? Well, the Shower was adequate, the Separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch if you're into baths. The Toiletries were… sufficient (I'm a bit of a shampoo snob, so I always pack my own). And yes, there were Slippers (a small but welcome comfort).
Oh, and the extra long bed was a serious plus. As someone who's 6ft 2", I appreciate a bed I don't have to curl up in.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Get a Second Brain on My Stay?
Okay, this is critical for me, especially post-pandemic. And Holiday Inn Nanyang… they try. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, and Daily disinfection in common areas. They provide Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff is, purportedly, Staff trained in safety protocol. And there was a First aid kit, which is always a good thing.
They also offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch for the eco-conscious. I also saw many of the Rooms sanitized between stays, which makes me feel better. The website also mentions Safe dining setup which would be nice.
I did notice CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is reassuring. There are also Fire extinguisher. Also, some Safety/security feature is nice.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Digestive Disaster)
Now, this is where things get interesting. Let's start with the positives: they have plenty of Restaurants, including an Asian cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. Breakfast [buffet] is the name of the game. And, for the most part, it's good. Okay, scratch that. Sometimes it's great! They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and the usual suspects. There’s also a Coffee/tea in restaurant, and if you’re looking for a treat, some Desserts in restaurant.
However, the buffet can get a little… samey. And be warned: my first attempt at the "mystery meat" nearly sent me running for the hills. So, my advice? Stick to the familiar. The noodles are usually a safe bet. The soup, sometimes (the Soup in restaurant and the Salad in restaurant can be a gamble). There is options like A la carte in restaurant, which could save you from a disaster. Also, they have a Poolside bar and a Snack bar.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: They also give you Bottle of water, which is a nice touch. And if you want to grab a meal in your room, you can enjoy a Breakfast in room through Room service [24-hour]. They would also provide an Alternative meal arrangement, if necessary.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax (Spa Day Dreams and Reality Checks)
Ah, relaxation. The holy grail of vacationing. Holiday Inn Nanyang tries to deliver. You have a Fitness center, a Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and a Swimming pool. If you enjoy the outdoors, there is also a Swimming pool [outdoor].
But… the gym? Felt a bit like a forgotten corner of the hotel. The pool was decent, but the view wasn't quite as "breathtaking" as the brochure promised.
I'm not a spa person myself, but I did hear some good things, and they offer Body scrub and Body wrap. You can also enjoy a Foot bath, a Massage, and, if you're into it, a Steamroom.
Services, Conveniences, and the Weird Stuff
They have the usual suspects: Concierge, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Daily housekeeping. They also offer a Convenience store for your late-night snack needs.
They also boast Meeting/banquet facilities, which I didn't use, but could be useful if you're traveling for business.
Here’s a fun one: they have a Shrine. Yes, a shrine. Don't ask me, I have no idea.
For the Kids (or the Kiddos You Try to Avoid)
They advertise Family/child friendly and Babysitting service. They also provide Kids meal and Kids facilities.
Anecdote Time!
Okay, let's get real. One day, the elevator broke down. For like, half a day. I was on the 12th floor. Talk about a workout! But hey, at least the view from the stairs was… interesting. (And yes, I did complain. Politely, of course.) Also, I will never forget the time I order room service and they bought the wrong thing. I guess that's what happens when you try to order from the comfort of your bed after midnight.
Also, the "Happy hour" at the bar was more like "Slightly Less Sad Hour."
The Verdict: Should You Book?
So, back to the question: Should you book the Holiday Inn Nanyang?
Here's the deal: it's not perfect. It has its quirks, its moments of glorious mediocrity, and the occasional logistical hiccup. However, the staff is generally friendly and helpful, the location is pretty good for exploring, and the good outweighs the bad by a comfortable margin.
My honest opinion: Yes, book it. Just
Thanh Hoa & Sam Son Beach: Unbelievable Family & Couples Retreats!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is… well, it's my trip to the Holiday Inn Nanyang By IHG in Nanyang, China. Prepare for turbulence, emotional baggage, and the distinct possibility I’ll forget to mention something crucial until I'm writing the review.
Pre-Trip Disaster & Existential Dread (AKA The Lead-Up):
- Week Before: The usual pre-trip panic sets in. Did I pack enough socks? (Spoiler: No, I never do). Passport…check! Okay, maybe not check… I swear I put it in the safe… Wait, did I even have a safe? The existential fear of forgetting something monumental has me questioning my entire life.
- Days Before: Binge-watching travel vlogs (mostly to soothe my anxiety, partially to fuel it). Found a video of someone eating duck tongue. Suddenly, I must try duck tongue. Will I actually do it? Probably not. But hope springs eternal, I guess.
- Day of Chaos (Travel Day): Woke up ridiculously early (naturally). Luggage felt about 30lbs overweight (probably mostly the books 'I might' read). Coffee spilled on my best travel cardigan. My dog gave me the "don't leave me" look (I swear, he's smarter than me). Airport security? A blur of grunts and aggressive pat-downs. I’m convinced they think I’m smuggling… something. Mostly just snacks.
Holiday Inn Nanyang - The Good, The Bad, and The "Wait, What Was That?":
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Impressions (aka Jet Lagged & Judging):
- Afternoon (ish): Landed in Nanyang. The airport seemed smaller than my local shopping mall. The air had a certain… humidity. Found the pre-booked transfer (thank GOD!). The drive to the hotel felt like a fever dream.
- Check-in (or, The Battle for the Room): Arrived at the Holiday Inn. The lobby was… grand. Or maybe I was just incredibly susceptible to shiny things after the ordeal of the journey. The staff were all smiles (even if slightly bewildered by my attempts at Mandarin). Got the room (finally!). The bed looked inviting. Like, really inviting.
- Room Inspection (The Truth is Out There): The room… was… fine. Clean. Comfortable. Standard Holiday Inn fare. Until… THE VIEW. Okay, it overlooked a parking lot. And a construction site. Sigh. Well, at least there's a desk to set up my laptop and work.
- Dinner: The First Culinary Adventure (or, "I Ordered What?): After a nap, I ventured down to the hotel restaurant. The menu was… ambitious. I pointed randomly. I think I ordered something that resembled chicken feet. Texture was interesting. Flavors were… bold. Let's just say I developed a newfound respect for instant noodles. The saving grace? Ice cold Tsingtao. Thank god.
- Night: The Bed & the Jet Lag of Doom: Passed out on the bed, fully clothed, at 8 PM, after setting alarms for waking up at 4 A.M… for no reason.
Day 2: Exploring & Culture Shock (or, The Day I Almost Fell in a Hole):
- Morning: Breakfast & the Buffet Bonanza: The breakfast buffet was a thing of beauty. Everything I shouldn't eat was there in glorious abundance. I piled my plate with fried things. The coffee was weak. But, hey, free food, right?
- Afternoon: Nanyang City Exploration Attempt: Decided to be a "cultured traveler." Put on my walking shoes. Left the hotel. Got slightly lost within 10 minutes, which is a personal best. Walked through a park with a lot of older people doing Tai Chi. I secretly judged their flexibility. Tried to take a picture, but a security guard shooed me away (probably because I looked like a bewildered lost tourist).
- Afternoon: The "Near-Death" Experience (aka, the Hole): Walking back to the hotel. Deep in thought. Thinking about duck tongues, and suddenly, BAM! Almost stepped into an uncovered construction hole. My inner monologue was a string of colorful expletives. Someone (THANK GOD) yelled a warning in Mandarin. My life flashed before my eyes. I bought a bottle of water to calm my nerves.
- Evening: Pool Time? Or, the Quest for Relaxation: The hotel had a pool! (Hallelujah!). Went down there expecting serene relaxation. Found screaming kids. The water was lukewarm. Decided to retreat to my room and watch bad American TV.
- Night: Room Service & Regrets: The hotel room service menu was limited. Ordered a burger. It was edible. I ate it in my pajamas, watching a dubbed reality show. The kind of evening that makes you question all your life choices.
Day 3: The "Monument" & The "Mall" (or, The Day I Woke Up Really, Really Hungry):
- Morning: The Monument (aka, the most boring morning of my life): Woke up starving. No breakfast. Went to see the local monument. It was… a monument. It was… a thing. I took a picture. Felt absolutely nothing. The monument's sheer, utter blandingness made me feel a deep, gnawing hunger for a great breakfast.
- Afternoon: Shopping Mall Adventure (aka, the most wonderful place I've been): Decided to go to the shopping mall. This was the highlight of the trip. Food court! Found a place selling dumplings! Ordered EVERYTHING! Dumplings were the best things I've ever tasted.
- Evening: Chinese Massage (or,"I was so relaxed!"): Needed to relax. Went to the hotel's spa. Got a back massage. I almost fell asleep. The masseuse kept making noises at my back. It was strange, but also, amazing.
- Night: Final thoughts The trip was almost over.
Departure & Post-Trip Reflections (or, The Aftermath):
- Day 4 (Departure): Woke up. Packed (more socks this time!). Checked out. Goodbye, parking lot view! Goodbye, slightly-suspect hotel restaurant food! Found a taxi (hallelujah!). Airport, plane, and… back to being perpetually tired.
- Post-Trip: The Verdict (AKA, Would I Go Back?):
- The Holiday Inn? Fine. Perfectly serviceable. Probably not the most charming place I've ever been, but it had a bed, a working shower, and reliable Wi-Fi (crucial!). Nanyang? Intriguing. A bit of a culture shock. But, hey, I lived to tell the tale! Would I go back? Honestly… maybe. Especially if there were more dumpling places. And someone promised me a proper view.
- Overall rating: 6.5/10 - dumplings save the day. Now, Where’s that duck tongue…?
Holiday Inn Nanyang: Your (Potentially Chaotic) Guide to a Chinese Adventure!
Okay, so...is Nanyang even worth visiting? I've heard... things.
Look, let's be real. Nanyang isn't exactly Paris. It's not on everyone's "must-see" list. But that's part of its charm, you know? It's a real slice of China, warts and all. Is it worth visiting? Absolutely, if you're up for a little adventure… and maybe a LOT of patience. I went expecting… well, I didn't know what to expect. I got a city that's still figuring itself out, a beautiful blend of old and new, and a whole heap of cultural experiences that I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. My advice? Manage your expectations and embrace the chaos. Seriously. Embrace it. You might just love it. I did. (Even when the taxi driver took me to the wrong *entire* side of town.)
What's the Holiday Inn Nanyang actually LIKE? Is it… decent? (I'm a bit of a snob, I admit it.)
Decent? Okay, here's the truth. It's a Holiday Inn. So you know what you're getting: Clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi (mostly), and the comforting familiarity of a chain hotel. Don't expect the Four Seasons. Do expect a solid, comfortable basecamp for your explorations. The lobby is… well, it's a lobby. Perfectly fine. The staff, bless their hearts, try their best with English (but be prepared to mime a lot). The pool? I *heard* it was nice, but I was too busy wrestling my luggage to check it out. Did I mention I lost my phone in the taxi at the airport and the staff was AMAZING trying to help me get it back?
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it… authentic? And, more importantly, is it edible?
Oh, the food! This is where it gets interesting. Inside the hotel, the breakfast buffet is… well, it's an experience. Let's just say it's a good introduction to Chinese breakfast staples. There's congee (rice porridge – a MUST try!), baozi (steamed buns), and various unidentifiable, but generally delicious, options. Outside the hotel? That's where the real magic happens. Explore! Don't be afraid! Just… maybe bring some Pepto-Bismol. Seriously! I once ate something from a street vendor that I *think* was a deep-fried scorpion. I'm still not entirely sure. But the flavor lingered long after the... um... incident. And let me recommend, find the hand-pulled noodle place. Seriously the best noodles I've ever tasted!
What's the deal with language? I only speak English. Am I doomed?
Ah, the language barrier. It's… a *thing*. Very few people speak English fluently. Download a translation app. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases ("hello," "thank you," "where's the bathroom"). Be prepared to use gestures, smiles, and a lot of pointing. I once tried to order a beer and accidentally ordered…. well, let's just say it involved a lot of water and a very confused waiter. It's part of the fun! (Mostly. Sometimes frustratingly.) Embrace the awkwardness. You'll survive, I promise. And you'll have some hilarious stories to tell later.
Getting around! How do I actually *move* in this city?
Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive, but make sure you have the hotel write down your destination in Chinese characters. (Seriously, do this. Trust me.) Bus travel is an option – but good luck deciphering the routes. Walking is fantastic, especially in the older parts of town. Get ready to dodge scooters! Oh, and that taxi incident I mentioned earlier? Yeah... double, triple check your destination with the driver. (Lesson learned.) Try Didi taxi service, like Uber but for China! Much easier to navigate!
What about the things *to do*? What are the must-sees?
Okay, this is where Nanyang *really* shines. Visit the Han Dynasty Tombs (amazing!). Explore the Wuhou Temple. Stroll along the beautiful Bai River. See a traditional Chinese opera (even if you don't understand a word - the costumes are stunning!). And for the love of all that is holy, GO TO THE HERBAL MARKET. The smells, the colors, the chaos... it's an assault on the senses in the best possible way. You will not regret it. It's a whole day's worth of wandering! I spent at least three hours just admiring all the jars, potions, and weird-looking dried things.
Is it safe? Should I be worried about… anything?
Generally, yes, Nanyang is a safe city. Petty crime isn't a huge issue. Use common sense, keep an eye on your belongings, but I never felt particularly threatened during my visit. The biggest "danger" is probably the traffic. Be careful crossing the street! And, of course, watch out for those questionable street food choices. (Just saying.)
Okay, I'm *almost* convinced. What's a REALLY memorable (good or bad) thing that happened to you there?
Oh man, where to begin? Hmm… maybe the day I tried to haggle for a jade pendant and ended up paying far too much… or the time I got hopelessly lost in a maze of alleyways trying to find a dumpling shop… No, wait, the *memorable* thing? Definitely the time I made friends with a group of local kids. I was wandering around a park, completely lost, when they started giggling at me. They knew a smattering of English, I, a smattering of Chinese, and we somehow managed to play a game of… well, I don’t know what it was, but it involved a lot of laughter and sharing snacks. They even took me to their favorite ice cream place. It was pure joy. It reminded me that people are people, no matter where you are. That, right there, is the magic of Nanyang. It’s messy, it’s imperfect, it's sometimes overwhelming, but it’s also beautiful and full of heart. That moment stays with me more than the tombs, more than the noodles, more than the misadventures. THAT is why I went.
