7 Days Inn Yongzhou: Your Secret Oasis in China's Hidden Gem!
7 Days Inn Yongzhou: My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Take on China's "Secret Oasis"!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I'm about to spill the tea on 7 Days Inn Yongzhou. And trust me, it's not your average, run-of-the-mill hotel review. We're talking real-life experiences, quirky observations, and maybe, just maybe, a slight emotional breakdown or two. Because honestly, hotels can either make or break you, right?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, but Mostly Okay
First things first, accessibility. Yeah, it's important, and frankly, a deal-breaker for some. Getting to Yongzhou itself? Well, it’s China, so be prepared for anything! I'm not going to lie, I had a bit of a drama getting here, but I think that’s more down to my own terrible navigation skills. The hotel itself? Okay, they claim they have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and front access. This is all on the official site, so I never saw that. If you need full wheelchair access, I'd recommend calling ahead and asking explicitly. I didn’t see any specific ramps or anything obvious, so do your research. But overall, it seemed relatively straightforward to maneuver around.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi? Score! (But Sometimes It Feels Like You're Back in the Stone Age)
Okay, let's talk Wi-Fi. Because let's be honest, we need it. And praise the internet gods, 7 Days Inn Yongzhou offers Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas, that's a major win in my book. I can’t stand hotels that nickel and dime you for internet access. I’m a digital nomad, people! But, and here’s the slightly frustrating part, sometimes, the connection felt slower than a snail wearing concrete boots. Like, I'd be trying to upload a photo of my amazing breakfast (more on that later), and it would take approximately forever. I even tried the Internet [LAN] option, but honestly, I haven’t seen a LAN connection since the early 2000s. The Internet services are there, but don’t expect lightning-fast speeds, especially during peak hours. It was usable, just… patient-requiring.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
Look, traveling in a post-pandemic world, cleanliness is paramount. 7 Days Inn Yongzhou seems to take this seriously. They claim to use Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. You see Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff wear masks. The Staff trained in safety protocol seemed knowledgeable and friendly. And if you’re feeling extra cautious, you can even opt for Room sanitization opt-out. It's good to see that. I felt relatively safe, especially compared to some of the… ahem… interesting establishments I've encountered.
They also have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour] which definitely put my mind at ease. I did love seeing the Smoke detectors especially.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet to Basic
Okay, the food. Here’s where things get interesting. The Restaurants are there, plural! They have an Asian breakfast, which is pretty standard in China (noodles! Spicy dishes! Steamed buns!). There's an Asian cuisine in restaurant! They have Western breakfast and sometimes even offer Western cuisine in restaurant. The Breakfast [buffet] is, well, a buffet. They had the usual suspects: cereal, some pastries, and the aforementioned Asian options. It was… fine. Not exactly Michelin-star material. They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, which was a lifesaver in the mornings.
They also boast a Bar, but it felt more like a glorified vending machine area to me, so your expectations need to be adjusted. The Poolside bar? Never saw it. The Coffee shop? Nope. But there is Bottle of water, hooray! And a Snack bar where you can get by. If you’re a foodie, you'll probably be reaching for the nearest street food vendor. Overall, the dining experience was functional rather than fabulous.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
This is where 7 Days Inn Yongzhou actually shines. They had a Concierge, which was super helpful with getting around. They have Daily housekeeping, which is a godsend. The rooms were always spic and span, even if the Wi-Fi was lagging. There's Laundry service, of which I made the most of. You’re also covered with Luggage storage.
They have Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange. They have a Convenience store, which is a lifesaver for snacks and, you know, the essentials (like more coffee).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams?
Okay, confession time. I was hoping for a little pampering. The website mentions a Spa/sauna, but I never found it :( . So Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom the whole shebang? Wishful thinking. I spent most of my time exploring Yongzhou. So there's a Fitness center but I am not a gym person. If you are, good for you!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly-ish
They claim to be Family/child friendly. So they also list Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't bring any little ones, but I did see some families around. I felt like it's a good place to base your trip if you have kids, despite the lack of a pool.
Getting Around: Getting There and Beyond
They offer Airport transfer, which is a massive convenience, and Taxi service. I preferred using taxis. The Car park [on-site] is a bonus if you're driving. They do have Bicycle parking, but I wouldn't trust it.
Available in All Rooms (The Nitty Gritty):
Here’s the lowdown on the rooms themselves:
- Air conditioning: Yes, thank goodness! Essential in China.
- Alarm clock: For when you need to be up early to hit the road.
- Bathrobes & Slippers: A nice touch, if you're into that sort of thing.
- Bathroom phone: Seriously? Who even uses those anymore?
- Bathtub: Again, wishful thinking.
- Blackout curtains: A lifesaver if you like to sleep in, or you are on 10 flights in 2 days.
- Carpeting: Fine.
- Closet: Standard.
- Coffee/tea maker: Score! Instant coffee, but hey, it's something.
- Complimentary tea: Another plus.
- Daily housekeeping: As mentioned, awesome.
- Desk: Good for working (if the Wi-Fi cooperates).
- Extra long bed: Needed on my height.
- Free bottled water: Always welcome!
- Hair dryer: Saved me packing one!
- High floor: If you're lucky enough to get a room on one.
- In-room safe box: Important.
- Internet access – LAN: I didn’t even bother.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes.
- Ironing facilities: Excellent.
- Laptop workspace: Same as the desk.
- Linens: Clean.
- Mini bar: Mostly empty, but okay.
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- On-demand movies: If you're into that.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Needed for when you get a good book.
- Refrigerator: Always appreciated.
- Safety/security feature: Yep!
- Satellite/cable channels: Blah.
- Scale: Never used it.
- Seating area: Kinda.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Standard.
- Shower: Standard.
- Slippers: Yeah!
- Smoke detector: Okay.
- Socket near the bed: Useful.
- Sofa: Comfortable.
- Soundproofing: I did not notice any noise.
- Telephone: Really?
- Toiletries: Basic.
- Towels: Plenty.
- Umbrella: Never used it.
- Visual alarm: Never saw it.
- Wake-up service: Available.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Hallelujah!
- Window that opens: Nice to have.
My Final Verdict:
7 Days Inn Yongzhou isn’t perfect. It’s not a five-star luxury resort. It’s a solid, reliable mid-range hotel, that works.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Haus am Park, Germany Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be less "perfectly curated travel blog" and more "slightly frantic, often-hungry person navigates China" – a seven-day odyssey through Yongzhou, Lengshuitan, and finally, the shimmering, potentially-overwhelming embrace of Shunde. Here goes nothing…
Day 1: Yongzhou – Where Am I Even? (Flight Delay Edition)
- Morning (Or What Was Supposed to be Morning, Thanks to the Airline): Landed in Yongzhou. Or at least, I think I landed. The flight was delayed, of course. Who knew "on time" was a mythical creature in the world of international travel? I’m already sweating, not from the humidity (though that’s a factor), but from the sheer uncertainty of where my luggage even is. The airport itself? Basic. Let's just say the WiFi is as reliable as my ability to fold a fitted sheet. (Spoiler alert: not very reliable.)
- Afternoon: The Quest for Noodles (and Sanity): Found a local eatery. The menu? All pictograms I vaguely understood, and the phrase "Lost in Translation" became my new mantra. I pointed, I smiled, and somehow ended up with a bowl of what I think were noodles. (They were orange and suspiciously delicious. My first foray into the REAL China. I'm in!) The locals peeked at me, and I gave them the widest, most genuine smile I could muster. (It might have looked more like a grimace. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.)
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The Hotel and the Bed…Oh, the Bed…: Finally, the 7 Days Inn. It's… what I expected. Cleanish. Slightly questionable noise from the plumbing. But the bed! Oh, the bed was a haven. It was a deep well of sleep. Collapsed on that bed like a ragdoll. Seriously, I think I might have drooled. Slept through the entire evening, and woke at 3AM, thinking I'd missed the apocalypse. (Just a minor panic attack, brought on by extreme fatigue and the distinct feeling of being in…Yongzhou.)
Day 2: Lengshuitan – Markets and Misunderstandings
- Morning: Fueled by instant coffee (a questionable choice) and a vague desire to experience "authenticity." Headed to the local market. This was… intense. Fish flopping, chickens clucking, and smells I can't even begin to describe. I fumbled with my phone for photos. The crowds, the colors, the sheer bustle – it was sensory overload in the best possible way. I got absolutely lost, which is to say I became very familiar with the alleys and backstreets. (Great for finding the best street food, not so great for remembering how to get back to the main road.)
- Afternoon: The Tea Ceremony (and My Lack of Grace): Found a local tea house. Wanted to be all cultured and learn about the art of tea. I tried. I really tried. But I basically spilled hot water everywhere. I think I embarrassed the tea master. The whole atmosphere was calming, serene. And yet, I was a chaotic mess. (I think I'll stick to coffee.)
- Evening: The Food: Found a restaurant. "Recommended by Lonely Planet" (that's what I told myself, anyway). The food was a revelation! Spicy, flavorful… I got adventurous and ordered something with lots and lots of chili in the name. (Regret? Maybe a little. Was it good? Oh, yes. My mouth is still on fire. Worth it.)
Day 3: Lengshuitan (Revisited) - Deep Dive and Deliciousness
- Morning: I realized I actually liked Lengshuitan, so I did a victory lap of the market, picking up dried mushroom and what I suspect are delicious jerky. I bartered for the first time in my life and was surprised how much fun it was. (I also probably got ripped off. But the seller was so charming, I didn't care.)
- Afternoon Got a foot massage. This was…different. Intense, in a good way. My tired traveler feet loved it. I am a convert of foot massages now.
- Evening: Ate street food until I could barely move. Tried all the dumplings, and discovered a tiny, hidden stall with the most mind-blowing noodles I've ever had. Seriously. I'm still dreaming about them.
Day 4: The Journey to Shunde – The Train and the Anticipation
- Morning: Goodbye, Lengshuitan! Booked a fast train to Shunde. Watched the scenery blur as we hurtled through the Chinese countryside. I spent the entire time staring at the landscape, listening to the hum of the train, and daydreaming about food (again).
- Afternoon: Arrival in Shunde - Sensory Overload, Round 2!: Shunde. A foodie paradise. And it shows. The sheer number of restaurants, the smells of spices, the general buzz of culinary excitement… it’s intoxicating. Already a sense of sheer wonder at this place.
- Evening: Finding Moer Bubugao Plaza - The Place of Many Shops - a Place of Confusion and Some Shopping: Went to the plaza. Honestly, it was huge, and the shops were overwhelming. A dizzying array of stuff crammed together. I got lost… again. But, I did find a fantastic little shop selling local snacks and bought way too many. (I'll share… eventually.)
Day 5: Shunde - A Deep Dive into Culinary Heaven (and a Bit of Panic)
- Morning - Dumplings, Delight, and Disaster: Shunde is famed for its Cantonese food, especially the dumplings. Found a dumpling place that was touted by some famous restaurant. The dumplings were heavenly! Silky, and bursting with flavor. They actually burst in my mouth! I went back for seconds. However, I ordered some interesting offal. It was… an experience. Let's just say I had a moment of regret. But the dumplings! Amazing.
- Afternoon: Cooking Lesson (Humiliating, but Delicious): Took a cooking class! The instructor seemed a bit amused by my attempts to chop vegetables and use chopsticks. I ended up making a mess. I burnt a little something. But, I also made something pretty fantastic! The food made in the class was very delicious, and I felt a little bit useful.
- Evening: The Restaurant - Where Luxury met Chaos: Found a really fancy restaurant. The kind with white tablecloths and hushed whispers. The food was presented in a most beautiful way. They had all the fancy plates and cutlery. This was more of a food experience than a meal. But I ate… and I ate well. Then I spent about an hour trying to figure out how to pay the bill (cultural differences, you know?).
Day 6: Shunde – Doubling Down on the Food (and a Side of Souvenirs)
- Morning: Street Food Safari (Round Two!): Went on another street food adventure. Found some bizarre, wonderful things. Tried a durian pancake. Love it or hate it? I loved it! (I'm still not sure how that's possible.) This morning was all about the food and the sheer joy of discovery.
- Afternoon: The Souvenir Hunt (It Got Real): Started the souvenir hunt. It’s a hard business to be in, souvenir hunting. Found a shop with porcelain tea sets - which, I figured, was a way to tie the whole thing together. It took forever to choose. But eventually I made it happen.
- Evening: A Final Feast: Found a restaurant with a huge outdoor patio. Shared plates of everything. Spent the evening laughing, eating, and feeling immensely grateful for the experience.
Day 7: Farewell (for Now) - The Sad Departure
- Morning: Pack, Reflect, and Eat: One last breakfast. Tried to pack my suitcase. Failed miserably. Realized I needed to buy a bigger suitcase. Wandered through the city one last time.
- Afternoon: The Airport and the Goodbyes: The airport. Saying goodbye to China (for now). The experience was messy, imperfect, and at times, overwhelming. But it was also beautiful, delicious, and full of moments I’ll never forget.
- Evening: On My Way Home… (and Planning the Next Trip!): On the plane. Tired, happy, and already dreaming of my next adventure. The Chinese culture, the food. I miss it already!
So there you have it. A messy, rambling, honest account of a week in China. Don't expect perfection. Expect a few stumbles, a lot of laughter, and a deep, abiding love for dumplings.
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Villa Ortigia, Japan
7 Days Inn Yongzhou: Seriously? Is it Worth the Hype? (Spoiler: Maybe!)
Okay, deep breaths. What *is* 7 Days Inn Yongzhou? Sounds... generic.
Alright, let’s be honest. "7 Days Inn" doesn't exactly scream "luxury retreat," right? It's a budget hotel chain, like the McDonalds of Chinese accommodation (no offense to McD's!). BUT, and this is a big but, in Yongzhou…which, by the way, is a city you probably *haven't* heard of…it can be your sanity-saver. Think of it as a clean, relatively safe harbor from the delightful chaos of smaller-town China. Emphasis on RELATIVELY safe.
So, budget hotel. What’s the REAL deal with the rooms? Are we talking cockroach city?
Okay, here's a story. I once stayed in a "budget" hotel in a different part of China…let's just say I befriended a few…uninvited guests. I'm talking, like, eight-legged roomies who clearly weren't paying rent. The 7 Days Inn in Yongzhou? Generally, WAY cleaner. Spotless? Maybe not. Dust bunnies staging a revolt? Unlikely. The rooms are tiny, the beds are firm (good for your back, bad for your blissful sleep), and the bathroom…well, let's just say the plumbing sometimes has a mind of its own. One time, I woke up to a lukewarm shower with the pressure of a dying garden hose – definitely a *moment*. But, honestly? Considering the price and the location, it's usually acceptable. Bring your own soap though. Trust me on that one.
Oh, and the air con? Hit or miss. Pack a backup plan – either an extra blanket or a light sheet, depending on the season. I once sweated through an entire sleepover in April (pretty uncomfortable), but on my other return it was freezing.
Is the staff at the 7 Days Inn Yongzhou…helpful, or do they just stare blankly?
This is where things get interesting. The staff are generally...polite. They’re not exactly overflowing with enthusiastic English proficiency. So, brush up on your Mandarin (or download a translation app, like, *yesterday*!). They'll try. They *really* try. I remember one time, I was frantically trying to get a taxi to the train station because I'd completely miscalculated my departure time (classic). The front desk guy, bless his heart, called about five different taxi companies, each conversation ending with a confused shrug. Eventually, he flagged down *someone* and got me there! Even if it was chaotic, it was genuine. Don’t expect concierge service finesse, but expect effort.
Let's talk location. Where is this mystical 7 Days Inn Yongzhou *even* located? Is it near anything…interesting? Or am I stuck in a concrete jungle?
Okay, this is the crucial question. The 7 Days Inn locations (there might be more than one) vary, so I can't speak for *all* of them. But, typically, you're looking at a location that's reasonably central-ish. Think a quick taxi ride (or a brave bus adventure) to the city center. Don't expect doorstep access to the *Forbidden City*. You’re more likely stepping out onto a bustling street filled with street vendors selling... well, everything. Food, knock-off goods, and the occasional person trying to sell you a particularly aggressive haircut. Is there *anything* interesting nearby? Maybe a park, a local market, a delicious noodle shop (always a win!). Do your research on the specific location. That said, the location isn’t exactly the draw. You’re there for the access it gives you to the more *interesting* places – the real Yongzhou.
What about food? Is there anything edible near the 7 Days Inn Yongzhou? I’m picturing… instant noodles.
Okay, food is a HUGE part of the experience! And YES, there is food. THANK GOD. It might not be Michelin-star quality, but it’s generally tasty and, honestly, a bit of an adventure. Street food is king! I once stumbled upon a tiny wonton shop near a 7 Days Inn in the middle of nowhere China and, seriously, best wontons of my life. (And this is after a bad travel day, so I was easily impressed). Look for small, local restaurants. Point at things you can't identify. Say "hao chi" (delicious). Don't be afraid! Just…be prepared for some serious spice. And maybe pack some Pepto-Bismol. Just in case. There are usually some familiar fast food options nearby too, if you're feeling homesick for a burger. But why would you?! Embrace the mystery meat! (Probably not actually mystery meat, but you get the idea.)
Okay, I'm getting a little more convinced. Overall, would you recommend the 7 Days Inn Yongzhou?
Here's the truth, the raw, unvarnished truth: It's *fine*. It's functional. It's not going to ruin your trip, but it’s not going to be the highlight either. It's like a reliable pair of socks. You don't get *excited* about them, but you're darn glad you have them. If you're on a budget, exploring the less-traveled parts of China, and not expecting the Ritz, then YES. Absolutely. Manage your expectations. Pack your own shampoo, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, and embrace the adventure. You might just find yourself slightly charmed by the whole experience. Just…maybe bring mosquito repellent. And earplugs. And a good sense of humor. You'll need it.
And one more thing: Be prepared to be surprised. Yongzhou itself, and even the 7 Days Inn, can hold some unexpected pleasures. Like the time I met a grandmother who gave me a spontaneous lesson in calligraphy, right outside a 7 Days Inn. Or, the time the staff gave me a free water bottle because they realized I'd forgotten mine, that made me feel grateful and a little bit less alone in a far-off land. That's the kind of experience you can't put a price on.
So, yeah…go. Just…go with an open mind (and maybe some hand sanitizer).
