Chongqing's Hidden Gem: Days Hotel & Suites Hengan Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Chongqing's Hidden Gem: Days Hotel & Suites Hengan (Seriously, Book This!) - A Brutally Honest Review (SEO-Powered Chaos)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. This is the real deal, a gut-check, warts-and-all account of my stay at the Days Hotel & Suites Hengan in Chongqing. And honestly? You NEED to know about this place. It's a hidden gem, alright, but let's just say the polishing process could use a little… oomph.
(SEO Alert: Keywords are coming, baby! Accessibility, Comfort, Spa, Dining, Cleanliness - you'll find them ALL.)
First Impressions (and a Mild Panic Attack): Accessibility and Getting There:
Okay, first hurdle: getting there. Chongqing is a beast of a city, all hills and hairpin turns. Let me tell you, navigating the taxi situation was… an experience. (Think frantic waving and broken Mandarin on my part). The hotel itself, thankfully, boasts fantastic accessibility. The ramps were plentiful, the elevators were speedy, and the public areas seemed thoughtfully designed for guests with mobility issues. Score one for Hengan! My heart rate slowed a little after the initial taxi trauma.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (Mostly Clean, Mostly Cozy)
Here's where things get interesting. My room? A sanctuary! Well, mostly. It was spacious, bathed in natural light (thank the heavens for window that opens!), and… relatively clean. The linens were crisp, the towels fluffy, and the bathrobes were the kind you secretly want to steal (I resisted!). The bed was a cloud – an extra long bed, perfect for my lanky frame. The bathroom, equipped with a proper bathtub, was a winner. And the complimentary tea selection? A delightful touch. However… I did spy a rogue dust bunny or two in the corners, so don’t expect sterile perfection. Hey, nobody's perfect, right?
**(SEO shout-out: *Air conditioning* was glorious, and there was a safe box to stash my passport. Thank God.)**
Tech Shenanigans: Wi-Fi, Etc.
Let's talk internet. Look, I'm a digital nomad, so this is CRUCIAL. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! headline? Truth! The connection was generally stable, which is more than I can say for some luxury hotels. They also had optional Internet [LAN], and I could do my emails and online work. The Internet access – wireless, while a bit spotty in the hallway, was a savior. Still, I found myself muttering “Wi-Fi, why do you torment me?” more than once. But hey, I survived.
**(SEO Snippet: *Daily housekeeping* service was on point, and I appreciated the wake-up service. The phone in the bathroom felt strangely retro, but handy in a pinch.)**
Spa Day Dreams (and Reality Checks): Relaxation and Recreation!
Okay, this is where the DAYS Hotel Hengan nearly redeemed itself entirely. The Spa! The Pool with view! The possibility of pure, unadulterated bliss! They tout a Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Foot bath, even a Body scrub and a Body wrap. My expectations soared!
I went for the full spa experience. The view from the swimming pool [outdoor] was stunning – Chongqing's swirling cityscape spread before me like a vibrant, chaotic tapestry. But… the massage? Let’s just say the masseuse tried her best, but the whole experience lacked a certain… Zen. (Imagine a slightly overenthusiastic badger gently poking you for an hour. That’s the vibe.) The Gym/fitness center looked pretty well equipped, though I preferred lounging by the pool. Despite the hiccups, the spa area had undeniable potential, if perhaps a little understaffed.
**(SEO Alert: *Swimming pool, Spa/sauna, Fitness Center* (the hotel has all) Dining, Glorious Dining (and Occasional Culinary Adventuring):
Food, glorious food! This is where the Days Hotel Hengan truly shone (and occasionally stumbled). The Breakfast [buffet] was a feast! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast – they covered all the bases. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, was decent for a hotel and there's a Coffee shop. The fruits were fresh, the pastries were… well, ok. But there was a vast array of options to satisfy the most demanding palates.
I ventured beyond breakfast, of course. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was delicious. The salad in restaurant was fresh and bright. And, of course, there's a bar, with a decent happy hour. I even tried taking advantage of the room service [24-hour], which was convenient. However, the desserts in restaurant were a bit… hit-or-miss. (Let's just say I learned the hard way that the “chocolate lava cake” was more of a lukewarm, vaguely chocolate-flavored puddle.) There was also a Vegetarian restaurant!
**(SEO Fuel: *Restaurants, Snack bar, Poolside bar, International cuisine in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant – they tried to do it all!)*
Cleanliness and Safety: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Safe):
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room: post-COVID. The Days Hotel Hengan did try. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff wore masks. There was Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. HOWEVER, there was still a visible level of dust.
**(SEO: *Anti-viral cleaning products* used. Staff trained in safety protocol. They even had sterilizing equipment). They have the basic stuff, but it could have been better.
The Little Things: Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the Weird):
This is where the hotel really went all out. They have a Concierge, a Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, a Convenience store for snacks (crucial), and they will do any other services you need.
**(SEO: *Air conditioning in public area*. They had *Elevator*, *Laundry service*. *Laundry service* and Dry cleaning are available! They even offer Food delivery! For the Kids They even had Babysitting service! Getting around there is Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge]
The Verdict: Should You Book? (YES, with Reservations!)
Look, the Days Hotel & Suites Hengan isn’t perfect. It’s not a swanky, flawless luxury experience. But it is a solid, value-for-money option in a city that can quickly drain your travel budget. Yes, there were moments where I questioned my life choices (mostly during the slightly-off massage). But overall, I had a positive experience.
Here's the Bottom Line:
- Pros: Accessible, great location, fantastic views from the pool, generally clean rooms, delicious food, lots of amenities.
- Cons: The spa experience could be better, cleanliness could be improved in certain areas, and some staff still need to polish their English.
My Recommendation? Book it! Just temper your expectations a little. Be prepared for a few minor hiccups, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the heck out of that incredible breakfast buffet.
And Now, the Offer (Because You Deserve It!):
Tired of the same old cookie-cutter hotel experiences? Craving a Chongqing adventure that's both comfortable and authentic?
Book your stay at the Days Hotel & Suites Hengan NOW using code "HIDDENGEM" and get a complimentary upgrade to a room with a city view PLUS a free cocktail at the poolside bar!
But wait, there's MORE!
- That's right, you'll also receive a voucher for a 15% discount on any spa treatment.
- AND complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout your stay!
Don't miss out on this incredible offer! Embrace the adventure, embrace the quirks, and experience Chongqing like a local. Book your stay at the Days Hotel & Suites Hengan today!
(SEO-optimized and Ready to Rock!)
Hermess Hotel Johor Bahru: Your Unforgettable Malaysian Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, bullet-pointed travel brochure. This is life, Chongqing-style, hosted at the oh-so-charming Days Hotel & Suites Hengan. Get ready for a rollercoaster of dumplings, questionable karaoke choices, and me, mostly flailing about with varying degrees of jet lag.
Chongqing Chaos: A Days Hotel Dream (or Maybe Just A Dream?) - My Itinerary of Mild to Moderate Disaster
Day 1: Arrival & Spicy Surprise (aka, I Ate Too Much Chili Because I'm a Tourist Disaster)
- Morning (or, technically, "the after-hours of a long flight"): Landed in Chongqing. Jet lag is a beast, and I'm pretty sure I hallucinated a panda wearing a tiny chef's hat at the airport. Found the Days Hotel (phew!), navigated its (initially) bewildering entrance. First impressions? Clean, functional, and the air conditioning is a blessing after the humidity of the journey. Rooms are… well, they're rooms. Basic, but with a decent view of… something. Buildings. Lots of buildings.
- Afternoon: Chongqing Exploration (and a Spicy Reckoning): Okay, feeling brave. Or, more accurately, feeling slightly less like a zombie. Hit the streets. The smells! Incense, street food cooking, and…. the faint, but persistent, aroma of what I think is durian (nope, not going there). Found a local restaurant. Tried to order. Failed miserably (my Mandarin is… aspirational). Pointed at pictures. Got a dish that looked innocuous. It was not. It was fire. Literal, mouth-on-fire chili. So… much… spice. Tears? Maybe. Regret? Only a little. I’m a glutton for punishment.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone in Chongqing seems to be whizzing around on electric scooters. It's like a futuristic ballet of buzzing metal and frantic beeping. Attempted to capture it on my phone… got a blurry image of a lady with a mask and a shopping bag. Success!
- Evening: Riverfront Rambles & Karaoke Catastrophe: Stumbled down to the Yangtze River. The view is… epic. Skyscrapers glinting in the fading light. The river, a swirling brown beast. It’s… a lot. Then, the lure of karaoke. This is where things get dicey. Found a karaoke joint. Bad idea. Belting out an off-key rendition of… well, let’s not say. Let's just say I owe the locals some earplugs. And an apology.
Day 2: Pandas, Bridges & the Questionable Wisdom of Eating Everything
- Morning (after a night of chili-induced dreams and karaoke nightmares): Zoo time! The Chongqing Zoo. And… pandas! They're as adorable as you'd imagine, rolling around, munching bamboo, and generally being fluffy perfection. Seriously, if they bottled panda floof, I'd buy it. (Okay, that's a bit much). Spent a little too long there, but you know, pandas!
- Anecdote: Spotted a kid trying to feed a panda a mandarin orange. The panda, bless its heart, looked thoroughly unimpressed. Kids, right?
- Afternoon: Bridges and More Bridges: Chongqing is the Bridge City (apparently). So, I bridge it! Went to the Chaotianmen Bridge. Holy smokes, it's massive! Got some pictures. Tried to look like I wasn't terrified of heights. Failed.
- Evening: Hot Pot Hell (aka, "I Love/Hate This So Much I Can't Even"): Hot pot. The Chongqing staple. The city's raison d'etre. Went to a local place – the Days Hotel staff suggested a place that seemed to be the real deal. It was. Spicy. So spicy that tears were once again the order of the day. Dipping everything into the fiery broth and the dipping sauces… Pure glorious agony. I could, and maybe should, have ordered less.
- Emotional Reaction: This hot pot… it's an addiction. I love it. I hate it. I can't not eat it. I vow to eat it again tomorrow. (Help me).
Day 3: Ciqikou Ancient Town… and the existential dread sets in
- Morning: Ciqikou Ancient Town: Cobblestone streets, teahouses, and so many people! It's a bit touristy, I'll admit, but also charming. Found some local crafts. Maybe bought a few too many knick-knacks (who am I kidding, I definitely did).
- Afternoon: Time for wandering (and pondering). The sheer scale of Chongqing is something else. The urban sprawl, the constant construction, the never-ending bustle. It’s… overwhelming.
- Messier Structure: Spent an hour in a teahouse, nursing a pot of jasmine tea and staring at the river. Realized the meaninglessness of existence. Maybe the fatigue is beginning to get to me.
- Evening: More hot pot. (I told you). This time, a different place. Trying to find the perfect combination of spice and deliciousness. This time, no tears. Maybe. (Okay, there were tears).
- Opinionated Language: It's the best/worst thing I've ever experienced.
Day 4: Day Trip to Dazu Rock Carvings… and the start of a love affair?
- Morning: The Dazu Rock Carvings. An absolutely incredible World Heritage site. The carvings. The artistry. The sheer… scale. It was stunning. Jaw-dropping. Made me feel insignificant in the best way.
- Doubling Down: Spent an entire day there, just wandering, taking photos, and trying to comprehend the history and beauty. I was completely absorbed. This place is magic.
- Evening: Back at the Days Hotel. Exhausted, but in a good way. The city feels different now. I've started to… get it. Maybe. Feeling good about this.
Day 5: Final Day: Market Madness and Departure (with a thousand memories and a stomach full of spice)
- Morning: Visited a local market. Chaos! Fresh produce, buzzing with life. Bartering for souvenirs (badly). The smells are incredible. The noise… overwhelming. Saw a lady selling live chickens. A goat. This place is a sensory overload.
- Afternoon: Packing. Reflecting. Ordering one last spicy meal. The hotel room feels… less sterile now. It's a base camp. I've had a crash course in Chongqing culture.
- Evening: Goodbye Chongqing! Feeling a little sad to leave. Chongqing is certainly… something. I'll never forget the hot pot, the pandas, the bridges and the sheer energy of the city. And the Days Hotel… it was a comfortable place to come home to when I was a bit overwhelmed by the city.
- Emotional Reaction: Leaving China with both a full heart and a burning gut. Can't wait to come back.
Days Hotel & Suites Hengan, Chongqing: The Good, the Bad, and the… Well, You'll See! (A MASSIVE FAQ)
Okay, first things first: Is this place REALLY a “hidden gem”? Like, should I believe the hype?
Ugh, the "hidden gem" thing... Look, it *sort of* is. It's definitely not on the main tourist radar, which is a HUGE plus if you hate crowds. But "gem" is a STRONG word. It's more like… a polished stone that’s been rolling around in the dirt for a bit. It’s got potential. Chongqing is a city of surprises – and this hotel? Well, it kept serving them up. So, cautiously optimistic? Yes. Fully believing the hype? Maybe… after a strong cup of Chongqing hot pot (which, by the way, is a hidden gem in itself!).
The location. Is it a pain to get to? And what's NEARBY?
Alright, the location. It's… not exactly *central*. Let's just say you won't be stumbling out the door and straight into a tourist trap. It's a bit tucked away, which is good and bad. Good: it's quiet. Bad: you'll probably need a taxi or the metro (thank goodness for Chongqing’s metro system, honestly). Expect a 30-40 minute ride from the airport (depending on traffic – and trust me, Chongqing traffic can be a beast) and similar transit times to the major attractions. Nearby? Well… there's a local market. And those… uh… traditional massage parlors. Just… do your research, okay? And there's a really good *bao* (steamed bun) shop a few blocks away that saved my life more than once. Seriously, go find it.
What About the Rooms? Are They Actually Suites? And… clean?
Yes, they are technically "suites." You get a separate living area and a bedroom. Space is generally good (especially compared to some cramped Hong Kong hotels I've suffered through!). And the view? It's overlooking… other buildings. Don’t get your hopes up for a postcard vista.
Cleanliness? Hmm. This is where the “rolling around in the dirt” metaphor comes in. Generally, it’s *okay*. Not sparkling. Not hotel-chain-pristine. I did find a stray hair in the bathroom once. (Don't judge, it happens!). But the sheets *seemed* clean. The bathroom itself was… functional. Look, I'm not a germaphobe, but I didn't exactly want to eat off the floor. Pack some antibacterial wipes – you'll thank me later.
The Hotel Amenities: Pool? Gym? Free Snacks? Spill the Tea
Okay, here's where things get interesting. There's a pool. I saw it. It looked… inviting? To be honest, I never actually went in. (I might have been too intimidated by the potential… cleanliness situation). There’s a gym! And by gym, I mean a room with some treadmills, a rusty weight machine or two, and the motivational poster of a buff, sweaty dude. It's definitely *functional*, if not exactly up to Instagram standards. Free snacks? Nope. Which is a shame, because I was *always* hungry. They did have a restaurant. More on that later….
Let's Talk About the Breakfast. Was it *Actually* Worth Waking Up For?
Breakfast. Ah… breakfast. This is where the Days Hotel really throws you a curveball. It's included, which is great, right? Well... it's a buffet. And it's… *eclectic*. Expect a mix of Chinese staples – congee (rice porridge), noodles, dumplings – alongside the more… Western-ish options. The bacon, bless its heart, was… well, it existed. The coffee? Let’s just say, it needed help. (Instant Nescafe to the rescue!) But the *bao*? They often had *bao*. And those, my friends, were worth waking up for. Seriously, I filled up on *bao* every single morning.
The Restaurant Saga: That Food Review, Please!
Okay, the restaurant. This deserves its own special section. I ate there one night. I was tired. I was lazy. And I regretted it. The menu was a jumble of Chinese and… international dishes. I ordered the "beef with something." What arrived was… not quite what I expected. Imagine beef. Imagine a vaguely brown sauce. Imagine… a texture somewhere between rubber and cardboard. It wasn't inedible, but it wasn't *good*. The service was… well, let's just say the staff were enthusiastic, but not necessarily fluent in English. I ended up pantomiming for a glass of water. (And, after that experience, sticking to the *bao* shop outside the hotel for all my meals.) It's the kind of experience that makes you appreciate a proper food court.
The Staff: Friendly? Helpful? Or Mysteriously Absent?
The staff… it's a mixed bag. Some of them were *lovely*. Super friendly, always smiling, and genuinely wanting to help. Others... well, let's just say communication could be a challenge. My attempts at asking for an extra towel were met with blank stares and a lot of pointing. (I eventually gave up and used the bath mat.) The front desk staff generally spoke decent English. But the rest of the hotel… it’s a bit of a gamble. Prepare to use Google Translate. Or, you know, just embrace the universal language of pointing and smiling. It usually works… eventually.
The Biggest Surprise? Anything That Really Stood Out?
The biggest surprise? Honestly? The sheer *character* of the place. It's not a slick, polished hotel. It's more of a… well-loved, slightly quirky, experience. There were moments of absolute frustration (hello, beef with something!). But there were also moments of genuine charm. That *bao* shop down the street. The friendly smiles from some of the staff. The feeling that you were experiencing something… real. It wasn't perfect, far from it. But it had a certain… grittiness. A certain… *Chongqing-ness*. And that, in the end, is what made it memorable. It made me feel like I'd actually *been* somewhere, not just stayed in a generic hotel room.
Hospitality Trails
