Hangzhou Getaway: Zijingang's Hidden Gem Hotel Near Zhejiang University!
Hangzhou Getaway: Zijingang's Secret Treasure or Just Another Hotel? My Unfiltered Take!
Okay, so I just got back from Hangzhou, and you know what? Finding a decent hotel near Zhejiang University felt like an archaeological dig. But then I stumbled upon the Hangzhou Getaway: Zijingang. And let me tell you, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, but it did have its moments. Let's get messy, shall we?
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- Keywords: Hangzhou Hotel, Zhejiang University Hotel, Zijingang Hotel, Getaway Hotel Review, Hangzhou Getaway, Accessible Hotel Hangzhou, Hotel with Spa Hangzhou, Pool with a View, Asian Cuisine Hangzhou, Free Wi-Fi, Non-Smoking Hotel, Family-Friendly Hotel Hangzhou, Room Service Hangzhou, Hangzhou Travel Guide
- Meta Description: Honest and unfiltered review of Hangzhou Getaway Zijingang, a hotel near Zhejiang University. Discover pros, cons, accessibility, amenities, dining, and my overall experience. Is it worth the stay? Find out!
(Alright, let's dive in! Starting with the tough stuff…)
Accessibility: Now, this is where things got a little… murky. The hotel claimed to have Facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't exactly see a ramp leading directly to the front door. I'm no wheelchair user, but I noticed potential challenges. (I'm being diplomatic here, people. The "murky" comment, says a lot). Elevator was a definite plus though. The Car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] were also pretty convenient, and while I didn't need it, having Car Power Charging Station is a great addition. Overall, needs improvement on the accessibility front, and you probably should call directly before booking if accessibility is essential.
Cleanliness & Safety: Okay, this is where Getaway actually shines. Considering the current climate, they clearly take hygiene seriously. The whole place felt…clean. Like, properly clean. They boasted Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I even saw staff wearing masks (and they actually wore them correctly! A win!). They have Hand sanitizer readily available like, everywhere. I was actually impressed. Individually-wrapped food options, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and the Safe dining setup gave me peace of mind. The First aid kit and the Doctor/nurse on call were reassuring, although I didn't need them.
I did hear a guest cough once. It was a little nerve-wracking, even with all those measures. But these are the times we live in, and I appreciated the effort. They also have Hygiene certification, so that's a BIG plus!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: This section… well, it ran the gamut.
- Asian breakfast was a solid start. The scrambled eggs? Not so much. But the noodles? Delicious. (Hey, nobody's perfect). They offered a Breakfast [buffet], but it wasn't overwhelming. Just a solid, reliable spread. However, it did have a Vegetarian restaurant option.
- I explored the Coffee shop and Bar, which were decent and handy. I didn't partake in Happy hour, which is on my list for the next visit.
- The Restaurants offered both Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. The Asian food was the star in my opinion.
- Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. (Their french fries? Not the best. Don't judge me; It was midnight). I regret not trying the Poolside bar, but I was too busy lounging.
- One minor gripe: The Coffee/tea in restaurant was instant coffee. Major bummer.
Services & Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area was a godsend because, Hangzhou in the summer? Brutal.
- The Front desk [24-hour] was helpful, even when I was being completely oblivious in Mandarin.
- Luggage storage was a lifesaver.
- I even found a Convenience store on-site for emergency snacks.
- The Concierge was great at getting me a good taxi, but I have my doubts on the "secret" places the hotel has on offer. Overall, very helpful, even if they did have a few missed steps.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always spotless. My mess? My fault.
- They offer Invoice provided. Excellent.
What I Loved – The Relaxing Stuff:
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The best part! The pool itself wasn't huge, but the Pool with view was absolutely amazing, it’s a big deal. I spent hours just floating there, looking at the scenery. Absolute bliss.
- Spa/sauna: I didn’t use the sauna, but the spa was good!
- Gym/fitness: I am not a gym person, but hey, it's there.
- Massage: Now this was amazing. After a day of walking, it literally melted away all the stress. I highly recommend it.
- Steamroom: Didn't use.
- Foot bath: Never used it.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Weird
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, complimentary tea, air conditioning, daily housekeeping, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, satellite/cable channels, separate shower/bathtub, shower, smoke detector, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free].
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Bathroom phone: A thing of the past, and very odd.
- Extra long bed: A plus when you're tall (or just like to sprawl).
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleep.
- Desk/Laptop workspace: I worked a bit, so this was helpful.
- On-demand movies: Well, I didn't watch anything.
- Socket near the bed: Yass!
- Soundproofing: Appreciated, because my neighbor snored loudly.
- Wake-up service: Didn't work.
- Internet access – LAN: Useless.
For the Kids:
- Family/child-friendly and Kids facilities. I saw a few families there.
- Babysitting service: I don't have kids, but it's a nice option.
- Kids meal: Good, I guess.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Convenient, but pricey.
- Car park [free of charge]: A win!
- Taxi service: Easy to get.
- Bicycle parking: Didn't see it.
Things To Do (and Things I Missed):
- Things to do: Hangzhou is a city that needs more than a week to see.
- Body wrap, Body scrub: I didn't try these.
- Bicycle parking: Did not see.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Didn't use.
- Cash withdrawal: I used this.
- Couple's room: Didn't book.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Thank goodness, didn't need.
- Fire extinguisher: Good to have, but didn't witness.
- Food delivery: I wanted to use this.
- Hotel chain: The review is about the hotel.
- Indoor venue for special events.
- Ironing service: Useful.
- Laundry service: Needed.
- Meetings: Didn't get to it.
- Non-smoking rooms: I appreciated.
- On-site event hosting: I just rested.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Good.
- Projector/LED display: I skipped.
- Proposal spot: Not sure if one exists.
- Room decorations: Simple.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Why would you?
- Safety/security feature: Always on the alert.
- Security/security [24-hour]: Great.
- Shared stationery removed: Good.
- Shrine: No shrine.
- Slippers: Never got to it.
- Smoke alarms: Hope never to see.
- Snack bar: Never.
- Sofa: Never used it.
- Soup in restaurant: Don't know.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seen.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good.
- Terrace: Never enjoyed.
- Umbrella: Always good.
- Visual alarm: I was not notified.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant:
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, corporate travel brochure. This is ME in Hangzhou, at the Hanting Hotel near Zhejiang University Zijingang, and it's going to be… well, it's going to be something. Prepare for a verbal barf-fest of my actual thoughts, feelings, and the inevitable logistical train wrecks.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Cheap Noodles
- Time: Let's be honest, arrival time is hazy. "Morning" translates to "whenever I claw myself out of bed after a 14-hour flight and the soul-crushing jet lag has only just begun to loosen its grip."
- Transportation: Taxi from the airport. (Praying I don't get scammed.) The driver, bless his cotton socks, spoke roughly three words of English, which consisted only of "Okay," "Hotel," and "Money." He somehow managed to get me there, albeit via a route that seemed to deliberately avoid all major roads.
- Hotel: Hanting Hotel Zijingang. Okay, it’s… functional. Think clean, basic, and the kind of room that whispers, "Don't get your hopes up." The air conditioning is the loudest thing I've ever heard this side of a jet engine. I'm already starting to feel the loneliness of budget travel set in.
- Afternoon: Wandering around the university district. Zhejiang University is HUGE. Like, "I could get lost in it for a week and nobody would find me" huge. I eventually stumble upon a small street food stall. The noodles look promising. They smell promising. I take a bite… and it hits me. An existential dread. A sudden realization that my life choices have led me to this precisely average bowl of noodles. It’s… fine. But also, absolutely not.
- Evening: I find a small, dim-lit bar. I'm pretty sure it's populated entirely by students. I order a beer. The beer is cold. The conversation I have with the cute bartender is minimal, consisting of me pointing at things on the menu and him nodding in agreement. It's a success! I can at least claim to have had an international interaction. The music is playing loud Chinese pop that is surprisingly catchy. I'm starting to warm up to Hangzhou already.
Day 2: West Lake and the Terrifying Beauty of the Pagoda
- Morning: The jet lag finally hits the point of no return. I woke up in the middle of the night staring blankly at the ceiling. I spent an hour trying to remember what country I was in, and then eventually gave up and fell back asleep.
- Transportation: The subway. This turns out to be surprisingly easy. The signs are at least somewhat in English, and the locals are incredibly helpful, even if we don't speak the same language. Except for the tiny, elderly woman who shoved past me to grab a seat. The battle for the seat was brutal.
- Activity: West Lake. Oh. My. God. It’s gorgeous. The water is impossibly still, reflecting the willow trees and the distant hills like a giant, shimmering mirror. I rent a bike, because, you know, tourist clichés. I almost toppled into the lake three times thanks to my complete lack of grace.
- Lunch: Found a place near the lake that served… something. I'm still not entirely sure what it was, but it involved a lot of vegetables and a very strong spice I'm not sure I fully enjoyed.
- Afternoon: Leifeng Pagoda. I'm a sucker for a good view, so this was a MUST. The climb up is… well, let's just say I'm not in peak physical condition, and the stairs were my enemy. But the view from the top is breathtaking. You can see the entire lake, and it makes all the effort worth it. The whole experience is a blur. There's just something about the way the place is lit.
- Evening: I'm going to eat authentic Chinese food. I'm determined! I found a restaurant that even has a picture menu. I pointed at pictures. I think I ordered duck. I hope it's duck. It tastes really good. I spent the rest of the evening getting lost and experiencing the city's vibrant nightlife – a karaoke bar. Let's just say my rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody did not go down well. The audience was… unimpressed.
Day 3: Tea, Temples, and the Inevitability of Mild Panic
- Morning: I have finally figured out how to work the hotel's water heater. Victory! Now if only I could find some actual decent coffee.
- Activity: Tea plantation! This was probably the highlight despite my limited knowledge of tea. The sheer serenity of the rolling hills covered in tea bushes is something else. I got dragged into a tea ceremony, which was beautiful, but also made me feel like I should know more about tea than I do. I ended up buying a ridiculously overpriced tea set. I'll probably never use it.
- Lunch: Back in the city. I'm hungry. I see a restaurant bustling with locals. "Challenge accepted," I think. The menu is all in Chinese. I point at a dish; it arrives. It’s a plate of… interesting looking things. The taste? Spicy, slightly bitter, and ultimately… actually pretty good! I survived another meal. Yay me!
- Afternoon: Visit a temple. I'm generally not a very religious person, but there's something about the serenity, the smells of incense, and the intricate architecture that hits me. I light a candle. I don't know what I'm praying for, but I'm pretty sure it involves a less stressful return flight.
- Evening: I'm slightly panicked about the fact that I'm leaving tomorrow. I haven't seen everything. I haven't done enough. I probably haven't understood anything. I decide to walk. I wanted to experience the food stalls and the night markets. I end up in a crowded alleyway feeling completely overwhelmed and lost. I buy a weird, deep-fried pastry from a stall. It’s… okay. I decide to call it quits. I order a taxi back to the hotel.
Day 4: Departure and a Sense of Mild Disappointment (and a tiny, defiant hope)
- Morning: Wake up at 4 am. The air conditioning is still blasting. Pack. Try not to weep openly. Realise the flight is delayed. Briefly consider becoming a tea farmer.
- Transportation: Taxi to the airport (again). This time the driver spoke even less English, which I didn't think was possible. The good news is I still made my flight.
- Feelings: A weird mix of emotions. I was exhausted, slightly overwhelmed, and constantly questioning my choices. But also: Hangzhou, you were unexpectedly beautiful. I think I liked you. Maybe. See you again someday… when I’ve learned to navigate the subway, speak a few words of Mandarin, and embrace the mystery that is Chinese street food. And maybe, just maybe, pack better coffee.
Hangzhou Getaway: Zijingang's Hidden Gem – or is it? The REALLY Real FAQs (and My Mental Breakdown)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this "Hidden Gem" actually *hidden*? Like, did the hotel leave a trail of breadcrumbs made of… well, *bread*?
Alright, here's the deal. The hotel, let's call it... the *Purple Mountain Hostel*, is near Zhejiang University's Zijingang Campus. "Near." Let's be real. Google Maps promised a breezy 10-minute walk. Lies! All lies! My calves were screaming after a solid 20-minute uphill hike, and I'm pretty sure I saw a pack of elderly Chinese gentlemen power-walking past me, judging my pathetic attempt at fitness. So, hidden? Kinda. Hidden from the main drag, definitely. Hidden from my aching feet? Absolutely. If you find a breadcrumb trail though, tell me. I’ll follow that ANY DAY.
What's the *vibe*? Is it all minimalist chic with a side of pretentious art? Or something… more… real?
Real. Thank god, REAL. Look, I'm a sucker for a good hotel, but I can't stand the overly-designed, 'look-at-how-clever-I-am' aesthetic. Purple Mountain Hostel? Not that. The lobby felt like someone's surprisingly stylish (but slightly messy) living room. Think mismatched furniture, a faint whiff of incense (maybe?), and a cat lounging on a ridiculously comfortable sofa. (Seriously, I almost stole that cat). And the art? Not pretentious, just... there. Like, "Hey, we like art, maybe you will too!" Kind of energy. Refreshing.
The rooms... are they Instagram-worthy? Or just… liveable?
Okay, here's the honest truth. My room was... a bit of a mixed bag, to be frank. The view? Stunning. Overlooking... well, I *think* it was the university grounds. Honestly, I was so exhausted from the hike (see question 1) that I just collapsed on the bed. Which, by the way, was incredibly comfy. The decor wasn't overly Instagram-perfect, but it was homey. And clean! That's always a win in my book. The bathroom? Functional. Not spa-like, not horrible. Just… a bathroom. My only real complaint? The Wi-Fi. It occasionally went on a solo adventure, leaving me staring at my phone like a lost puppy. BUT, I heard they're working on it. Still, I'd almost give it a pass because of the *view*.
Let's talk food. Does this "Hidden Gem" have a decent breakfast situation? Because I require sustenance. LOTS of it.
Breakfast. Ah, yes. The make-or-break moment for any hotel, in my opinion. The Purple Mountain Hostel offers a small but perfectly formed breakfast. Think freshly baked bread (YES!), some local jams, eggs (cooked to order, bless them!), and, oh yes, the most amazing coffee. Now, I'm a coffee snob. I *know* good coffee. Theirs? Excellent. It saved me, honestly. After the aforementioned Wi-Fi struggles, and the uphill hike from hell... I NEEDED that coffee. So yes, the food is good. Surprisingly good. The only downside? It's not a buffet. You get what's offered, which is perfectly fine, but sometimes… a girl needs a second helping of those glorious eggs.
Is the staff friendly? Because nothing ruins a trip like a grouchy receptionist.
OH MY GOD! The staff! They are the real gem here. Forget the "hidden" part, these people are the shining stars! They were incredibly helpful, always smiling, genuinely made an effort to chat and give me recommendations for the area. They helped me figure out how to navigate the public transport (which is a feat in itself, trust me), they recommended a fantastic local restaurant, and when I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 2 AM (don't ask), they came to my rescue with zero fuss. 2 AM, people! That's dedication. Seriously, they were the absolute BEST. They truly are what makes this place special. They even offered to carry my luggage (which, after that hike, was a very tempting offer).
Okay, so the location *near* Zhejiang University. Is it close to *anything* else? Like… shops? Restaurants? (Must. Have. Food.)
This is where it gets... interesting. You're not right in the heart of the action. You're in a more residential area. BUT! (There's always a but, isn't there?) I did find a few local restaurants within walking distance. One place, in fact, was this tiny little dumpling shop. No English menu. No one spoke English. But the BEST dumplings I've ever had in my LIFE! I’m pretty sure I communicated through enthusiastic hand gestures and a very sincere smile, and it worked! The university area has a few cute cafes and smaller shops catering for students so, in short, you're not completely isolated, but you’re not drowning in tourist traps either. It forces you to *explore*. Which I grudgingly admit, is sometimes a good thing. Just be prepared to potentially learn Mandarin with your eyes.
What about the price? Is it going to drain my bank account faster than I can say "Hangzhou"?
Honestly? For the quality, the friendliness of the staff, and the generally pleasant vibes, it's a bargain. I was expecting to pay more, really. It felt like getting a secret deal. It’s not budget-travel cheap, but it won't make you cry either. You might actually have some money left over for... food! And trust me, you'll want to eat. Especially those dumplings. (I’M DREAMING OF THE DUMPLINGS). Budget-wise, it's a win.
Okay, be real. The one thing that made you go, "Ugh, I regret this decision"? (Besides the aforementioned hike.)
Okay, okay. This is where I get brutally honest. And it's not the hotel's fault. It's me. Okay, it had something to do with… losing my passport for approximately 2 terrifying hours. I’ve never been so panicked. I retraced my steps, frantically searched my room, and considered bribing the cat (who, by the way, had the audacity to look smug). Eventually, it turned up. Hidden… in my backpack. Honestly, my emotional rollercoaster that day could rival a Disney ride. That’s not the hotel’s fault, but it kind of tainted the memory a bit. So, yeah, that was a low point. But even then, the staff came to my rescue with tissues and calming words. They're saints, IStayin The Heart
