Hangzhou Qingshang Inn: Your Dream Stay in China's Paradise Awaits!
Hangzhou Qingshang Inn: Your Dream Stay in China's Paradise Awaits!
Hangzhou Qingshang Inn: My Brain's Postcard from Paradise (and a Few Gripes)
Alright, buckle up, because I just got back from a stay at the Hangzhou Qingshang Inn, and my brain is still processing the sheer beauty of it all. Seriously, I'm talking postcard levels of gorgeous, but also… a few interesting quirks. Let's unpack this, shall we? This review is gonna be a wild ride, just like my stay!
Finding My Way In (and Around): Accessibility & Getting There
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I didn't need a wheelchair, but I did notice the elevator – a huge relief for anyone with mobility issues. They claim facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't scrutinize them – always a good idea to confirm specific needs beforehand. As for getting to the inn? They offer airport transfer, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. Car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] are great, although I'm always suss about parking – did it actually cost extra? I genuinely can't remember, my brain was probably overloaded with beauty. Taxi service is also readily available, which is a win.
Inside the Walls: Rooms, Rooms, Rooms!
My room? Oh man. Let's just say I'm currently plotting how to rebuild my life around that extra long bed. Pure, unadulterated sleeping bliss. Then there's the air conditioning, a godsend in the Hangzhou heat (especially since you can open the window if you need some fresh air!). Blackout curtains? Yes! Soundproof rooms? Mostly, although I swear I heard a rogue rooster at 6 am. In-room safe box is a plus. And that free Wi-Fi [free]? Worked flawlessly. (More on this later).
The bathroom was… well, let's say the separate shower/bathtub arrangement had some interesting design choices. I’m not sure which way was which at first! And while all the toiletries were perfectly adequate, I'm still mourning the lack of a good, strong loofah. (First-world problems, I know.)
Gotta Love the Details: Alarm clock, complimentary tea, delicious coffee/tea maker, a refrigerator perfect for my emergency stash of local delicacies (and maybe a sneaky beer or two). Hair dryer? Check! Basically, all the things you need to feel like a pampered rockstar. Oh, and the slippers were soft. I mean, ridiculously soft. But, like, where are the cute designs? I demand bunny slippers!
Cleanliness & COVID-19 Concerns:
Okay, here's where things get serious. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (shhh, don't judge!), and I was genuinely impressed. They had anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas (thank goodness!), and rooms sanitized between stays. They even have professional-grade sanitizing services. It felt safe. They take hygiene certification seriously. You could tell. They even handed out hand sanitizer! The staff are trained in safety protocol, so that's reassuring. They were, in fact, more vigilant than I was (and I have a reputation for being a cleanliness freak!). Also, individually-wrapped food options were a plus.
Eating, Drinking, and Making Merry (or a Mess): The Dining Scene
The food, oh lord, the food! My stomach is still screaming for more. The Asian breakfast was a revelation. Think steaming bowls of congee, delicate dim sum, and enough tea to tranquilize a rhino. They also offer Western breakfast, but, c'mon, you're in China! Embrace the noodles!
The restaurants themselves are an experience. They have a buffet in restaurant, but I mostly stuck to the a la carte in restaurant. I loved the Asian cuisine in restaurant, obviously. The coffee shop was a lifesaver in the mornings, and I may or may not have frequented the poolside bar a touch too often. Happy hour? Yes, please!
They also have a snack bar, but to be honest, I was so busy stuffing my face with deliciousness that I barely noticed it. The vegetarian restaurant? A welcome addition, but I’m not a vegetarian, so I didn't try it. They do, however, have a salad in restaurant and soup in restaurant. All bases covered! They even serve desserts in restaurant, which, for someone with a major sweet tooth like me, was a major win. Room service [24-hour]? Yup, and I totally took advantage of it at 3 am one hungover night. They also have a bottle of water for your convenience.
"Things to do" (Beyond Eating Your Weight in Noodles): Activities and Relaxation
Okay, so this is where the Qingshang Inn really shines. Let’s start with some relaxation. The pool with view is stunning. Seriously, Instagram gold. The Spa/sauna is a must. The Body scrub was so good, I felt like I was shedding a whole layer of stress (and dead skin cells! Ew). And the massage? Bliss. Pure. Unadulterated. Bliss. I think I slept for two days straight after that. They have a fitness center (didn’t use it, I was too busy eating), gym/fitness stuff, and a foot bath (which I heard was heavenly).
Internet, Glorious Internet (and a Few Tech Troubles)
Okay, let's get real. Internet access - wireless (Wi-Fi) was generally solid. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - Amen to that, though it sometimes faltered when I attempted to upload a ridiculously large panorama to the Gram. Internet access - LAN? shrugs. Not my department. I did not try the Internet [LAN]. They also provide internet services – helpful if you're, you know, working, which I wasn't. Wi-Fi in public areas? Worked fine. Generally good.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They have a concierge, which is always helpful. The dry cleaning and laundry service were lifesavers. Daily housekeeping? Spot on! Luggage storage? Absolutely! Cash withdrawal? Yep! Currency exchange too. The convenience store was a godsend for late-night snack cravings. They even have a gift/souvenir shop. Plus, they provide invoice provided, which comes in handy. Contactless check-in/out is available, which is nice. Doorman? Present and accounted for.
Things to do at the hotel itself? Not going to lie, I spent most of my time eating or swimming.
For the Kids (and Those Who Wish They Still Were): Family-Friendly Fun They have a babysitting service and are family/child friendly. There are kids facilities, and family/child friendly setups. They even have a kids meal. Excellent!
More Things To Do They have a meeting/banquet facilities, are great with Meetings, provide Meeting stationery, and provide Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events, On-site event hosting, and Outdoor venue for special events, and Indoor venue for special events.
The Verdict: Should You Book? YES! (With Caveats)
Okay, so the Hangzhou Qingshang Inn isn't perfect. There are a few minor niggles, mostly related to my personal preferences. But overall? Absolutely, positively book it. It's a beautiful hotel in a gorgeous location, with excellent service, seriously good food, and enough amenities to keep you pampered and blissed out.
Here's my brutally honest breakdown:
- The Good: Stunning location, incredibly comfortable rooms, delicious food, excellent spa, genuinely friendly staff, and great value for money.
- The Not-So-Good: Occasional minor tech issues (Wi-Fi glitches), a few interesting design choices in the bathroom, and a rogue rooster (or something) that woke me up.
- My Recommendation: Go! Book it! Book it now! Just be prepared to fall in love with Hangzhou. And maybe bring your own strong loofah.
Hangzhou Qingshang Inn: Your Dream Stay in China's Paradise Awaits! - My Personal Offer:
Seriously, folks, I am raving about my time at the Qingshang Inn. Forget generic travel websites! I'm offering you a personal guarantee that if you book through my link (which, admittedly, I don't have, but let's pretend!), you'll also receive a secret perk: a personalized itinerary based on my recommendations for the best local eats, hidden gems, and the exact street corner where I had the most amazing ice cream of my life. (Warning: It may involve a bit of a walk.)
Here's what I'm saying:
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Taipei Xinyi's Hidden Gem: Guide to the HolyPro Hotel (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously chaotic world of my Hangzhou adventure, specifically at the oh-so-charming Qingshang Inn. This isn't your polished travel brochure; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with questionable decisions, questionable food, and questionable moments of profound introspection.
Hangzhou Hustle & Bustle (And My Deepest Regrets): A Qingshang Inn Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, An Illusion of Calm, and the Great Dumpling Debacle
- 12:00 PM - Landing at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): Ugh, airports. My least favorite place on earth, right after the DMV and maybe that one dentist who kept telling me I needed a root canal. Anyway, the excitement was palpable. Or rather, the hunger was. I was SO ready for some authentic Chinese food.
- 1:00 PM - Taxi to Qingshang Inn: The ride was beautiful. City views, busy roads, everything looked neat and clean. I started to get antsy, and checked my bag. I was so ready for this.
- 2:00 PM - Check-in. Dropping Bags, the Sweet Smell of Hope: Okay, the Inn. Absolutely adorable, right? That classic Chinese courtyard vibe, the little lanterns, the bamboo… I was ready to live my best Zen life. Dropped my stuff, instantly regretted not packing more "cute" outfits, and then went to explore.
- 2:30 PM - Initial Exploration. The Misguided Quest for Dumplings: Right, food. First order of business: find dumplings. I stumbled around a few blocks, using my terrible Mandarin (mostly consisting of "Ni hao" and fervent hand gestures). This is where things went downhill, rapidly. I spotted a place that looked promising, a tiny hole-in-the-wall place. Should've been a red flag, but I was starving. "Dumplings," I croaked. I pointed (poorly) at a steaming basket. The woman behind the counter just stared. And then, disaster. The dumplings… they were like, I don't know, rubbery meat blobs? The sauce tasted like sadness. I ate two, gave up, and sulked back to the Inn. Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated disappointment. Hangzhou, you had me at "hello," and then you betrayed me with those dumplings.
- 3:30 PM - Meltdown & Reassessment: Back at the Inn, I collapsed on the oh-so-stylish bed (with its questionable cleanliness). Okay, plan B: google "best dumplings in Hangzhou." This is not a suggestion, but a warning.
- 4:00 PM - West Lake Stroll, Attempted Serenity: Time to salvage the day! Headed towards West Lake. The beauty! The pagodas! The sheer volume of… people. It was like everyone in Hangzhou decided to take a stroll at the same time. Which is fine, because they should enjoy the lake. I did my best to weave my way through the crowds, attempting to channel some inner peace. Failed miserably, took some lovely photos, and then felt hungry.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner. The Redemption (Maybe): Found a restaurant near the lake. This felt more promising. Ordered the famous Longjing Shrimp. Okay, now we are talking. This was perfection. Sweet, tender shrimp, perfectly cooked. Emotional Reaction: Redemption! Hangzhou, you are forgiven (for now).
- 8:00 PM - Early Night, Jet Lag, and the Crushing Realization You Forgot Your Book: Hit the hay. Jet lag was hitting hard. Plus, I forgot my favorite book. I was never going to get this.
Day 2: Tea, Temples, and the Pursuit of Culinary Perfection (Still)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Inn: The Inn's breakfast was okay, nothing to write home about, but the coffee was surprisingly good. Fuel!
- 9:00 AM - Lingyin Temple: Oh. My. God. Lingyin Temple. Seriously, a highlight. The giant Buddhas, the incense, the sheer scale of it all… breathtaking. Got a little lost, got a little overwhelmed, but definitely worth it.
- 11:00 AM - Tea Plantation Visit! The Art of Tea and the Art of Looking Touristy: Went to Longjing Tea Village. I am not really as much a tea person as the next guy, but I decided to embrace it. They had tea tastings! Delicious. I bought way too much tea, and I am not sure I will ever drink it all.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch. Another Dumpling Attempt (I Can't Help Myself): Okay, against my better judgment (and my rumbling stomach's pleas), I attempted dumplings again. This time, I did my research. Found a highly-rated place. Success! Crispy bottoms, juicy fillings, the works. Emotional Reaction: Victory! I knew I'd find them.
- 2:30 PM - Hiking around the lake, and a lot of selfies: I walked. And walked. And took even more photos. My feet are killing me.
- 4:00 PM - More tea, more tea.
- 6:00 PM - Street food. This time it was good.
- 7:00 PM - Back to the Inn.
Day 3: Farewell, Hangzhou (And My Stomach):
- 9:00 AM - The last time to explore the Inn: Check out. Hug the friendly staff. Stroll through the courtyard one last time.
- 10:00 AM - More wandering. More food.
- 12:00 PM - Taxi to airport.
Overall Thoughts:
Hangzhou, you were a rollercoaster! The highs (Lingyin Temple, delicious Shrimp), the lows (those dumplings), and everything in between. I'll definitely be back. And next time? I'm bringing my own dumpling expert. Wish me luck. This was the kind of trip you will not be forgetting anytime soon.
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Hangzhou Qingshang Inn: Your (Potentially Slightly Chaotic) Guide to Paradise!
Okay, so, what *is* this "Qingshang Inn" everyone raves about? Is it actually as dreamy as it sounds?
Alright, deep breaths. So, Qingshang Inn. Think… tea plantations. Mist-covered hills. That ethereal, *ancient* China vibe, right? Yes, it mostly is. The photos? Pretty spot-on, actually. Expecting bamboo architecture? Check. That calming, Zen-like atmosphere? Mostly check. BUT... let's be real. It's not *perfectly* dreamy all the time. I mean, I got bitten by a mosquito the size of a small thumb in the middle of the night (no fault of the Inn, obviously, but still). And sometimes, the "soothing flute music" from the common area felt more like the soundtrack to a slightly unsettling historical drama. Still, 90% dreamy, 10% mosquito-ridden/flute-induced existential dread. Worth it? Absolutely.
What are the rooms *really* like? Are they actual rooms?
Yep, they're actual rooms. Solidly built, too. I stayed in a "garden view" room, which, let me tell you, *did* involve a garden. A lovely, slightly overgrown but still charming garden. Think of it as a perfectly imperfect slice of paradise. The bed? Super comfy. The bathroom? Modern and clean (which, after some of the...ahem...*interesting* "authentic" bathrooms I've encountered in China, was a godsend). My only minor gripe? The walls seemed a *little* paper-thin. You could definitely hear the gentle snoring of the person in the next room, which, after a long day of tea tasting, was… unhelpful. But hey, it added to the "rustic charm," right? (I'm telling myself that.)
How's the food? Because I’m REALLY picky. Like, embarrassingly so.
Okay, picky eater, listen up. The food at Qingshang is...well, it's *Chinese* food. So, if you're expecting American comfort food, you're in the wrong place. BUT! They do a decent job. Breakfast is included, and it's a mix of traditional Chinese dishes (congee, steamed buns, maybe some noodles... you get the idea) and some Western options like toast and eggs. The congee, though? Absolutely divine. Honestly, it's worth going just for the congee. I could've eaten a vat of that stuff. Lunch and dinner are available, and the restaurant's got a pretty good selection. Be adventurous! Try the local specialties! Or... just stick to the fried rice. No judgement. (I might have had fried rice every other day. Oops.)
What if I don't speak Chinese? Am I doomed?
Not doomed! Okay, maybe a *little* challenged. The staff's English varies. Some speak it perfectly, some...well, let's just say the translation apps are your friend. I had one hilarious conversation-- or rather, *attempted* conversation-- about where to find the nearest laundromat that involved a lot of pointing, miming, and frantic use of Google Translate. But they're incredibly helpful, and they really *try*. And honestly, sometimes the language barrier adds to the charm. Embrace the chaos! It's part of the adventure! Just make sure you download a good translation app beforehand. And maybe learn a few key phrases. "Thank you" and "Where is the bathroom?" are always good starting points.
Okay, the location. Is it actually close to things, or am I going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
It's a bit of both. It's not *right* in the city center, which is good. You're escaping the hustle and bustle. It's closer to the tea farms, the West Lake, and some of the more scenic spots. Taxis and ride-sharing services (Didi, which is basically China's Uber) are readily available, so getting around is easy. But be prepared for a short taxi ride to get to the main attractions. One day I decided to walk to the West Lake. Big mistake. BIG. HUGE. (Pretty scenery, though. Eventually.) Take a taxi. Trust me. It'll save your aching feet.
What about activities? Do they have stuff to *do* there? Besides, you know, existing.
Oh yeah, Qingshang keeps you busy! There's a tea ceremony experience, which is highly recommended (even if you're not a tea fanatic, it's beautiful). You can take a cooking class (which I totally botched, but it was still fun). They can arrange tours of the tea plantations. Massages! They even have a little library. Seriously, you could be there for a week and not be bored. I spent an afternoon just wandering around the grounds, taking photos and generally feeling extremely relaxed. It was glorious. (Until I lost my phone and spent the next hour frantically searching for it. Found it under a particularly large bamboo plant. The indignity!)
Did I mention I’m a germaphobe? Cleanliness is a *must*.
Okay, germaphobes, listen up. The Inn is *clean*. Like, really clean. The rooms are spotless. The bathrooms? Impeccable. I mean, I would've eaten off the floor (though I didn't, because, you know, still a germaphobe-ish type...). They clearly take cleaning seriously. The staff is constantly tidying up. I even saw them cleaning the *outdoor* furniture. So, breathe easy. Your anxieties will be somewhat assuaged. But bring hand sanitizer anyway. Just in case. (See also: mosquito incident.)
What's the "vibe" of the place? Is it all couples on romantic getaways? Or can a solo traveler/group of friends/a family with small children fit in?
Honestly? It's a pretty mixed bag! I saw couples being all lovey-dovey (eye roll), families with kids (adorable chaos), and even a few solo travelers like myself. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and chill. It's not a party place, but it's not stuffy either. Everyone seemed to be there for the same reason: to relax, unwind, and soak up the beauty of Hangzhou. So, no matter who you are, you'll probably find your place. Just... maybe bring some earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Like I said, those paper-thin walls...
So, the BIG question: Would you go back?
Sleep Stop Guide
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