Unbelievable Ji Hotel: Taizhou Old Street's Hidden Gem (Jiangsu, China)
Unbelievable Ji Hotel: Taizhou Old Street - More Than Just Bricks and Mortar (A Rambling Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is a journey. We’re diving headfirst into the Unbelievable Ji Hotel in Taizhou, Jiangsu, and trust me, the name's not just marketing hype. It… well, it almost lives up to it.
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- Keywords: Unbelievable Ji Hotel, Taizhou Old Street, Jiangsu, China, Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly, Business Hotel, Review, Travel, Accommodation, China Travel
- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of the Unbelievable Ji Hotel in Taizhou Old Street, Jiangsu, China. We delve into everything from accessibility and amenities to the food, the staff, and that slightly underwhelming spa. Prepare for a rollercoaster!
The Arrival: First Impressions and a Dash of Chaos
The first thing that hits you walking up to the Ji Hotel is this… vibe. It’s nestled right in the heart of Taizhou Old Street, which is a win in my book. Stone paving, lantern-lit streets, history oozing from every brick. Very Instagrammable, I tell ya.
Accessibility: Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I’m always conscious of accessibility issues. The entrance was thankfully pretty straightforward; a slight ramp and wide doors. Elevator: Yes, thankfully! Facilities for disabled guests: I saw some thoughtfully designed rooms on the website… but I didn't get to inspect them personally. So, a big question mark - need more information.
Check-in/out [express]: Easy peasy. Check-in/out [private]: I opted for the private option (much more comfortable, tbh, with a weary traveler).
Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
The Room: Comfort, Chaos, and Complimentary Tea
Let's get to the real heart of the matter: the room. I booked a “Premium Double” and was holding my breath. And, you know what? It was pretty darn good.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes (yes!), bathroom phone (who uses these?), bathtub, blackout curtains (thank the heavens!), carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker (important!), complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box (always a smart choice), internet access - LAN and wireless (crucial!), ironing facilities (for those of us who try to look presentable), laptop workspace. Linens felt luxurious. Mini bar, mirror, non-smoking (thank goodness!), on-demand movies (never used them), private bathroom, reading light (essential for late-night bookworms like myself), refrigerator for my precious Perrier, safety/security feature (always appreciate that), satellite/cable channels (again, not really my bag), scale (gulp!), seating area (needed to unpack all my stuff), separate shower/bathtub (bliss!), shower, slippers (a nice touch!), smoke detector (safety first!), socket near the bed (genius!), sofa (perfect for collapsing on), soundproofing (THANK YOU!), telephone, toiletries, towels (fluffy!), umbrella (needed it!), visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi free, and a window that opens.
Ah, the little things! I’m talking about the Complimentary Tea, the High Floor where the city feels just a bit more magical. The Bathtub, big enough to soak a whole me in – after the day I had, that was heaven. The Blackout Curtains were a lifesaver. Did I mention the Free Wi-Fi? It worked a treat, bless it.
There was even an Additional toilet, which is always a bonus, especially in a room of this size.
However…
One tiny, utterly bizarre thing: the Hair Dryer. It was one of those wall-mounted, futuristic-looking contraptions that blew lukewarm air at about the speed of a snail. I eventually gave up and went for the "towel-roulette" method, leaving me with a slightly damp mane and a newfound appreciation for the power of a decent hairdryer. The Internet access – LAN didn't want to play the game though and didn't work, so I sticked to the wireless.
And while the room was generally clean and well-maintained, there was a tiny patch of what looked like… well, let's just say the cleaning crew possibly missed something under the sofa. Cleanliness and safety: They did have Hand sanitizer available everywhere, so that's a plus. Rooms sanitized between stays, I hope so. Anti-viral cleaning products – a good sign!
Dining, Glorious Dining (or, the Search for a Reasonable Meal)
Okay. Let's be honest. Hotel food can be… hit or miss. The Ji Hotel’s offerings mostly hit.
Restaurants: Yup, several. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Present and correct.
Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: So, here’s where the adventure began. The breakfast buffet was a spread. And I mean spread. Everything from congee to croissants. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: options aplenty. I tried a little of everything. The dim sum was good but I also liked the little bowls of noodles - it was amazing.
The Imperfection…
I attempted to order room service on two separate occasions later in the night (after a day of exploring!) – something basic. Both times, I had to wait forever (the estimated time was incorrect). I'm impatient, this made me feel like I was in a bad sitcom that wouldn’t stop. So, I went to the corner shop and ate an ice cream.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: They have a Bar, a Poolside bar(more on that later), and a Snack bar. I can't complain. They have what I wanted.
Bottle of water: The complimentary water bottles were a lifesaver in the humid Jiangsu air.
Room service [24-hour]: See above, but definitely a mixed bag.
Safe dining setup: I saw staff members following the protocols, which was reassuring. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup: Seemed to be taken seriously; a good sign.
Spa, Pool, and the Pursuit of Relaxation (and a Bit of Disappointment)
Ah, relaxation. This is where the Unbelievable Ji Hotel promised to really shine.
Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view, Sauna, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: The whole shebang.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: They had one; never used it.
The Swimming pool was gorgeous. Poolside bar: Convenient. And the best part? The Pool with view -- a lovely backdrop that was an incredible photo opportunity..
Now, for the honest part…
I was so excited for the spa! I booked a massage (needed it after lugging my suitcase around). But… and this is where the "unbelievable" part fell just a little flat… the experience was, well, unremarkable. The massage was OK, but not amazing. The Body scrub and Body wrap treatments looked intriguing, but I'm not sure I'd chance it, based on this experience. Maybe I'm just too picky. Maybe my expectations were too high.
Ways to relax: They had the tools, but the actual quality of the experience didn't quite live up to the hype. Still, the pool was wonderful.
The "Stuff" - Services and Conveniences, Plus a Few Extras
Services and conveniences: The hotel was genuinely trying to cater to every need.
Air conditioning in public area: YES! Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service.
Business facilities: I didn’t need any but was aware that it's catered. Business facilities, Facilities for disabled guests, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Seminars, Xerox/fax in business center.
Additional notes:
Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Car park [on-site]: Convenient if you're driving.
Airport transfer: They offer it.
For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Seemed generally well-suited to families.
Smoking area: Yes.
**On-site event hosting, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector
Oriana Hotel: Hoai Duc's Hidden Gem? Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-formatted brochure itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, my trip to Ji Hotel Taizhou Old Street in Taizhou, Jiangsu, China, and believe me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Prepare for the glorious mess…
Day 1: Arrival and That Initial Disorientation (Plus Noodles!)
- 10:00 AM: Landed in Shanghai Pudong. Honestly, Shanghai airport is still a maze after all my travels, and I'm pretty sure I walked 10 miles just trying to find a dang ATM. The exhaustion was already settling in.
- 12:30 PM: Okay, so the train to Taizhou was an experience. Imagine two hours of staring at rice paddies… and then trying to figure out which rice paddy is actually the right rice paddy. It's a skill, I tell you.
- 2:30 PM: Finally, FINALLY, I stumble out of Taizhou train station. Taxi negotiation – the age-old art. I fumbled with my Mandarin (limited, to be kind) and ended up paying a bit more than I should have. Whatever, the driver's smile was worth it.
- 3:15 PM: Check-in at Ji Hotel. The lobby? Perfectly functional. The room? Clean. That's literally all I ask for after the journey. My brain immediately screams, "NAP TIME!" but the stomach protests, "NOODLES!"
- 4:00 PM: OMG, the noodles. Found a tiny, grimy-looking place just outside the hotel. The woman behind the counter grunted at me, then laughed when I pointed at the ONLY picture on the wall (a steaming bowl of something glorious). These were the best noodles I've ever had. Truly. Broth so rich, noodles with the perfect chew, and whatever mysterious meat they threw in there… pure heaven. I'm pretty sure I slurped the bowl clean.
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Strolling around the Old Street. Actually, more like stumbling. The jet lag was kicking my butt. The shops? Overwhelming. The smells? Amazing, but also a bit… pungent at times. Saw some beautiful lanterns though. And tried a weird sesame candy that glued my teeth together. Worth it.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at a random place I cannot name. The menu was entirely in Chinese. Luckily, the couple next to me took pity and helped me order. They recommended a local dish - the Taizhou Seafood. I am still not sure what everything I ate but it tasted and smelled good.
- 9:00 PM: Collapsed in bed. That, my friends, is the end of day one.
Day 2: Old Street Charm (and Almost Getting Lost)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Standard stuff, nothing to write home about, but the coffee was… well, it was coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Back to the Old Street. This time, with a mission: find a good tea shop. The place is truly charming. Its a maze of shops, each offering colorful wares or interesting snacks. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible. The architecture is beautiful, you know, the kind that makes you want to snap a million photos because every corner is a masterpiece.
- 11:30 AM: Tea shop success! Found a tiny place tucked away in a quiet alley. The owner, a tiny, wizened woman with a smile that could melt glaciers, let me try a few different teas. Bought a bag of something fragrant and delicious, promising to bring a taste of China back home. Feeling all zen and cultured.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the same noodle place as yesterday… because, duh.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Disaster. Got completely, utterly lost. Decided to wander off the main drag and explore the side streets. Turns out, it was a brilliant idea. Saw some genuine local life. Old men playing cards, women chatting in doorways, kids chasing each other. It was immersive. But then… no street signs in English. My phone died. Panic sets in.
- 4:00 PM: Found a helpful bus station employee who spoke a little English. He pointed me in the general direction of the Ji Hotel, saying something like, "Keep seeing big red buildings… you find." Seriously, this is the most helpful piece of advice I have ever received.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Showered off the day's grime, and the sheer, slightly panicky feeling of being lost. Decided to celebrate my survival with a nap.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant near the hotel. Trying some local cuisine, but mostly feeling the urge to eat something familiar. Ordered a pizza. Don't judge.
- 8:30 PM: Strolling along the canal, listening to the sounds of the locals living their nightly life.
Day 3: The (Almost) Unforgettable Temple Trip
- 9:00 AM: Decided to visit the local temple.
- 10:00 AM: The temple was enormous, filled with the most elaborate carvings, the vibrant aroma of incense. The sheer scale of it almost took my breath away. The air was thick with a sense of history and reverence.
- 11:30 AM: This is where things get… interesting. Found a quiet corner to sit and (attempt to) meditate. Closing my eyes, I began to sink into a state of relaxation. And then I feel this tap on my shoulder. I open my eyes to see a small, old monk staring at me with a twinkle in his eye. He gestures for me to follow him. Did I just enter a spiritual awakening?
- 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM: He took me on a little tour, explaining some of the temple's secrets and telling me stories. His laughter was infectious, his wisdom unexpected. I don't know what was more surprising, the experience or the fact that I somehow understood, through gestures. This was so beautiful.
- 1:00 PM: After our little adventure, the monk gently guided me to the exit. I did a quick bow and then went to find some food.
- 2:00 PM: Wandered around the town.
- 4:00 PM: Went to the local supermarket.
- 7:00 PM: Went to the hotel and prepped for my departure tomorrow.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Savor
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast at the hotel. Said a reluctant goodbye to the noodles (I swear I almost cried).
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Got a taxi to the train station.
- 12:00 PM: Back on the train, staring out the window at the passing landscape. The overwhelming feeling is a sense of being changed. It's not always perfect, and it's certainly not the most comfortable experience. But the people you meet, the tastes you savor, the moments that stop you dead in your tracks… those are the things that make travel magical.
- Ongoing: Still daydreaming about those noodles… and wondering if I'll ever find my way back to that temple.
This, my friends, is Taizhou Old Street. It's a beautiful, messy, and unforgettable place, full of surprises and moments that stick with you long after you've left. Ready for the next adventure!
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Unbelievable Ji Hotel: Taizhou Old Street – You Won't BELIEVE This Place! (Maybe) FAQs
Okay, spill the tea. Is this Ji Hotel really "unbelievable"? I'm skeptical...
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. "Unbelievable" is... a strong word. Let's just say it's memorable. Picture this: you're wandering down the cobbled streets of Taizhou Old Street, dodging grandmas on scooters, the scent of spicy noodles hangs in the air, and THEN BAM! You stumble upon this almost-hidden entrance to the Ji Hotel. The exterior? Kinda bland, honestly. It looks like… well, a slightly fancier budget hotel. But the inside? That's where things get interesting… and by "interesting" I mean… *expect the unexpected*.
It's not the Ritz, okay? It's not perfect. My room had a weird smell at first (think… vaguely floral and slightly… damp?), but the staff were super quick to spray some room freshener – bless their socks! But the whole experience has a… *charm* that's genuinely hard to find. So… unbelievable? Maybe not. Delightfully quirky? Absolutely.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Cozy? Like, are we talking bedbug-infested nightmare or… comfortable?
Okay, let's be real. Cleanliness is paramount. My room was… mostly clean. The sheets seemed fresh enough, thank goodness. The bathroom was… functional. (And by "functional" I mean I *did* manage to take a shower without witnessing any horrifying mold situations.) Now, the "cozy" factor? That depends on your definition of cozy. My room was… small. Like, "could barely swing a cat" small. But, and this is a big BUT… the design was actually quite clever. They'd crammed a lot into a small space. And the bed was… comfy enough that I actually slept through the fireworks display happening outside! (More on that later…)
Look, I *did* find a rogue hair in the sink the first day. But the staff were incredibly apologetic and cleaned the whole bathroom again when I mentioned it. Honestly, it's not the pristine, sterilized experience you'd get at some soulless chain hotel. It's… lived-in. But in a way that feels… authentic, and definitely not the kind of "lived-in" that smells of… neglect.
The location, location, location! Is it actually good? Close to stuff?
YES! The location is a HUGE win. It's smack-dab in the middle of Taizhou Old Street. You're practically tripping over delicious street food stalls and ancient temples. Forget taxis, forget buses, you're *walking distance* to everything! It's perfect for exploring the area. Literally, as you stroll through the Old Street, there's *always* something going on. From the smell of freshly steamed buns to the clatter of mahjong tiles, to the sound of people laughing. It's sensory overload in the best possible way. You get to experience the *vibe* of Taizhou from the moment you step outside. The best part? Late night snack runs are ridiculously easy. Just wander out, grab some skewers, and be happy!
Let's talk about the staff. Are they helpful? Do they speak any English? Because my Mandarin is… limited.
The staff *tried*. They really, really did. English? Well, let's just say the communication involved a lot of pointing, miming, and desperate smiles from both sides. But they're genuine, and eager to help. They were always smiling and trying their best. They even drew me a map to a local dumpling shop (that was AMAZING, by the way. Seriously, go for the dumplings!).
The language barrier creates some… *interesting* situations. Like, I needed more towels, and it took a good ten minutes of frantic hand gestures involving me pretending to dry myself and the staff understanding in a heartbeat, and a mountain of towels soon arrived. But they are patient. They’re kind. Their effort felt a bit more genuine than sometimes in bigger hotels. My biggest regret? Not learning more Mandarin before going! But, download a translation app, and you'll be fine. Just remember to pack your patience. And a sense of humor.
Okay, the BEST part of the experience! What made it amazing? What left you gobsmacked? Anything stand out?
Alright, buckle up, 'cause I'm about to gush. First, it was the fireworks. Yep, fireworks. My room faced the main street. The night I arrived, there was this *massive* fireworks display. I had NO idea it was happening. I was half-asleep and was jolted awake by the *BOOM!* and the room lighting up like a disco. At first, I thought the hotel was, you know, exploding. Then I realized it was the Chinese New Year celebration (I totally missed it was that time of year). I threw open the curtains and… BAM! An explosion of colour and noise! It was genuinely spectacular. I'm talking 'jaw-on-the-floor' spectacular. I scrambled to find my phone to film it (the video quality was terrible, but it's the memory that counts!) and the whole thing was incredibly surreal and perfect.
But there's more. The location also has this hidden courtyard. It was a little oasis that nobody seemed to use. And one afternoon I sat there drinking my tea and reading my book, with chirping birds and the quiet rhythm of the city in the background. Absolutely magical. The whole experience was just *different*. It was imperfect, it was weird and crazy, and that's what made it unforgettable.
What about breakfast? Free? Good? Or should I just stick to the street food?
Breakfast is included, yes. Don't expect a Western-style buffet overflowing with bacon and waffles. (Though, honestly, you can get *amazing* waffles from the street vendors.) It's a modest affair, often featuring a congee, some small side dishes (pickled vegetables, maybe some eggs), and maybe some steamed buns. Some days, it was… slightly underwhelming. Some days, it was actually pretty tasty! It might be bland but it's *free*. It's fuel to keep you going. I would suggest checking the street food scene anyway. You're in Taizhou! Get out there and try everything!
Any downsides? Any dealbreakers? Dish the dirt!
Okay, here comes the honesty. First, the noise. Being in the middle of Old Street means you hear *everything*. The aforementioned fireworks. The early morning market vendors. The karaoke from the nearby pubs (that can get REALLY enthusiastic). Light sleepers, bring earplugs! Secondly, the Wi-Book a Stay
