Hezhou's Hidden Gem: Thank Inn Review (Babu District, Jianshe Zhong Road)
Hezhou's Hidden Gem: Thank Inn Review (Babu District, Jianshe Zhong Road) - My Slightly Sarcastic Search for Serenity
(SEO Keywords: Hezhou Hotel, Thank Inn Review, Babu District Hotel, Jianshe Zhong Road, Hotel Review, China Travel, Budget Hotel, Affordable Accommodation, Hezhou Accommodation, Guangxi Province, Accessible Hotel, Wi-Fi, Spa, Swimming Pool, Cleanliness, Safety, Restaurant Review)
Alright folks, buckle up. This isn't your cookie-cutter, perfectly polished hotel review. This is my experience, my honest feedback on Thank Inn, specifically the one in Babu District, right on Jianshe Zhong Road in Hezhou. Prepare for some real talk, a few tangents, and maybe even a touch of grumpy old man sprinkled in. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Okay, the facade? Let's just say it doesn't scream "luxury." It's a Thank Inn, so you know you're not getting the Ritz-Carlton. But hey, I wasn't expecting it. The location, however, is pretty convenient. Close enough to the action, easy to flag down a taxi. Accessibility, I’m happy to say there’s an elevator! That’s a win right there.
- Accessibility: The elevator saved my bacon – I'm not exactly a marathon runner anymore. There are facilities for disabled guests, which I’ll check out later.
- (Messy Observation): The exterior "charm" is debatable. Let's just say it's… functional.
The Room: My Sanctuary (or Lack Thereof)
My room? Well, it's a room. Not exactly brimming with personality, but clean. And that, my friends, is a big box ticked!
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning – check! Alarm clock – check! Free Wi-Fi – double check! (More on that later). They've got the usual suspects, but the details really matter.
- The Wi-Fi Saga: Promised free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Did it work seamlessly? Mostly. Fine, let's be honest, there were moments I wanted to hurl the laptop out the window. It's a bit… spotty. Good enough for checking emails, less so for streaming the latest Netflix blockbuster. I'd rather watch a flickering candle at that point. But free Wi-Fi is still free Wi-Fi, I won't complain too hard.
- The Bed: Okay. The bed. It's not a cloud, but it's comfortable enough. Nothing to write home about, but I slept. The blackout curtains are a true lifesaver. Slept like a baby.
- Quirk: The "complimentary tea" was a single, sad little packet of green tea. But hey, it's the thought that counts!
Cleanliness & Safety: A Ray of Sunshine
Now, this is where Thank Inn shines! Seriously, I felt safer here than in my own house sometimes (which, let's be honest, could use some work).
- Cleanliness & Safety: Top marks here. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Yep. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. Plus, every single staff member wore a mask and seemed genuinely concerned about hygiene. It’s reassuring.
- The Sanitizing Ritual: I loved the little packet of hand sanitizer they gave you when you checked in. It's a small thing, but it showed they cared.
- Safety/Security Feature: CCTV in common areas and outside the property? Security [24-hour]? Fire extinguishers? Yes, yes, and yes! This is one of the most important factors to consider, especially for solo travelers.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Maybe)
Let's be real. You're not coming here for a Michelin-star experience. But there are options!
- Dining: A restaurant in the lobby offered an Asian breakfast (eggs, noodles, the usual suspects), and a buffet option for the more adventurous. I stuck with the a la carte. Honestly, it was…meh.
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet had a lovely array of Asian and Western breakfast items, a strong positive, although the quality wasn't outstanding.
- Coffee: I've got a love-hate relationship with the coffee in China, and here was no exception. Drinkable, but not memorable.
- Poolside Bar: Is there a poolside bar? Sadly, no.
- Snack Bar: There’s a 24-hour convenience store on site. Essentials are all there, a small victory.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
Okay, so this isn't the Four Seasons. But they try!
- Services: The front desk staff spoke some English (thank goodness). They were helpful for arranging taxis and giving directions. Cash withdrawal? Check. Laundry service? Check.
- Convenience Store: Being able to grab a snack or a drink at 2 AM is a serious bonus.
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities: It's got meeting facilities, but I didn't use them. I was there for relaxation, not business meetings!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day (Kinda)
There’s a spa! Or, well, “spa” might be a strong word. It's more like a relaxation zone.
- Spa/Sauna: There's a sauna and spa. I went for the foot bath. It was…relaxing. Did it magically transport me to a zen garden? No. Did it soothe my aching feet after a day of exploring? Absolutely!
- Swimming Pool: There's a swimming pool (outdoor), and it was pretty clean, which is a win.
- Gym/Fitness: It comes with a fitness center, so there’s an opportunity to exercise. I skipped it.
For the Kids: Bring the Babysitter!
- Family/Child Friendly Is it family-friendly? I am unsure! They have babysitting.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
- Getting around: Taxi service, and car park on-site. The hotel is a bit out of the way, so taxis are key. The staff arranged one for me easily. Car park on-site, free of charge.
Overall:
Look, Thank Inn in Babu District, Jianshe Zhong Road, Hezhou, isn't perfect. It’s not going to blow your mind. But it's clean, safe, and delivers on its promises. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, comfortable place to rest your head while exploring Hezhou, it's a solid choice. And hey, the foot bath was pretty darn good. I'd stay again.
My Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. Solid, dependable, with a touch of quirk. And always, always, clean.
Uncover Hidden Luxury: Gladden Hotel's Dongguan Oasis Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary is gonna be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly seasick sailor clinging to a banana peel in a typhoon." We're heading to Hezhou, Guangxi, China, specifically that little bubble of civilization known as Thank Inn Guangxi Hezhou Babu District Jianshe Zhong Road. Pray for me.
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Struggle for Oxygen (and Wifi)
Morning (ish): Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL). Okay, first hurdle: surviving the international flight. I swear, the cabin air is drier than my dating life. Seriously, someone should invent a personal humidifier you can wear.
- Anecdote: Remember that time I tried to sleep on the plane? My neck pillow exploded mid-snooze, showering me in tiny, white beads. Mortifying.
Mid-Morning: Ride the airport express bus to Hezhou. Pray the bus isn't blasting some Mandarin pop music that’ll drive me to the brink of madness. Find the darn bus. Find the right darn bus.
- Observation: Chinese infrastructure is amazing, honestly. But signs, particularly those decipherable through bleary jet-lagged eyes, are a whole different beast. Wish me luck.
Lunch: Find some food upon arrival. I'm talking proper Chinese food. The real deal, not the gloopy, sweet-and-sour mess they serve back home. I want spicy! I want authentic! I want something that will either blow my mind or give me a fascinating story for the ages. Hopefully the first.
- Emotional Reaction: Excited! Okay, a little terrified too. China is a sensory overload. I always feel like I need an hour to catch up after walking out of the airport.
Afternoon: Check into Thank Inn. Okay, first impression: will the air conditioning actually work? And the WiFi… oh sweet merciful internet gods, let the WiFi be strong. Pray for a clean bathroom.
- Imperfection: I bet I'll be too overwhelmed to do anything beyond collapsing in the hotel room after the journey.
Evening: Explore! Okay, maybe "explore" is too optimistic. More like, bravely venture out into the street and attempt a basic "ni hao" and a point at a menu. I'll aim for a simple dinner at a local restaurant near the hotel. Fingers crossed for edible food.
- Rambling Thought: Will I accidentally order something terrifying, like chicken feet? Or, worse yet, some sort of… live creature?? Okay, calm down.
Bedtime: Sleep. If the air conditioning and WiFi gods have answered my prayers. If the screaming kids in the next room have fallen asleep. If I'm not too jet-lagged to remember how to breathe.
Day 2: The River of Misery (and Maybe Some Beauty)
- Morning: Try to decipher the hotel breakfast. It's likely to be a buffet. This is where the "adventure" really begins.
- Quirky Observation: Do I eat the "mystery meat"? Is it safe? Is it delicious? Or is it a dare leftover from some travel blogger’s TikTok? These are the questions that keep a traveler awake at night.
- Late Morning: Take a walk along the He River. Apparently, it goes through Babu District. Maybe I’ll find some incredible street food… or a very smelly riverbank.
- Emotional Reaction: I’m excited about this. Photos, photos, and more photos! I’m going to post them everywhere!
- Lunch: Back to that local food place. This time, I’m aiming for familiarity. I’m going to try to find my favorite dish and hopefully feel like I’m making progress.
- Opinionated Language: This is going to be either a complete success or a complete disaster. Let's hope for success… or a story for my friends.
- Afternoon: DOUBLING DOWN! The Hezhou Ancient Town (老州古城)
- Rambling Thought: Okay, this is the big one. Hezhou Ancient Town. I'm picturing charming cobbled streets, ancient temples, people in traditional clothing, and the aroma of delicious street food. I mean, that is exactly what I will get. Right?
- Imperfection: Okay, let's be honest. I'm expecting at least one wrong turn, one language barrier meltdown, and a moment where I seriously question my life choices. But that's part of the fun, right? The messier the better, I figure.
- Anecdote: I’ve been watching travel vlogs and now I’m convinced I'm going to stumble upon some hidden gem, some secret alleyway with the best noodles in the world. Hopefully the vloggers weren’t just paid actors.
- Quirky Observation: I wonder if the "Ancient Town" has modern conveniences like toilets that flush… Or if I’ll have to face the squat toilets again. I’m cringing at the thought of it even now.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of excitement and terror. I’m ready to roll the dice of travel. If I can find the right place, I can feel the joy of discovery.
- Evening: A truly authentic Chinese dinner, in the Ancient Town if possible. I'm planning on a proper, epic feast – maybe a hot pot experience.
- Opinionated Language: I am willing to risk everything for a delicious meal. EVERYTHING.
- Bedtime: Collapse.
Day 3: Mountains and Memories
- Morning: Attempt to venture further out. There are apparently some scenic spots nearby. A hike? A boat trip? Probably something that puts my fear of heights to the test.
- Quirky observation: I swear, half of travel is just finding the right bus stop. I haven't been able to do that once in my life.
- Lunch: Maybe I’ll find something along the way. Or eat some of the crackers I packed.
- Afternoon: More exploring, hopefully without getting too lost. This is where the "memories" are made, the "cultural experiences" happen, and the "I almost got eaten by a wild goat" stories are born.
- Imperfection: Let's be real: I'll probably wander aimlessly for hours, speak broken Mandarin, and end up accidentally buying some souvenir I don't need.
- Evening: One last dinner. Reflect on the trip.
- Emotional Reaction: I bet I’ll be sad to leave. Even with the rough spots.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning: Eat breakfast again. Pack up my bags. Hope I still have all my belongings.
- Mid-Morning: Take the bus back to Guilin Airport.
- Anecdote: I better have time to buy that weird, local snack I always try.
- Afternoon: International flight home. The end. Probably.
And there you have it. This isn't a polished travel guide; it's more of a messy, imperfect, and completely human itinerary. Wish me luck. I'll need it.
28 Unmissable Bangkok Gems: Your Ultimate Thailand Itinerary!
Hezhou's Hidden Gem: Thank Inn Review – Babu District, Jianshe Zhong Road (The REAL Deal)
Alright, let's be real. Is this place actually a "hidden gem" or just another generic Chinese hotel?
Okay, okay, settle down. “Hidden gem” is a strong phrase, isn't it? Here's the truth: it's *probably* not going to win any awards for luxury. But... for the price? Absolutely. It's a clean, cheap, and conveniently located spot. Think of it as your trusty, slightly-worn, but dependable friend. I definitely wouldn't call it glamorous. I mean, the lobby smells vaguely of… well, let's just say "Chinese hotel." But it's clean. And the staff try hard, bless their hearts. My first thought was, 'Oh, it's alright. Not going to win any design awards, but it'll do...'
Location, location, location: Is it actually *conveniently* located like the listing says?
Okay, this is where Thank Inn actually shines. It's practically *straddling* the main drag, Jianshe Zhong Road! Seriously, you stumble out the door, and you're *there*. Food, shops, the lifeblood of everything in Hezhou – all right there. I remember, I was *starving* after my hike. Found a noodle shop 2 minutes away that blew my mind! Best noodles of my life (at the time – my stomach's a fickle beast). You'll probably have to navigate some scooters and general chaos, but that's part of the charm, wouldn't you say? And the bus stop? Practically next door. Winning!
The rooms… what's the deal with the rooms? Spill the tea!
Right, the rooms are... well, they're what you'd expect. Clean-ish. The bed? Firm. Like, orthopedic patient-level firm. My back wasn't *thrilled*. But hey, I survived. One time, I swear I heard the neighbour's snoring through the walls! (Earplugs are your friend in China. Always.) The bathroom situation? Functionality reigns supreme. Don't expect a spa-like experience, more like a highly efficient room for performing the essentials. The constant hot water for showers was a definite perk, though! And for the price, honestly, I wasn't expecting a suite. I just wanted somewhere safe to leave my stuff and sleep off my jet lag, and it did that. I think I appreciated that about the place.
Let's talk cleanliness. How clean is "clean"?
Okay, this is where it gets a bit subjective. Let's just say that the cleaning staff are *trying*. I've seen worse, *much* worse, in this price range. The sheets seemed clean, the bathroom was generally acceptable. One time though, I *did* spot a suspicious smudge on the wall… I think it might have been a splattered mosquito? Or maybe a rogue coffee stain. Either way, I gave it a wide berth. But hey, for the price, I was willing to overlook minor imperfections. It's not five-star, people. Manage your expectations. I wouldn't bring a white glove, but bring anti-bacterial wipes just in case. Can never be too careful!
The Staff: Are they friendly and helpful or do they just want you to go away?
The staff were generally lovely, within the limitations of language barriers and the general Chinese "efficiency" approach. Most spoke a little English, enough to get by. There was this one young woman at the front desk who was *incredibly* patient with me trying to explain I needed an adapter for my phone charger (which I'd forgotten, idiot!). She even tried to draw me a picture! I felt so bad for being a clueless tourist but she was an angel. They're definitely not the intrusive type, unlike some places. They'll leave you alone unless you need them. But if you do, they try. I felt like they appreciated me trying to speak a bit broken Mandarin, by the way, no matter how much I butchered it.
Is there breakfast? And if so, is it edible?
I *think* there was a breakfast option. Honestly, I never bothered. I'm not a hotel breakfast kind of person, especially not in China. There are street food stalls RIGHT outside the door – delicious, cheap, and way more interesting than whatever the hotel might offer. Think steaming bowls of congee, crispy fried youtiao (dough sticks), and... well, you get the idea. Embrace the local cuisine! My advice: skip the hotel breakfast. Trust me on this one. Trust me on the street food... but maybe bring some Pepto Bismol, just in case.
Okay, real talk: What's the ONE thing you'll ALWAYS remember about your stay?
Okay, here it goes. I was utterly exhausted one day. Seriously, crashed. I got back to the room after a grueling hike, and all I wanted to do was shower and then… nap. But, the shower was a battle. I'm talking, the hot *and* cold water *always* fought for dominance! It was like a mini-drama, a constant dance of scalding then freezing. One minute I'm blissing out, the next I'm jumping back like a startled cat! It took me a solid ten minutes to regulate it to a lukewarm temperature. And I was *still* shivering. But, you know what? After that shower from hell, I curled up on that firm bed, and I slept like a baby. So, even with the imperfect shower, it all somehow worked out. And I'll remember that. And honestly, I'd go back. Because that's the thing about Thank Inn: Imperfect, yes, but it's part of the charm.
So, the bottom line: Would you recommend it?
Look, it depends on your travel style. If you're a luxury-seeker, run, don’t walk, in the other direction. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, *functional* basecamp for exploring Hezhou, then yeah! I'd say go for it. I'm not going to give it five stars; it's not that kind of place. But for the price, location convenience, and the generally helpful staff? Totally worth it. Just pack your earplugs, and maybe bring some of your own bath products... Oh, and maybe some duct tape, just in case. You never know.
Okay, one last thing. Any insider tips for making the most of your stay?
Absolutely! 1) Learn a *few* basic Mandarin phrases. It goes a long way, even if you butcher them. 2Uptown Lodging
