Beijing Jiaotong University's BEST Kept Secret: Hi Inn Review!
Beijing Jiaotong University's "BEST Kept Secret"? My Hi Inn Review: A Chaotic Romp
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to spill the tea (complimentary, hopefully!) on the Hi Inn, a supposed haven tucked away near Beijing Jiaotong University. This review? It's gonna be less travel blogger perfect and more "me vs. the hotel room" – a chaotic, honest, and hopefully hilarious journey through the highs and lows. Consider this less a polished report, and more… a messy, unhinged diary entry.
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Let's Dive In! This place… it's complicated.
First Impressions & Getting There: The Accessibility Gauntlet.
Finding this place initially was like navigating a labyrinth built by caffeinated squirrels. Signage? Spotty. My trusty taxi driver? Utterly bewildered. Upon arrival, I had to wrestle my suitcase (which, admittedly, is always a challenge) up a few steps. Now, I am reasonably fit, but for anyone with mobility issues… let's just say the Accessibility isn't exactly a selling point. No ramps in sight, folks. This is a definite "needs improvement". Wheelchair accessible? Honestly, based on initial impressions, I'd say "maybe, with serious effort and assistance." This section gets a big, sad frownie face from me.
However, the Airport transfer was… well, it was there. Not particularly speedy, but hey, I got there.
Room Review: My Lonely Bachelor Pad (and its Quirks)
Stepping into my room was like entering a time warp. It wasn't exactly the Four Seasons, but hey, I wasn't expecting luxury. The Air conditioning blasted like a hurricane – I was either freezing or sweating. Linens? Mostly clean, though I swear I detected a faint whiff of… something. (I'm choosing to believe it was just the lingering aroma of a previous guest's amazing adventures.) The Bed? Comfy enough, especially after a day of navigating Beijing's chaos. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver – essential for my vampire-esque sleep schedule. Complimentary tea was a nice touch; my caffeine levels were very happy!
The room itself was fairly compact. The Desk did serve its purpose as a laptop workspace, but I found myself mostly working from the bed. The Internet access – wireless (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!). was crucial. It worked… most of the time. There were moments, though, where I swear the connection was being held hostage by a mischievous gremlin. The Internet access – LAN was available as well, but I couldn't get it to work. My heart rate spiked slightly at this point.
Speaking of communication… the Bathroom phone? Hilarious. I couldn't figure out how to use it, and frankly, didn't really need to. The Mirror provided the necessary space to ensure I was presentable, no matter what. The Shower was a mixed bag; the water pressure was decent. The Toiletries? Meh. Basic. Bring your own fancy stuff.
I noticed a Smoke detector and a Fire extinguisher, which, at least, gives you the impression that they care for your safety.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic's Shadow
The Cleanliness and safety measures were… visible. Hand sanitizer dispensers were plentiful, a clear sign they're taking things seriously. They claimed to use Anti-viral cleaning products, and the staff seemed well-versed in the Staff trained in safety protocol. I saw Daily disinfection in common areas happening – and they told me they sanitize rooms between stays. The hotel also had a CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Front desk [24-hour] and Security [24-hour]. Despite the best efforts, I couldn't shake the feeling of, well, feeling the pandemic.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fuel for the Adventurous Soul
Okay, the food situation… Let's just say the Restaurants offer varied options. I actually got a decent Asian breakfast in the restaurant. The Breakfast [buffet] was so-so – definitely catered to the Western palate, which wasn't my issue. The Coffee shop was great for a quick latte and Coffee/tea in restaurant made those mornings a little more bearable.
There's a Snack bar too, but I didn't try it. If you need food delivery, as I usually do, there is Food delivery available.
Services & Conveniences: Can't hurt to ask, right?
The Concierge was… available. (That's the most diplomatic way I can put it.) The Daily housekeeping was efficient. The Laundry service was there, and I took advantage of the Ironing service. The Cash withdrawal service was useful. The Elevator worked – a Godsend, considering.
For the Kids: The "Maybe Later" Category
There's a Babysitting service if you need it. There's also Family/child friendly options available.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: The (Limited) Spa Experience
Hmm. This is where things get interesting. Looking into some of the more luxurious amenities, the hotel lists a Spa, Spa/sauna, a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, and a *Swimming pool [outdoor]. But… I didn't find a lot. They're probably there, somewhere, hidden deep within the labyrinth I mentioned earlier. I didn't find the time to scope out the *Massage*, the *Sauna*, the *Steamroom*, the *Pool with view*, and other things.
The Ups and Downs: A Personal Reflection
Okay, so, would I recommend the Hi Inn? Honestly? It depends. For a budget traveler who prioritizes location (near BJTU) and free Wi-Fi and isn't too fussy about luxury or a perfect experience, it's passable. The room was okay, and the location was convenient. But if you're looking for a seamless, luxurious stay, this isn't it. I'd suggest you keep searching, buddy.
The Verdict: A Work in Progress (and Maybe a Little Bit Charming)
The Hi Inn is a mixed bag. It has its quirks, its limitations, and its moments of sheer, wonderfully unpolished charm. It's not perfect, far from it. But hey, neither am I. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need in a hotel: a little bit of reality, a little bit of chaos, and a whole lot of character. Just don't expect a five-star experience. Consider this a solid 2.8/5 (with room for improvement!) I can't wait to go back and write a review with all the amenities, including the spa. One day…
Escape to Orvieto: Valentina's Charming Rooms Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups and prepare for a TRIP REPORT. We're talking Beijing. We're talking Hi Inn Beijing Jiaotong University. And we're talking ME. Let's get messy, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweet, Sweet Taste of "Lost in Translation"
10:00 AM - Landing in Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Oh. My. God. The sheer SIZE of this airport nearly gave me a panic attack. Seriously, it's like a small city. I'm pretty sure I walked for a solid 20 minutes just to get through customs. And the line? Don't even get me started. It snaked around like a caffeinated anaconda. I felt the initial excitement of the trip and start regretting already.
11:00 AM - Taxi Tango: Finding a taxi felt like navigating a minefield. The language barrier? Yeah, that's a THING. After much flailing of arms, pointing at my phone, and approximately 72 failed attempts at saying "Hi Inn Beijing Jiaotong University" (which I’m pretty sure I butchered beyond recognition), I finally flagged down a cab. Luckily, the driver seemed to understand. (Or maybe he just wanted me to shut up?)
12:00 PM - Arrival at Hi Inn (and a minor existential crisis): The hotel itself? Well, it's… functional. Let's just say "charming" isn't the first word that springs to mind. It's… clean-ish. The room is tiny, like, really tiny. I'm pretty sure I could touch both walls simultaneously if I tried. The air conditioning? Seems to be perpetually stuck on "arctic blast". This is where the first "what have I gotten myself into?!" thoughts popped up.
1:00 PM - Lunch: The First Dumpling Disaster: Armed with my trusty Google Translate (bless its digital heart), I ventured out in search of food. Found a tiny dumpling place nearby. Ordered… something. It looked like a delicious juicy pork dumpling but somehow, I managed to order… the spicy one. My mouth was on FIRE. Tears streamed down my face. I ate it anyway. Because, well, I HAD to. And it was pretty damn good, even though I regretted it immediately. I really need to learn the "non-spicy" command.
2:00 PM - Exploring the Jiaotong University Area: The university area is actually quite nice and lively for walking and seeing the local life. I wandered around, feeling like a lost puppy trying to fit in. Seeing all the students really gives me a good impression of the future of Beijing.
Quirky Observation: Everywhere I look, there are people on scooters. Like, a LOT of people on scooters. They weave in and out of traffic like they're playing some sort of high-stakes video game. I'm both terrified and slightly impressed.
Emotional Reaction: I'm overwhelmed, exhausted, and slightly terrified. But also… strangely exhilarated? It's the kind of feeling you get when you're teetering on the edge of chaos and adventure. I like it. I think. Maybe?
Day 2: The Great Wall and Getting (Very) Lost
9:00 AM - The Great Wall Pilgrimage: Okay, FINALLY, the reason I'm here! I booked a tour to the Great Wall. The drive was long, and honestly, a little boring. But then… BAM! The Wall. The sheer scale of it is breathtaking. I mean, seriously, pictures DO NOT do it justice.
9:30 AM - Walking the Wall (and feeling like a freaking hero): The climb was brutal. My legs felt like they were going to explode. But the views! The panoramic vistas! Oh my god, it was worth every single agonizing step. I felt like I was walking on the back of a dragon.
12:00 PM - The Lunch Fiasco: The tour included lunch, which was… an experience. Let's just say it involved a lot of food I couldn't identify, a lot of chopsticks, and a significant amount of confusion on my part. I think I ate a chicken foot. I'm not entirely sure. But it was… interesting.
1:00 PM - The Disastrous Descent (and a minor meltdown): Getting down the Wall was even harder going than going up. My knees were screaming. I started imagining myself being carried down by a team of burly Chinese men. The thought was both appealing, and mortifying.
2:00 PM - Heading back to the hotel: The taxi driver didn't seem to know where he was going, it was a complete waste of time and I had a mild panic attack.
Emotional Reaction: This is where I actually miss my house back at home, I feel utterly alone. It feels like I'm never going to get back, and the world is a lot scarier than I thought. But there's also a stubborn spark of determination, knowing this will pass.
Imperfection: I'd be lying if I didn't say I almost cried from exhaustion and frustration at one point. And yes, I may have had a slight tantrum on a particularly steep section of the Wall. Don't judge me!
5:00 PM - Realization: When I got back to the hotel, I spent an hour moping in the bed. As soon as I opened the door to my room, I found the water bottle and took a sip of it. Then looked around and found the first time I had to take a shower since I got here. The messiness of the room was something I already accustomed to, but the fact that I couldn't feel clean gave me a shock.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven, and the (Accidental) Lesson in Negotiation
9:00 AM - Temple of Heaven: Okay, much better than the last few days. The Temple of Heaven is gorgeous. The architecture is stunning, the atmosphere serenely peaceful. It felt like stepping into a different world.
Opinionated Language: This place is absolutely worth the visit, the best place so far. Get over there!
11:00 AM - The Street Food Adventure (and a surprising success): I decided to be brave and hit the street food stalls. Tried a few things. Some were… questionable. But I stumbled upon a little stand selling these incredible, sesame-covered pancakes. Oh. My. God. Heavenly. I actually started to bargain with the vendor, who I assume was not happy I tried to haggle. I got a big smile.
Quirky Observation: The sheer variety of people here amazes me. The older generations doing Tai Chi in the park, the young people scurrying, the tourists wandering around confused.
1:00 PM - Back at the hotel: I spent more time there, trying to organize the stuff in my room. I can’t help but feel uneasy.
Emotional Reaction: This is another dark moment, I still feel like I don't belong. I want to call it off and head home, but just the thought of it makes my stomach churn.
2:00 PM- Departure: The day ended with me at the airport.
Final Thoughts (and the inevitable messiness):
Beijing is a whirlwind. It's exhausting. It's exhilarating. It's confusing. It's challenging. It's beautiful. It's everything and more. I'm leaving tired, a little bruised, and a whole lot wiser (or maybe just more aware of how clueless I am). Did I love every second? Absolutely not. Did I have moments where I wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out? Absolutely. But would I trade this experience for anything? Hell no. Beijing, you crazy, chaotic, culinary adventure, you've stolen a piece of my heart. And I'll be back one day. Probably. Eventually. After some serious recovery time.
And the Hi Inn? Well, it served its purpose. It gave me a place to collapse after a day of facing the Great Wall. It's not the Ritz, but hey… it was an experience.
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Beijing Jiaotong University's Hi Inn: The Truth (and the Tears) - An Unofficial FAQ
Okay, spill! What's the *real* deal with Hi Inn at BJTU? Is it actually a "best kept secret" or just a glorified dorm room?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the "best kept secret" part? Yeah, it's mostly true. Think of it less as a luxury hotel and more like… a slightly upgraded, *sometimes* cleaner, *usually* quieter dorm room. Look, it's affordable, and that's a HUGE plus when you're a broke student. It’s conveniently located, which is a godsend after a 10 pm library session fueled by instant noodles and regret. But "best kept secret" implies something… *fantastic*. Let's just say it has its… charms. And by "charms," I mean questionable plumbing, and the occasional cockroach cameo. More on that later...
So, location, location, location? You mentioned that. Is it REALLY that convenient?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Being right ON CAMPUS at BJTU is… magic. Okay, maybe not *magic*, but seriously, it's a lifesaver. That 8:50 am lecture suddenly becomes a breeze. Need a quick nap between classes? Boom. Back in your room in five minutes. Forget something? Just bolt back! I *once* forgot my textbook for a crucial exam (don't judge me, I'm still traumatized). Ran back, grabbed it, and was back in the nick of time. Hi Inn saved my academic bacon that day. Literally. Because after, I bought some bacon. Needed comfort food after that near-disaster.
Let's talk about the rooms. What are they *really* like? I'm imagining a luxurious oasis.
Oasis? Honey, lower your expectations. Think… functional. The rooms are small. Really small. Think of it like a fancy shoebox, with a bed. They usually have a desk (essential!), a TV (mostly useless, unless you're fluent in Mandarin – or, you know, desperate for some blurry Chinese soap opera), and a bathroom the size of a postage stamp. The bed? Comfortable enough after a night of brutal studying, but don't expect a cloud-like experience. AND, and this is key: the soundproofing? Meh. You *will* hear your neighbor's snoring, the late-night phone calls, and the constant construction (because Beijing *never* stops building). Prepare for earplugs. They're your best friend. My first week there, I swear I heard the guy next door brushing his teeth. It was… intimate.
The bathrooms… you mentioned those… Are they… functional? Clean? (Be honest!)
Okay, here comes the honesty bomb. The bathrooms can be… *interesting*. Sometimes clean, sometimes not. It really depends on your luck and the housekeeping schedule (or lack thereof). The water pressure? Variable. Temperature? Prepare for the ice bucket challenge *or* molten lava, with little in between. I’ve endured showers that felt like a cold-water interrogation and others where I feared my skin was sizzling off. And the drains? Oh, the drains. Sometimes they work perfectly. Sometimes they back up and threaten to flood the entire bathroom. I've developed a near-neurotic habit of inspecting the drain before every shower. It's a survival skill at this point. And the cockroach cameos? See my earlier comment. They happen. Just… be prepared. Keep your shoes on. And maybe some Raid. Just in case.
The price. Is it actually affordable? I need hard facts!
Yes, absolutely, it’s affordable! That’s the saving grace, honestly. The prices fluctuate, but generally, it’s significantly cheaper than most hotels in Beijing. It’s a student budget's dream. You can find a room for a relatively low price per night or week. Look, I’ve lived off instant noodles and the free water from the tap to afford this place. It's worth it for the convenience, but my bank account has seen better days.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? (Or do they just stare blankly when you ask a question in broken Mandarin?)
The staff… It's a mixed bag. Some are SUPER helpful, and genuinely try to assist you. Others… well, as you suspected, the "blank stare" can be a frequent occurrence. It's a coin flip. Prepare to gesture a lot. Bring a phrasebook. Learn some basic Mandarin phrases. "Hello," "thank you," "my air conditioner is broken," "can I get a clean towel… please?" You know, the essentials. But honestly, even when there's a language barrier, they mostly try. I once tried to explain that my key card wasn't working with frantic hand movements and a lot of "bu neng yong!" (can't use!). They eventually understood, and fixed it. So, the staff – potentially frustrating, but usually well-meaning.
Let's get specific. What's the wifi situation? A dealbreaker for a modern student.
The wifi… Ah, the wifi. Okay, here’s the unfiltered truth. The wifi can be… spotty. Inconsistent. A source of profound frustration. It's like a moody teenager, sometimes helpful, sometimes just disappearing for hours, leaving you staring at a spinning wheel of doom. You absolutely MUST bring a VPN. Seriously. It’s essential for accessing Western websites (hello, Google Scholar!) and for, you know, streaming your favorite shows when you’re supposed to be studying. I learned to download lectures in advance, just in case the wifi went on strike. Honestly? It’s improved over the years, but don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. Prepare for buffering. Lots and lots of buffering. And pray to the wifi gods. They sometimes listen, especially after you’ve been staring at a loading screen for an hour.
Any hidden perks or things most people miss? Dish on the *really* good stuff!
Okay, the best-kept secret? The location, obviously. But beyond that… there are a few hidden perks. The proximity to the cafeteria is a lifesaver (though, let's be honest, the food can be hit or miss). The little courtyard area outside is a nice place to chill, especially in the spring. There’s a small convenience store nearby where you can get snacks for late-night study sessions. And, if you're lucky, you mightDelightful Hotels
