Xining's BEST Hotel Near the Train Station? (Holiday Inn Express Review!)
Xining's Best (Maybe?!) Hotel Near the Train Station – The Holiday Inn Express: A Review From the Trenches
Alright, folks, let's talk Xining. A city that punches above its weight, frankly. And when I found myself there, bleary-eyed and train-lagged, the only thing standing between me and a horizontal position was the promise of the Holiday Inn Express right next to the train station. Did it deliver on that vital promise of immediate recovery? Let's dive in, because frankly, my luggage still needs unpacking.
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First Impressions & Accessibility: The Dash to Comfort
First things first: Location, location, location! Right next to the train station. That's the godsend I needed after a 24-hour journey. Honestly, getting off the train and practically staggering to the hotel was a victory. Accessibility? Well, they've got elevators, which is crucial because stairs are the enemy when you're carrying a suitcase the size of a small country. I didn't specifically test the wheelchair accessibility, but I saw ramps, and the main areas seemed wide enough. (Accessibility, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests).
Rooms: The Sanctum of Sleep (and Maybe a Little Bit of Whining)
My room? Standard Holiday Inn Express fare. Clean, functional, and thankfully, blessed with free Wi-Fi in ALL ROOMS! (Free Wi-Fi, Internet Access – Wireless). Thank you, sweet tech gods! I needed that connection to the outside world (and to finally download some Netflix). The air conditioning (Air conditioning) was blasting, a welcome relief from the arid air outside. (Air conditioning in public area, Available in all rooms).
The bed (Extra long bed) was comfy, the blackout curtains (Blackout curtains) worked like a charm, and I could've slept for a week. I’m a sucker for a good, dark room. They had the usual amenities: coffee/tea maker (Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea), a desk (Desk), a safe (In-room safe box) , hairdryer (Hair dryer), and a mini-bar (Mini bar, Complimentary bottled water). Basic necessities, but after the train, they felt like luxury. There was even a window that opens, (Window that opens) a small but important detail for a claustrophobic soul like myself.
BUT… (Here comes the whinge!) the bathroom was a bit… standard. The shower pressure was fine, but the tiles looked a bit… tired. Not a dealbreaker, but a little injection of modernity wouldn't hurt. ( Private bathroom, Shower, Toiletries).
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID Concerns and a Deep Breath
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: cleanliness in the post-COVID world. I'm a germaphobe, alright? I judge a hotel by its hand sanitizer stations. And the Holiday Inn Express? They were on it. Hand sanitizer (Hand sanitizer) at every turn. Daily disinfection in common areas (Daily disinfection in common areas) and signs all over the place about hygiene and safety. They had things like anti-viral cleaning products (Anti-viral cleaning products), and staff trained in safety protocol (Staff trained in safety protocol)… So, I felt relatively safe, as safe as one can feel in a hotel where thousands of people are constantly in and out. They even advertised room sanitization opt-out available (Room sanitization opt-out available) which, frankly, I appreciated. (Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays). Peace of mind is priceless, friends.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast of Champions (or at Least Functionally Edible)
The breakfast! Ah, the breakfast. Holiday Inn Expresses are known for their free breakfast, and this one was typical. A buffet in restaurant (Buffet in restaurant) with a mix of Asian and Western options (Asian breakfast, Western breakfast). The usual suspects: scrambled eggs, toast, some sort of questionable sausage, and a surprisingly decent congee. There’s a coffee/tea in restaurant (Coffee/tea in restaurant), which, after a night on the train, is essential for survival. I'm a big fan of the free coffee machines, and I had a few. The coffee was hot, and in the moment, it felt like liquid gold.
They advertised an a la carte menu in restaurant (A la carte in restaurant), but…let's be honest, the buffet was the draw. The coffee shop (Coffee shop) seemed to be permanently closed. But hey, at least they did offer the breakfast takeaway service (Breakfast takeaway service), which is a great idea for early morning departures.
Things to Do: Relaxing (and Failing) in Xining
Okay, let's face it: you're probably not coming to Xining for the spa. I certainly wasn't. The hotel advertised a fitness center (Fitness center) and a sauna (Sauna). I, uh, did not investigate either. I was too busy collapsing in my room. Maybe next time I'll be more ambitious. But hey, the proximity to the train station meant I could spend more time exploring the actual sights of Xining: the Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai Lake, etc. (Which are amazing, by the way, but let's focus on the hotel, shall we?)
(I did fantasize about a massage (Massage) after my travels, but alas, my budget didn't allow it.)
Services and Conveniences: Helpful… Mostly!
The concierge (Concierge) was helpful, always. The front desk (Front desk [24-hour]) staff spoke decent English and were always ready with a smile, even at 3 am when I was trying to figure out how to charge my phone. The luggage storage (Luggage storage) was a lifesaver. They had a convenience store (Convenience store), packed with snacks and essentials, and cash withdrawal (Cash withdrawal) access too. They even did dry cleaning (Dry cleaning), ironing service (Ironing service), and laundry service (Laundry service). All pretty standard, but useful nonetheless.
I did find one small hiccup. They were offering invoice provided (Invoice provided). Which is good, because I had to get some reimbursements on this trip. But the wifi details changed, and not all areas were working. Getting Around: Taxis and Freedom
Getting around Xining from this hotel is easy. The train station is literally outside your door. They had a taxi service (Taxi service) readily available. Didn’t try the airport transfer (Airport transfer) as I didn’t come by plane. I think they also had car park [on-site] (Car park [free of charge]), I didn't use it, but it's nice to know.
My Verdict: A Solid Choice for Tired Travelers
Look, the Holiday Inn Express near the Xining train station isn't a luxury resort. It's a reliable, clean, and convenient place to crash after a long journey. It's the perfect basecamp for exploring Xining and the surrounding areas.
The Good:
- Location, Location, Location! Seriously, the train station access is a game changer.
- Cleanliness and Safety: They take it seriously, which is a big relief.
- Free Wi-Fi – a necessity in today's world
- Breakfast – good enough to get you going.
The Not-So-Great (or Just Slightly Annoying):
- The bathroom décor could use a refresh.
- The absence of a decent happy hour (or even a bar in the vicinity).
- It’s a hotel, not a home. Don’t expect too much in the way of charm.
Overall: I'd stay there again. (And probably will). When you are exhausted and trying to recover from a long train ride, that hotel is exactly what you need. Would I spend a week there? Probably not. But for a night or two? Absolutely. It does the job, and does it well. And sometimes, that’s all you need. Sometimes, "functional" is the highest praise. Go!
Susquehanna Manor Inn: Marietta's Most Haunted & Romantic Getaway?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into my Xining adventure, and trust me, it's not going to be all perfectly curated Instagram shots. This is the real deal, the messy, hilarious, occasionally disastrous tango with travel. We're talking Holiday Inn Express Xining Railway Station by IHG – and honestly, after a 40-hour train ride, ANY hotel sounds like heaven.
Day 1: Xining Arrival & Altitude Adjustment (and Existential Dread)
- 7:00 AM – Ugh. The train. Let's just say I’ve seen more glamorous prison cells. I’m pretty sure I aged a decade on that journey, crammed between a snoring dude and a woman who seemed surgically attached to her thermos. The only positive? The endless, breathtaking landscapes whizzing by. Seriously, the Tibetan Plateau is unreal. Makes you feel… small. And maybe question your life choices.
- 8:00 AM – Finally! Xining Railway Station. The chaos is immediate. People everywhere, vendors hawking questionable snacks, the smell of… well, let’s just say it's a unique blend of diesel, yak butter tea, and a hint of desperation. Finding the Holiday Inn Express is a victory in itself, tucked away like a little oasis amidst the mayhem.
- 8:30 AM - The hotel. Clean. Efficient. Thank God for A/C. (Seriously, altitude sickness is no joke, and a stuffy room would just make it worse.) The lady at the front desk? Total pro. Did the check-in, got me a room with a smile, and even told me the best place to get a decent coffee nearby. Kudos, IHG, you've got a good one here.
- 9:00 AM – Room bliss! I chuck my backpack on the bed and collapse. Shower time. And then, more important than food, more important than oxygen: coffee. It's only the size of a thimble, but it is absolutely, the nectar of the Gods.
- 10:00 AM – The “Altitude Adjustment Walk of Shame.” Seriously, that’s what I call it. Head pounding, feeling like I’m trying to breathe through a straw. I stumble out onto the streets, trying to navigate the bustling streets. Everything is new to me, the sounds, the smells, the faces, and the language (I only know a few words).
- 11:00 AM - Lunch is a complete disaster. I point at something on the menu, hoping for the best. What arrives is… spicy. So, so spicy. My tongue is on fire, and my stomach is doing backflips. It was painful and I loved it.
- 12:00 PM – Back in the hotel. Face down on the bed. Is this how I die? Altitude sickness? Spicy food? A combination thereof?
- 2:00 PM - Waking up to a fuzzy head. I think I need a nap.
Day 2: Ta'er Monastery & The Quest For Dumplings (and Inner Peace, Maybe)
- 8:00 AM – Surprisingly awake! The thin air has become a little less intimidating. I'm ready to visit the Ta'er Monastery.
- 9:00 AM – The Monastery. Wow. Just… wow. The colors! The intricate butter sculptures! The chanting monks! Totally blew my mind. It's ridiculously beautiful and serene. The whole experience is genuinely moving. I wander through the courtyards, watching pilgrims offer prayers, the scent of incense everywhere.
- 11:30 AM – The Great Courtyard. I spend forever trying to decipher the intricate details.
- 12:30 PM – Dumpling Hunt. Okay, I'm starving, and I'm convinced the key to a good life lies in finding the perfect dumpling. This turns into a mission. Wandering into little side streets, dodging scooters, and using a combination of charades and hopeful pointing, I finally find a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. The dumplings are heavenly. Juicy, savory, perfect. I order two plates. No regrets. Zero.
- 2:00 PM – Back at the hotel for a nap.
- 4:00 PM – Wandering around the city, taking it all in but the energy has dissipated and I'm getting tired pretty quick.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner. This time, I'm brave. I'm at a slightly bigger place, ordering noodles. I have a nice conversation with a local.
- 7:00 PM – Back at the hotel.
Day 3: Lake Qinghai, Then, Disaster.
- 8:00 AM – Determined. Today, I see Lake Qinghai. I arrange a car with a driver.
- 9:00 AM – The drive is gorgeous, the scenery shifting from bustling city to rolling grassland.
- 11:00 AM – The lake. Blue. So blue. The scale is insane. The vastness of it just kind of… hits you. A moment of profound awe.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch. I'm excited.
- 2:00 PM – Disaster strikes. Food poisoning. Ugh. I will refrain from going into too much detail, but let's just say the hotel's toilet is the best thing that has ever happened to me. The worst feeling. The utter, wretched worst.
- 3:00 PM – The hotel's bed. The best place to be.
- 4:00 PM – Still. The. Worst.
- 7:00 PM – I'm sure I'll be back tomorrow.
Day 4: Recovery & Reflection (and a Farewell Dumpling)
- 8:00 AM – Feeling slightly better.
- 9:00 AM – Back on my feet.
- 10:00 AM – I'm alive! I have a final wander.
- 12:00 PM – One last dumpling. Gotta go out on a high note!
- 1:00 PM – Heading to the train station, reflecting on this bizarre, beautiful, slightly disastrous trip.
Final Thoughts:
Xining? Intense. Beautiful. Challenging. Did I love the food? Yes. Did I almost die from it? Also, yes. Did I find dumplings that changed my life? Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. This trip wasn't perfect, it was far from it. But that's what makes it memorable. Embrace the mess, the spicy food, the altitude sickness. That's where the real adventures lie. And hey, the Holiday Inn Express was a lifesaver. Worth. Every. Penny. Now, time to find a train back, and start planning my next adventure!
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Xining Train Station Hotel: Holiday Inn Express - The Real Deal (or is it?) - My Chaotic FAQ!
Is this Holiday Inn Express REALLY the "best" hotel near Xining Train Station? They all claim that, right?
Okay, let's be real. "Best" is subjective, like whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn't, fight me!). But, yeah, the Holiday Inn Express near Xining Train Station? It's definitely *up there*. It's the convenience factor that slaps you in the face first. You stumble out of the train, bleary-eyed from that awful sleeper car, and BAM! Hotel across the street. Practically. I've been SO tempted just to throw my bag, sprint over, and collapse. And you know what? That convenience alone is worth a decent chunk of your sanity. It's not like you're hauling luggage through the Xining wind tunnel for an hour.
That said… "best"? Let's say "most convenient". And that convenience *massive*. More on that later.
How close is "near the train station," *really*? I'm picturing a half-mile trudge.
Dude, it's practically *in* the station's shadow. Across a *very* wide road (watch out for the traffic!), then maybe… a three-minute walk, tops? I timed it. Once, I was running late because I was desperately trying to find a decent coffee before my train (spoiler alert: Xining coffee is... an experience.). I sprinted, luggage flailing, and timed it. Three minutes. That included a near-death experience dodging a rogue taxi.
Seriously, you could throw a rock (don't recommend it, property damage is frowned upon) and hit the entrance. It's ludicrously close. The best part? If you’re arriving late and the train is running late, after you get out of the train, you can easily just walk to the hotel in minutes. That is pure joy after a long train trip.
The rooms – what are they like? Shiny and new? Or slightly…tired?
Okay, here's the thing. Holiday Inn Expresses are… predictable. The rooms are clean. The beds are comfortable (usually). The decor is…corporate bland. You get the usual suspects: functional furniture, a desk, a decent TV, and a bathroom that's…well, it's a bathroom. Not a spa, just a place to pee and shower. Think "efficient" rather than "luxurious".
But *shiny and new*? Maybe the lobby. The rooms? More like "well-maintained and clearly used". They’re not falling apart, but don't expect anything Instagram-worthy. I'm not going to lie, there was one time I found a strange hair on my pillow. It made me give pause, I'll be honest. But I have OCD so don't worry about it. Overall, good enough. I've stayed in far worse places. And in Xining, after the chaos of the train station and the city, a clean room is a blessing.
Breakfast! Is it the standard "continental" fare or something more interesting? And is it edible?
Breakfast…Ah, breakfast. It's free, which is always a win. Expect a mix of Western and Chinese options. Think toast, cereal, some fruit (apples, usually…), eggs (sometimes scrambled, sometimes in questionable omelets), and maybe some congee (rice porridge) if you're feeling adventurous. There's also usually noodles…and they're…fine. I haven't gotten food poisoning, yet! That's a win.
Edible? Mostly. Don't expect Michelin-star quality. It's the kind of breakfast you eat because it's *there*, and because you have a train to catch and haven't eaten in hours. The coffee is… well, it's coffee. Let's put it that way. I've learned to accept the breakfast, it's not going to be the highlight of your stay, but it'll fill you up. And hey, it's free. Don't complain. I wouldn't recommend a second helping unless you REALLY need it. The bread's always dry.
What about the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or just…there?
The staff are… generally alright. They're polite, professional, and speak enough English to get by. They're used to tourists, so they understand the basic requests (directions, extra towels, etc.). Don't expect heart-to-heart conversations or a lot of personalized service, but they will assist you. I've never had a *terrible* experience. They are usually helpful.
However…one time, I asked them for help with some luggage. And then I got stuck for 20 minutes waiting. It wasn't ideal. The waiting was horrendous because I was already running late. That's life though I guess. The staff is overall okay. Sometimes friendly and sometimes just doing their job. It's a mixed bag. Just like life.
Any downsides? What's the catch?
Okay, here's where it gets real. The biggest downside? The *noise*. And I'm not talking about the hotel noise…though you might hear some slamming doors. I'm talking about the Xining noise. It's a busy city. The horns the cars use, the traffic, the voices, the trains… it's loud. It can be relentless.
Also...expect the internet to be spotty. Sometimes it works great, other times… good luck. And oh yeah, the view. It's mostly of the train station, or other buildings. Not exactly postcard material. You’re not checking in for a romantic escape. You're checking in to survive the travel.
Another issue I had once, was the shower. I couldn't ever get the water hot enough! This was devastating because I really needed a hot shower after the train. I got used to it though. You have to get used to it. Just expect some minor cons.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Even with the noise, the iffy internet, and the slightly depressing breakfast. The convenience factor outweighs everything. After a grueling train journey, I just want to collapse in a clean bed, shower, and not have to think about anything. The Holiday Inn Express lets me do that. It's not glamorous, it's not perfect, but it gets the job done. It's a haven in the chaos. It's my go-to. I'd definitely stay there again. I already have, many times. It's a reliableHotel Near Airport
