Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Xana Hotel's Zhonglou Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Xana Hotel's Zhonglou Secret Revealed! - My Brain's Xi'an Diaries (Prepare for Rambles!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! I just got back from Xi'an and, let me tell you, the Xana Hotel's Zhonglou Secret? It's not a secret anymore. It's LEGIT. And you know what? I’m still kinda reeling. So, this review might be a bit… scattered. Think of it less as a polished travel brochure and more like a brain dump fueled by delicious (and sometimes questionable) Xi'an street food and way too much history. Prepare yourself.
First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster with a Rickshaw)
Getting to the Xana was an adventure in itself. Forget those smooth, pre-booked airport transfers (though, yes, they DO offer those – Airport transfer, bless their hearts). I, being the intrepid (read: slightly clumsy) traveler I am, decided to wing it. Let me just say, negotiating a rickshaw in Xi'an traffic is an experience. Picture this: me, yelling "Zhonglou! Zhonglou!" (that's the Bell Tower, the landmark the hotel is near) at a bewildered driver while dodging scooters and food vendors. Not my finest moment. Luckily (and this is where the really good stuff starts), the hotel is actually really close to the Bell Tower - easily accessible via taxi, or even by foot if you were not me. The hotel is right smack-dab in the middle of the city though so accessibility wise, everything after that was super simple.
Accessibility & Getting Around (Thank God for Elevators!)
Okay, let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. Accessibility: The Xana seems to have thought of everything. There are facilities for disabled guests, elevators are readily available (THANK YOU!), and the whole place is designed to be easy to navigate. I didn't personally need any of these features, but seeing them made me feel good about the hotel's commitment to inclusivity. Getting around, they sure make it simple, offering all the services from Taxi service to Bicycle parking, and Car park [free of charge].
The Rooms: My Oasis (After Dodging That Rickshaw)
The rooms are where the magic really begins. My room? Absolutely bonkers good. Think plush carpeting, a ginormous (that's a technical term) comfy bed with extra long bed and blackout curtains that banished the city lights, and a bathroom that was practically palatial. Speaking of the bathroom, it had everything – fluffy bathrobes, a separate shower and bathtub (hello, luxurious soak!), a hair dryer, and all the little toiletries a girl could want. I'm a sucker for a good mirror and desk, and the xana had both, along with a complimentary tea, and a coffee/tea maker, which I can confirm was a Godsend after that rickshaw incident. Seriously, the room was a sanctuary. Oh, and the Wi-Fi? Free and FAST. (Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – wireless).
Internet: My Digital Lifeline
Speaking of Wi-Fi, can we talk about how crucial it is these days? The Xana understands. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, people! (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!). And not just in the rooms either. I could connect in the public areas too (Wi-Fi in public areas)! And if you're, like me, a bit old-school and like to plug in (Internet – LAN), they've got you covered. Internet services! Plus, who doesn't love a good internet connection in case of emergencies (and to continue on the binge of Netflix I left home to get away from)?
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Personal Salad Trauma)
Okay, let's get to the real important stuff: the food. The Xana had multiple restaurants, catering to both Western and Asian palates. They offer: Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant,Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar. The breakfast buffet was IMMENSE. Think everything from steaming bowls of congee (rice porridge) to perfectly cooked bacon. I went for the Western option and the Asian options (okay, maybe I went for both… multiple times). This is the place for both the adventurous eater and the comfort-food seeker in you.
My Salad Scare (And Why It’s Important to Read the Fine Print)
I will confess, I attempted a salad one day. (Salad in restaurant). Big mistake. The dressing was… interesting. Let's just say, it wasn't my favorite. But that's on me. The other food – the noodles, the dumplings, the crispy duck – it was all phenomenal. And the coffee shop? Perfect for a quick caffeine fix to power through those Xi'an historical sites. But I’m not the best at ordering, and I can get real picky when it comes to meals. It would have been good to ask for Alternative meal arrangement instead of just digging into the salad the moment it came.
Relaxation & Unwinding (Because You Deserve It!)
Okay, the Xana knows how to help you unwind. They offer Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. There’s a gorgeous outdoor pool with a view (Pool with view), perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. They also have a spa with a full range of treatments. You could literally spend your entire trip just lounging around and feeling pampered. I regret not trying the sauna or steam room. Next time, dammit, next time!
Things to Do (Beyond the Hotel Walls)
The Xana is perfectly positioned for exploring Xi'an. The Bell Tower (Zhonglou!) is literally a stone's throw away. Then there’s the Muslim Quarter, with its vibrant street food and bustling markets; the Terracotta Army; the City Walls. The hotel staff are super helpful with arranging tours and providing recommendations and tips. They're also offering ways to relax: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool (inside and outside!), Massage to help make the stay more enjoyable.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe is the New Luxury
In this new world, Cleanliness and safety is the ultimate luxury, and the Xana nails it. They’re using Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff, trained in safety protocol, are all wearing masks. I felt completely safe and comfortable. Cashless payment service is also available, which is super convenient.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
The Xana offers a ton of services to make your stay as smooth as possible. Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service, Valet parking. Seriously, they’ve thought of everything. The 24-hour front desk (Front desk [24-hour]) was a godsend when I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 3 a.m. (Don't judge me!). And they even have a business center (Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center) if you need to get some work done (eye roll).
Things I Didn't Get to Try (But Definitely Will Next Time!)
The gym. The pool (other than a quick dip). I feel like I missed so much of a full relaxing stay, but hey, there's always next time!
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Real Stuff
Okay, this is where I get honest. No place is perfect, right? The coffee shop service, while offering great coffee, could be a tad slow at times. And that salad… well, let's just say I stick to the noodles from now on. But honestly, these are minor quibbles. The Xana is a truly special place.
The Verdict: Run, Don't Walk, to Book!
Overall: If you’re looking for a luxurious, conveniently located hotel in Xi’an, the Xana is it. It's clean, modern, well-equipped, and staffed by people who actually care about making your stay amazing. The food is delicious, the rooms are fantastic, and the location is unbeatable.
My Emotional Reaction: I'm still dreaming of the Xana. It's that good. And honestly, after the chaos of that rickshaw ride, it was exactly what I needed.
My Recommendation for the Xana Hotel's Zhonglou Secret Revealed!
Headline: Escape to Xi'an Luxury: The Xana Hotel's Zhonglou Secret? It's Officially Unlocked! (Trust Me)
Body:
Bali Paradise: Your Dream 1BR Pool Villa Awaits (K357)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travelogue. This is my Xi'an, and you're just along for the ride. Specifically, the Xana Hotelle Xi'an Zhonglou Luoma ride. Here goes nothing:
Xi'an: Because Why Not? (and Because Cheap Flights)
Day 1: Landing Like a Total Noob (and Loving It)
- Morning (or, rather, what passes for morning after that ridiculous flight): Landed in Xi'an. Jet lag? More like "WTF is happening?" I mean, the airport was massive. And the language barrier? Oh, honey, let's just say my mime game has vastly improved in the last few hours. Found the Xana Hotelle. It's… well, it's a hotel. Clean-ish. The air con works, which is a win in my book. Honestly, the free bottled water is a LIFE SAVER.
- Afternoon: Terracotta Army, and My Jaw Hit the Floor: Okay, so you're supposed to see the Terracotta Army. Duh. It was a logistical nightmare getting there (hello, crowded metro and a bus filled with people staring), but holy mother of emperors, it was WORTH IT. Seriously, the faces, the details, the sheer scale of it all? I stood there slack-jawed. I nearly tripped over a rope. I almost started crying. (Okay, maybe I did cry a little. Don't judge.) The whole experience was a gut punch of history. Pure, unadulterated awesomeness. My photos will NEVER do it justice.
- Evening: Food Street Fiasco and Spicy Regret: Tried to be a "foodie." Went to the Muslim Quarter. Got completely and utterly overwhelmed. The smells! The crowds! The deep-fried…everything! I ordered something that looked delicious. It was, in fact, a face-melting, volcano-in-my-mouth level of spicy. I think my brain cells are still recovering. But hey, the lamb skewers were great. Even if I spent the next hour guzzling water and fanning my face like a proper drama queen. Dinner was a blur of sweat, tears (again!), and the vague feeling I'd just eaten half a dragon.
Day 2: Wall, Walls, Glorious Walls! (and a Little Bit of Lost)
- Morning: Conquered the City Wall (Almost): Decided to bike the ancient city wall. Smart idea, right? Except the bike I rented was clearly designed for a tiny human. My thighs were screaming. The views, though? Incredible. Xi'an stretched out below me, a mix of ancient and modern, bustling and beautiful. I managed a good portion of it before my legs decided to completely revolt. Added to the list of goals: get better at riding a bike.
- Afternoon: The Big Wild Goose Pagoda…and My Terrible Sense of Direction: Found the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It was impressive, and felt like a movie. I got completely turned around trying to find it, took a taxi that looked like it had been through a war… and made a new friend, a local who spoke a little English. He even helped me haggle with a vendor, which felt like some kind of bizarre skill I never knew I had.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Dumpling Delirium and a Rambling Ramble of Thoughts: Dumpling dinner! I will happily eat dumplings until I die. (Kidding. Mostly). I ate so many dumplings I thought I was going to burst. The flavors were spectacular. Then. the food, the ambiance, the everything, and then the wine hit, and I'm just sitting here, at the little desk in my hotel room, writing this, and thinking about all the things that matter, and all the things that don't… about the kindness of strangers, the beauty of old buildings, the absolute necessity of good dumplings. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Day 3: Temple Adventures, Tea, and Goodbye (For Now)
- Morning: The Temple Where I May Have Been Too Loud (oops): Visited the Temple. Beautiful. Serene. Quiet. I, of course, brought a level of enthusiasm that may have been seen as a disruptive force of nature. I giggled. I took pictures. I may have accidentally sneezed during a particularly solemn moment. I'm pretty sure I heard a monk sigh. Hey, I tried to be respectful!
- Afternoon: Tea Ceremony and a Moment of Zen (or at Least Pretending): Attended a Tea Ceremony. It was lovely. I sat there, feeling a bit like I was in a movie. Tried to be graceful. Probably failed. The tea was delicious. The quiet was welcome. I actually felt a tiny bit of peace. Needed that. Needed that quiet, because, honestly, I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a vacation from this vacation.
- Evening: Packing, Reflecting, and the Bitter Truth About Leaving: Back to the hotel. Packed. Stared at my travel journal, which is filled with a jumbled mess of observations, half-formed thoughts, and way too many exclamation points. Xi'an? It’s chaotic, beautiful, exhausting, and exhilarating. It's spicy, it's historic, it's humbling. It's a place that hits you in the gut and makes you want more. I leave tomorrow, feeling changed in ways I can't quite articulate. Already planning my return.
Hotel: Xana Hotelle Xi'an Zhonglou Luoma. It's functional. The included breakfast is, well, it exists. The location is good. Room temperature is good. Food: Dumplings. Eat them. All of them. And brace yourself for the spice. Transport: Metro is good. Taxis are an adventure. Walking is mandatory. People: Mostly friendly. Though, my Chinese is non-existent. I got help everywhere thanks to the app and google translate. Overall: Xi'an, you wild, wonderful place. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing earplugs for the temple.
**Unbelievable Lyon Hotel Deal: Stadium Views & Ibis Styles Luxury!**
Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Xana Hotel's Zhonglou Secret Revealed! (Let's Get Real)
Okay, spill the tea! Is the Xana Hotel in Xi'an REALLY as luxurious as they say?
What's this "Zhonglou Secret" all about? I'm intrigued!
The Rooms! Give me the lowdown! How's the space, amenities, all that jazz?
What about the food? I've heard Xi'an cuisine is incredible…
Is it worth the money? Be honest!
What's the staff like? Are they helpful?
Any tips for making the most of your stay?
Would you stay there again? Seriously.
