Unbelievable Luxury Awaits! Starway Hotel (Taizhou West Bus Station) - Your Taizhou Getaway
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits! Starway Hotel (Taizhou West Bus Station): My Brain Dump (and My Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent a few days at the Starway Hotel, that place they call "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!" right next to the Taizhou West Bus Station. And let me tell you, the truth is… well, it’s complicated. This ain't your grandma's brochure, people. This is real talk, sprinkled with a little bit of "OMG, I need a nap" energy.
Accessibility: The Good, the Bad, and the Stairs (Maybe?)
Alright, let's rip the band-aid off first. Wheelchair accessibility: This one I can only speculate on. They say they have Facilities for disabled guests, and the listing mentions an Elevator, but I didn't specifically crawl around looking for ramps (though bless the people who do!). It's a giant hotel, though, so presumably they've considered accessibility. Make sure to confirm before you book if you need it. The proximity to the Taizhou West Bus Station is a godsend for getting there, though. Seriously, it's right there. Like, you could practically roll out of the bus and into the lobby.
Internet: Wi-Fi Wonderland (Most of the Time)
Free Wi-Fi? Oh, yes. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glorious, reliable Wi-Fi. Mostly. Let's be honest, I'm a digital nomad, and the thought of shoddy internet sends me into a cold sweat. This was… generally fine. Streamed movies, video calls, the whole shebang. Internet [LAN]: I didn't even bother with the LAN cable, because, WiFi, duh. And Internet Services: They had ‘em. Didn’t need ‘em much other than the aforementioned WiFi.
Cleanliness and Safety: They're Trying, Okay?
Okay, look, in a post-pandemic world, "clean" is the new "sexy." And Starway Hotel gets that. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays – they’re ticking the boxes. I didn't see any rogue microbes partying in the corners, so that's a win. They also had Hand sanitizer strategically placed, and the staff were clearly briefed on hygiene. The Staff trained in safety protocol was a noticeable detail, which can be a bit reassuring when you are in a completely different country and just want to feel safe. The Safe dining setup, is a good touch, and I have to say, the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were great to see, I mean, you can never be too cautious, am I right? And the Individual-wrapped food options? Perfect!!! They were on point. BUT, there are a lot of moving parts, and seeing “Room sanitization opt-out available” makes me feel like this is something you actually have to opt out of.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (With a Few Hiccups)
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. The Restaurants are plentiful, but I’ll be honest, sometimes I'm just a big dumb American who want my greasy burger and large fries, and not every establishment delivered. I did visit the Asian restaurant, and let me tell you, that was amazing. I'm talking like, a big bowl of broth and noodles and I'm in heaven. The restaurant offered Asian cuisine in restaurant, along with an Asian Breakfast. The Buffet in restaurant option with both Breakfast [buffet] and Buffet in restaurant options was a godsend in the morning, perfect for a quick fill before starting your day which also included the Breakfast service and Breakfast takeaway service.
A la carte in restaurant options were also available. But for this particular meal, I just asked for the buffet. There's a Coffee/tea in restaurant, and the Coffee shop was surprisingly good. There's also a Poolside bar, but in the winter, it's, well… not very poolside-y. They do have a Snack bar and a Room service [24-hour], which, after a long day of exploring, is just what the doctor ordered. I also did see them offer Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and Salad in restaurant, and if you're into it they offer Vegetarian restaurant options.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (Or Just a Nap?)
Now, this is where Starway really tries to shine. They're selling a luxury experience, and the amenities reflect that. You've got your Fitness center, your Gym/fitness, your Swimming pool [outdoor] (brrr!), a Swimming pool (indoor?), a Sauna, a Spa, the Spa/sauna, and even a Steamroom.
I, ahem, spent a glorious afternoon at the Spa. Did I get a Body scrub? Absolutely not. Did I get a Body wrap? Nope. But I did get a Massage. Oh. My. God. It was like a tiny, incredibly strong person was personally kneading away all the knots in my back. I chose the Deep Tissue option, and I was sore for days. But it was a good sore. A "I'm alive and I feel amazing after you've done your wonderful work" sore. I also visited the Foot bath, to complete the experience.. and I was just in heaven. That massage alone almost justified the price of the room. And for the view, it felt like a Pool with view!
Services and Conveniences: Pretty Solid, Actually
Alright, let's talk about the nitty-gritty. They had everything, or at least most things you'd expect. Air conditioning in public area – check. Cash withdrawal – check. Concierge – check (and very helpful, even when I was being the clueless traveler). Daily housekeeping – bless them. Doorman – felt fancy! Elevator – definitely a plus. Facilities for disabled guests (again, check with them!). Laundry service – life-saver after a week of travel. Luggage storage – essential. Safety deposit boxes – you know the drill. They had Dry cleaning, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Currency exchange, Convenience store, and even Food delivery and Car park [free of charge]!.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly (But Don’t Bring My Kids… Yet)
Babysitting service – if you're brave. Family/child friendly – yes, generally. Kids facilities – I didn't investigate, but they say they have them. Kids meal – probably available.
In-Room Awesomeness (or the Lack Thereof?)
The rooms themselves? Pretty darn good. They’ve got your basic requirements. Air conditioning worked like a charm. The Blackout curtains were a necessity for my sleep schedule. The Closet was spacious. The Desk was perfect for getting some work done, which I managed to do with the Laptop workspace and Internet access – wireless. The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver in the mornings. The Mini bar was stocked. The On-demand movies were a fun bonus. The Refrigerator kept my drinks cold. The Seating area was alright. The Separate shower/bathtub was luxurious. The Wi-Fi [free] was reliable. The Additional toilet was an appreciated luxury.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer? They offer it. Taxi service? No problem. Car park [on-site]. You're golden. The Car power charging station is awesome. The Valet parking is a great add on.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and the Honest Truth
Look, the Starway Hotel is trying to be a luxury destination. And for the most part, they succeed. But it's not perfect.
First, the location. Being next to the bus station is both a blessing and a curse. Super convenient for arrival, but the sounds of arriving/departing buses can be a little much. Second, I was a little thrown off by the staff, sometimes their English skills were a bit limited; this could make it difficult for some. Third, sometimes the room service can be a little laggy. Fourth, the pool looks amazing, especially when you have a Pool with view but it was closed.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits! Starway Hotel (Taizhou West Bus Station): My Final Verdict
Would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for a convenient, mostly-luxurious stay in Taizhou, it's a solid choice. The spa alone is almost worth the price tag. Just be prepared for the occasional imperfection and embrace the experience. And if you're a massage fanatic like me, RUN!
**My Special Offer (Because I’m Feeling
Escape to Paradise: Villa Seven, Panadura, Sri Lanka - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, this is me trying to survive a few days in Taizhou and the surrounding madness. Specifically, based out of the illustrious (and potentially slightly dodgy, let’s be honest) Starway Hotel near Taizhou West Bus Station. Wish me luck. I have a feeling I’ll need it.
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and Noodles
- 9:00 AM (ish): Land at the airport. Already regretting the three-hour layover in Xiamen. Xiamen should be lovely, I bet, but right now all I feel is a gnawing emptiness. Like, has anyone really lived if they haven't questioned their life choices while perched on a plastic chair waiting for a connecting flight? The answer, my friends, is probably yes. But still.
- 11:30 AM: Finally on the bus to Taizhou. The countryside whizzes by, a blur of rice paddies and what I think might be very industrious-looking chickens. My Mandarin is… well, let's just say my pronunciation leans heavily toward "sounds vaguely enthusiastic."
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Starway Hotel West Bus Station. Okay, first impression: it smells faintly of disinfectant and lingering dreams. The lobby is… functional. The receptionist, bless her heart, looks like she's seen things. I hand over my passport and pray I haven't accidentally booked a room that doubles as a karaoke booth.
- 1:30 PM: Room Inspection - the Real Deal. Okay, the room. It's… a room. Clean-ish. The bedspread looks like it's seen a few seasons. I find a tiny, slightly ominous-looking packet of tea bags. Okay. Can I trust that? Decisions, decisions. There’s a weird stain on the carpet. Am I going to touch it? Probably not. But now it's all I can think about. The bathroom is surprisingly… functional. The water pressure is, shall we say, enthusiastic.
- 2:00 PM: The jet lag is kicking my butt. The desire to collapse into a heap and weep is strong. I fight it with sheer willpower and the promise of noodles.
- 3:00 PM: Venture out. The air in Taizhou is… air. It's thick with the promise of adventure and the faint aroma of frying something delicious. I locate a small noodle shop, pointing and gesturing like a particularly enthusiastic mime trying to order a bowl of deliciousness.
- 3:30 PM: Noodle Nirvana (and Regret). The noodles! Oh, the noodles. This is what travel is all about. Broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and… something I can’t quite identify (maybe fermented mystery meat?). And it's glorious. I slurp it down like a starved wolf. Perhaps a little too quickly. I instantly have a stomachache. Why does this alway happen?
- 4:30 PM: Stroll (waddle) back to the hotel, feeling pleasantly stuffed and slightly guilty.
- 5:00 PM: Attempt to write in my journal. End up staring blankly at the page, contemplating the meaning of life and the questionable contents of that tea bag.
- 7:00 PM: Decide that the world needs another nap.
- 9:00 PM: Wake up. Still jet-lagged. Consume a questionable instant noodle packet from the mini-mart down the street. Regret.
Day 2: The Temple and the Great Bike Fiasco of '23
- 8:00 AM: Wake Up. Actually attempt taking a shower. Discover the wonderful world of Chinese shower heads. So so intense.
- 9:00 AM: Okay, attempt to go to a temple. "Attempt" is the key word here. First the whole navigation thing. Google maps works, but it drains my data like it’s a vampire. The bus gets me maybe close to where I need to go.
- 10:00 AM: The Temple - Oh My Goodness. It's beautiful. Absolutely stunning. The colors! The intricate carvings! The incense smoke that makes my eyes water. I wander around, trying to look respectful and failing. Mostly, I'm just gawking. There is a pond of Koi fish. I really hope it's okay to take a picture. I take a picture.
- 11:00 AM: Hungry. Again. Is this just how travel works? I eat street food (probably). It tastes so good. I wonder if it will give me food poisoning. Probably not.
- 12:00 PM: The Great Bike Fiasco. Okay, this is epic. I decide I’m going to be that cool traveler, the one that effortlessly cruises around on a rental bike. Find a bike rental place, which ends up being someone’s shed. The bike looks like it's seen more action than I have, but hey, adventure.
- 12:30 PM: Bike ride begins! The streets are hectic. I’m weaving through traffic like a drunk spider. I almost get run over by a truck. I’m pretty sure someone yelled "idiot foreigner" at me. The bike is slowly falling apart. The chain keeps popping off. The seat is incredibly uncomfortable.
- 2:00 PM: The bike breaks completely. I'm stranded. In the middle of nowhere (or, more accurately, a busy intersection). Begin walking (sweating) back.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Defeated. Slightly sweaty. Contemplating the wisdom of bicycles.
- 4:00 PM: Rest. Watch some absolutely terrible Chinese television. Try to figure out what's going on. Give up. Nap again.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The search for food is a constant, comforting ritual. I eat (probably) more noodles.
- 7:30 PM: I see a karaoke bar. I wonder if I dare. Then I think, Nah.
Day 3: The Bus Station (Again) and Departure (with a side of slight emotional stability. Mostly)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Feeling less jet-lagged. Triumph!
- 10:00 AM: Stroll around the area. Find a surprisingly nice park. Sit on a bench. Watch the locals. Realize that, even though I still feel lost in translation a lot of the time, I'm slightly less lost now.
- 11:00 AM: One last noodle bowl. Okay, maybe two.
- 12:00 PM: Back to the hotel to pack. Double-check that I haven’t left anything important behind (like, you know, my passport). The room is a mess.
- 1:00 PM: Check out. The receptionist gives me a look that says, “glad you survived.” I kind of feel the same way to be honest.
- 1:30 PM: Back at the West Bus Station. It’s a blur of smells and sounds. I see a family saying goodbye. I see a couple holding hands. I see a guy with a suitcase that is falling apart, literally. I'm starting to feel… okay.
- 2:30 PM: On the bus. Heading back to the airport.
- 4:00 PM: Still on the bus. Contemplating the meaning of noodle life.
- 5:00 PM: The airport. Another connection. Another flight. Another chapter begins.
In Conclusion
This trip was… a lot of things. Messy. Delicious. Exhausting. Slightly terrifying. But it was mine. And that, in the end, is what matters. Now, all that's left is to get on that plane and attempt to not think about that slightly ominous tea bag until the next trip.
Escape to Bellevue: Luxury at Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Seattle
So, Seriously, What's This 'Unbelievable Luxury' Thing They're Promising? 'Cause I've Been Fooled Before.
Alright, let's be real. "Unbelievable Luxury" is marketing speak. I mean, does *anyone* actually believe it? Especially when you're staying near a BUS STATION? But hey, maybe the marketing intern had a good day. My expectations were… low. And you know what? They might, *might* have delivered a *little* bit. The lobby was surprisingly… not terrifying, considering the location. But luxury? Let's call it "aspirational comfort." Think less gold-plated everything and more… clean(ish) sheets. And hey, that's a win after a grueling bus ride, right? It's a whole mood. Kind of a "survived a long day, now I deserve passable hotel-ness" vibe. My advice: manage expectations, prepare for "functional," and hope for the best (which, honestly, can be pretty darn good).
Is the Location Actually Near a Bus Station? Like, *Really* Near? 'Cause That Could Be a Pro or a Con.
Oh, honey, it's *right there*. I mean, you could practically roll out of bed and *fall* onto a bus. (Not recommended, by the way, unless you're aiming for an unplanned adventure). It's convenient, I'll give it that. Perfect if you're catching an early bus or arriving late and collapsing is the priority. The downside? Prepare for the symphony of bus horns, chattering crowds, and the general *buzz* of travel. My first morning, I swear, I dreamt I *was* a bus, and everyone was yelling at me to hurry up. So, yeah. Location: check. Serenity: maybe not so much.
What's the Deal With the Rooms? Are They Clean? (This is Important.)
Okay, hygiene is my Achilles' heel. I'm a clean freak, what can I say? And honestly, the rooms were… acceptable. Let's put it that way. Not "sterile operating room" clean, but definitely not "found a furry friend under the bed" territory. The linens were fresh-ish (I always do the sniff test, don't judge), the bathroom wasn't actively trying to kill me with questionable stains, and the air conditioning *mostly* worked. I mean, there was a faint scent of… well, a hotel, I guess. But nothing truly horrifying. So, yeah. Clean enough. You'll survive. Pack some disinfectant wipes if you're as paranoid as I am (you won't regret it).
Is There Actually Breakfast? And Is It, You Know, Edible?
Ah, breakfast. The breakfast of champions… or, you know, the breakfast of "I ate it, survived, and now I'm ready to face the day." Yes, there *is* breakfast. Buffet-style, of course. Expect the usual suspects: some sort of congee (rice porridge), maybe some questionable pastries, and… well, let's just say it's an experience. I’m really going to go in here. *I NEED* to go in here. The coffee was brown-ish liquid, the juice tasted vaguely of fruit (ish), and the eggs…? Okay, the eggs were… an enigma wrapped in a mystery (and a pale yellow shell). I think I saw a local eating a pickled egg, and I'm pretty sure I'd seen them before as a snack on their way to the bus station. I gave up after one plate, opting for the convenience store down the street. Honestly, unless you have a cast iron stomach and a high threshold for adventure, I'd pack some snacks. Seriously. Save yourself (and your digestive system) the trouble. Now, that's not to say it wasn't "real" food, it was just... well... not gourmet.
What About the Staff? Are They Helpful? Do They Speak Any English?
The staff were… okay. The receptionists generally spoke *some* English. Enough to get you checked in, for the most part. A smile works wonders, though. Honestly, I found a lot of communication could be done with pointing, gesturing, and a healthy dose of Google Translate. Don't expect concierge-level service, but they're generally polite and try their best. I remember one time, I couldn't figure out how to work the TV (because, yes, I'm technologically inept), and one of the staff members actually came up to the room and tried to help me, bless their heart. The TV was a bit of a beast to deal with. So, be patient, be friendly, and don't be afraid to mime what you need. They're probably just as confused as you are, half the time.
Does it have Wi-Fi? (Because, you know, the modern world.)
Yes, it has Wi-Fi. But here's the catch: it's… spotty. And I mean *really* spotty. Sometimes it's lightning fast, sometimes it's slower than molasses in January, you never know. Be prepared for some buffering. Download what you need beforehand, or embrace the digital detox. I started reading a book (gasp!) because, well, the Wi-Fi was having a moment. Actually, it was kinda nice, in a strange way. So, yeah, Wi-Fi is there, but treat it like an unreliable friend. Don't depend on it for important stuff.
Is There Anything *Fun* Nearby? Besides, you know, the Bus Station?
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. You're near the bus station, so you're also near… well, not a ton. But Taizhou itself is a pretty charming place. There are some local restaurants within walking distance (explore! Be brave!), and a few shops. A little bit further out, there's likely more stuff; but I'm not sure it's worth the effort to get there. The bus station’s got a little market, which is cool. Honestly, it's not a "party central" location, but that's kind of the point, isn't it? It's a place to rest your head. You're not *really* there for the nightlife, you're there to get from here to there. And, hey! Adventures happen, you know? I took a wrong turn once and stumbled upon this *amazing* noodle shop. Best noodles of my life! So, yeah, explore. You might find something amazing. Or, you might just find another bus. Either way, it’s a story!
Overall, Would You Recommend the Starway Hotel (Taizhou West Bus Station)? Be Honest!
Okay, here's the truth: it depends. If you'5 Star Stay Find
