Unbelievable! This Kashima Antlers-Themed Hotel in China Will Blow Your Mind!
Unbelievable! This Kashima Antlers-Themed Hotel in China Will Blow Your Mind! (Seriously, It Might) - A Review (With Some Rambles)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from… gestures vaguely …this thing. This hotel. This Kashima Antlers-themed hotel in China. And honestly? "Unbelievable" is putting it mildly. It's more like "Did I just dream that?" and "Where do I even start talking about this?!"
So, let's dive in, shall we? (Deep breath…)
First Impressions & Accessibility: Did I Even Park This Thing Right?
Getting there was… well, it was an adventure. The airport transfer was a bit chaotic – you know how it goes. But once we pulled up, the sheer scale of the place hit me. It was like a giant, concrete monument to… football? (Soccer, for you Americans). Now, I’m not a superfan, but even I knew the Kashima Antlers were a big deal. The entrance was grand, but my first crucial question: Accessibility? I'm happy to report, mostly good!
- Accessibility: Elevators everywhere! Which, after that long flight, was a lifesaver. Plus, the lobby was spacious, and the front desk staff were super friendly and helpful.
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes, absolutely. Big tick there.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They've got it covered, though I didn't personally experience them— the elevator alone made a huge difference.
The Room: Antlers, Antlers Everywhere! (And Free Wi-Fi!)
Okay, the room. Picture this: a room, decked out in Kashima Antlers paraphernalia. Seriously. Antler-shaped headboards, Antlers-themed artwork, Antlers cushions. It's a lot. But also… kind of fun? It was definitely unique.
- Available in all rooms: Absolutely!
- Air conditioning: Crucial, especially in the summer heat.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! A true luxury. (And it actually worked, unlike some hotels I've been to!)
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: All present and accounted for.
- Air conditioning: Essential in China!
- Blackout curtains: Thank goodness, because I needed to sleep off jet lag.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: The little touches make a big difference.
- Mini bar: Always a plus for a cheeky midnight snack.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Perfect for a caffeine fix.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Useful for… you know, pretending to work.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind is priceless.
- Shower, Separate shower/bathtub: The bathroom situation was excellent.
- Safety/security feature: Felt very secure.
- Smoke detector: Always a good sign.
- Soundproofing: Needed it after the jet lag kicked in.
- Television & Satellite/cable channels: For some downtime.
- Wake-up service: I actually needed it.
- Window that opens: I like fresh air.
- Closet, Ironing facilities, Hair dryer: All the standards were there.
- Refrigerator: Great for keeping things chilled.
- Daily housekeeping: Much needed after the flight.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious (and occasionally confusing) Food!
The food experience was… an experience. Let’s just say there were some cultural differences in play.
- Restaurants: Several! I tried the Asian restaurant (the noodles were fantastic) and the Western restaurant (the burger… less so).
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Yep!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant: The breakfast buffet was extensive, a bit overwhelming, and, dare I say, a little weird. Think congee alongside pancakes. But hey, variety is the spice of life!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Fuel for the adventures!
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a post-swim cocktail.
- Bar, Happy hour: The bar was lively in the evenings.
- Room service [24-hour]: Lifesaver at 3 AM!
- Bottle of water: Crucial for hydration.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They were flexible.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Plenty to choose from!
- Snack bar: Good for a quick bite.
Here's a mini-rant about the buffet: The labelling. Oh, the labelling! I’m pretty sure one dish was labelled “Mystery Meat, May Contain Surprise.” I think it was actually some type of beef, but I was too chicken to try it. That's the one area that needs some improvement: accurate information about what you’re eating!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and Getting Pampered (or at least, Attempting to Be!)
Alright, so… the relaxation options.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Lovely! A nice way to cool off.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Standard gym equipment. Nothing to write home about, but it did the job.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Massage: This is where things got interesting. I booked a massage and… well, let’s just say the communication barrier made for a very unique experience. I'm still not entirely sure what they did. They were very good, though!
- Steamroom: A nice touch.
- Sauna: They have one, so yay.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: I was too scared to try.
- Foot bath: Perfect after all the walking I did!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Important! Seemed to be.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Glad to hear that.
- First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: Reassuring.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Checking all the safety boxes.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Made me feel safe.
- Non-smoking rooms: Praise be!
- Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour]: Solid and I appreciated it.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This hotel had all the bells and whistles.
- Concierge: Super helpful with directions.
- Daily housekeeping: Awesome.
- Laundry service: Essential for long stays.
- Luggage storage: Convenient for exploring.
- Elevator, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: All the essentials.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Looked impressive, but I didn't use them.
- Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: They've got you covered.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Good for last-minute gifts.
- Convenience store: Perfect for snacks.
- Car park [on-site]: Plenty of parking.
- Airport transfer: Smooth and easy.
- Wi-Fi for special events: I'm sure the events are good.
- Facilities for Disabled guests: Made sure I had a great stay.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Always a good option.
For The Kids:
- Family/child friendly: Yes! Definitely.
- Babysitting service, Kids meal: Excellent if you have kids.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Excellent.
- Taxi service: Easy to get one.
Internet Access:
- Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Wi-Fi [free]: Top marks.
Cashless Payment Service & Other Essentials:
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential in my book!
- Essential condiments: Not sure what to expect here.
- Additional toilet: helpful
- Mirror: needed
- Proposal spots: Not the place I would choose.
- Couple's room: Good for a great stay.
- Black out curtains: Great to not see light.
- In room safe box: Great to store items.
- Telephone: Good for getting around.
- Desk: Handy.
- Invoice provided: They will give you one.
- Check-in/out [express]: Quick.
- Check-in/out [private]: Private.
The Quirks & the Imperfections (Because Nothing Is Perfect, Right?)
Okay, let's be honest. This hotel isn't perfect. The English signage could use some work. The breakfast buffet could use some improvement. The "Mystery
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-polished, TripAdvisor-approved itinerary. This is MY Kashima Antlers Apartment Hotel adventure, and trust me, things will get weird. I'm talking full-on, jet-lagged, ramen-fueled chaos. Let's go!
Kashima Antlers Apartment Hotel - The Unfiltered Diary of a Tourist Who Lost Her Mind (a Little)
Day 1: Arrival - Tokyo Drift (Into a Brick Wall)
- Time: 6:00 AM - Dear God, I'm awake. That transatlantic flight chewed me up and spat me out. My brain feels like scrambled eggs.
- Location: Narita Airport, Japan. AKA, a massive, immaculately clean maze. Seriously, how do they keep this place so spotless? I sneezed, and I swear someone scrubbed the section of floor I contaminated within 30 seconds.
- Mode of Transportation: Train. I think. Okay, I hope I’m on the right train. I'm pretty sure I followed the signs for the 'Limited Express' which, in my sleep-deprived state, seemed like the opposite of what I needed. Oh well, adventure, right?
- Activity: Finding my way. This is where the "adventure" truly begins. First, I had to decipher the ticket machine (a feat that involved a lot of squinting, button-mashing, and praying to the gods of the internet). Then, I had to avoid accidentally bumping into the impeccably dressed Japanese businessmen who look like they should be starring in a James Bond film. Finally, finally, after a humiliatingly long period of wandering, I found a helpful information desk person who pointed me (very patiently) in the direction of the right platform. Bless her.
- Emotional State: A mixture of awe and terror. Everything is so different. The signs are a blur of kanji, the trains are silent and efficient (a stark contrast to the chaotic NYC subways I'm used to), and I'm pretty sure every single person is judging my terrible attempt at a bow.
- Quirky Observation: The vending machines. Oh, the vending machines! Hot coffee, cold tea, weird fizzy drinks in rainbow colors…I spent a solid ten minutes just staring at them, utterly baffled. Japan, you've already won.
- Rambling Thought: Okay, so I might have packed one too many pairs of shoes. And maybe I should've brushed up on my Japanese. And perhaps I shouldn't have eaten that entire bag of airplane peanuts. Ugh. This is going to be a long trip. And I am very, very tired.
- Ancedote: I attempted to order a coffee, and somehow, I ended up buying a can of what I think was iced matcha. I had no idea what I was doing, but hey, it was green and a little bitter. Good.
- Imperfection: My phone died. Battery, officially, depleted. I have no idea where I am. I am royally screwed.
Day 2: Kashima Antlers Apartment Hotel Check-In & Initial Panic
- Time: 10:00 AM - Got off the train! I think. Eventually, I was able to locate the apartment hotel.
- Location: Kashima Antlers Apartment Hotel. Finally. I need sleep. And food. And a map.
- Mode of Transportation: Taxi. Found one, miraculously. The driver didn't speak English, so I just smiled and pointed at my phone, hoping for the best. It worked! (I think?)
- Activity: Checking in. The front desk staff was incredibly polite, even though I was probably a walking disaster zone. The apartment itself is huge. And spotless. My messy life has no business being here. I want to live here.
- Emotional State: Relief (check-in went smoothly), combined with a healthy dose of utter bewilderment. And hunger.
- Quirky Observation: The Japanese-style toilet. I stared at it for a solid five minutes, trying to figure out how to work the, like, twenty different buttons. There's heated seats? Bidet options? It's honestly more technologically advanced than my entire life.
- Rambling Thought: Okay, so I need to figure out the local transportation system (again), find some food (RAMEN!), and, oh yeah, try not to look like a complete idiot in public. Easy peasy, right? Right?
- Ancedote: The first grocery store visit was a disaster. The labels! The sheer amount of stuff! I ended up grabbing a random assortment of snacks, including something that looked suspiciously like dried fish. I’m too afraid to try it.
- Imperfection: I can't find my charger. I feel that my demise will come from a dead phone.
Day 3: The Kashima Shrine & A Cultural Deep-Dive (or, the Day I Almost Got Lost In Translation)
- Time: 9:00 AM - Attempting to be culturally sensitive. Let's see how this goes.
- Location: Kashima Shrine. Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. The architecture is stunning, the atmosphere is peaceful, the gardens are immaculate.
- Mode of Transportation: Bus. Finally figured out how to use the local buses! Victory! (Small victory, but still.)
- Activity: Visiting the Kashima Shrine. Wandering around, taking photos, feeling a profound sense of peace. It was all going so well.
- Emotional State: Mostly serene, with a side of "Am I doing this right?" (Which is, let's be honest, pretty much my default emotion).
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of elderly Japanese people who walk with such grace and poise. I, on the other hand, trip over air.
- Rambling Thought: I keep expecting to be able to use some universal translator, but everything sounds like the 'adults' in Charlie Brown.
- Ancedote: I tried to buy an omamori (a lucky charm) at the shrine. I fumbled my cash, dropped the charm, almost knocked over a small child… It was a complete mess. The priest, (or whoever he was!) just smiled and helped me gather my things. Humiliating, but also kind of heartwarming.
- Imperfection: I wandered off in a side road and had to ask for directions. I got more than a little lost in translation.
Day 4: Ramen Revelations & Lost in Translation (Again)
- Time: 12:00 PM - Ramens and my soul.
- Location: A tiny, local ramen shop. The kind where the chef is clearly a ramen master.
- Mode of Transportation: Walking. Found. It.
- Activity: Eating ramen. I’m not exaggerating when I say this was the best ramen I’ve ever had. The broth was perfect, the noodles were divine, and the soft-boiled egg was like a tiny, golden masterpiece.
- Emotional State: Pure, unadulterated bliss. Food is the universal language.
- Quirky Observation: The tiny, little bowls of pickled ginger that I can't stop eating.
- Rambling Thought: Why can’t I find this quality of ramen in my home state? I'm already dreading going back home.
- Ancedote: The language barrier was a challenge. I pointed at a picture, gave a thumbs up, and hoped for the best.
- Imperfection: Almost ordered way too much food. I'm definitely on the verge of a food coma.
Day 5: (Still) Lost
- Time: 9pm - I'm exhausted.
- Location: Hotel Room.
- Mode of Transportation: None.
- Activity: Napping. I needed to get some life back into me.
- Emotional State: At peace.
- Quirky Observation: The air conditioning.
- Rambling Thought: This trip may be long.
- Ancedote: I was almost knocked over for the third time.
- Imperfection: My phone isn't working. I haven't been online in about 5 hours.
Day 6 - Departure (Sobbing as I Pack)
- Time: 8:00 AM - The end. I can't even handle this.
- Location: Kashima Antlers Apartment Hotel. My home away from home.
- Mode of Transportation: Taxi to the train station.
- Activity: Packing (an emotional rollercoaster), checking out, saying goodbye to the amazing staff.
- Emotional State: Overwhelming sadness. Also, the usual: relief.
- Quirky Observation: I feel like I learned so much more from the imperfections of my trip than I ever would've if everything had gone perfectly to plan.
- Rambling Thought: Japan, I miss you already. The food, the culture, the toilets…
- Ancedote: I bought
Unbelievable! This Kashima Antlers-Themed Hotel in China Will Blow Your Mind! - FAQ (and My Chaotic Thoughts)
Okay, first things first... Is this REALLY a Kashima Antlers-themed hotel? Like, *actually*?
Dude. Yes. A hundred times yes. It's not just a little Kashima Antlers flag in the corner. We're talking *full-blown* immersion. From the moment you walk in, you're practically dribbling a football. It's...intense. Think neon lights, jerseys on the walls, and probably a karaoke bar where you sing about the glories of the Antlers until 3 AM. (Don't ask how I know.) The staff? Probably all secretly massive fans. They practically salute the logo when you ask for a towel. I mean, it's commitment. I'm still trying to figure out if it's genius or complete lunacy.
How do I even *book* this...thing? Is it easy to get to?
Booking was...an adventure. The website may or may not have been entirely in Japanese. Google Translate became my best friend (and occasional enemy). Finding the hotel was another story. You're dealing with a fairly remote location in China, so the usual "right off the main highway!" isn't gonna cut it. Took me two train rides, a taxi that looked like it was held together with duct tape, and a LOT of waving my arms around. But hey, part of the charm, right? The reward is worth the risk (probably...maybe?).
What are the rooms like? Do they have *actual* football-themed everything?
Okay, buckle up. I saw everything from rooms that were practically miniature stadiums (seriously, the bed was shaped like a goalpost!) to more basic, but still heavily branded, chambers. My room? Antlers wallpaper. Antlers-shaped pillows. Even the curtains were a vibrant Kashima Antlers red. The bathroom? Let's just say the showerhead had the logo on it. I felt like I was living inside a giant vending machine dedicated solely to Kashima merch. I'm not gonna lie, the sheer *volume* of it was overwhelming at first. Then, you start to embrace it. It's so delightfully bonkers. I almost took the pillow with me. Almost.
Is the food... also Kashima Antlers-themed?! And most importantly, is it *good*?
Alright, the food experience was... varied. The buffet breakfast? Surprisingly decent. They had this weird, orange-colored juice that I'm pretty sure was made from the tears of defeated opposing teams. There was a Kashima Antlers-shaped pastry that was both incredibly sweet and slightly suspect. Lunch was where things got interesting. I ordered the "Champion's Plate" – which was basically a mountain of dumplings. It was… a lot. Delicious? Maybe. I felt like I’d just won the J-League. Dinner? I opted for room service. I wasn't sure I could handle anymore themed food. I was starting to dream of plain white rice. So, the food? Expect an adventure. Bring a strong stomach and a healthy sense of humor.
What's the vibe like there? Are you surrounded by hardcore fans?
The Vibe? Electric! Especially on game days (which, honestly, felt like *every* day, because of the TV schedules). You're surrounded by people who *live* and *breathe* Kashima Antlers football. I saw families, groups of friends, solo travelers, all united by their love of the game (or, you know, the sheer novelty of the place). The excitement was palpable, especially in the common areas. The karaoke room was *epic*-- it was a sweaty, joyous free-for-all of off-key singing and enthusiastic cheering. I’m not a huge karaoke person, but even **I** joined in. There's a camaraderie, a shared madness, a… well, it's intoxicating.
What was the absolute *craziest* thing that happened while you were there?
Alright, *this* is a good one. Picture this: late that night. I’m in the hotel bar, nursing a weirdly-colored cocktail (again, Kashima branding). A group of extremely enthusiastic fans grabbed me, hoisted me onto their shoulders, and started chanting... something... I couldn’t understand a single word. Turns out, it was a chant about my impeccable taste for coming to the hotel. I suddenly realized a giant screen had started playing a recent Kashima Antlers game, and everyone was going absolutely mental. Then, they demanded I give a speech. In Japanese. Which I don't *speak*. I froze. I mumbled something about "winning," and "football," using the few Japanese phrases I had. The crowd *erupted*. I don't think they cared about what I said. They were just happy for the foreigner's participation. Afterwards, a guy gave me a free jersey! The most surreal, amazing, and slightly terrifying hotel experience of my life. I will never forget it. It's a core memory.
So, should I go? Seriously, should I actually book this?
Look, if you're even remotely intrigued by the Kashima Antlers (or the idea of total themed madness), you absolutely *must*. It's an experience. A chaotic, slightly overwhelming, and utterly unforgettable experience. It's a cultural immersion, a football pilgrimage, and a reminder that sometimes, the weirdest things are the best things. Just be prepared. Bring your enthusiasm, your sense of humor, and maybe a phrasebook. You’ll need it. And probably some earplugs, for the karaoke. Seriously, go.
