Uncover Chongqing's Hidden Gem: Xana Hotelle & Tea Garden Bliss!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the glorious chaos that is Xana Hotelle & Tea Garden in Chongqing. This isn't your sanitized, corporate review. This is the REAL DEAL, the messy, human, and hopefully hilarious take on a hotel that promises… well, bliss. Let’s see if it delivers.
SEO, BABY! (But First, Tea)
Alright, alright, SEO keywords, gotta do it, right? So, here goes: Chongqing hotel review, Xana Hotelle, Tea Garden, Chongqing accommodation, spa hotel, wheelchair accessible hotel, Chongqing spa, luxury hotel Chongqing, pool with a view, spa & sauna, international cuisine, family-friendly hotel, accessible travel, Chongqing travel tips, hotel near attractions, Chongqing nightlife (sorta). Whew! Now, where was I? Ah, yes, tea. Because you can't NOT start with tea at a TEA GARDEN hotel.
First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster with the Elevator)
The entrance? It's pretty. Lush greenery, that whole "hidden gem" vibe they promise. Finding it? That's step one of the adventure. Chongqing is… a city of hills. Prepare for some climbing. Getting there by taxi was thankfully easy, but the first thing I’m going to mention is the ELEVATOR! Look, I have a slight phobia of elevators, and this one… well, let's just say it had character. It groaned, it shuddered, it almost didn't stop on my floor. I clung to my luggage (and my sanity). Anyway, it got me to my room eventually.
Accessibility: Can a Wheelchair Get Through This?
This is HUGE for me. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate hotels that get accessibility. Xana tries. The lobby and common areas are mostly accessible. The elevator, as mentioned… well, it’s a gamble. The rooms I saw (asked the staff) appeared decently spacious with the usual accessibility features. I'd give it a solid B+ for effort. They’re trying to cater. Some more work on the elevators and maybe some automatic doors would bump it up to an A.
Rooms: My Fortress of Solitude (and Mini-Bar Raiding)
My room? Air conditioning, which is a non-negotiable in Chongqing's summer humidity. Blackout curtains (bliss!), super comfy bed (hello, sleep!), and… a mini-bar. Now, I’m a sucker for a mini-bar. Let’s be honest. Free bottled water? Always a win. I plundered the little snacks. No judgement. The room was clean, and the decor leaned sleek-modern with a touch of local flair. The bathroom? Good. Separate shower and tub… if you're into that. I am!
Internet & Tech: Gotta Stay Connected (or at least Pretend)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! THANK GOD. Needed it to upload all the photos. The Wi-Fi was… decent. Stable enough for streaming and occasional video calls. There's also internet [LAN], which I haven't touched in decades; let's be real, who uses a wired connection in 2024? My phone and laptop were both fine.
The Spa: Oh, the Spa! (Purely Subjective Ramblings)
Okay, here’s where things get… emotional. I’m a sucker for a good spa. The Xana spa, and it features both a Spa/sauna and a Steamroom, is… well, it's got a certain charm. The ambiance is definitely on point. Dim lighting, soothing music, the works. I did a massage – a deep tissue one, which nearly made me cry (in a good way). The masseuse was incredible. Honestly, that massage alone almost justified the entire trip. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I also partook in a foot bath. Heavenly! The Body scrub was okay, nothing too extraordinary, but it was a pleasant add-on. And the pool with a view? Stunning. Seriously. Even if you're not a spa person, this pool is worth it. Oh, they had a Gym/fitness, which I might have looked at. I swear.
Things to Do (Besides Napping and Eating Everything)
Chongqing is a city that demands exploration. Xana provides the perfect base for it. They have a Concierge who seems capable of arranging just about anything. They can give recommendations as well. I'd recommend checking out the Dazu Rock Carvings (a must-see!), walking around in the Ciqikou Ancient Town. The hotel itself has an Outdoor venue for special events, and Indoor venue for special events. They also have a Shrine, which I found pretty odd and not so nice, though it's an interesting addition, I guess. At night, you can enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, and many other things.
Dining: Fueling the Adventures
Okay, let's be real. Hotel food can be a gamble. Xana? They do it pretty well, with lots of options.
- Restaurants: They have several. International cuisine in restaurant, and the local food is fantastic. They have a Vegetarian restaurant. They also have Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] is pretty standard, with the usual Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. They even offer Breakfast in room, if you’re as lazy as I am.
- Other: They have a Poolside bar, a Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a Snack bar. They also have a Room service [24-hour]. Honestly, I might have snuck back down for a midnight snack.
Speaking of snacks… the Desserts in restaurant were divine. Especially that chocolate cake… I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because COVID (and Life) Happen
They take this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and all the staff wear masks. I felt pretty safe. Hand sanitizer everywhere. They have Safe dining setup, so the staff is completely trained, and there is a Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Plus, they have a Doctor/nurse on call, so you can be protected.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Daily housekeeping. Dry cleaning! Laundry service! Elevator (which I've mentioned, about 100 times). They have a Cash withdrawal, and a Currency exchange. Plus, they have a Convenience store, but I never went. It’s got everything, it's got the small things that elevate a hotel from a place to sleep to a place to live.
For the Kids: Family/child friendly… I didn't see any kids but the rooms is big enough for children, and they do offer a Babysitting service, and Kids meal.
Getting Around: Navigating the City
Airport transfer? Check! Taxi service? Easy to arrange. They also have Car park [free of charge], so you can park your car, though the parking is a bit of a walk from the hotel.
Final Verdict (and a Plea for the Teapot)
Xana Hotelle & Tea Garden is a solid choice. It’s not perfect. The elevator is a gamble, and maybe the decorations are not to everyone's tastes. But. The spa, the staff, and the charm of the place kinda work.
My Emotional Reaction: I loved it. Truly. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't flawless and the small imperfections made it feel more real.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The Offer: Book Your Chongqing Escape!
Ready to experience the bliss of Xana Hotelle & Tea Garden? Book now through our website (link below!) and get a free upgrade to a room with a balcony, plus a complimentary afternoon tea for two! LIMITED TIME OFFER! Don’t miss out on Chongqing’s best-kept secret!
Kunming Cuihu Hospital Getaway: Panjiawan Metro Inn Comfort!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic abyss that is my trip to the Xana Hotelle Chongqing Tea Garden. Forget those sterile, perfectly-planned itineraries. This is the raw, unfiltered, and potentially slightly deranged version. Consider yourselves warned.
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and Abject Panic Over Noodles
- Morning (or, as it felt, eternity): Landed in Chongqing. Air conditioning in the airport was apparently a luxury they couldn't afford, judging by the sheer swampiness. Passport control? A slow-motion ballet of paperwork and furrowed brows. My brain already felt like it had fried in a wok.
- Lunch: Found a "recommended" noodle place near the hotel. Now, I love noodles. But this Chongqing specialty? My mouth erupted into flames. Tears streamed. I may have mumbled something about the apocalypse. Note to self: learn the word for "mild" in Mandarin. Immediately.
- Afternoon: The Hotelle and the High Life (Literally): The Xana Hotelle itself was… fine. Cleanish. That key card took me three tries to get working, and each time I swear I could feel a tiny flicker of disdain coming from the reception person. The view from my room, though? Spectacular. Mountains, rivers, dizzying skyscrapers… the kind of view that makes you want to Instagram it, then immediately start worrying about the height. Which is what I did.
- Evening: Tea Garden Exploration (and Questionable Life Choices): The tea garden! That's what I came for! We're supposed to be all zen and smelling of tea. The place itself was beautiful – lush greenery, winding paths, and the faint, almost teasing, aroma of tea leaves. But then I found myself wandering into a karaoke bar (because, China). An hour and several questionable renditions of "Livin' on a Prayer" later, I was slightly worse for wear. My first night in Chongqing: epic fail meets unexpected brilliance.
Day 2: The River, the Ropeway, and the Regret Over Karaoke
- Morning: Dragged myself out of bed. Head pounding. Soul bruised. Breakfast? Another round of fiery noodles. I swear, they're weaponizing spice here. Decided a calming boat trip on the Jialing River was needed. It felt like the beginning of a movie where the protagonist is trying to redeem themselves.
- Lunch: Sunk into an afternoon of local dishes. The best thing I ate today: the dumplings. The worst? A deep fried mystery meat that I swear was staring back at me.
- Afternoon: The Ropeway (And My Near-Death Experience): The Yangtze River Ropeway was a must-do. Apparently, it gives the ultimate view of the city! It seemed like a good idea at the time. Until the cable car started swaying in the wind. My knuckles were white. My life flashed before my eyes. I may have clutched the armrest and whimpered. (Okay, I definitely whimpered.) The view? Incredible, yes. Worth the terror? Debatable.
- Evening: Tea, Tea, and More Tea (Finally!) Tried to redeem myself with an actual tea tasting at a proper tea house. This was exactly what I needed. The tea masters were amazing! Each sip felt like a hug. I even learned to appreciate some of the green tea because the tea itself was bitter. Finally, the peace I was searching for. Until… I spotted a street vendor selling questionable "chicken" skewers. See Day 1, the karaoke incident. This is the problem…
- Night: The end, the darkness. I still had the regret about karaoke.
Day 3: The Stone Carvings, the Spicy Memories and the Departure
- Morning: Woke up with the sunrise. This is good. I'm gonna be good now. I went to a museum about the Stone carvings.
- Afternoon: I ate some more spicy food.
- Late Afternoon: Getting to the airport.
- Night: A quick look over to the city from the airplane. I will miss it so much.
Final Thoughts (and Unsolicited Advice):
Chongqing? Bloody brilliant. Chaotic, spicy, slightly terrifying, and utterly captivating. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm packing a flamethrower to extinguish those chili flakes. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll stick to water instead of karaoke. Or, you know, not. This trip was the best type of mess, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Don't go if you hate chaos.
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Uncover Chongqing's Hidden Gem: Xana Hotelle & Tea Garden Bliss! - Your Messy, Honest Guide
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL lowdown on Xana Hotelle & Tea Garden in Chongqing. Forget those sterile, perfect travel guides. This is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my own questionable decisions and possibly-over-the-top reactions. Consider yourself warned!
1. What *is* Xana Hotelle & Tea Garden, exactly? Sounds fancy.
Alright, let's break it down. Xana Hotelle, in essence, is a boutique hotel in Chongqing. But it's *way* more than just a place to crash. Think sleek design, maybe a little too sleek for its own good (more on that later!), and generally a vibe that says "I'm cultured and I drink tea." The Tea Garden part? Well, it's a seriously beautiful traditional teahouse attached. It's supposed to be all zen and relaxing, but honestly, I spent most of my time there juggling tiny teacups and trying not to spill on my already questionable travel clothes.
2. Is it actually a hidden gem? Or just some overpriced hotel trying to seem cool?
Okay, here's the REALLY honest part. Yes... and no. The "hidden gem" label is a little generous. It's definitely trending on those travel blogs, which means you WON'T be the only one there. BUT! It's still pretty damn special. The location, tucked away from the main tourist throngs, gives it serious points. And the tea garden... Oh, the tea garden. That's where the magic REALLY happens. Unless you're me, and then it's where I spent an hour flailing with chopsticks trying to pick up a peanut. So, yeah, worth a visit? Absolutely. Totally undiscovered? Not so much. But still a gem in its own right. Just manage your expectations, people!
3. What are the rooms like? Are they Instagrammable? Because let's be real, that's important.
Oh, they're *definitely* Instagrammable. Minimalist chic is the name of the game. Clean lines, neutral tones, possibly a single, strategically placed orchid. My room? Well, it was beautiful, I'll give it that. But the lighting? Forget about it. Took me ages to find a decent angle for my breakfast shot, and then the battery died on my phone. #TravelBloggerProblems, am I right? Also, the shower had about five different settings, none of which were remotely straightforward. Spent a good ten minutes just trying to find the "on" switch. Seriously though... the rooms are nice. Just bring a good power bank and a flashlight. You'll thank me later.
4. Is the service good? Because I HATE bad hotel service.
Okay, the service... This is where things get a little squishy. Generally? Good. The staff are polite, helpful, and speak decent English (if you're lucky like me). BUT. Remember that "sleek design" I mentioned? Well, sometimes it feels like the staff are trying REALLY HARD to be minimalist and unobtrusive. Like, almost *too* good. I tried to order room service once (hangry me is not pretty), and it took about 45 minutes and three phone calls to figure out the menu. I eventually just went down to the tea garden and ate some dumplings. So, yeah, your mileage may vary. Be patient, be nice, and maybe learn a few basic Chinese phrases. You'll probably be okay.
5. Tell me about the tea garden! Is it as amazing as it sounds?
The tea garden... *takes a deep breath*. Okay, deep breaths. It's beautiful. Really, truly, breathtakingly gorgeous. Bamboo groves, koi ponds, the scent of jasmine in the air... It *should* be pure serenity. And, for a while, it *was*. I got the full tea ceremony experience, which involved multiple tiny cups, elaborate pouring techniques, and a gentle lecture on the history of tea. It was, honestly, incredible. I felt so calm. So centered. Then, the waiter brought out the snacks. And that, my friends, is when the chaos began.
6. Okay, tell me more about the chaos. What happened with the snacks?!
Alright, here's the story. The snacks were these tiny, delicate things. Little pastries, some nuts, and a bowl of peanuts that were, apparently, a traditional accompaniment to tea in Chongqing. The problem? I'm a klutz. And I'm hopeless with chopsticks. I spent a good twenty minutes wrestling with those peanuts, trying to pick them up with those infernal sticks. I swear I saw the waiter fighting back a laugh. Pieces went flying. I knocked over my teacup (thankfully it was empty). I was sweating, frustrated, and pretty sure I was making a complete fool of myself. It was a comedy of errors. But... I'm laughing about it now. And the tea, after all that, tasted even better. So, yeah, embrace the mess. It's part of the experience.
7. Is the food good in general? Beyond the peanut situation.
Okay, the food. It's generally pretty good! The dumplings in the tea garden were sensational. Seriously, I could have eaten a hundred of them (maybe I tried!). Breakfast was a decent buffet, with a mix of Western and Chinese options. The restaurant at the hotel itself was a bit pricey, but the quality was there. I'd say, stick to the local specialties and you won't go wrong. And maybe bring a friend who's good with chopsticks. Just in case.
8. What's the best time to visit Xana Hotelle & Tea Garden? Any tips on avoiding the crowds?
Shoulder season is your friend! Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Try to visit the tea garden mid-week if you can, and maybe skip the peak lunchtime rush. Honestly, though, it's popular, you'll probably encounter SOME people. Just roll with it, find a quiet corner, and try not to drop your teacup (unlike me!).
