**Chengdu's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Tianhe Review (You WON'T Believe This!)**
Chengdu's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Tianhe Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Buckle Up, Buttercups!
Okay, okay, settle in, because you’re about to get the unfiltered truth about the Holiday Inn Express Tianhe in Chengdu. Forget those glossy, perfectly-lit travel blogs that leave you feeling hollow inside. I'm here to tell you everything. We’re talking warts and all, the good, the delightfully unexpected, and maybe a few things that’ll make you go, "Huh… interesting." Then, and only then, can you decide if this place deserves your precious holiday time (and hard-earned cash!).
First Impressions: Arrival & Accessibility (Spoiler Alert: Pretty Solid!)
Flying into Chengdu is an experience in itself (we landed during a random downpour, naturally). Getting to the Holiday Inn Express Tianhe required navigating the usual airport chaos, but the hotel’s location, near the Chengdu East Railway Station, is surprisingly convenient, although Airport transfer is not directly mentioned in details. They have a Taxi service, though!
Accessibility: Big thumbs up! The hotel boasts Facilities for disabled guests, and the elevators are plentiful (always a win!). Wheelchair accessible throughout the public areas is a given, and I saw plenty of ramps and accessible doorways. I didn't personally use these features myself, but I observed them carefully during my stay. So, kudos to them. Accessibility is really key for a lot of travelers, and they seem to get it.
Check-in: (Let's be honest, everyone wants the dirt here)
Check-in/out [express] and the Contactless check-in/out were a godsend after a long flight (and a questionable taxi ride - don't get me started!). The staff, all well-trained in safety protocols, are efficient and friendly. Front desk [24-hour] availability is always a comfort. They were also incredibly patient with my rusty Mandarin. Bless their hearts!
Rooms: The Good, The Okay, and the “Wait, Is That a Feature?”
Available in all rooms: Let's dive deep. Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yay!), Bathroom phone (seriously, when do people use these anymore?!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (HALLELUJAH!), Carpeting (a classic hotel vibe), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (a serious must-have!), Complimentary tea (always appreciated), Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (finally, no more dangling feet!), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Hair dryer (another essential!), High floor (for those stellar city views!), In-room safe box (peace of mind!), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace (for those who have to work), Linens, Mini bar (temptation central!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies (meh, I prefer Netflix), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (don’t look, don’t look!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (luxury!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella (Chengdu rain is no joke!), Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens (fresh air, bliss!). Additional toilet is not directly mentioned, and it's a total bummer. Interconnecting room(s) available is not directly mentioned, and it's a total bummer.
My room was… comfortable. Clean. And, importantly, dark come bedtime thanks to those blackout curtains. The Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm (praise be!). I mean, it's a Holiday Inn Express. You’re not getting the Ritz, but you’re getting a clean, functional space. The bed was comfy, and the pillows were fluffy enough to cradle my weary head after a day of exploring.
The "Feature" Moment: Okay, so that bathroom phone? I swear, I nearly jumped when it randomly rang at 2 AM. Turns out, it was just a wake-up call I hadn't requested. Awkward. But hey, at least it was a wake-up call! (Just kidding, I was already awake, horrified by the phone).
Internet Access: Speed Demons and Wi-Fi Wonders!
The Internet access – LAN was available but I never used it. The Internet access – wireless which is Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms!, (as mentioned above), was speedy and reliable for watching Netflix, researching Panda facts, and, you know, keeping up with the outside world. The Internet services were just fine.
Dining: Breakfast (Buffet!) Adventures and Beyond
Here's where things get interesting. Let's talk Dining, drinking, and snacking.
Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, this is a Holiday Inn Express, remember? So, expectations should be managed. But, to their credit, the breakfast buffet was surprisingly… decent! There was an Asian breakfast, and a Western breakfast option. I mean, what more could you want, other than fresh coffee!
Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant for dinner.
Restaurants: The hotel has very limited restaurant choices, with its Coffee shop which I visited several times for coffee, and Snack bar.
I'm not going to lie, I had some instant coffee and toast, and then hit the streets. The Bottle of water was crucial for hydration, and the Daily disinfection in common areas gave me some peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences: From Laundry to Luggage Storage (and Maybe a Panda Encounter?)
The hotel offers a decent range of Services and conveniences. They included Air conditioning in public area (essential), Cash withdrawal, Concierge (helpful for navigating the city), Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator (phew!), Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, which I used, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace.
Don't expect a spa, folks. No Body scrub, no Body wrap, no Foot bath, no Pool with view, no Sauna, no Spa, no Spa/sauna, no Steamroom. Honestly, I’m okay with that. I was there to explore, not luxuriate.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Limited, But Perfectly Acceptable
Okay, so this isn’t a place for hardcore relaxation. There’s a Fitness center (I peeked in, it looked clean enough), and the Swimming pool [outdoor] is not mentioned. No Poolside bar either. It’s basic, but hey, you’re in Chengdu! Go explore the Panda Research Base!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Germ-Free-ish)
Cleanliness and safety are HUGE right now. The Holiday Inn Express Tianhe seems to take this seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options (at breakfast), Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol.
Things I LOVED (and What Could Be Better)
- Location, location, location: Close to the Chengdu East Railway Station, making it easy to get around.
- The Blackout Curtains: Seriously, a game-changer for sleep.
- Free Wi-Fi: Fast and reliable. (Always a win.)
- Friendly staff.
Areas for Improvement:
- The breakfast buffet, while adequate, could be more exciting. A few more local options would be great.
- Slightly more 'character.' It's a little… standard in terms of decor. But again, not a dealbreaker.
For the Kids
Babysitting service is not mentioned. Family/child friendly is not mentioned. Kids meal is not mentioned. Kids facilities is not mentioned.
CCTV in common areas is present. Exterior corridor is not present. CCTV outside property is present. Fire extinguisher is present. Smoke alarms are present. Soundproof rooms are present. Safety/security feature is present. Security [24-hour] is present. Check-in/out [private] is present. Couple's room is present. Exterior corridor is present. Front desk [24-hour] is present. Non-smoking rooms are present. **Pets allowed unavailable
Luxury Escapes Await: Hotel O Mid Town Ojus Tower, Rudrapur!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This is my Chengdu, the one I'm about to conquer from the surprisingly decent (and incredibly air-conditioned, bless the engineers) Holiday Inn Express there. Forget those perfectly polished itineraries – this is gonna be a chaotic, glorious, and probably noodle-stained adventure.
My Chengdu Pilgrimage: A Mishmash of Expectations and Reality
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God It's Really China" Feeling
Morning (aka "Surviving the Flight"): Landed. Survived the flight! (Emphasis on survived. I'm a terrible flier. Sat next to someone who snored like a banshee, which, let's be honest, is the perfect way to kick things off in a new country. Made it through immigration somehow, I think?)
Afternoon: Holiday Inn Express Check-In, and the Thrill of Air Conditioning: The hotel is clean, crisp, and blessedly cold. Seriously, the aircon in this place is a godsend. After a hot and sweaty taxi ride (more on the taxi drivers later…), the icy blast hitting my face was pure heaven. Unpacked (which took about 20 minutes. I'm a minimalist packer, mostly because I'm lazy). Quick shower (needed after the flight and the taxi), and then…
Late Afternoon: A Reconnaissance Mission Gone Sideways (and Delicious): Okay, so I’m gonna find out the nearest food spots. I'm armed with Google Translate (pray for me), a vague sense of direction, and a burning hunger. I stumble (literally) out of the hotel.
- First Disaster: So, I try to ask a lady for directions to a restaurant. I pull up the picture, I hold out my phone to show her. She just stares at me. I guess she doesn't speak English. I point and gesture wildly, and eventually, I think she might… kinda… understand.
- Second Disaster: I find a place and it looks amazing! I try to get the waiter's attention. He smiles at me, and I know I've won. He brings me something and… I don't know what it is. It's red. It's spicy. And. OMG, it's the best thing I've ever tasted. It’s spicy, numbing and the meat is so soft and tender. I think I've just eaten offal, or maybe something that's still alive. It doesn't matter. I order another one. And, maybe another one…
- Dinner: My stomach explodes and I'm pretty sure I can't feel my tongue. I love it! Worth every single numbing second.
- Evening: collapse back to the hotel room and spend an hour battling with the TV remote. I think the most I can get are some Chinese shows that I can't understand. Oh well. Bedtime!
Day 2: Pandas, Temples, and Questionable Street Food Choices
Morning: Panda Power! The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Yes, this is a tourist trap. Yes, it’s probably overpriced. Yes, it’s worth every single damn penny. Seriously. Baby pandas. Eating bamboo. Rolling around. They're like furry little dumplings of pure, unadulterated joy. I spent way too long just standing there, mesmerized. I wish I can sneak a little one back to my room! I want a panda!
Lunch: A Moment of Regret (and Delight). The panda adventure left me famished. Found a place near the park with the word "noodle" in the window.
- The Regret: I think I’ve ordered something I can't identify, but I can tell that they’ve poured oil into it for flavoring. I looked at it and my throat was closing, my stomach was churning. I have to try it though. I force myself to take a bite, and…
- The Delight: OMG, it's amazing! It has a lot of chili oil, but it tastes like something I've never had before. It might become an instant favorite. I wish I can eat here every day!
Afternoon: Wenshu Monastery and the "Inner Calm" I Didn't Find. Wandered through the monastery. Beautiful. Peaceful. I tried to feel zen, but mostly I was thinking about noodles. And also, how many more of those giant incense sticks could possibly be lit without setting the place on fire? I walked around in circles and I can't comprehend anything. So, I left.
Evening: The Food Street of Doom (and Dreams): I’m heading to a street known for its food. I was expecting a quaint marketplace, but it's a sensory overload in the best way possible. The smells, the sounds, the sheer variety of things I didn't know existed.
- The "What Is That?" Moment: I saw a vendor grilling what looked like a giant scorpion. Nope. Nope, nope, nope.
- The "I Regret Nothing" Moment: I did try the skewers. The skewers are a little bit on the spicy side, but I do like it. I ended up buying an entire bag. I've probably spent all my money.
Day 3: Tea, Faces, and the "Is That a Dog?" Mystery
Morning: Tea House Tranquility (with a Side of Loud Conversations): Tried to visit a tea house. I'm not a tea person, but seemed like you have to do it here. The tea was fine. The experience? Fascinating. The locals are very loud and they play mahjong so I could never find the inner peace.
Afternoon: The Leshan Giant Buddha. Travel and the "Is That a Dog?" Mystery: I'm not gonna lie, I’m a little bit tired. I take the train to Leshan to get a look at the big Buddha. I was expecting a slightly oversized statue. Nope. This thing is massive. It’s also hot and crowded, and I spent a good hour just trying to figure out how to get back to Chengdu. (GPS signal: unreliable. My knowledge of Mandarin: nonexistent.) On the way back, I spotted a fluffy, white creature. Is that a dog? Is it a sheep? Is it… I don't know. But it’s adorable. And I never got an answer for the animal that I saw.
Evening: Back to the Hotel (and a Desperate Plea for Sleep): I am exhausted. The jet lag is real, the spicy food is relentless, and my bank account is probably weeping. I have to get some sleep. I’ll try, at least.
Late Evening: Try to watch a show. Can't find the English subtitles. I'm too tired to read the Mandarin. I turn off the lights and go to sleep.
Day 4: The End is Nigh (and I Need More Chili Oil)
- Morning: Final wander around. Buy way too many souvenirs. (Mostly panda-related.) Have one last noodle breakfast (spicy, of course).
- Afternoon: Airport. Goodbye, Chengdu. You were messy, you were delicious, you were utterly bewildering, and I utterly loved it. Gonna miss the chili oil. And the baby pandas. Maybe I'll come back…
Final Thoughts (Between Bites of a Last Spicy Snack)
Chengdu isn't perfect. The language barrier is tough, the crowds are intense, and I’m pretty sure I got a mild case of food poisoning from a questionable street vendor. But it's authentic. It’s vibrant. It’s alive. And it's made me fall head over heels for a city I barely understood.
So, yeah. That's my trip. A glorious, chaotic, and slightly nauseating adventure. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some more chili oil…
Escape to Bliss: Vilasini Inn, Bengaluru's Hidden Gem!
Chengdu's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Tianhe Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - FAQ of My Brain
Alright, buckle up buttercups. This ain't your average hotel review. This is me, post-Chengdu, post-noodles, post-panda-mania, and *still* processing my stay at the Holiday Inn Express Tianhe. Is it the "BEST"? Let’s just say it’s… an experience. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
The Basics: Yay or Nay, Basically?
Okay, okay, so the Holiday Inn Express Tianhe – it's in, well, *Tianhe*. Which, Google Maps will tell you, is a bit outside the immediate city center. Heads-up! Getting around is totally doable, but factor in travel time. So, yay or nay? Honestly… it depends on what you're looking for. If you *need* to be smack-dab downtown, maybe nah. But if you’re on a budget and willing to, ahem, *explore* (and embrace some questionable bus routes), then maybe a tentative yay. I lean towards yay-ish, because… well, keep reading.
The Room: Cleanliness, Comfort, and the Mystery of the Missing Towel (It's A Story!)
The room. Okay, the room *mostly* delivered on its promise. It was… clean-ish. Look, I'm not expecting surgical theatre levels of cleanliness in any hotel, but this one was… well, it didn’t actively *repel* me. The bed? Surprisingly comfortable. I actually slept like a log, which is a miracle in itself, given my internal sleep clock is permanently set to "chaos".
*BUT!* The towel situation… OH. MY. GOD. The first morning, I hopped into the shower, feeling all refreshed from my adventures. And… no towel. Gone. Vanished. Like it had been abducted by a rogue panda. Okay, I was tired. Figured I'd grab one later. Later came, still no towel. I rang reception, using my hilariously broken Mandarin. They understood… eventually. They promised a towel. It took about *an hour and a half* for that towel to arrive. One towel. My wet, shivering self could only laugh. It’s this kind of experience that makes the stay memorable, right? Right?!
The Breakfast: Fueling the Chengdu Adventure or a Culinary Crime?
Free breakfast, people! And, honestly? For free, it's… fine. Again, keep your expectations realistic. Think basic continental plus a smattering of Chinese breakfast staples. You have your noodles, your congee (rice porridge), and a selection of… things. Some things I recognized! Some, not so much. I tentatively tried a mystery meat sausage. Let's just say, it wasn't a highlight. But the coffee? Drinkable. And that, my friends, is a win in the early hours. It got me through the Panda Base, which is all I needed.
The breakfast hall itself was… a scene. Picture a bustling cafeteria filled with people shoveling food and occasionally making eye contact. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, and it’s… part of the experience, right? Embrace the chaos.
Location, Location, Location, (and Transport, Oh God, Transport)
Okay, let's be honest, this is where things get a bit… complicated. The location is, like I said, not *center* center. But! Public transport is your friend, if you’re brave. The metro's a bit of a trek, but worth it. Buses? Well, the bus system… let’s just say it's an adventure. I spent a solid 20 minutes trying to decipher a bus route map, my brain resembling a tangled ball of yarn. (And the Mandarin signs? Forget about it!) You will *need* a translation app. Seriously.
One thing I learned: Chengdu drivers are… enthusiastic. Expect horns. Expect weaving. Expect… well, expect to grip your seat like your life depends on it. (It might). But the hotel's proximity to a local restaurant, and the fact I could use Didi (Chinese Uber) helped immensely. *Tip:* Download the Didi app! It's a lifesaver.
The Staff: Angels or… Well, Let's Just Say Communication Can Be An Adventure?
The staff, bless their cotton socks. They were… trying. They were definitely *trying*. Some spoke English, some didn't. I, on the other hand, know about five words of Mandarin. Guess who was frequently using Google Translate? (It was me). But they were always polite, always helpful, and always… patient. Especially when dealing with my towel-related emergency. (Seriously, that towel incident… it’s seared into my memory). So yes, a good experience, despite the challenges.
Value for Money: Worth the Yuan?
For what you pay, I'd say yes. It's a budget-friendly option. You're not getting luxury, obviously. But you get a clean (ish) room, a (mostly) edible breakfast, and a place to crash after a day of panda-gazing and spicy Sichuan cuisine. Considering the cost, it’s a solid choice for budget travelers. Just… embrace the unexpected. And maybe pack your own damn towel.
The Bottom Line: Would I Stay Again?
Okay, the big question. Would I stay at the Holiday Inn Express Tianhe again? Hmm... Let me put it this way: if I'm going back on a budget, absolutely. I've already told you the pros and cons, and it is a solid choice. It's not perfect, and it's a bit of a journey, but it's comfortable, inexpensive, and, let's be honest, the "experiences" are a big part of the travel adventure. (And if I stay again, I'll be prepared for the towel situation.) I still get a little chuckle when I think about it. It's a little bit of a mess, but it's *my* messy Chengdu experience. I’d recommend it to anyone who isn't afraid of a little bus-route-based chaos. Just… pack a towel.
