Escape to Lavande: Zhenjiang's BEST Railway Station Hotel!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your grandma's hotel review. We're going deep into Escape to Lavande: Zhenjiang's BEST Railway Station Hotel! Prepare for a word vomit of honest opinions, ramblings, and maybe, just maybe, a slight obsession with the pool with a view. Here we go…
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Alright, let's get this straight from the get-go: I'm not one for flowery prose. I'm a real traveler, a messy-bun-and-sneakers kind of gal. I need a hotel that gets me, not just a place to sleep. And, I'm gonna level with you, finding a good hotel near a railway station can be a gamble. But Escape to Lavande? Well, let's just say it almost made me miss my train – and that’s saying something!
Accessibility: A Sigh of Relief (and a Tiny Grumble)
First things first – the accessibility. This is essential for me, and I appreciate that they're taking it seriously. Elevator? Check. That's already a win! I'm not a fan of stairs, especially after a long day of exploring. Now, the "Facilities for disabled guests" is listed - that's great. I'd love to see more detail on what that entails. Because, let's be honest, the Devil is in the details. Are hallways wide enough? Removable showerheads? Things like that are a huge factor in really feeling comfortable.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: This is a big plus. After a train journey, you just want to unwind, without walking for miles. I didn't personally experience the accessible restaurant, but the information is there, which is a great start.
(First Rambling Moment - I Need a Coffee!)
Okay, hold up. I need caffeine. Stat. Let's just… pretend I'm sipping a coffee while we continue, shall we? (Because there is a Coffee shop!! Yay!)
Cleanliness and Safety (The Serious Stuff)
Right, back to the serious stuff. Cleanliness is paramount right now. And Escape to Lavande seems to get it. The Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas are music to my ears. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are great, and the Staff trained in safety protocol makes me feel like I can breathe a little easier. They also offer Room sanitization opt-out available , which is a nice touch. Hand sanitizer? Check. Good. I hate having to hunt for it.
Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: This is a must-have for peace of mind. And I love that the hotel offers Professional-grade sanitizing services .
(Second Rambling: Food, Glorious Food!)
Okay, back to the important business: food. I'm always worried about hotel food; they're usually so… bland. But:
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes, please! I love a good bowl of noodles.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Alright, maybe I'll try a burger.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is the test. Is it a decent buffet?
I’m hoping for the best. They also offer Alternative meal arrangement, which is a thoughtful touch. Breakfast in room, I am here for you.
(And a quick shout-out to the Coffee/tea in restaurant, because, you know…)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Weekend's Agenda)
- Poolside bar: Okay, this is getting exciting! Cocktails while I'm sunning? I'm in.
- Desserts in restaurant: (Grinning broadly) Because calories don't count on vacation.
- Snack bar: Perfect for late-night cravings (or, let's be honest, anytime cravings).
- Room service [24-hour]: Genius.
(The Actual Hotel Experience - Let's Get Personal)
Okay, so the room. This is where a hotel really either shines or falls flat.
- Air conditioning: Essential, especially in Zhenjiang. Especially in summer.
- Free Wi-Fi: Praise the travel gods!
- Blackout curtains: YES! I like to sleep in.
- Daily housekeeping: I'm a messy traveler, so this is a godsend.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea for peace of mind.
Now, I loved the seating area. It's so much nicer than just sitting on a bed. And let’s talk about the little things, like complimentary tea… a lovely touch. And the bathrobes?! Oh, yes.
Internet (The Lifeblood of My Existence)
So, you know, Wi-Fi is important. Especially for a digital nomad like me. And the hotel delivers!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Score!
- Internet Access – Wireless: Easy access to your life online.
They also provided Internet Access - LAN which is a big help. The more options the better.
(Spa, Sauna, and Pool with a View - My Personal Heaven)
Okay, friends, we've reached the good stuff. The moment I saw the pictures of the Pool with a view, I knew I had to stay here.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Check.
- Spa/sauna: Check.
- Gym/fitness: Check. Because, you know, I'll totally use it after all those desserts. (Maybe.)
The spa itself was… divine. I got a Body scrub. A Body wrap. Seriously, pure bliss. The Sauna was hot and steamy in the best way, and the Steamroom was a true escape.
(Quirks, Imperfections, and Real-Life Moments)
Okay, so here’s a totally honest moment. Finding the hotel from the railway station wasn't quite as straightforward as I’d hoped. (I'm blaming it on my tired brain!) The signage could be a little more prominent, I'd have to say. But the staff at the front desk were amazing. Super helpful, patient with my train-lag-induced confusion, and always smiling. Their English was excellent, too.
I had a problem with the alarm clock going off at the wrong time, which led to a bit of a frantic morning. But the staff fixed it quickly and couldn’t have been more pleasant.
(Services and Conveniences - What Makes a Hotel Great)
- Concierge: Always a lifesaver for directions, restaurant recommendations, and just general info.
- Doorman: A nice touch for that classic hotel experience.
- Luggage storage: Essential for early arrivals or late departures.
- Laundry service: Because even I can’t avoid the laundry monster forever.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient, because who likes to carry a lot of cash?
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax (Beyond the Spa)
- Fitness center: Okay, maybe this time I'll hit the gym. (Maybe.)
- Bicycle parking: Always nice for exploring the local area.
- Car park [free of charge]: Good one!
- Terrace: Perfect for enjoying the evening air.
(The Big Picture: Is Escape to Lavande Worth It?)
Absolutely, yes! Escape to Lavande is a winner. It's clean, comfortable, and convenient. But more than that, it feels welcoming. It's the kind of hotel that makes you feel like you can actually relax. The combination of the spa, the pool with a view, and the friendly staff makes it a true escape.
Here's a quick rundown of some of the extra benefits I didn't mention:
- Air conditioning in public areas: Ensures comfort while moving around the hotel.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Great for business travelers or those planning events.
- Business facilities: Includes Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. A very comprehensive list.
- Cashless payment service and Invoice provided: Convenient payment options.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Smoke detector; all those security measures make the hotel a safe haven.
- Couple's room, Soundproof rooms : Options.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: For families.
- Pets allowed unavailable: Note it.
- **
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, potentially disastrous… but hopefully ultimately triumphant… adventure that is my trip to the Lavande Hotel near Zhenjiang Railway Station Wanda Plaza, China. Think of this as a travel itinerary… on acid… or maybe just strong coffee. And a hefty dose of reality.
Pre-Departure – The Pre-Trip Panic
- Okay, the Essentials: Passport? Check. Underwear? Double-check. (You never know!) Flight tickets printed…wait, where did I put those again? Frantically rummages through EVERYTHING. Finds them crumpled at the bottom of my bag, half-eaten bag of gummy bears clinging to them. Okay, crisis averted. Gummy bears? Not so much.
- The Language Barrier Freak-Out: I’ve downloaded a translation app. Theoretically, I can order dumplings and… uh… ask for directions to the… uh… checks translation app … “nearest dumpling shop.” (I’m sensing a theme here.) But what if the app fails? What if I end up accidentally ordering a yak… or worse, insulting someone's ancestors with a mispronounced word? My anxiety levels are already spiking.
- The "Packing Perfectionist" Meltdown: I started packing three days ago, convinced I needed everything for every possible scenario. Hiking boots for Everest? Check. Ball gown for a spontaneous opera performance? Check. Enough snacks to survive a zombie apocalypse? You betcha. Now my suitcase weighs more than I do, and I'm pretty sure I packed a small garden gnome. This is going to be fun at the airport.
Day 1: Arrival & the Quest for Dumplings (and Sanity)
- 7:00 AM – The Airport Dash: Managed to navigate the airport, dodging rogue luggage trolleys and screaming toddlers. My suitcase almost took out a security guard (sorry, buddy!).
- 10:00 AM – Flight Landed in Shanghai (or so I think): The flight was bumpy, the guy next to me snored like a chainsaw, and I'm pretty sure I saw a child chuck a handful of crackers at a flight attendant. Welcome to China, right?
- **11:00 AM – The Train Ride to Zhenjiang: ** Found the train station. The atmosphere is just… intense. People everywhere! A symphony of chatter I can't understand. I'm clutching my little phrasebook like a life raft. The actual train ride was mostly okay, except for the lady who kept staring at me. Is it my hair? My slightly panicked expression? Who knows.
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at Zhenjiang Station: Exiting the station, I manage to mostly navigate without getting squished. Victory!
- 2:00 PM – Welcome to Lavande! Check-in was surprisingly easy. The hotel is… well, it’s clean, it has air conditioning, it has a bed. I'll take it! After the general panic of the day, I can only dream in the idea of a hot shower with my travel-sized shampoo and conditioner.
- 2:30 PM - The Dumpling Debacle: Okay, time for dumplings. This is where my translation app is supposed to shine. Find a recommended restaurant, "Delicious Dumpling House." I bravely approach the counter. "Ni hao!" I blurt out. Point to the picture of dumplings. "One… order?" The woman stares at me. Point again, with increased desperation. She points to something else. I shrug, smile, and nod. Mystery meal acquired! It turns out to be a delicious, slightly spicy soup with (thankfully) dumplings in it. Success! (And a newfound appreciation for the power of pointing.)
- 4:00 PM – Wanda Plaza Exploration: Wandered around the Wanda Plaza. It's vast! All sorts of shops I'll never be able to afford, and food stalls overflowing with tempting smells. Got super lost. Felt like I was in a parallel universe, where I don't belong, but it's still all so exciting. Spotted a really cute plushie of a panda. Maybe I'll go back later.
- 7:00PM - The Room-service Revelation: Ordered some room service – noodles. I'm pretty sure I pointed vaguely at things on a picture menu. It was so delicious, but the portion size was enough to feed a small family. Note to self: order wisely.
- 9:00 PM – "Early to Bed" is a Myth: Watched a mindless TV show in Mandarin. Didn't understand a word, but the visuals were mesmerizing. The sheer exhaustion of the day hit me, but also a slight sense of accomplishment. I survived.
Day 2: Culture Cravings & a Bridge to Madness
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast Bonanza (or should I say, "Belly Bust"?): Hotel breakfast – the usual suspect of the usual (delicious) suspects. I tried everything. All of it. The concept of "portion control" flew out the window. I'm pretty sure my stomach is currently plotting revenge.
- 9:00 AM - A Visit to Golden Mountain Temple: Took a taxi. The driver stared at me the entire ride, probably wondering what kind of lost tourist I was. Golden Mountain Temple. It was a visual treat! The sheer scale of the buildings, the vibrant colors, and the chanting… it transported me. Tried to follow the path but got a little lost and ended up in the gift shop, buying a miniature golden Buddha. (Impulse buying is a constant struggle.) It was so hot and steamy.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a Street Food Stall: Found a tiny street food stall. The smells were incredible! Tried a little of everything, completely disregarding any food safety concerns. It was an explosion of flavor! (And I think I saw a suspicious-looking meat.) But hey… when in China, right?
- 2:00 PM – The Zhenjiang Bridge (and Near-Death Experience?): Walked across the Zhenjiang Bridge. The views were spectacular! But the wind… the traffic… the sheer amount of people! I started to feel a wave of panic. This is it, it might be the end. But then, I saw a little boy point at me and laugh. Not sure what that meant. I made it back.
- 4:00 PM – Wanda Plaza Panda Pursuit: Return to the place of the panda! I bought said panda, because I couldn't resist. Then, as I'm walking, I bump into another panda-like plushie. Now, I have two. What have I done?
- 6:00 PM – Dinner Disaster: Tried another restaurant. This one was more adventurous. I pointed, the words were still a blur, but I ended up with something… that tasted like pickled plums and seaweed. The texture was… unique. Ate half of it, and then gave up. Found a convenience store. Ate chips. Comfort food.
- 8:00 PM – Hotel Room Revelations (and Meltdown #2): Back in the hotel room, feeling exhausted and slightly overwhelmed. The cultural difference is a lot to take in. I had a good cry.
Day 3: Farewell Zhenjiang (and Hello, Next Adventure!)
- 8:00 AM – The Final Breakfast Buffet: One last attempt to conquer the breakfast buffet. Slightly less food. Mostly.
- 9:00 AM – Souvenir Shopping Frenzy: Last chance for souvenirs. Bought way too many things I probably don't need.
- 10:00 AM – The Train Station Shuffle: The train station is familiar now. I maneuvered through the crowds with a newfound confidence.
- 11:00 AM - Goodbyes (and Plans for the Future): A bittersweet farewell to Zhenjiang. I faced my fears, ate some questionable food, got lost several times, but most importantly, I survived. Now, where to next? The world is my (possibly slightly terrifying) oyster! I'll definitely be seeing you again, China.
Post-Trip Reflections (and Unfiltered Thoughts):
- Emotionally Exhausted, Joyously Alive: This trip was a rollercoaster of emotions. Pure elation, abject panic, deep gratitude for the invention of air conditioning, and a solid 20 minutes spent questioning my life choices.
- The Food (a Love Story): Chinese food is a culinary experience I will never forget… Even the things I didn't like. Even the weird things. Especially the delicious dumplings. I now crave dumplings all the time.
- The Language Barrier - A Beautiful Mess: My halting attempts at Mandarin brought more laughs than successful orders, but people were so patient. It made me want to learn so much more.
- The Beauty of Imperfection: This trip was a testament to the messy, glorious reality of embracing the unknown. It wasn't picture-perfect, but it was real. And it was mine.
So there you have it. My chaotic, honest, and undeniably human travel diary. If you can take away one thing from this, let it be this: Pack light, embrace the weird, and never underestimate the power of a good dumpling. Now, where's that panda plushie? I need a hug.
Indonesian Paradise Found: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits!
Escape to Lavande: Zhenjiang's BEST Railway Station Hotel! (Or is it…?) - The Unofficial FAQ!
Okay, okay, "BEST." That's a bold claim. Is Escape to Lavande *really* the best hotel near Zhenjiang Railway Station? Spill the tea!
Ugh, fine. Let's just say "best" is subjective. It's definitely *up there*. Look, you're talking about Zhenjiang. It's not exactly the Ritz, alright? But Lavande – and specifically the one *near the station*, because there are a few apparently – is… convenient. Like, *ridiculously* convenient. Stepping off the train, practically stumbling onto the lobby. Drunk on train cocktails? Perfect! So, yes. Convenience alone bumps it up a notch. The rooms? Cleanish. The beds? Comfy enough after a long journey. The free water bottles? Bless them. The breakfast, though… well, we'll get there.
What's the *actual* location like? And is that "near the station" a total exaggeration?
No exaggeration! Seriously, you could sneeze and hit the hotel. Okay, *maybe* not sneeze. But it's seriously close. Like, cross the street, maybe the equivalent of a longish airport hallway. It's practically *in* the station’s orbit. This is huge if you're, like me, and a massive last-minute scrambler for your train. The area itself… well, it’s Zhenjiang railway station. Think slightly grimy but functional. Lots of food stalls, dodgy cigarette sellers (watch out for the counterfeit stuff!), and a general air of… well, *activity*. Don't expect postcard views, but you *do* get a taste of local life. Which, for better or worse, is the whole point, right?
The rooms – give me the lowdown. Clean? Trendy? Basic? What's the vibe?
Okay, “trendy” is a *stretch*. Think… *modern-ish.* Clean? Generally, yes. They certainly try. I’ve seen worse (looking at you, that flea-infested hostel in Chengdu!). The rooms are functional. The lighting is… adequate. The bathroom is, miraculously, mostly dry. The water pressure is okay. No complaints there. The style is… well, it's sort of a generic hotel room aesthetic. But honestly, if you're just crashing for a night or two, it's perfectly fine. Just remember to pack your own earplugs. The soundproofing… isn't the hotel's strongest suit. I once thought a herd of elephants was partying in the hallway at 3 AM. Turns out, it was just someone slamming a door. #truestory
About that breakfast… you hinted earlier. What's the deal?
Ah, yes. The breakfast. "Breakfast." Let's just say it's… an experience. Think of it as a grab-and-go buffet of questionable deliciousness. There's usually rice porridge (which, in fairness, is actually pretty good), some sad-looking bread, a selection of reheated pastries, and a mystery meat that I'm pretty sure is made of… something. Okay, I'm being harsh. There are eggs. Sometimes. And they *might* be cooked to order. I'm not entirely sure. My biggest complaint is… the coffee. Or, more accurately, the *coffee-like liquid*. It's… weak. Very, very weak. Bring your own instant coffee. Please. You'll thank me later. And, if you're thinking of skipping it altogether… you’re probably making the right choice. Grab some street food, it’ll be a better gamble.
Any tips for dealing with the hotel, or tips for survival in Zhenjiang in general?
Okay, here's the deal:
- Download a VPN: Gotta get around the Great Firewall, you know?
- Learn some basic Mandarin: Even a little helps. Seriously. Miming is fun, but…
- Grab some local snacks: There's a street food stall just outside that does this amazing scallion pancake. Worth fighting for.
- Earplugs. Seriously.
- Don't expect perfection: Zhenjiang isn't Paris. Embrace the chaos! It's part of the charm.
- When getting a taxi…: Make sure the driver knows where he’s going. I ended up in some strange industrial estate once. My Chinese is… not ideal.
- Explore the local area: Don’t stick to the hotel room all the time. Zhenjiang has much to offer, if you look for it. The Jinshan Temple is pretty impressive.
- Consider your priorities: If absolute luxury is your thing, this ain’t it. If you want convenience and a relatively clean place to crash near the station, then Lavande could be your lifesaver.
Okay, let's get real. What's the WORST thing about the Lavande?
Ugh. Okay, the worst thing? The… one time… where I got… let's just say *locked* in the bathroom. I was in a rush to catch the train (shocking, I know!). I slammed the door… and the lock jammed. For, like, a solid hour. I was there, banging on the door, yelling (in increasingly pathetic Mandarin), and just, you know, *praying* I wouldn't miss my train. Eventually, hotel staff *did* rescue me (bless them!), but the whole ordeal was a level of stress I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Okay, the breakfast *could* be worse. But that locked bathroom experience... It scarred me. So, check the door locks… constantly. Be careful. And, most importantly, leave *plenty* of time before your train. Trust me on this one.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? Yeah. Probably. Despite the questionable coffee, the occasionally-noisy hallways, and the near-bathroom-imprisonment, the convenience factor is just too good to pass up. Plus, despite my grumbling, I secretly *like* Zhenjiang. It's got a certain… gritty charm. And Lavande, for all its flaws, is a perfectly decent place to make your base of operations. So, yes. I would (and probably will) stay there again. Just… next time, I'm bringing my own coffee, my own snacks, and *definitely* checking the bathroom door lock. Seriously.
