Xi'an's Hidden Gem: Starway Hotel Near Dayan Pagoda & University!
Xi'an's Starway Hotel: My Love/Hate Letter (and a Booking Suggestion!)
Okay, so you're eyeing Xi'an. Great choice! Terracotta Army? AMAZING. City Walls? Majestic. And Dayan Pagoda? Well, you'll probably want a hotel nearby, right? So, I took the plunge and checked out the Starway Hotel Near Dayan Pagoda & University. Let me tell you, it's more of a journey than a review. Buckle up, buttercup. This is going to be…messy.
First Impressions, or, "Where Did They Hide the Reception?!"
Getting there was easy. Uber/Didi is your friend in Xi'an. Accessibility is pretty good too – the hotel claimed to have facilities for disabled guests (more on that later), and I did see an elevator. Phew. Important because, let's be real, hauling luggage up stairs after a flight of questionable airplane food is a special kind of hell.
The reception… Well, it wasn't exactly obvious. I wandered around for a minute, nearly tripping over a strategically placed potted plant (a theme, it turns out). Finally, I found it. The staff, bless their hearts, were genuinely trying to be helpful, even if their English was a bit…limited. Think pleasant smiles and frantic pointing. Contactless check-in/out was supposedly available, but the whole system felt a tad clunky. But hey, I eventually got my key card!
Rooms: The Good, The Slightly Odd, and the "Did Someone Say Blackout Curtains?!"
My room… Air conditioning worked! Praise the gods of air conditioning! Xi'an gets hot. I'm talking, "sweat through your socks" hot. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Seriously, I slept like a blessed log. The bed was comfy, and the extra long bed was a nice plus for a lanky traveler like myself! They also had complimentary tea and free bottled water, a godsend after a long day of exploring.
Now, the slightly odd? Let's talk about aesthetics. It wasn't exactly a design magazine spread. Think… functional. Carpeting that had seen better days. A mirror that seemed to reflect back all my travel-weariness. But hey, it was clean, there was Wi-Fi [free] and plenty of power outlets, and the shower had decent water pressure. Plus, the window that opens was a great feature to get fresh air even though the neighborhood was a bit noisy at night. Everything that really matters was there.
A HUGE plus? The safety/security feature game was decent. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, CCTV in common areas, and 24-hour security. Peace of mind is priceless, especially in a new city.
Dining: The Food Adventures (and the Occasional Mishap)
Okay, food! This is where things got interesting. The Asian breakfast was…an experience. Let's just say I bravely tried everything. Some stuff was delicious. Some stuff, well, it was…intriguing. They had a breakfast [buffet], and I'm pretty sure I saw at least one person wearing a mask and gloves while serving themselves, which was very reassuring in a safe dining setup. Asian cuisine in the restaurant featured the usual suspects, and there was also international cuisine options. It felt like a restaurant with a coffee shop in it, and you will find coffee/tea in restaurant.
The 24-hour room service was a lifesaver one night when I was battling jet lag. I ordered a bowl of noodles, and it arrived within minutes (very impressed!). the bottle of water was another plus, but I wish more restaurants had salads.
One small mishap? I ordered a vegetarian dish once, and I think there might have been a slight… miscommunication. Let's just say I ate a lot of vegetables. But hey, it fueled me to keep adventuring.
Amenities: The (Sometimes Slightly Over-Promised) Goods
Internet access was pretty reliable, thank god. You could be sure there was Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they provided internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, and Wi-Fi in public areas.
The fitness center? It was…there. Small. But usable. The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked tempting in the brochure, but it was closed for renovations. Bummer. The Spa/sauna seemed to be well-equipped.
I did manage to enjoy a massage, which was lovely. And I heard the Foot bath was great, but I ran out of time.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Mostly
Major kudos to the hotel for their commitment to safety. I saw evidence of their Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Room sanitization between stays. Rooms sanitized between stays was a huge relief. They also provided those little things, like Individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet. They took the whole "COVID-19" thing seriously. They were even trying to enforce Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Things To Do & Relaxing (When You Can Actually Relax)
The Starway Hotel is pretty close to the Da Yan Pagoda, so you can walk there. It’s not far from the University either.
Things to do while you are there – go to the Pagoda and visit the museum and the gardens.
For the Kids: I didn't have kids with me, but there supposedly was a Babysitting service and they were Family/child friendly.
Remember that "facilities for disabled guests" I mentioned? I tried to investigate. Let's just say my experience with Wheelchair accessible features was…inconsistent. The elevator was functional, but the actual rooms with accessible features weren't always easily accessible, which was disappointing. On the up side, there was an Elevator, which is a plus.
The Verdict: It’s Got…Character
Look, the Starway Hotel isn't perfect. It's not a luxury resort. But it's Cleanliness and safety are good, it's a great base for exploring Xi'an, the staff try their best, and it's incredibly convenient. It's got a certain… charm. And price-wise, it's a bargain, especially considering what you're getting!
Now, Here’s My Crazy, Slightly Imperfect, Booking Suggestion!
- Consider this hotel if you're: A budget-conscious traveler, a history buff, or someone who values affordability and a good location over absolute luxury.
- Don't book if: You're expecting a Michelin-starred experience, or if you require absolute adherence to accessibility standards.
- If you're booking: Don't expect every amenity or advertised service to be flawless. Embrace the quirks! Ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper. Try the noodles, but be prepared to embrace the mystery of the breakfast buffet! Book directly through their website [insert hotel website here – I don't know it!] and check if they have some deals and the option to pay with cashless payments!
Why You Should Book NOW
Xi'an is incredible, a city steeped in history and culture. And a good, centrally located hotel like the Starway, even with its flaws, is still a steal. So, embrace the adventure. Book your stay. You’ll probably have a story or two to tell. Now go explore!
Pretoria's Hidden Gem: Unwind at Andante Lodge!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is my Starway Hotel Xi'An Dayan Pagoda University Of Science And Technology Xian adventure – a messy, beautiful, and probably slightly caffeinated rollercoaster. Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great (and Exhausting) Wall of Luggage
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Ugh. The flight. Let's just say I'm not designed to sleep upright. Arrived at Xi'An Xianyang International Airport. Jet lag is already kicking my butt. Finding a taxi was like wrestling a greased pig – chaotic but eventually successful. My bags… oh, the bags. I swear, I packed for three people. Halfway to the hotel, and I'm already convinced I forgot something crucial – probably my sanity.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in at the Starway Hotel near the Dayan Pagoda. The hotel itself? Fine. Clean enough, AC is a godsend, but the view? Well, let's just say it involved a lot of… other buildings. I swear, I'm still trying to figure out which button makes the hot water work. Then, unpacking. Ugh. The sheer volume of stuff I schlepped across the globe is deeply concerning. I now understand why people travel light. Next time, I swear, I'll pack just a toothbrush and a change of underwear. (Famous last words, right?)
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Found a tiny noodle shop nearby. The language barrier? Hilarious. I pointed at a bowl, smiled like an idiot, and hoped for the best. Turns out, the best was… delicious. Spicy, slurpable noodles. Officially in love with Xi'An food. My tongue is on fire, but I don't care. Worth it.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Now, this is where it all gets messy. THE DAYAN PAGODA. Yes, the BIG one. The reason I'm here. The climb? STEEP. I'm convinced the steps are designed to break the legs of tourists. My thighs are screaming. But the view from the top? Breathtaking. Absolutely. Stunning. You can see the whole city. It’s beautiful, but there was a group of tourists nearby talking loudly about politics, and it sucked away some of the magic. I almost yelled at them to just SHUT UP AND LOOK AT THE GODDAMN PAGODA. I didn’t. But I wanted to.
Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Wandered around the surrounding streets. The atmosphere is electric! Lights twinkling, people bustling. Found a random stall selling skewered meat (lamb, I think?). Sat down, devoured it, and almost choked with sudden, overwhelming happiness. This is travel. This is what it's about. Then, immediately regretted it when my stomach turned into a battlefield with its own internal war.
Evening (8:00 PM - Late): Found the hotel. Shower. Sleep. I think. (This is where the jet lag truly hits.)
Day 2: University, Terracotta Warriors, and the Great Meltdown
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up disoriented in a pool of my own sweat (thanks, humidity!). Coffee. Needed coffee. (See previous notes about caffeine.) Decided to wander over to the University of Science and Technology. My motivations? Honestly? Curiosity and a desire to appear cultured. It’s pretty, a ton of students are biking around, the campus is surprisingly big. I got about halfway and then started feeling like I was in an episode of "lost" and desperately needed to get back to civilization.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Terracotta Army. Okay. Wow. Just… wow. The sheer scale of it is mind-boggling. The faces, the details… it's like staring into the eyes of history. It’s not just statues. It’s an experience. Truly humbling. Totally worth the crowds and the jostling and the tour guides shouting into megaphones. I could have spent hours down there. I did spend at least an hour staring at a single warrior, wondering what he was thinking, what his life was like.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Back in the city. Found a dumpling restaurant. Overate. Again. (I'm sensing a theme here.) Delicious dumplings, though. Absolutely delicious. I think I ordered six different kinds. My belly is now a perfect sphere.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Back to the hotel. The heat? Brutal. The crowds? Relentless. The language barrier? Still a struggle. It's all a little… overwhelming. I had a full-blown meltdown in the hotel elevator. Tears. Snot. The whole shebang. Totally embarrassing. But, you know, sometimes travel just… breaks you.
Late Afternoon & Evening (4:00 PM - Onward): Forced myself out of the hotel. Needed to escape my own head. Wandered around a local market. Found some ridiculously bright, patterned socks and bought them out of sheer defiance. Ate more noodles. (See: addiction.) Feeling a little better. Jet lag is still a jerk. Tomorrow, I'm going to try to figure out how to use the washing machine. Wish me luck.
Day 3: The Wall of Dreams, Street Food Adventures, the Long Goodbye
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up feeling a little less defeated. Found some actual coffee! The washing machine remains a mystery. Maybe I'll just hand-wash everything in the sink. And buy more socks.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Back to the City Wall. Finally walked along it! It's HUGE. The views… the wind… I'm actually starting to feel some of the magic again. Took a deep breath, felt the sun on my face, and just enjoyed it. It was, dare I say, peaceful? I was actually able to block the tourists, and the noise and just focus on the experience. This is probably the biggest thing I’m going to take with me.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The Muslim Quarter. Street food paradise! Lamb skewers (again, of course), jianbing (like a Chinese crepe!), and some weird, sweet, sticky rice thing. My stomach is a happy, slightly overloaded land.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Souvenir shopping. Managed to haggle my way to a reasonable price on a few trinkets. Then, back to the hotel. Packing. Ugh. Just the thought of it is exhausting.
Late Afternoon & Evening (4:00 PM - Onward): Dinner. One last meal of amazing food. Goodbye to Xi'An. Leaving tomorrow. Feeling a little sad. A little relieved. A lot tired. But, deep down, I think I'll miss this crazy, chaotic, beautiful place.
Last Night: The plane leaves at 6:00 AM and I haven’t slept a wink. I guess that’s that.
Xi'an's Starway Hotel Near Dayan Pagoda & University: The Unfiltered Truth (and Where to Find the Decent Coffee)
Is this Starway Hotel actually a hidden gem? Or is it just... a hotel?
Okay, let's be real. "Hidden gem" is a marketing buzzword that's overused to the point of meaninglessness. But, I gotta say, this Starway Hotel... it's *kinda* a hidden gem. But with caveats. Think less "diamonds and rubies" and more "slightly tarnished, but still functional, silver charm bracelet you found in a dusty drawer."
It's not the Four Seasons. Don't go expecting fluffy robes and turn-down service. You're in Xi'an, baby! You're here for noodles and terracotta warriors, not spa treatments. The "gem" part comes from its location – seriously, the proximity to Dayan Pagoda and the university area is *gold*. Saves you a fortune on taxis and lets you soak up the real local vibe. Plus, the price? Let's just say it didn’t make my wallet weep. My wallet is used to weeping, mind you, after the noodle binges I went on.
How's the location, really? Is it noisy?
The location is, and I mean *really* this time, excellent. Seriously, you could practically roll out of bed and trip over the Dayan Pagoda. (Please don’t actually *try* that. I’m picturing myself in a hospital bed in China now... no thank you.) You’re a short walk from the pagoda itself, the bustling streets around it, and all the food stalls that'll make your stomach sing (and possibly regret everything). Walking to the university is also a snap, meaning great access to student-priced food (bonus!).
Noise…ah, noise. That’s where it gets a little… authentic. It's not *whisper-quiet* at night. Think distant traffic, the occasional enthusiastic karaoke wafting from a nearby establishment (I’m not judging, China, I support your karaoke!), and the general hustle and bustle of a busy city. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Save yourself the torture. I wish I'd known that before. The first night I was a wide-eyed, jet-lagged tourist and, I’m sure, looked completely insane.
What about the rooms themselves? Are they clean? (because, you know...)
Okay, cleanliness is key. Let's be honest – I'm a bit of a clean freak. (Okay, maybe a *lot* of a clean freak.) The rooms at the Starway? Generally, yes, they are *clean*. But "clean" in China sometimes means a slightly different interpretation of the word than, let's say, in Switzerland. Think mostly clean. Maybe a stray hair or two. But hey, I've seen worse. Much, much worse. (I once spent a night in a "budget hostel" in Bangkok... let's not go there.)
The décor? Let's call it…functional. Don’t expect fancy. Expect practical. Expect a bed, a desk, a TV (mostly with channels you won't understand – perfect for background noise!), and a bathroom that does its job. And a tiny, tiny window. My room felt a little… cramped. Okay, a lot cramped. I'm claustrophobic, too, so that probably didn't help. But hey, you're not meant to spend your life *in* the room, right? You're in Xi'an!
Is the internet decent? I need to post those Instagrams!
The internet…is…well, it's the internet in China. You'll need a VPN to access all your usual social media suspects (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the works). Once you've got that sorted (and I highly recommend you do, otherwise you're basically cut off from the outside world!), the speed is…okay. Depends on the day, the time, and the celestial alignments, I think. Some days it was blazing fast. Other days… let's just say I developed a deep appreciation for the loading icon. Or, if you are like me, maybe you take the time to people-watch. Really, that’s worth more.
The good news? It worked well enough for video calls with my family. Mostly. Except for the time my niece tried to show me her new puppy and the whole thing buffered for like, five minutes. I nearly lost it. (Not because of the internet, mind you – because of the puppy cuteness!) So pack your patience. Maybe download some movies beforehand… just in case.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? (Because let's face it, this is important!)
The staff... varied. Some spoke decent English, some didn’t. They were *always* polite, though. I mean, wonderfully polite. There's a certain grace in Chinese service that I really appreciate. They're not necessarily falling over themselves to help you, but if you needed something, they'd try their best. (And let's be honest, sometimes you need to use a little sign language and Google Translate, but that's part of the fun, right? Okay, maybe not *fun*, but definitely an *experience*.)
I once had a slight…issue with a broken shower head. (That was a *lot* of water.) I tried very politely to explain. The staff member, bless her heart, didn’t understand a word I was saying, but she smiled and nodded and went off to get someone who *did*. Eventually, the situation was resolved. And the memory? Priceless. Just, maybe, carry a picture of the broken shower head on your phone. Trust me on this one.
Is there breakfast? And, more importantly, is it any good?
There *is* breakfast. But don't expect a Western-style buffet. I’m telling you that right now, so you won’t be disappointed. Expect noodles, some kind of congee (rice porridge – it's… an acquired taste), and maybe some questionable looking fried eggs. (Okay, they looked a *lot* like they’d been fried in… something.)
My tip? Walk five minutes. Seriously. Go get breakfast *outside* the hotel. There are amazing little street food stalls everywhere selling delicious, cheap, and authentic Chinese breakfasts. Think steamed buns, crispy pancakes, and the best soy milk you'll ever taste. It's an experience! And it's so much better than those fried eggs. Trust me, your stomach (and your taste buds) will thank you. I miss that soy milk so much. Really. I'm salivating just thinking about it.
Would you stay there again? (The big question!)
