Nanjing's BEST-KEPT Secret Hotel: GreenTree Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Nanjing's BEST-KEPT Secret Hotel: GreenTree Inn… You Won't Believe This! (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on this supposed hidden gem: the GreenTree Inn in Nanjing. I'm not gonna lie, I went in with skeptical eyes. "Secret hotel?" Sounds like marketing fluff. But you know what? After a week spent dodging scooters and trying to decipher a map thicker than my head, I have some strong opinions. And some…confessions.
First Impressions (and a Near-Death Experience with a Rickshaw)
Getting to the GreenTree Inn was a bit of an adventure. Let's just say navigating Nanjing's streets is an Olympic sport. The airport transfer the hotel offered? Bless them. Probably saved my life. Though, be warned, the driver may or may not know the exact location on the GPS; that's just my experience.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Like My Packing Skills
Alright, let’s talk accessibility. The elevator was a Godsend. Seriously, after lugging my suitcase around for a day, I’d have sworn off hotels forever if not for that elevator. They boast facilities for disabled guests, but I didn’t get a chance to investigate the details, but I hope they have a way for wheel-chaired guests to roam the hotel, as it looks quite spacious. From my perspective, it seems to be a bit of a hit or miss, but I'll let you be the judge of that!
Rooms: Clean…ish? And the Blackout Curtains Saved My Sanity
The room itself? Okay, let's be real. It wasn't the Four Seasons. But it was… clean. Daily housekeeping was on point, and the linens were crisp enough. The blackout curtains? Absolute game-changer. Seriously, after a day battling the sensory overload of Nanjing, those curtains were my sanctuary. You could sleep through a nuclear explosion in those things. There was also air conditioning, but it wasn't quite the same level as the black-out curtains. I thought the alarm clock was cute.
Now, here's a confession. I’m a total slob. So, the fact that they apparently really cleaned after each stay (I'm assuming the room sanitization opt-out available rule is a thing here) was comforting. And the bathroom phone? Utterly pointless, but hey, it's there! And yes, the free Wi-Fi held up, except for a couple times near the end of the trip.
The Wi-Fi Saga and My Near-Breakdown Over a Lost Connection
Speaking of internet. Let me tell you. The free Wi-Fi was relatively reliable. I say relatively because there were a few moments where I was about to throw my laptop out the window. I was a mess! See, I needed to stay connected for work, and the thought of losing my connection gave me the shakes. I'm overreacting; the connection came back.
Dining: Breakfast Adventures and a Quest for a Decent Coffee
Breakfast? Included. Asian breakfast. It was… well, it was an experience. I'm a Western breakfast kind of gal myself, but I dove in headfirst, or stomach-first in this case. There was a buffet in the restaurant, but I spent some time with the coffee shop. The coffee situation deserves its own paragraph. Let’s just say it wasn't Starbucks. I'm obsessed with coffee/tea in the restaurant, I am, and I was sad to see that the coffee was just okay.
The good thing is, they have breakfast [buffet] and even a breakfast takeaway service!
The Happy hour was a nice bonus, and there were a couple of restaurants on-site. The food? Not Michelin-star quality, but perfectly acceptable after a day of traipsing around temples. The salad in the restaurant was also quite nice.
Things to Do: A Spa That's Maybe Not?
Okay, here’s where things get a bit…vague. The website promised a spa. I'm a spa junkie; sign me up! After some digging, I learned the spa was less "luxurious oasis" and more… a massage room. There was a sauna, a steamroom, and a massage, but it wasn't quite the spa experience I was craving. Still, the massage was decent after a long day of walking.
And while they do have a fitness center, I just looked at it. I'm on vacation, people! I'm not sure how the spa would be, but at least they have a swimming pool [outdoor]!
Safety and Security: The Overkill Is Reassuring
Nanjing is a safe city, but the GreenTree Inn takes security seriously. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, 24-hour security, and smoke alarms everywhere (the fire extinguisher was also visible). Honestly? It was reassuring. The safe deposit boxes were a nice touch, too.
Services and Conveniences: From Laundry to Luggage Storage - They Thought of Everything
They really did. Laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing service, luggage storage, the works. The concierge was helpful, even though my Mandarin is woefully inadequate. And the convenience store? Perfect for stocking up on snacks for those late-night cravings. They also have a cash withdrawal service!
Cleanliness and Safety, Covid-Era Edition:
Okay, the COVID stuff. They seem to be trying. They had hand sanitizer dispensers scattered around. I'm not sure about the anti-viral cleaning products, but the place appeared clean. They also had individually-wrapped food options, and I like the safe dining setup. I’m even more thrilled about the daily disinfection in common areas. I'm honestly not sure how often they were doing the physical distancing of at least 1 meter, but I didn't feel unduly cramped. I saw lots of staff trained in safety protocol, which is nice.
For the Kids, For Couples, Extras!
There's a babysitting service. I'm not a parent, but I thought that might be useful. They have couple's rooms if you wanted! They have a terrace where you can soak in the sunshine (the sun sometimes shines in Nanjing, I swear). They have meetings and a meeting/banquet facilities, and room decorations!
Getting Around (and Praying for Cabs)
Getting around Nanjing is an adventure. The taxis are okay, but the language barrier can be a challenge. The car park [free of charge] was a major plus. They also had taxi service.
The Verdict: Is GreenTree Inn a “Secret Hotel”? Maybe.
Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But is it a decent, comfortable, and surprisingly well-equipped hotel? Yes. For the price, it's a steal. It's not a luxury hotel, but it's clean, safe, and the staff are genuinely trying to provide a good experience. You won't find the fanciest spa in town, but you will find a good night's sleep, some decent food, and a place to recharge after exploring the wonders of Nanjing. It's not a secret anymore, now is it?
My recommendation? Go for it. Just pack some good earplugs, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases (or download a translation app), and prepare for an adventure. And maybe, just maybe, you'll discover your own little secret about the GreenTree Inn.
Book Your Stay Today! And Mention This Review for a Free Bottle of Water (Because Let's Face It, You'll Need It After a Day of Sightseeing!)
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Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secrets of the White House Lodge, Sri Lanka
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're going to GreenTree Inn Jiangsu Nanjing Maqun Street Communication Technician Institution Shell Hotel in Nanjing, China. Sounds… glamorous? Maybe. Let's find out. Here's the itinerary I cobbled together, knowing full well it'll probably go sideways within the first hour.
Operation: Nanjing Noodling & Mild Panic
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Wall-esque Hotel Discovery (aka "Where's My Sanity?")
- Time: 6:00 AM (or at least, that's when I planned to wake up. My internal clock, however, is still running on New York time. Sigh.)
- Activity: Wake up, realize I packed all the wrong shoes. Curse my pre-trip excitement-induced brain fog. Scramble to pack a decent bag because I'm always late.
- Transportation: Plane from, well, let's just say a place far, far away. Then a train to Nanjing, probably.
- Emotion: A mixture of dread (airport security!), excitement (CHINA!), and sheer, unadulterated exhaustion. I’m already grumpy.
- My Thoughts: I swear, I should have set a timer the night before, to remind me to eat some breakfast.
- Hotel Arrival: Land, navigate customs (hopefully without looking like a complete idiot), and get to the hotel. The brochure promised "modern comfort," but I'm preparing for a dive bar aesthetic. Praying the bed isn’t a slab of concrete.
- Immediate Reaction: Find the Wi-Fi password ASAP. Post a picture of the hotel lobby to Instagram, pretending I have my life together, even though I’m probably still wearing my airplane socks.
- Early Evening: Explore the area around the hotel for some street-food. Hoping for something authentic, not a deep-fried… I don't even want to think about potential deep-fried horrors. Find something edible, hopefully.
- Imperfection Alert: Probably get hopelessly lost trying to use Google Translate. Attempt to order something in broken Mandarin and likely end up with a plate of something I didn’t expect. The classic travel blunder.
- Wrap-up: Bed. Hopefully. Maybe. Definitely need sleep.
Day 2: Maqun Mania & The Dumpling Debacle
- Time: 8:00 AM. This is ambitious, I know.
- Activity: Breakfast (hopefully not too adventurous). Perhaps a quick walk around the hotel area. Aim to get my bearings.
- Transportation: Walking, probably. Or maybe a rickshaw if I’m feeling brave (and haven't used all my cash).
- Quirky Observation: Observe the locals. Notice everything. The street vendors, the scooters buzzing by, the way everyone seems to just know where they’re going. And then watch me blunder around like a lost puppy.
- Morning Visit the Communication Technician Institution. It sounds… interesting. What could that even entail? Are we talking high-tech gadgets? Or is it a museum dedicated to ancient communication methods? I got the feeling it is the latter.
- Late Morning: The Dumpling Debacle. Oh dear god, this is a pivotal moment. I've heard whispers of dumplings. Juicy, savory, potentially life-altering dumplings. I must find the perfect dumpling vendor. The search begins.
- The Scene: Okay, so my dumpling quest went about as swimmingly as a lead balloon. I thought I found a promising-looking stall. The aroma was divine. The little old lady seemed friendly. I pointed, I smiled, I used my (very) limited Mandarin. I ordered something. And then…
- Emotion: Utter disappointment. I ordered the wrong thing. It looked the part, but it tasted like sadness and a slightly stale piece of bread. I could barely choke down more than one. I swear, I've never felt such a deep, soul-crushing sense of loss over a few bland, doughy… things. I will not give up. I am going to find the perfect dumpling.
- Afternoon Wandering. Trying to find a better dumpling. Get lost. Embrace the chaos.
- Wrap-up Drink plenty of water, I'm getting dehydrated from the terrible dumplings. Try to make some friends. If I can.
- Rating: 2/10, would not dumpling again.
Day 3: Temple Tranquility & The Karaoke Catastrophe
- Time: 9:00 AM (Still struggling with the morning clock, I see.)
- Activity: Visit a temple, or multiple. Soak in the atmosphere, try to be mindful. Maybe take some actually good photos this time.
- Transportation: Metro. Embrace public transit.
- Opinionated Language: Temples are always a good time. It's like a mini-vacation in your trip.
- Late Afternoon: Karaoke. I’ve heard there’s karaoke everywhere in China. This is a big deal. I’m terrified. Seriously. I have the singing ability of a rusty gate hinge. But… when in Rome, right? Or, in this case, when in Nanjing.
- The Karaoke Catastrophe: I’m singing my heart out, which is probably just torturing everyone. I pick the wrong song.
- The Reaction: My face is beet red. The locals are either laughing, or they are crying. I am not sure which.
- Evening: Dinner. Something that isn't a dumpling. Something… safe.
- Wrap-up: Pretend the Karaoke didn't happen. Go to bed. Cry a little.
Day 4: Last-Minute Wonders & Farewell (Maybe?)
- Time: Whenever I wake up. No pressure.
- Activity: Whatever I didn’t get to do yet. Browse some markets. Buy a souvenir. Maybe. Definitely buy another dumpling. I need to reconcile with them.
- Transportation: Depends on what I'm doing. Probably a mix of walking and public transportation.
- Messier Structure: I'm just kind of winging it on this day. The whole trip is becoming more and more chaotic. I'm realizing how much free time there actually is.
- Last Thoughts: The one thing I learned from this trip? Planning is a suggestion, not a rule. Oh, and find good dumplings. Seriously. That’s… crucial. Hope I didn't get food poisoning.
- Departure: Eventually, I go. Probably a train to a plane. I'll be exhausted, but probably also… changed? Or at least, slightly less naive.
- Rating: I'll let you know after I've processed the experience. But my gut feeling is: 6/10. Could be worse. Could be a lot, lot, LOT worse.
- Bonus: Buy a fan. It's probably hot.
This itinerary is a living document, subject to change, spontaneous detours and, most likely, a whole lot of chaos. Wish me luck, I'll need it! Wish me luck.
Escape to Paradise: Acapu Hotel's Brazilian Bliss Awaits
Nanjing's "Secret" GreenTree Inn: The Truth (And a LOT More)
Is this GreenTree Inn *really* a secret? Because, like, Google knows it exists...
Okay, "secret" is maybe a *slight* exaggeration. Let's be real, Google Maps isn't keeping this place a state secret. But, it's the kind of hotel that's *off* the beaten tourist track, ya know? More like a diamond in the rough. I heard about it from a friend who *swore* it was the best value in Nanjing. Emphasis on "heard". I walked in a bit skeptical, expecting the budget equivalent of a glorified cardboard box. Boy, was I wrong... mostly. I mean, it wasn't the Four Seasons, but...
Let’s be honest: What are the rooms *actually* like? (Don't sugarcoat it!)
Alright, buckle up. The rooms? They're… *functional*. Think clean lines, a bed that's surprisingly comfortable (seriously, I slept like a log!), and a bathroom that… well, it *works*. My first room? It’s a standard GreenTree Inn room, maybe a little smaller than some Western hotels. And it’s *fine*. Clean as a whistle, which is a huge plus. The air conditioning blasted like a hurricane, which was perfect for the Nanjing summer heat. Then, my second stay, I got a room with a window that looked straight into a brick wall. *Sigh*. Let's just say, natural light wasn’t exactly on the menu. It was the perfect example of a bargain deal. But hey, I wasn't paying luxury prices.
Okay, fine. What about the location? Is it close to *anything* fun?
This is where things get interesting. Depends on *which* GreenTree Inn you're talking about. Nanjing’s riddled with ‘em. So, check before you book, people! The one I stayed at (and am loosely referring to here) was a short walk from a bustling local market. Food stalls everywhere! Oh, the food! I swear, I gained five pounds just from *walking* past the dumpling vendors. Downside? Not exactly in the heart of the tourist center. If you're planning on hitting the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum every day, you might be a bit disappointed. But for experiencing the *real* Nanjing, it’s a goldmine if you find a convenient one. Transportation is pretty easy, though. Buses and taxis are readily available.
What about the staff? Are they… friendly? Do they speak any English? (I’m panicking just thinking about it.)
The staff... they are a *mixed bag*. Some folks speak a bit of English, others... not so much. Google Translate is your friend. I managed to communicate with smiles, nods, and a healthy dose of pointing. (Seriously, the pointing works *wonders*.) One time, I was utterly flustered trying to explain a minor issue with my room – I *swear* I accidentally locked myself out of the safe – and one of the staff members, bless her heart, just *knew* I was having a bad time. She didn't speak a word of English, but she went above and beyond to help me. That kind of kindness? Priceless. Another time, a different staff member seemed *utterly* bewildered by my request for extra towels, but hey, eventually, the towels arrived. It’s part of the experience, honestly. Embrace the charming chaos!
The *best* thing about the GreenTree Inn? Give me the lowdown!
The *best* thing? Easy. The price! Seriously, it's ridiculously affordable. You're getting more than you're paying for. That bargain price is what makes it good. Value for money. It's like finding a hidden gem that isn't even that hidden. I also will never forget the breakfast. If that's even what they call it. It gave me a hearty start to the day. If your standards aren't high, you get a full tummy. This place is not a vacation, it’s an excursion. It's an adventure within the adventure. But more than all that, it's the *experience*. You're not just staying in a hotel; you're getting a taste of authentic, everyday life in Nanjing. Plus, you get to feel like you've stumbled upon a secret that only cool people know! (Okay, maybe not *cool*, but definitely savvy travelers.)
Worst thing? (Let's be honest... there's *gotta* be a worst thing.)
Okay, time for the truth bomb. And it *totally* depends on your personality. For some, it's the lack of English speakers. For me? It's the breakfast. Breakfast. It's… *interesting*. Think congee (rice porridge), a variety of mystery meats (some better than others), and maybe, just maybe, a bit of fruit. It's not exactly the bacon and eggs I'm used to. One morning, I swear I saw a fried egg, floating alone in a sea of… something. I’m not judging, but my stomach certainly was. The breakfast is an experience, of sorts. It really made me reconsider my life choices. So, if you're a picky eater, bring your own granola bars. And maybe a translator app. You can buy it later.
Would you go back? Give me a straight answer!
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. If I'm looking for a budget-friendly, authentic experience in Nanjing, the GreenTree Inn is *definitely* on the list. I'd go back with a healthy dose of low expectations, a pocket full of snacks, and a willingness to embrace the weirdness. Because, let's be real, sometimes the weirdness is the best part. Also, I'd bring my own coffee. And maybe learn some basic Mandarin. And pack earplugs. Just in case. Did I mention the breakfast? Yeah, I'd probably skip that. But hey, it's a small price to pay for an affordable, interesting stay. I’m already planning my next trip!
Any tips for first-timers?
* **Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases.** "Hello," "thank you," and "where's the bathroom?" go a long way. * **Download a translation app.** Google Translate (or equivalent) is your new best friend. * **Pack snacks.** You might appreciate a familiar breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. * **Check the location carefully.** Make sure it's convenient for the sights you want to see. * **Embrace the experience!** Don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the adventure! * **Don't expect luxury.** Think "clean, comfortableStarlight Inns
