Unbelievable Luxury in Lhasa: Holiday Inn Express Potala Palace Experience!
Unbelievable… Or Just Tibet? My Honest Take on the Holiday Inn Express Potala Palace, Lhasa
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the yak butter tea on my stay at the Holiday Inn Express Potala Palace in Lhasa. "Unbelievable Luxury" the title claims. Let's see about that, shall we? This isn't your sanitized, PR-approved review; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, delivered with a healthy dose of caffeine and altitude sickness (probably).
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First off: Accessibility. Bless their hearts, they tried. The elevator was a godsend after hiking around the Potala Palace itself (which, by the way, is NOT accessible – prepare to work those glutes!). I saw ramps, wide doorways, and the staff seemed genuinely eager to help. However, let's be real, Tibet isn't exactly known for being wheelchair-friendly overall. This hotel did a better job than most, but navigating Lhasa in a wheelchair is still a pretty monumental task. So, while they're aiming for accessibility, the city itself throws a wrench in that plan. (Score: 7/10 – For effort and trying to provide the basics)
Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!, Internet [LAN], Internet Services, Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Okay, let's face it. In a place like Tibet, reliable internet is more of a dream than a reality. The Free Wi-Fi in the rooms? Technically, yes. Practically? Expect to be battling glacial speeds, especially during prime time. I'm talking dial-up levels of frustration. Forget streaming anything, and video calls are a gamble. The Internet [LAN] was also available, and theoretically, that might provide a slightly better connection…but who even packs an ethernet cable these days? Wi-Fi in public areas was, unsurprisingly, equally spotty. Plan on disconnecting and embracing the slow-paced Tibetan life. Or, you know, just finding a good book. (Score: 4/10 – It's there, but don't expect miracles.)
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where the Holiday Inn Express excelled. Given the current climate (and the fact that Lhasa is a popular tourist destination), I was seriously impressed. They’ve gone all out. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? You got it. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. I saw staff in masks and gloves everywhere, and they were obsessively cleaning. Even more reassuring? They had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I felt safer there than I do sometimes back home! (Score: 9/10 – Top marks for making me feel less germaphobic.) The safety/security features were also top-notch, with CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. I never once felt unsafe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Alright, let's talk about the food. This is where things got…interesting. They offered a Breakfast [buffet] which was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast options were decent, but the Western breakfast? Let's just say I wouldn't call it a culinary masterpiece. The coffee was, shall we say, weak. However, they had Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water, and Breakfast takeaway service, which were a godsend. A la carte in restaurant? Yes, but stick with the Asian dishes. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was actually pretty good. The Poolside bar? Sorry, didn't have enough time to see it. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver for those late-night hunger pangs, although the Coffee shop offered a more social experience. There was a Snack bar with basic snacks available and a Vegetarian Restaurant, but I always opted for the Salad in restaurant or Soup in restaurant as my go-to meal. The Buffet in restaurant was also on offer. The Bar had a very limited selection, and the Happy hour was a letdown. I didn't try the International cuisine in restaurant. (Score: 7/10 – Decent options, but not a foodie paradise.)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Okay, here’s the kicker: the Pool with view! The Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] were all there, waiting to provide that relaxing feeling. And that view?! Seriously, breathtaking. Imagine floating in the pool, the Potala Palace rising majestically in the distance. Sadly, I was too busy exploring the city to spend much time there, but I did manage a quick dip. The Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage facilities were available, but I'm not a huge fan of spas so didn't try them. They also have a Gym/fitness, which I did use. (Score: 8/10 – The pool view alone almost justifies the price.)
Services and Conveniences: Here’s where the hotel really shined. Air conditioning in public area, Airport transfer, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], 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. They were all there in different sizes and forms. The Concierge was incredibly helpful, the Daily housekeeping was impeccable, and the Luggage storage came in handy. The elevator made life so much easier! (Score: 9/10 – They thought of everything.)
For the Kids: They had Family/child friendly services, even Kids facilities and Kids meal services, which is nice if that’s your thing. (Score: 7/10 – caters for all!)
(Now for the stream-of-consciousness, quirky observations, and emotional reactions):
Okay, so that's the basic breakdown. But here's where it gets real.
The first thing that hit me when I walked into my room (a Non-smoking Room, thank the heavens) was the sheer altitude. Lhasa is high, y'all. I'm talking gasping for air just walking to the bathroom. Thank goodness for the Air conditioning and the Free bottled water because I needed both! I felt like a goldfish out of water for the first 24 hours and spent most of my time sprawled on the Extra long bed trying to catch my breath, just to avoid a potential Doctor/nurse on call.
About that Bathroom phone… who even uses that anymore? I stared at it, baffled. My room also came with a Mirror, In-room safe box, Refrigerator, Hair dryer, Slippers, Bathrobes, Complimentary tea, Alarm clock, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Reading light, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm and Wake-up service.
And bless the housekeeping staff, who somehow managed to keep my room pristine despite my best efforts. But the fact that the water only ran lukewarm in the shower during the peak hours was less than ideal. I would've loved a Couple's room.
One funny observation: I was half-expecting the Shrine to be the real star of the show.
The Breakfast [buffet] was a bit of a circus, a constant stream of tourists piling their plates with questionable food choices. I remember one morning, spotting the most extraordinary combination of bacon, noodles, and yak butter tea. I took a bite of the Asian breakfast instead. The western breakfast was passable but nothing to write home about. I was thankful they'd offer Alternative meal arrangement at least.
My biggest takeaway? The Holiday Inn Express Potala Palace is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it offers comfort, cleanliness, and a decent base of operations for exploring this truly unbelievable place. And hey, that pool view alone? Worth every penny. It's even kind of a Proposal spot, you know.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe bring my own coffee…and a really, really good book.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Lhasa, baby! Specifically, the Holiday Inn Express Potala Palace. Expect chaos, questionable decisions fueled by altitude, and a whole lotta "Woah, is this real life?!" Here's how I think it'll go down (spoiler alert: it probably won't):
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude-Induced Panic (AKA, "Is this Himalayan Headache Worth It?")
- MORNING (aka, Before I Realize I'm About to be Crippled by Thin Air): Touchdown in Lhasa. The air is thinner than my patience after a long-haul flight. The sun, though, is blinding. Seriously, bring sunglasses. Big ones. Like, movie-star-hiding-from-the-paparazzi big. Transfer to the Holiday Inn Express. I'm praying for decent wifi; gotta keep up with Insta.
- LUNCH: (aka, The Meal I'll Probably Regret): Okay, I'm supposed to take it easy. Light meals, they said. Hydrate, they said. But that "Thukpa" (Tibetan noodle soup) LOOKED SO GOOD. And the momos! They were the size of my face. I'm already regretting this. My head feels like a drum solo in a metal band has taken up residence.
- AFTERNOON: (aka, the "Am I Dying?" Phase): Attempt a gentle stroll. Attempt. My lungs feel like they're made of lead. Each step is a battle. The Potala Palace looms in the distance, a majestic, glorious, and frankly, taunting monument. I'm pretty sure I'll only make it a few blocks before I need oxygen. Seriously considering just collapsing on the sidewalk. Maybe that's a local custom? Can't tell. Everything's hazy.
- EVENING: (aka, The Sweet Relief of Hotel Room Darken): Crawl back to the hotel. Finally, I'm safe, it's dark, and I can actually breathe (sort of). Collapse on the delightfully soft Holiday Inn Express bed and just… exist. Order room service. I'm probably hallucinating at this point. Did I actually see a yak wearing a tiny hat in the lobby? Or was I already too high up? Start working on my "Tibet Survival Guide" (currently consisting of "Breathe", "Hydrate", and "Don't Die").
Day 2: Potala Fever! (And Possibly a Real Fever)
- MORNING: Alright, time to get my act together. Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express. The same stuff as all Holiday Inn Expressen, but somehow, even the instant coffe tastes better because I'm ALIVE. I’m trying to convince myself I’m acclimating. Positive thinking is the key, right?
- MORNING (Part 2 - Potala Prep): The Potala Palace! This is it! I've heard tickets are a nightmare to get. Pray to whatever deity is in charge of travel gods. Maybe bribe someone? I'm picturing a grand, imposing building, and I'm absolutely giddy. Actually, I need a plan of attack.
- LUNCH (aka, Still Regretting the Momos): More soup for lunch. I'm determined to eat healthy. And to eat. Maybe I’ll finally get my bearings. Or maybe, just maybe, the altitude will get the better of me.
- AFTERNOON: (Potala Palace - OMG!) Okay, so I actually got a ticket (I think. Is this a dream?). The climb to the Potala Palace is… intense. I'm pretty sure I saw angels (or maybe just some really sweaty tourists). But the views! WOW. The prayer flags snapping in the wind, the red and white walls against that impossibly blue sky… It's overwhelming. I literally gasped. And then gasped for air. Spend hours wandering the halls and soaking it all in. I don't speak anything, so I just soak it up. Every room is a treasure chest of history, and it's completely worth every agonizing breath to get up here. Seriously powerful.
- EVENING: (Dinner… and Exhaustion): Dinner at a (hopefully) less-altitude-inducing restaurant. Maybe a guided tour? Or maybe another bowl of Thukpa? (Am I a masochist?) Reflect on the day. Contemplate the meaning of life. Probably fall asleep mid-sentence. This altitude is no joke.
Day 3: Market Mayhem and Monastery Mystique
- MORNING: Explore the Barkhor Bazaar. A sensory overload! Incense, prayer wheels, vibrant fabrics, and the aroma of… everything! This is an experience. Trying to haggle is the real test. I am TERRIBLE at bargaining. Prepare to be ripped off. But also, ready to enjoy it!
- AFTERNOON: Visit Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet's most sacred sites. See all the monks wandering around, and the atmosphere is otherworldly. Get lost in the crowds of pilgrims. Experience the devotion. It's completely absorbing. Trying to take it all in and keeping my mouth shut to show respect. (That's my mantra, as of today).
- EVENING: Farewell dinner in Lhasa. Reflect on the trip. Realize I'm never going to be the same. Feel utterly sad to be leaving.
Day 4: Departure. (And the Longing for Clean Air)
- MORNING: A final breakfast. A long look back at the Potala Palace. A slow, painful descent to the airport.
- DEPARTURE: Board the plane. Look out window and have to stop my tears.
- AFTERNOON: I'm coming home. And even though I'll be back from not breathing in the thin air, a part of me will always remain there!
Important Disclaimers:
- Altitude Sickness: This itinerary is not medical advice. Consult a doctor before you leave. I'm fully expecting to be the casualty of this trip. Drink water, take it easy, and listen to your damn body.
- Flexibility: Things will go wrong. Flights will be delayed. Temples will be closed. I'll probably get lost. Embrace the chaos.
- Culture: Be respectful of Tibetan culture. Dress modestly. Ask before taking photos. Be a good human.
- This is supposed to be fun! Embrace the unpredictability of travel. Laugh, cry (probably a lot), and make memories.
Okay, I'm off to pack. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it. And someone send oxygen.
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Unbelievable Luxury in Lhasa: Holiday Inn Express Potala Palace... Seriously?! FAQs!
Okay, so, picture this: Lhasa. The Potala Palace looming. And... a Holiday Inn Express? Trust me, it's a wild ride. Let's unravel this, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups.
Is this *really* luxury? I mean, it's a Holiday Inn Express… in Tibet. My brain is short-circuiting.
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room (or, you know, the yak in the valley). Luxury? Define luxury. You’re not getting gold-plated taps and a Bentley waiting outside. But… *in Lhasa*? And *with that view*? It's a different beast entirely. Think "surprisingly decent" luxury. The rooms were clean (THANK GOD, I’d heard stories). The beds were comfy, which, after climbing mountains and breathing thin air, is basically heaven. And that view… I'll get to it later. It’s kind of what redeems it. Think of it as luxury *adjacent*. Like, the friend of luxury who's always fun at parties.
The Potala Palace view… is it actually as amazing as they say? Did you cry? I might cry.
Okay, deep breaths. Yes. It IS. I'm not even kidding. I’m not normally a crier, unless it's a particularly good dog commercial, but the first time I saw the Potala Palace framed in my window… I nearly choked on my instant coffee (which, admittedly, was pretty grim, but hey, altitude). It's like… the air *glows* differently there. The way the sun hits the red and white… *chef's kiss*. Honestly? The view alone is worth the price of admission. I stood there for a solid hour, just… staring. Completely and utterly mesmerized. It’s a religious experience for your eyeballs. (And no, I didn't cry, but I *did* get a bit misty-eyed. Shhh.)
What about the altitude? Did you, you know, *die*? Or at least feel like you were dying?
Ah, the altitude. My arch-nemesis. Look, I’m not gonna lie, it’s a BEAST. I'm pretty fit, but the first day? Walking to the *check-in desk* felt like scaling Everest. Shortness of breath, pounding headache, the whole shebang. The hotel staff were so used to it, they just handed me a bottle of oxygen and smiled. It’s a trial by fire, folks. Drink LOTS of water. Take it S-L-O-W. Avoid sudden movements. And don't, for the love of all that is holy, try to sprint anywhere. I saw a guy try to chase a yak, and he crumbled. True story. I mostly survived on coca tea and sheer willpower. (Also, I packed Diamox, which helped a *lot*.) The hotel also provides some oxygen in some rooms. it is enough for a short stay.
The breakfast… what's the lowdown? Because let's be honest, free breakfast can be a gamble. Don't tell me it's all instant noodles.
Okay, the breakfast. It isn’t the reason you're shelling out big bucks (and by big bucks for the area, it's still okay), but it's surprisingly… decent. We're talking your standard Holiday Inn Express fare, but with a Tibetan twist. There was always congee! And, bless their hearts, they tried. They had some… *interesting* local dishes. Stuff I politely sampled and then promptly went back for more toast. They did have fruit, which was a lifesaver. And tea! Loads and loads of tea. And the *view* from the breakfast room... even if you were eating a stale croissant, the view made it palatable. Actually, come to think of it, I'm pretty sure I ate a stale croissant and didn't care.
Is the location actually good? Are you, like, miles away from everything?
The location is AMAZING. Seriously, I walked everywhere! Okay, "walked" is a generous term, given the altitude, but most of the major sights, monasteries, and the Jokhang Temple are within (a painful) walking distance. The Potala Palace? Right there. You can literally stumble out of the hotel and… BAM! Glorious views of the palace. I loved it because I didn't feel trapped in a taxi. Plus, you can people-watch. Seeing the locals go about their daily lives helps you feel more connected. (Also, taxi drivers will *definitely* try to overcharge you.)
What’s the Wi-Fi like? Essential for social media/bragging rights.
Okay, real talk. The Wi-Fi? It's… *there*. Sometimes. Look, this isn’t the Four Seasons. There were moments of sheer frustration. The connection would drop out, or be agonizingly slow. Prepare for a digital detox, or a strong dose of patience. But hey, when you're staring at the Potala Palace, does it really matter if your Instagram post takes 20 minutes to upload? (The answer is… sometimes, yes.) It's also important to know that certain social media platforms might be subject to censorship. Research this aspect, too!
The staff... How's service in Lhasa? Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
The staff were a mixed bag but generally helpful, especially considering the unique circumstances. Some spoke excellent English, some less so. Patience is key. They were always polite and tried their best to assist. One young woman at the front desk, bless her heart, went above and beyond to help me arrange a day trip. There were a few language barriers, which meant a lot of pointing and gesturing, but even those became part of the adventure. They also seemed genuinely used to dealing with altitude-related problems, which was a bonus! Just be prepared for the occasional moment of communication breakdown. It adds to the charm, in a slightly stressful kind of way.
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems or… *warnings*?
Okay, a few things. First, pack for all weather. Layers are your friend. The sun is STRONG. The evenings are chilly. Second, try to learn a few basic Tibetan phrases. The locals appreciate it (and it's fun!). Third, be respectful of the culture. Dress modestly when you’re visiting religious sites. Don’t take photos without asking. Fourth… embrace the chaos! Things don’t always go as planned, but the unexpected moments are often the best. And finally… try the yak butter tea. You might hate it. You *probably* will. But you should try it anyway. It's a quintessential Tibetan experience. And that view… seriously, it will change you.
