Beijing's BEST Hidden Gem Hotel? (Wanke Plaza Inn Review!)
Beijing's Best Kept Secret? My Wanke Plaza Inn Adventure (Spoiler: I Loved It… Mostly)
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the jasmine tea, since we're in Beijing) on the Wanke Plaza Inn. This place is, hands down, a hidden gem. And I'm not just saying that because I stumbled upon it after getting thoroughly lost in the Hutongs, sweating like a tourist who’d just eaten a spicy Sichuan noodle disaster (which, ahem, I might have). It's a real, authentic experience – and as someone who believes in embracing the chaos, I ate it up.
First Impressions (and My Near-Meltdown Over Accessibility):
Finding the Wanke Plaza Inn was the first adventure. My phone died (typical), the map was a confusing jumble of calligraphy (which, admittedly, I should have learned before going), and I was lugging my suitcase like a Sherpa on a bad day. Finally, bliss, I saw the sign. The lobby? Stylish, modern, and immediately calming. Now, the accessibility bit… which is a whole other beast. The entrance? Flat, great! Elevators? Check! Wheelchair accessible? Well… they say so. I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I did spot a few wider doorways and ramps. I'd recommend calling ahead to double-check specifics if you have any particular mobility requirements. They seem trying but not necessarily seamless on that front, and that's a genuinely mixed feeling. It’s so close to being perfect.
Internet & Staying Connected: The Wi-Fi Wars (Mostly Won!)
Okay, let's talk internet. Because, let's face it, in the modern age, it's basically water/air. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! And a pretty decent connection too. Bless the internet gods! I mean, I work remotely, so reliable Wi-Fi is life or death. Internet access – LAN? Yes, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore? Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes, and it worked well to. The speed was generally solid, even during peak times. I wasn't dropping calls while video conferencing, which is a MAJOR win in my book. No complaints there.
Cozy Rooms & Creature Comforts: Finding My Zen (and a Killer View!)
My room? It was more than just a room; it was a sanctuary. The Air conditioning was a LIFESAVER. The Blackout curtains were perfect for combating jet lag. Free bottled water? Always appreciated. The bed itself was like sinking into a cloud. The In-room safe box was welcome. My room had a Window that opens, but you know, sometimes, I just wanted to embrace those dark curtains and the air conditioning. And the views! Incredible! I was high up (High floor) and got to see the city lights twinkle at night. I could seriously work from there the whole trip.
The Bathroom: Where Dreams (and Showers) Are Made:
The bathroom was clean, well-lit, and stocked with all the essentials. Bathtub? Check! Separate shower/bathtub? Yup. Hair dryer? Thank god. Complimentary toiletries? Yes. And the water pressure? Glorious. I could stand under that shower for hours. Heaven! And don’t underestimate the importance of fresh, fluffy Towels after navigating the Beijing streets for a day. Honestly, the small details make a big difference. My only minor quibble: the lighting was a touch harsh. But hey, that’s nitpicking.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Unsuccessful Quest for a Perfect Burger):
The Asian breakfast was a feast! Noodles, dumplings, congee - the works. I’m not usually a breakfast person, but I found myself eager to stuff my face every morning. And the Coffee shop always had something great. The Restaurants had an A la carte in restaurant system with a Buffet in restaurant, which was great, right? Okay, well, I'm a simple man, I like burgers. I tried, bless my heart, to find a passable burger. Several attempts went… not well. The International cuisine in restaurant selection was… varied. The Salad in restaurant was great though. I made peace with my burger disappointment and doubled down on the Asian food, which was delicious. I think they had a Vegetarian restaurant option. I never checked. Poolside bar: Never got around to going, but it looked lovely. Room service [24-hour]? Absolutely. Perfect for that mid-afternoon snack attack after exploring.
Feeling Pampered: A Touch of Indulgence (and a Bit of a Near-Death Experience in the Sauna):
Okay, let’s talk relaxation. The Hotel had it all. Fitness center? Yup, and looked well-equipped. Sauna? Oh yes. I may or may not have almost passed out in the sauna. Too much sightseeing, too little water. But hey, it was a memorable experience! The Spa? Looked divine, though I didn't book anything. Massage options? For sure. Pool with view? Yes. The pool was so refreshing after a hot day, and the view was spectacular.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Secure (and Slightly Obsessive):
During these times, safety is paramount. The Wanke Plaza Inn took it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Individually-wrapped food options? You bet. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Yes, well enforced. Rooms sanitized between stays? Definitely. I felt incredibly safe staying there, which is a massive relief. I also noticed they had Hand sanitizer everywhere and the staff were clearly trained in safety protocols.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
From the Concierge who helped me navigate the subway (bless their hearts) to the Daily housekeeping who did a fantastic job. Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service? All available. The Elevator made life easy. The Luggage storage was also super convenient. I also appreciated the Cash withdrawal facilities on site.
Things to Do & Getting Around: Exploring the City (and Avoiding Tourist Traps):
The hotel’s location was good and pretty accessible. You can get to a lot of key sights from there. Taxi service was easy to find. I used it. I'm not a fan of public transportation, but everyone I met said it's great. Airport transfer? Yes, and very efficient. There was a Car park [free of charge] and on-site.
For the Kids & Family Friendly: Kid-Free Zone (Mostly):
I didn't really get a sense of it being for kids. Not a lot of those things. There's a Babysitting service, but I didn't notice any kids facilities.
The Verdict: Worth the Trek? Absolutely!
Look, the Wanke Plaza Inn isn't perfect. There are moments of minor annoyance, and the accessibility could undoubtedly be improved. But the location, the cleanliness, the comfort, and the genuinely friendly staff more than make up for any shortcomings. It’s a great option. So if you're looking for a hotel with character, a touch of luxury, and a truly authentic Beijing experience, this is your place. Just be prepared to get a little lost on the way… and maybe bring your own burger. 😉
Escape to Paradise: Canyon Cove's Luxury Awaits in Nasugbu!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-crazed account of surviving (and hopefully thriving) in Beijing, specifically holed up at the Hi Inn Changping Wanke Plaza. Let's see if I can remember it all… because frankly, a lot of it's already a blur of dumplings and questionable decisions.
Day 1: Arrival! (Or, "How I Almost Died of the Beijing Jet Lag")
- 8:00 AM (Beijing Time): Landed at the airport. The sheer volume of people… honestly, it's like trying to cross the ocean during the salmon migration. Border control was… intense. Felt like I was being judged for my questionable fashion choices (jeans and a slightly-too-small band t-shirt, don't judge me, it's comfortable).
- 9:30 AM: Found the shuttle to Changping. Okay, maybe "found" is a strong word. More like "begged a kind-looking grandma for help and followed her, hoping she wasn't leading me to some dumpling-powered cult." Turns out she was just really good at navigating the chaos. Grandma, you were a lifesaver.
- 11:00 AM: Arrived at Hi Inn Changping Wanke Plaza. The lobby? Surprisingly modern. Clean. Smelled faintly of… maybe lemon? Or was that just the overly-strong air freshener fighting back against the inevitable city funk? Check-in was smooth, thank god. I was on the verge of a full-blown meltdown.
- 12:00 PM: Collapsed on the bed. Jet lag hit me like a brick. Seriously, I think I slept for twelve hours. Woke up convinced I was still on the flight and had to frantically untangle myself from the duvet.
- 7:00 PM: Dragged myself out for dinner. Wandered the Wanke Plaza area. Oh god, choices. So. Many. Choices. I finally settled on a little noodle shop. Ordering? Pure guesswork, fueled by pointing and praying. Managed to get something edible. Could have been chicken, could have been… something else. Tasted amazing though. Victory!
- 8:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Passed out. Again. This is the beauty of international travel.
Day 2: The Great Wall (And My Ongoing Struggle with Breathing)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up to the sound of… what was that? Some kind of chanting? Later found out it was the local school doing exercises. The sound was not my friend and brought more anxiety than my mental health could handle.
- 8:00 AM: After some breakfast at the hotel (instant noodles provided, I'm not picky!) I set out to get to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. This requires some metro and bus and I'm here to tell you that I may have gotten on the wrong bus at first. All the people who helped me out and were so patient with my complete lack of Chinese really made up for my mistake.
- 10:00 AM: Made it! Holy crap. Standing on the Great Wall… speechless. The scale of it is just… mind-boggling. The views were incredible. The climb? Brutal. My lungs, which are accustomed to a relatively flat existence, were NOT thrilled. I spent a significant portion of the day gasping for air and wondering if I should have started training before I got here.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! Found a little restaurant with, and I'm not kidding, the best scallion pancakes ever. I mean, crispy, flaky, and utterly perfect. I could have eaten a thousand.
- 1:00 PM: More wall-walking. More gasping. More breathtaking views. Seriously, the views. They're worth the altitude sickness and the near-death experience involving a steep incline.
- 3:00 PM: Back to base. Legs were screaming, lungs were still protesting, but the memory was worth it.
- 5:00 PM: Rest and recovery. A shower was badly needed because I may or may not have sweat through all my layers.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place near the hotel that served delicious dumplings. I swear, I could live on dumplings. Ordered a big plate… possibly two. In a fit of overconfidence, I tried ordering in Chinese. The result was a confused waiter and a small plate of… something. Oh well.
- 8:00 PM: Collapse. Again. This time I can blame it on the Great Wall.
Day 3: Temples, Tea, and Terribly Embarrassing Moments
- 9:00 AM: Finally slept in! Jet lag is starting to retreat (slightly). Today, I decided to visit the Temple of Heaven.
- 10:30 AM: Temple of Heaven. Stunning architecture, peaceful atmosphere. Wandered around, marveling at the intricate carvings and the vast expanse of the complex. People-watching was a significant part of this day. So many people. So many different groups exercising. And this is where the embarrassment happened. I'm taking a picture of a group doing Tai Chi, when BAM! A ball smacked me square in the face. This was the part of my life that felt like a movie.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a little noodle shop. Attempted to order. Succeeded in the end. It’s a slow process, but like the Great Wall itself, I'm slowly getting there.
- 2:00 PM: Tea Ceremony. Oh, the tea! Such ceremony here. This experience was more ritual than necessary, but then again, that’s the point. I could barely taste a thing because I was having such a moment.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Wandered around the Wanke Plaza again. Got lost. Found a massage place. Best decision ever.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner! I think I'm starting to like the food.
- 9:00 PM: Back to bed.
Day 4: The Forbidden City That I couldn't see because it was closed. (And more dumplings!)
- 9:00 AM: Okay, so the Forbidden City was closed on Mondays. A major oversight on my part. Facepalm.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to wander around the area near the Forbidden City anyway. Got delightfully lost.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. More dumplings. I sense a theme developing.
- 2:00 PM: Back to Inn, to get some rest.
- 4:00 PM: Wandered to a local market. Tried some random street food. Some was delicious. Some was… interesting. Let's just say my stomach and I had a good, long chat that night.
- 7:00 PM: Ate some more dumplings at least.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Planning my departure.
Day 5: Departure (And a Promise to Come Back… Eventually)
- 7:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. Instant noodles, my old friend.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out.
- 9:00 AM: Shuttle to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Flight home. Looking out the window, the Great Wall was the last thing I saw.
- 12:00 PM (Home Time): I'm home… and already daydreaming about dumplings and the Great Wall. Beijing, you were a challenge. You were beautiful. You were exhausting. And, surprisingly, I can't wait to come back.
Beijing's BEST Hidden Gem Hotel? (Wanke Plaza Inn Review!) - Ask Away!
Okay, spill the tea - is Wanke Plaza Inn *really* a hidden gem, or just another budget hotel with a fancy name?
Alright, let's get real. The *name* sounds swanky, right? "Plaza Inn." Sounds like you're about to stumble into a ballroom dance competition. Nope. Think more... budget-friendly, but in a *good* way. Look, I'm a cynical traveler. I expect the worst, so I'm *always* pleasantly surprised. And Wanke Plaza Inn? Surprised me. It IS a hidden gem, but with INCREDIBLE caveats.
It's not perfect. Nowhere near. But for location, and that *feeling* of being in Beijing, actually *living* in Beijing, and not just 'touristing' in Beijing, it's pretty darn special. You're not going to get fluffy robes and turndown service. You're getting... authenticity. And a surprisingly comfy bed, which, after a day of battling crowds and food coma, is all I really care about.
Location, location, location! Where exactly *is* this place, and is it accessible?
Okay, this is where Wanke Plaza Inn *wins*. It's near a major subway station (I won't lie, I've forgotten the exact line – I'm terrible with subway numbers, but it was a short walk, and the signage was pretty straightforward, even for my atrocious Mandarin). You're not right smack dab in the Forbidden City tourist scrum. THANK GOD. You're… in a neighborhood. A *real* neighborhood. It's a bit gritty, not a sterile tourist bubble. You'll see locals going about their lives. That's the magic.
The accessibility? The subway is super convenient. Taxis were easy to hail. Walking around during the day was perfectly safe. At night, keep your wits about you, as always. Beijing is a bustling city, after all! One time, I swear, I saw a guy riding a unicycle down a side street at 2 am. Just... Beijing things, you know?
Let's talk about the rooms! Are they clean? And how's the soundproofing? (I NEED good sleep!)
Clean? Okay, let's be blunt. It's not the Ritz. But yes. It was clean. Like, genuinely clean. The bathroom was spotless, which, coming from a germophobe, is high praise. They clearly put effort into it, which matters. They kept my room nice and tidy every single day.
Now... soundproofing. Ugh. Blessing AND a curse. I'd give it a solid 6/10. You WILL hear things. The hallway conversations, the occasional door slam, and the distant rumble of traffic. I invested in earplugs. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. One night, I swear, I heard a whole family arguing, and I even understood some of the Mandarin because I'd had so much time to learn a bit! It was both fascinating and slightly disturbing at 3 am. But with the earplugs? Slept like a baby.
Food! Is there decent food nearby, or am I stuck eating at the hotel? (And is the breakfast any good?)
Forget the hotel food! (I actually didn’t even see a dedicated restaurant! I'm pretty sure they just had a small breakfast area. Which leads me to…) The *neighborhood* is the food goldmine. Street food galore! Honestly? This is where Wanke Plaza Inn shines. Absolutely stellar street food.
Walk out the door, and you're bombarded with choices. Dampened by a constant, lovely smell of cooking – from noodles to cumin-flavored lamb skewers. You'll find little local restaurants, with menus in, well, mostly Chinese, but point and smile, and amazing things will happen. I had the BEST homemade dumplings, the cheapest, most delicious tea I've ever tasted, and a breakfast of savory pancakes that haunts my dreams. Seriously, I still dream about those pancakes.
Breakfast at the hotel... was functional. Basic continental, I think. But why bother when you're surrounded by culinary heaven outside?
Any problems checking in/out? Is the staff helpful (even with a language barrier)?
Check-in? Smooth as silk. The staff? Mostly. Most of them spoke enough English to get things done. I had a few moments of frantic pointing and gesturing, but honestly, that’s part of the fun of traveling. They were always friendly and patient, even when I, admittedly, looked like a lost puppy. They are super helpful at getting you on your feet in the city.
This leads me to a really important point: download a translation app. Seriously. It'll be a lifesaver. And learn a few basic Mandarin phrases (Ni hao! Xie xie!). Even a little effort to speak the language goes a long way. Just the basics. "Hello," "Thank you," "Can I have more dumplings, please?". The staff seemed genuinely appreciative of it, and it made the whole experience feel more personal.
What's the "vibe" of this place? Is it more for backpackers, families, or...?
Backpackers? Sure. I saw a few. Families? Could work, but maybe choose a larger room/suite. Wanke Plaza Inn is a good spot for anyone who wants to experience the "real" Beijing. It's a far cry from the sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. It's… lived-in, in a good way.
It's for people who don't mind a bit of imperfection. For people who like to wander, explore, and get a little lost. For people who want to try new things. For those who want to taste the real flavor of Beijing from their very own, well-kept, and lovely little nook.
And for the love of all that is holy, go explore the alleyways. You might find the best tea shop of your life
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. I'd go back in a heartbeat. I'm already planning my next trip! It's not the fanciest hotel, but it's got soul. And for the price, the location, and that feeling of being *in* Beijing, instead of just *visiting* it, it’s a steal
Look, I’m still thinking about those dumplings. And the pancakes. And that unicyclist. It was a memory.Stay By City
