Escape to Paradise: Zhejiang's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Zhejiang's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Zhejiang's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits! (But Seriously, Is It Paradise?) - A Rambling Review
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to Awaits Hotel in Zhejiang, China, and I'm still trying to process it. "Paradise" they called it, and well, the marketing team certainly had a field day. Let's just say my experience was… complicated. Honestly, the place felt like a slightly-too-polished stage for a very long, very humid play. But hey, that’s travel, right?
Accessibility: (Okay, Let's Start with the Good Stuff)
For those of you who, like me, sometimes worry about getting around, I can report: Awaits Hotel tries. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, and the elevators? Absolutely. Big enough to swing a cat, or more importantly, a wheelchair. I didn't personally need a wheelchair this trip, but I saw a few folks navigating with ease, and the ramps seemed well-placed. Good job, Awaits!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I spotted some ramps and accessible tables. Still felt kind of… sterile, you know? Like the accessibility was checked off a box, but the atmosphere didn't feel fully inclusive. More on that later, though.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Feeling Relatively Safe…Mostly)
This is where Awaits really shines, thank goodness. Post-pandemic, I'm a nervous wreck. But the "professional-grade sanitizing services" and "anti-viral cleaning products" gave me some serious comfort. I’m talking hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Like, strategically placed hand sanitizer, practically begging you to use it. They even had those little dispensers on the tables at the pool. And get this: I even opted-out of room sanitization once, just to see if they actually offered it (they did! And it felt genuinely safe). "Rooms sanitized between stays"? Believe it. They were also very keen on "physical distancing of at least 1 meter" and had "staff trained in safety protocol". I saw staff wearing masks, constantly disinfecting surfaces, and generally being on top of it. Honestly, they could teach some Western hotels a lesson.
Rooms: (My Sanctuary…or So They Say)
Alright, my room. Oh, my room. The listing promised "Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker…" and they DELIVERED. I think I had about seven different kinds of air conditioning unit! (Okay, maybe not, but it was COLD when needed – a blessing!). The "blackout curtains" were a lifesaver because jetlag. The "free bottled water" and "coffee/tea maker" were essential – I was still catching up from my flight. My room even had, and I kid you not a "scale." They knew me far too well.
But here's the thing. It felt sterile. Like a perfectly-appointed museum exhibit of a hotel room. I appreciated it, but it lacked character. Where was the warmth? The lived-in feel? It was missing that cozy, "this is home for now" vibe. And the "soundproofing"? Well, let's just say I still heard the occasional late-night karaoke session from next door. (Yes, karaoke. Always. China.)
Internet (Let’s Get Connected!)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Yes! And the "Internet access – wireless" worked… mostly. Occasionally, the connection would drop, but hey, I could survive. The constant Instagram notifications didn’t make the experience easier, especially with the "laptop workspace."
Things to Do: (A Mixed Bag, To Be honest)
Okay, here's where things get a little… uneven.
Ways to Relax: This is where Awaits really wants to sell you. They have a full-blown spa, a pool with a view, a sauna, steam room, and a jacuzzi…I’m not even going to try and list everything. I gave it a shot, I got a body scrub, a massage, and basically felt like a wrung-out dishcloth afterward. Which, in all fairness, was absolutely what I needed. The view from the "pool with a view" (which was actually pretty spectacular, overlooking the valley) was breathtaking. But… the pool was freezing. Seriously! I'm used to hot pools, but the cold water just took my breath away. I think I got about five minutes in before I hopped out again.
Fitness Center/Gym: They had a gym, a pretty standard one. I think I saw two people using it the whole time.
Other Activities: The hotel did have a "gift/souvenir shop" (perfect for those rushed last-minute presents), a "shrine" (for, you know, praying), a "terrace" (for pretending you're an influencer), and a "convenience store". Seriously, the convenience store was a godsend. Late-night snacks? Check. Random toiletries? Check. The real hero of my stay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (An Adventure in Itself)
This is another area where I have some mixed feelings.
Restaurants: They have several restaurants, mostly offering Asian cuisine and Western cuisine. The buffet was… well, it was a buffet. Predictable, but the quality was pretty good. The Asian breakfast was the real winner. I loaded up on noodles, dumplings, and all sorts of mysterious, delicious things I couldn't identify.
Poolside Bar: The poolside bar was a godsend for chilling out. I spent a happy hour there. Happy hour, where the cocktails were strong and the prices were not.
Room Service: 24-hour room service? Bless them!
Vegetarian Restaurant: I didn't try this but it's good that it's there.
Services and Conveniences:
"Concierge," "Daily housekeeping," "Dry cleaning," "Luggage Storage," "Car park (on-site)," "Cash withdrawal," "Front desk (24-hour)"– they had it all. The staff were generally helpful, although a few times there was a bit of a language barrier. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? I did like the "contactless check-in/out," and the "elevator."
For the Kids (Awaits: Family-Friendly?):
They advertised as "Family/child-friendly" and they had "Babysitting service,". They also had a dedicated area for kids.
The "Couple's Room" I didn't explore it but it seemed nice.
Getting Around:
They offered "Airport transfer," although I opted to use a taxi. Overall, the transportation was reliable.
The Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect)
The Atmosphere: As mentioned earlier. Polished-sterile is the best description.
The "Happy Hour" Issue: Drinks were made very, very strong. Prepare yourself.
The Language Barrier: This could be an obstacle but, by the end of the trip, I got used to it.
Final Verdict:
Would I recommend Awaits? Honestly…it depends. If you like pristine, efficient, and slightly sterile luxury, then yes!
If you're looking for an authentic, slightly quirky, and utterly charming experience? Maybe look elsewhere. But still, the pool with a view, the cleanliness, and the delicious Asian breakfast are hard to forget. As for "Paradise"? Well, it's certainly a very nice place to escape to. Just don’t expect a perfect world. Maybe a slightly flawed, but still pretty great, one.
Morgins Dream: 3-Bedroom Apartment in La Moussiere Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're heading to the Shell Hotel in Longshan Town, in the wilds of Cixi, Ningbo, China. Prepare for a rollercoaster, folks. I'm talking genuine, unfiltered me.
Day 1: Arrival & Culture Shock (Or, "Where's the Pizza?")
- 10:00 AM (ish): Touchdown at Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB). Okay, first off, the sheer size of the airport makes me immediately question all my life choices. Did I pack enough socks? Will I ever find my luggage again? I have a mini-meltdown while wrangling the luggage cart. Success! Mostly. One wheel is clearly plotting my demise.
- 11:30 AM: The Airport taxi, and the real adventure begins! The city is just…alive. Honking, swerving, a symphony of chaos. I'm simultaneously terrified and exhilarated. I swear I saw a guy on a scooter carrying live chickens. No lie. Gotta admire the commitment to fresh ingredients, though.
- 1:00 PM: Check-in at the Shell Hotel. Okay, it's…a Shell Hotel. Clean, functional, exactly what the internet promised. The air conditioning hums a lonely tune. I'm feeling a pang of homesickness for my trusty, old, pre-smartphone.
- 1:30 PM: The Hunger Games begin. Armed with Google Translate (God bless you, internet!), I venture out in search of lunch. This is where the fun really starts. I stumble into a tiny noodle shop, and the aroma alone is enough to make me cry. A friendly-looking grandma gestures wildly at a bowl of something, and I nod enthusiastically, figuring I'll eat anything at this point. It turns out to be…amazing. Spicy, savory, with a broth that makes your soul sing. I'm in love. (Sadly, I don't know what it's called.)
- 3:00 PM: Settling into the hotel room. The view is… industrial. Okay, let's call it "authentically local." I can hear the sounds of the city, the faint scent of…something delicious frying. This place is starting to grow on me, despite my innate desire for a pepperoni pizza.
- 4:00 PM: Trying to sleep. This is harder than I thought. The jet lag is kicking in hard, the unfamiliar surroundings are unsettling, and the hotel mattress is just slightly too firm.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I want to try something new, but I'm worried about getting sick, so I play it safe and order what seems to be some kind of chicken soup. It's… not really chicken soup, but it's delicious! The language barrier is a hurdle though. I accidentally order a side dish of "fire ants". (Don't worry, I didn't eat it, the restaurant staff kindly advised me to give to the neighboring dog. A great opportunity to make friends).
- 9:00 PM: Staring longingly at the hotel room TV, but the programs are unwatchable even for me. So I start blogging to you instead. Oh, China, what a ride!
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Terrible Karaoke
- 8:00 AM: Waking up. Or at least, trying to wake up. I swear, whoever designed this hotel room thought sleep was a joke.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. More unknown delights. The mystery congee is not growing on me, and I'm starting to see the appeal of a good ol' slice of toast.
- 10:00 AM: A local temple visit. The air is thick, heavy with incense, with an almost palpable sense of history. It's beautiful and calming, despite the massive crowds. I witness a ceremony that makes me want to find out more about Buddhism.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a tiny tea shop. The tea itself is sublime – earthy, aromatic, and exactly what I need to shake off this strange jet lag. The owner, a woman with a smile that could melt glaciers, even tries to teach me some basic Mandarin phrases. "Ni hao!" (I think.)
- 2:00 PM: The afternoon takes a turn for the worse, I am invited to a karaoke party, and so I go, even though I have no idea what to sing.
- 2:30 PM: The Karaoke started and everyone here are great singers. Maybe it's the liquor? It's not me who is a bad singer.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel, after a few more hours of Karaoke. I think I still have some minor hallucinations.
- 7:00 PM: I am craving the pizza so much! I started checking if they have some delivery services in the area. The google translate wasn't working, so I couldn't read the menu. I am feeling so frustrated.
- 8:00 PM: I found a pizza place a few towns away from here!
Day 3: The Great Pizza Quest & Departure (Also, Tears)
- 9:00 AM: Good morning? This is the day of the Great Pizza Quest!
- 10:00 AM: We are out to grab the pizza. This is exciting!
- 1:00 PM: The pizza is on its way! I am so excited.
- 1:30 PM: The pizza! It's glorious! I eat it. The best pizza I've ever had.
- 3:00 PM: Packing my bags. I'm oddly sad to leave. China, you confusing, chaotic, utterly captivating place, you got to me.
- 4:00 PM: Taxi back to the airport. One last look at the city, the scooters, the bustling streets.
- 6:00 PM: Departure. The airport this time is quiet. I cry a little (okay, a lot) on the plane, a mix of relief and genuine sadness. I left a piece of my heart in that noodle shop.
- 9:00 PM: Touch down at home. The smell of pizza lingers on my breath, and I'm already planning my return.
This is just a glimpse, of course. The unexpected detours, the awkward encounters, the moments of pure, unadulterated joy and frustration – those are the things that make a trip like this unforgettable. And let's be honest, I'll probably be dreaming of pizza for weeks. Until next time, China!
Escape to Paradise: Robinson Esquinzo Playa's All-Inclusive Fuerteventura Luxury!
Escape to Paradise: Zhejiang's Hidden Gem – Frequently (and Unfrequently) Asked Questions
So, like, is this place *actually* paradise? I mean, I've seen the Instagram pics…
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? That's a big word. Look, the Insta pics? They're *good*. Really, really good. (And I'm not saying I didn't contribute with some carefully-angled shots. Guilty.) But... the reality? It's more… layered. Imagine a postcard, then hold it up next to the real thing. Yeah, the colours are more vibrant in person, the air smells… well, sometimes it smells like delicious cooking, sometimes it smells a little bit like the river that's right by the hotel (which, let's be honest, is probably a bit muddy at times – nature, am I right?).
The point is, it's *beautiful*. Seriously, the setting? Jaw-dropping. Mountains, bamboo forests, the whole shebang. But paradise? Nah, it's Zhejiang-level awesome. And that's pretty darn good.
How do I even get to this "hidden gem?" Public transport? Flying monkeys?
Okay, the monkeys are sadly *not* involved. (Although, picture it – a monkey concierge? That'd be something.) Getting there is a bit of a trek. You'll likely fly into one of Zhejiang's airports, and then there's a combination of trains and taxis. Don't even try to drive yourself, the roads get a little… well, let's just say my GPS had a meltdown at one point and directed us down a dirt track that looked suspiciously like a goat trail. I swear, I thought we were going to end up in some farmer's backyard! The driver, bless him, just shrugged and kept going. That’s China for you.
Pro-tip: Download the travel apps *before* you go. And learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. "Toilet" is a good start. Trust me. And bring snacks. The journey is part of the adventure... or the test of your patience, depending on your mood.
What kind of rooms are available? Fancy suites? Tiny shoeboxes?
They've got a range. There are definitely fancy suites, the kind with massive soaking tubs and views that’ll make you want to weep with joy (or envy). Then there are the more "classic" rooms. They may be a bit smaller, but they are extremely comfortable— the beds are heavenly. Seriously, I could have slept for a week straight. I *almost* did. (Don't judge; jet lag is a beast).
My advice? Splurge if you can. Upgrade that room. You're on holiday, treat yourself! Those views are worth it. Think about the Instagram content! But even in the standard rooms, you'll be fine - clean, comfortable, and the staff are lovely.
The food... is it all going to be noodles? (And, more importantly, are they good noodles?)
Okay, the noodles. Let's tackle this head-on. Yes. There are noodles. There are *lots* of noodles. But no, it’s not *just* noodles. Thank goodness. The hotel restaurant, in particular, is a culinary adventure. They do a fantastic job showcasing local Zhejiang cuisine. Think fresh seafood, amazing vegetables, and, yes, some seriously good noodles.
Here’s a confession: I’m not usually a huge noodle person. I mean, I eat them, sure. But I wouldn't *seek* them out. But these… these were different. They had these handmade noodles in a broth, and I swear I had it three times. That's saying something. Just be adventurous! Don't be afraid to try something new. You might just discover your new favourite dish, even if it *is* noodles.
My pro-tip: Try the local tea too. It’s some of the best I've ever had. And the breakfast buffet? Don't even get me started... (It's amazing. Go hungry.)
Is there anything to *do* there besides, you know, breathe and look at pretty scenery? (I get bored easily.)
Oh, you'll be busy, don't you worry. I’m one of those people who gets antsy fast, so trust me on this. You can hike, explore ancient villages (those are seriously worth it!), visit tea plantations, take cooking classes (I burned the rice, but that happens!), ride bikes (or rather, I tried to ride a bike), and generally just soak up the culture.
I would suggest the tea plantation visit. It’s a beautiful journey. You get a guide, and they explain every step of the process... from the picking to the final pouring. And yes, you get to taste the tea. Now, my memory of this particular day is a little cloudy (it involved a *lot* of tea), but the gist of it was fantastic. I ended up buying an ridiculous amount of tea to bring home. I still have boxes of it! (My friends are getting tea-ed out, I think.)
There’s a spa, of course. Massage? Yes, please. Seriously, after all that travel, you'll *need* a massage. And let’s not forget just chilling by the pool, or taking a nap on a hammock, or, frankly, just doing absolutely nothing. Which is sometimes, you know, the best thing to do.
What's the weather like? Should I pack an umbrella? Actual rain.
Zhejiang weather? It's... dynamic. The best way to describe it. It's going to depend on the time of year, of course. But generally, expect it to either be sunny, cloudy, or raining. Sometimes all three within a single afternoon. Umbrellas? Pack one. Even if it's not raining when you leave your room, there's a good chance it will start at some point. I learned that the hard way.
Specifically, try the spring or autumn. The temperatures are mild, the scenery is at its best, and you're less likely to be caught in a torrential downpour. Which, trust me, is a pain when you're trying to admire the scenery!
Are there any unexpected expenses I should be aware of? (Besides the obvious… like, you know, wanting to buy everything.)
Ah, the dreaded hidden costs! This is where I can really shine. Yes, of course, there are things to consider. Things that will eat into your budget. The mini-bar? Overpriced as always. The souvenirs in the hotel gift shop? Adorable, but expensive. The spa treatments? Heavenly, but… yeah.
My big tip is to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the hotel and day trips. Depending onIndore's Hidden Gem: Treebo Omni Palace - Unbelievable Luxury!
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