Ramada Plaza Shengzhou: China's BEST City Center Hotel? (You WON'T Believe This!)
Ramada Plaza Shengzhou: HOLD ON, China’s BEST?! (Seriously, You Won't Believe This!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just emerged from a whirlwind stay at the Ramada Plaza Shengzhou. And the title? "China's BEST City Center Hotel?" Yeah, I was skeptical too. I mean, hotels can be such a crapshoot, right? But, here's the deal, folks: this place actually has its moments. And some… well, let's just say they wouldn't make it on any corporate brochure.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, the Confusing, and the Slightly Rusty Elevator
Alright, let’s tackle this from the jump. The Ramada Plaza Shengzhou, accessible to varying degrees. Finding it wasn’t a problem; right smack-dab in the city center, easy peasy. Airport transfer? They offer it, bless their hearts. But, and this is a big BUT, accessibility for wheelchair users? Mixed bag. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, but I'd recommend calling ahead and verifying. The lobby looked spacious enough, but the elevators felt a little creaky, and frankly, that's a red flag for me if I was relying on them for wheelchair travel.
Check-in was… efficient. Pretty much contactless check-in/out (thank you, pandemic), which I appreciated. The staff at the 24-hour front desk kept things moving. Air conditioning in public areas kept me cool in the summer humidity, but the energy efficiency of the AC system… Let's just say, you could plant a small forest in the lobby with how cold it got.
Rooms: A Symphony of Comfort and… Well, Let's Call it "Character."
My room? Okay, let's get real. My room was pretty damn good. Now, I wasn't expecting the Ritz, but what I got was much better than most places for the price. My Air conditioning worked flawlessly (unlike the lobby!), the bed was a serious comfy hug (extra long bed!), and the Blackout curtains were an absolute godsend. I am a champion sleeper and I slept so soundly.
I also enjoyed:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – And it was surprisingly fast, which is a win in my book. I was able to work seamlessly on my laptop using the Internet access – wireless.
- Complimentary tea & coffee maker: Always appreciated because you always can have a quick pick-me-up.
- On-demand movies for the ultimate chill night in.
- In-room safe box for all my valuables and my imaginary treasure chest (lol).
What wasn't as perfect? Well, the bathroom, it had a few scuff marks, the mirror in the bathroom gave me a slight fun house vibe (I swear I looked like twice the size!). The additional toilet and separate shower/bathtub were nice but the water pressure… let's just say it was a gentle trickle, like a shy mountain spring. And the decor? Let's call it… eclectic. Okay, I’ll be honest, I'm not sure what the style was. It looked like someone raided a vintage furniture store and threw everything in there. But hey, it was clean, the daily housekeeping was excellent, and the soundproofing was top-notch. I didn't hear a peep from the hallway or other rooms, which is a huge win in my book.
Dining: From Buffet Bliss to "Interesting" Flavors
Okay, the food situation is where things get really interesting. The breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. They offer Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. Think everything from congee to, well, questionable breakfast sausages. The fruit selection was excellent. The coffee, regrettably, was the usual lukewarm hotel fare.
They have several restaurants. There's a coffee shop if you just want a quick treat. The restaurants themselves offered up a nice variety. I had dinner at the Asian cuisine in restaurant and it was quite tasty. They have international cuisine in restaurant as well, for those not feeling the local specialties. There were also vegetarian restaurant options, which I appreciated. The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on one of my late night hunger pangs. And the price? Totally reasonable.
Pool, Spa & Relaxing Vibes: A Glimpse of Paradise?
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was absolutely divine. It was the perfect way to cool down. The Pool with view was the place to be. The pool area staff were very attentive and always kept the area clean.
I indulged in the spa. They certainly make every effort to create a zen atmosphere, offering things like a sauna, steamroom, and massage. The Body scrub was incredible. My skin felt like silk afterward.
Cleanliness, Safety & the New Normal: A Sanitized Haven?
This is a BIG one for me. They seemed to take cleanliness seriously. They had signs everywhere about daily disinfection in common areas. They used Anti-viral cleaning products. I saw staff wearing masks and implementing the physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The use of hand sanitizer was everywhere. They even had individually-wrapped food options at the buffet. I have to say, it gave me a lot of peace of mind.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They had a convenience store, a gift/souvenir shop, and a luggage storage. The concierge was helpful with local recommendations. They do offer a car park [free of charge]. Also, they have a business center, which is nice for those needing to work.
For the Kids and More:
While I wasn’t traveling with kids, the presence of babysitting service, kids facilities, and especially family/child friendly gave me peace of mind. I could see the potential.
The Quirks and the Unexpected: My Unfiltered Opinions
Okay, real talk. The English skills of some staff? Let’s just say it could be improved. I had a slightly hilarious conversation trying to order a coffee one morning. There were also a few minor "glitches" – a flickering light, a slightly wonky TV remote. But honestly, these imperfections are what made the place charming.
The Emotional Reaction: A Love/Hate, But Mostly Like!
Despite the quirks, I actually really liked this place. The staff were generally friendly, the room was comfortable, and the facilities were pretty solid.
My Overall Recommendation: Would I Stay Again?
Yes, absolutely, I would stay here again. The price-to-value ratio is fantastic. The location is prime. The cleanliness and safety measures put my mind at ease. Sure, it has its imperfections. But honestly, those imperfections just add to the charm. Plus, that pool? Worth it alone.
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Shengzhou Shenanigans: My Ramada Rumble (and Rambles!)
Okay, so here we are. Shengzhou, China. Population: who the heck knows, a gazillion probably. And me? I'm stuck at the Ramada Plaza, staring at the swirling, slightly suspect air conditioning vent, trying to remember why I thought this was a good idea. (Jet lag? Definitely jet lag.) Let's see if I can even cobble together a semblance of a schedule… or, you know, a vibe.
Day 1: Arrival, Air-Conditioning Angst, and Noodles of Doom (in a Good Way)
- Morning (ish, because time zones are a conspiracy): Land at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH). Honestly, the landing was smoother than my attempt at Mandarin, which is basically "ni hao" and a hopeful smile. The airport was… sprawling. Like, map-required sprawling. Managed to find the shuttle to Shengzhou, which was a glorious blur of rice paddies and bewildered stares from my fellow passengers.
- Afternoon: Arrived at the Ramada. Check-in: surprisingly painless. The lobby? Classic Ramada. Plush, maybe a little too much gold, and that ubiquitous, vaguely floral scent that every hotel seems to have. Now dealing with the AC situation. Seriously, is it on? Is it off? Am I sweating? Am I freezing? This is the life of a traveler!
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Food Frenzy! Ventured out, fueled by caffeine and the desperate need to not die of airport-sandwich withdrawal. Found a tiny noodle shop just down the street. Oh. My. God. The noodles. Silky, slurp-able, and swimming in a broth that tasted like a hug from a grandmother I’ve never met (a very spicy, garlic-y grandmother). Definitely ordering extra chili oil next time. Probably regretting that decision later. Oh, well. Worth it.
- Evening: The world feels very, very alien. Spent an hour trying to decipher the TV remote. Gave up. Found a Chinese drama on some sort of streaming app. The subtitles were… creative. Currently trying to figure out the plot. Likely to fail.
Day 2: Exploring the Market and the Mystery of the "Durian Stink."
- Morning: Ah, the joys of not having to set an alarm! Sleep. The king of all things! Breakfast at the hotel was… an experience. This mysterious rice porridge with pickled vegetables took some getting used to, but I think I'm slowly getting hooked!
- Late Morning: Headed to the local market. Holy moly. The colours, the smells (some delightful, some… less so - more on that later). Haggled for a few souvenirs (I’m pretty sure I got ripped off, but hey, that's part of the fun, right?).
- Afternoon: The Durian Predicament. Okay, so, the market. Durian. That legendary fruit. I had to see it. Smell it. Maybe… maybe even taste it. The smell… it's like a gym sock mated with a gas leak and gave birth to a creamy, custard-like offspring. The vendor looked at me as if I was some kind of alien. I bought one tiny piece, just to say I did it. The taste? Imagine the aforementioned gym sock custard, but with a hint of pineapple and a texture that somehow feels both slimy and crumbly at the same time. Did I enjoy it? Well, let's just say it was an… experience. My face contorted in ways I didn't know were possible. My inner monologue replayed the moment over and over in comedic fashion.
- Late Afternoon: Recovering from Durian-induced trauma at the hotel. Reading a book. Trying to mentally prepare for the next culinary adventure. Maybe just order room service…
- Evening: Back to the noodle shop! This time, I made friends with the owner, who doesn't speak any English, but we shared a million smiles and a bowl of the greatest noodles know to man. I think. Everything is a blur.
Day 3: Temple Tranquility and the Quest for Proper Coffee
- Morning: Decided to embrace the serenity of Shengzhou (ish). Visited a local temple. Incense smoke, chanting, and a feeling of profound calmness washed over me - or maybe it was just the lack of sleep.
- Late Morning: The Great Coffee Hunt: Okay, this is a crisis. I need coffee. Proper, Western-style coffee. The Ramada’s instant coffee is a crime against caffeine. Embarked on a mission to find a decent café. Found a Starbucks. And the sweet, sweet relief of a latte. It cost a fortune. Worth it.
- Afternoon: Strolled around a park, watched the locals practice tai chi, and realised I needed to sit down.
- Late Afternoon: Back at the hotel room, staring at the AC, and wondering if I should move to the next city. Perhaps.
- Evening: One last, epic noodle dinner before my departure (possibly with a side of regret-fueled extra chili oil). Reflecting on my Shengzhou adventure: it's been messy, it's been confusing, it's been beautiful, it's been a little bit gross, it's been amazing. I'm not sure I know what I expected from this trip. I didn't meet expectations, or rather, my expectations weren't met by the truth. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning: Woke up. Not much.
- Afternoon: Goodbye, Shengzhou. Until next time, maybe?
So there you have it, my highly unprofessional and completely haphazard guide to surviving the Ramada Plaza and Shengzhou, China. Will I ever understand Mandarin? Probably not. Will I ever find the perfect air-conditioning setting? Doubtful. Will I ever forget the Durian? Absolutely not. But would I do it all again? In a heartbeat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find some more noodles. And maybe a therapist. Just kidding… mostly.
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Ramada Plaza Shengzhou: REALLY the Best Center City Hotel? (Dude, You Won't BELIEVE this...)
Okay, First Things First: Is This Place *Actually* in the City Center, or is it Like, "City Center Adjacent" for Marketing?
Alright, listen up, 'cause this is *crucial.* This place? Bam! Right smack-dab in the heart of Shengzhou. Like, you step outside and BAM! You're in the thick of it. Food stalls, the weirdly captivating karaoke bars (more on *that* later), the *amazing* dumpling place I swear I dreamt about last night... It's legit city center. No hiking required. No dodgy taxi rides. Pure, unadulterated Shengzhou immersion. I'm talking prime real estate.
What's the Vibe Like? Is it Super Formal or Can You Actually Relax?
Okay, "relax" is a loaded word, right? Let's be real: China can be... intense. But the Ramada? It's got this surprisingly chill vibe. Think polished, but not overwhelmingly stuffy. The lobby's got this HUGE, glistening chandelier (classic!), but the staff? They're actually *friendly*. Like, genuinely helpful, not just "trained to be friendly". I tried butchering my Mandarin, and they just *smiled* and helped me figure stuff out. That's a win. It's not a dive bar chill, but it's definitely not Buckingham Palace either.
The Rooms: Are They Shiny and New, or Like, "Grandma's Spare Bedroom?"
The rooms? They’re... they’re good. Not jaw-droppingly modern, maybe not what you’d get in some hyper-luxe hotel in a major city. Think clean, comfortable beds (very important after a day of exploring!), decent air conditioning (thank GOD!), and a surprisingly good view. One minor complaint I had… the shower pressure could be better. But honestly? After the sensory overload of Shengzhou, a slightly weak shower is the only imperfection I could find.
About That Food... Any Good Eats? And What About Breakfast?
Alright, let's talk about the *most* important thing. Food. Shengzhou is a food paradise, and the hotel buffet... It's a solid start. It's not Michelin-star worthy, but it's got the essentials: noodles, rice, some sort of scrambled eggs that always look suspicious but taste amazing. Plus, fruit! So. Much. Fruit. The absolute star though? The *dumplings*. Oh, the dumplings! They were… I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking about them. Seriously, I went back for *seconds*. And thirds. Don't judge me. The city itself is a feast, too. Street food galore. Just… be adventurous! (Take anti-diarrheal meds just in case, you know?)
The Swimming Pool... Is it Actually Swimmable? Or Just a Decorative Pond?
Okay, look, I'm more of a "lake" person, but I *did* check out the pool. It’s… alright. It's clean, it's a decent size, and hey, it's a pool. After a day in the bustling city, a dip feels amazing. The sun loungers? Comfy enough. The atmosphere? Peaceful. You won’t be disappointed. Just don’t expect an Olympic training facility. Let's call it a solid amenity.
The Karaoke Bars... You Mentioned Them. Spill the Tea!
OH. MY. GOD. The karaoke bars. Okay, so, I'm not a karaoke person. At *all*. But it's Shengzhou. It's part of the experience. And... it's an experience, alright. The sheer *energy*! The questionable song choices! The raw emotion! (Someone belted out "My Heart Will Go On" like their life depended on it.) The Ramada is close enough that you can walk home… stumbling, slightly buzzed, and craving a good dumpling (told you!). It’s a cultural immersion, and it's... Well, it’s Shengzhou. Honestly, that's all you need to know. Take a shot of courage, and go for it.
Is There Anything *Bad* About This Place? I'm Waiting for the Catch...
Okay, fair enough. Nothing's perfect. The gym? It's… there. Basic equipment. Kinda smells like stale sweat. The internet? Can be spotty at times. The elevators? Frequently take a few tries to work. And, sometimes, you can hear other guests through the walls. But honestly? These are minor issues. The overall experience is fantastic. I would totally go back. And, to be honest, the 'slightly-off-gym' gave the whole place a rough edge that I actually came to love.
Should I Stay Here? Really. Tell Me!
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, YES! Look, I'm a cynical travel writer. I've seen a lot of hotels, and I've been disappointed a lot. But the Ramada Plaza Shengzhou? It surprised me. It's clean, comfortable, well-located, and the staff are awesome. Plus, the dumplings! And karaoke! And... just the whole Shengzhou vibe. Seriously, if you're going to Shengzhou, stay here. You won't regret it. And if you see me there, buying a third plate of dumplings, don't be shy.
