Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel, Fuyang's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits (Ish): My Whirlwind Tour of Starway Hotel, Fuyang - A Review You Can Actually Trust (Maybe)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (Earl Grey, naturally, since it's probably available… more on that later) on the Starway Hotel in Fuyang. The marketing materials promised "Unbelievable Luxury," and let me tell you, unbelievable it was. Whether in the way I'd hoped… well, we'll get to that. This isn't your polished, perfectly edited hotel review; this is the warts-and-all, post-jetlag, slightly-hungover truth from a travel enthusiast who's seen a few hotels (and a few too many mini-bars) in their day.
First Impressions: The A-Okay & The "Wait…what?"
- Accessibility: Okay, let's start with the practicalities. The website claimed accessibility. And yeah, there's an elevator (a big plus!), but maneuverability around the public areas? Hit or miss. Some ramps were fine, others felt like a steep incline from a cartoon. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I couldn't personally test every aspect. Let's just say it's generally accessible, with potential for some "interesting" moments.
- Check-in/out [express/private]: I opted for the seemingly speedy express check-in/out. (Who doesn't want to get straight to their room?). Which was great…until I realized they'd accidentally given me someone else's key card. Chaos ensued. But hey, at least they tried to be efficient, right?
- Front desk [24-hour]: They've got this down! Absolutely fantastic. This is great if you need to check in anytime of the day.
Rooms: The Good, the Beige, and the "Where's My Slippers?"
Available in all rooms: This is where the supposed luxury really began to shine.
- Air conditioning: Praise the AC gods! Essential in Fuyang's climate.
- Bathroom phone: I'm not sure anyone needs a bathroom phone in 2024, but, hey, to each their own.
- Bathtub: Score! I'm a sucker for a long soak after a day of exploring.
- Blackout curtains: Thank goodness! Slept like a baby.
- Coffee/tea maker: Needed this a lot.
- Complimentary tea: Excellent.
- Daily housekeeping: Impeccable – always fresh towels, pristine surfaces.
- Desk: For the, ahem, emails.
- Extra long bed: Perfect for people who are taller than average.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciate a freebie.
- Hair dryer: A must, and it worked (unlike some I've encountered!). High floor: With an enjoyable view. In-room safe box: Excellent for extra security. Ironing facilities: Great for the business professional. Laptop Work area: Fantastic.
- Linens: Good quality, clean.
- Mini bar: The temptation…was strong.
- Non-smoking: Smug, but good.
- Seating area: Comfy, but a bit of a space in the room.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxurious, but the water pressure could be a little better.
- Towels: The usual!
- Visual alarm: For safety.
- Wake-up service: Helpful.
- Wi-Fi [free]: The internet did work, which is a huge win.
- Window that opens: Fresh air! I like that.
The Slight Hiccups: The room decor? Think…beige. Lots of beige. It was clean, but not exactly bursting with personality. And the slippers? For some reason, only one pair appeared. A mystery I'm still trying to solve.
Room decorations: The room had a few decorations, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Internet, Internet, Everywhere (But Sometimes Nowhere?)
- Internet access – LAN: I didn't even try this. Who uses LAN anymore?
- Internet access – wireless: The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a lifesaver. But here's the thing: it was sometimes a little on the spotty side. Fine for browsing, less so for video calls. Embrace the occasional digital detox, I say!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Asian Delight to Buffet Blunders (and Where's My Soup?)
Restaurants: Yes, plural! Promising!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: I loved the Asian breakfast! Delicious noodles, savory dumplings, the works.
- Western/International cuisine in restaurant: The buffet, however, was less successful. The buffet was average.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop: Both were fine, reliable spots for a caffeine fix.
- Happy hour: Not my strong suit.
- Poolside bar: Always good for a drink!
- Room service [24-hour]: An absolute godsend after a long day of exploring. Plus, Breakfast in room? Yes, please!
- Desserts in restaurant: Meh.
Things I Missed (and the Minor Annoyances): Where was the Vegetarian restaurant? I noticed they had Vegetarian options, but nothing too specific. And the Soup in restaurant? Nowhere to be found. Come on, Starway, I wanted soup!
Safe dining setup: Good to see.
To Relax or Not To Relax: The Spa, the Pool, and the Questionable Body Wrap
- Spa/sauna: They had a spa, which was a godsend.
- Body scrub/Body wrap: I opted for a body wrap. It was…an experience. Let's just say the therapist was enthusiastic. I felt like a burrito, in a good way.
- Fitness center: Standard hotel gym, but clean and functional.
- Foot bath: Soothing, relaxing.
- Pool with view/Swimming pool/Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful!
- Sauna/Steamroom: Perfect for easing aching muscles.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitizer Shuffle
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I saw them at work.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Very reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere, which is a big plus.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Another plus.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed professional.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful and the… Less So?
Business facilities: The Business facilities are available.
- Cash withdrawal: Easy peasy.
- Concierge: Very helpful for booking taxis.
- Currency exchange: Convenient, if you need it.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent, as mentioned.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service/Ironing service: All available, which is great.
- Elevator: A lifesaver!
- Luggage storage: No issues!
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Looked impressive, even if I didn't use them.
- Smoking area: Okay, but I was happy to be in a Non-smoking hotel.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A little overpriced, but hey, you're on vacation!
- Safety deposit boxes: Always useful.
- Taxi service: Available and not ridiculously expensive.
- Doorman: Friendly enough.
Things that Were…Less Convincing: The Doctor/nurse on call aspect. Hopefully, I never need it!
For the Kids: The Babysitting Service…Hmm.
- Babysitting service: I didn't need one, but it's good to have it.
- Family/child friendly/Kids facilities/Kids meal: This section is great for families.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
- Airport transfer: Easy and efficient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Parking was free and easy.
The Verdict: "Unbelievable" with a Grain of Salt
The Starway Hotel in Fuyang… it's not perfect. It's got quirks. It has its flaws. But would I recommend it? Yeah, probably. It's clean, generally well-maintained, and offers a decent level of comfort and convenience. The staff are mostly lovely. And, if you're looking for a place to relax and recharge after a day of seeing Fuyang, it's a good bet. The promised "Unbelievable Luxury" might
Escape to Paradise: Movenpick's Sharm El Sheikh Luxury Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-too-excited-and-possibly-sleep-deprived diary of my adventure at the Starway Hotel Yingshang Wuyue Plaza in Fuyang, China. Prepare for a wild ride.
Pre-Trip Ramblings (aka, the panic-fueled packing session):
- Okay, so China. Yikes. My Mandarin is… conversational at best, mostly involving pointing and enthusiastic nodding. Packing was a disaster. I swear I brought enough socks to clothe a small army. Also, did I remember my universal adapter? Probably not. Note to self: Locate adapter. Maybe pray.
- This hotel…Starway Hotel Yingshang Wuyue Plaza…sounds fancy. Hope it has a decent air conditioner. My internal monologue is currently just a string of "OMG China!" and "Did I pack enough snacks?"
Day 1: Arrival and… Disappointment?
- Flight: Brutal. Crying babies. Turbulence. The usual. But! I survived. First victory.
- Transportation to the Hotel: Took a taxi. The driver seemed to think my pigeon Mandarin was a language of its own. We communicated primarily through hand gestures and vaguely terrifying turns. Reached the hotel.
- The Hotel: Ah, the Starway Hotel. My initial impression? Meh. It’s… clean. Definitely cleaner than my apartment back home, which is a low bar, I admit. The air conditioner did work. This is a win. There’s a faint smell of something in the air – can’t quite place it – but hey, it's not mold, so I'll take it.
- Food Adventure (or lack thereof): Okay, this is where things went a little sideways. Starving after the flight, I ventured out, armed with Google Translate. Found a noodle shop. The noodles were… interesting. Let’s just say the texture was an experience. Think…chewy rubber bands. The broth, however, was fiery! My face flushed, my eyes teared but I was able to eat it all.
- Evening Emotional Breakdown (just kidding…ish): Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Sat on the edge of my bed, fighting the urge to burst into tears (again, mostly kidding). This is… a lot. China is a lot. But then I looked out the window, at the lights twinkling in the city below, and took a deep breath, and thought, "Okay, you're here. Deal with it." This is the part where the travel blogger would say something profound. I will just say I was afraid of getting lost or worse and that I was a little bit homesick.
Day 2: The Yingshang Plaza Encounter (and a Food Fight with My Soul)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet situation was a culinary battleground I was not prepared for. Everything looked… unfamiliar. I cautiously sampled a few things, ending up with a plate of something fried and doughy, something resembling tofu, and… what I think might have been congee. It tasted like… well, breakfast.
- The Wuyue Plaza: Okay, the real reason for this trip. The famous plaza. I ventured out. Oh my god… what a madhouse. People everywhere. Shops galore. The sheer volume of stuff was overwhelming. My brain short-circuited. I needed a coffee. Or several.
- The Food Court Saga: This is where things got deep. The food court was a kaleidoscope of smells, sights, and sounds. I was utterly lost but starving. I saw a stall serving what looked like dumplings. Dumplings! My comfort food! I stood in line, envisioning fluffy, savory goodness.
- The Dumpling Incident: I ordered a bowl, expecting dumpling perfection. What I got was… not what I expected. These were not the plump, juicy dumplings of my dreams. They were… dry. They tasted vaguely of… something. I took a bite. Then another. My face crumpled. I wanted to go back to the hotel and hide under the covers. I felt like I'd personally failed to understand the beauty of Chinese food. I had a mini existential crisis right there in the middle of the bustling food court.
- Consequences: I wandered around the plaza for hours, disoriented and slightly traumatized by the dumpling experience. I bought a bizarre, brightly colored drink just to feel something.
- Emotional Recovery: I finally found a small, unassuming tea shop and ordered a milky tea. The kindness of the girl who made it, her patience with my terrible Mandarin, and the warm, comforting tea restored a shred of my sanity.
Day 3: Temple Discovery and The "I need a massage" phase
- Morning: I woke early, energized. I wanted to see a temple! I found a temple, I think.
- The Temple: The temple was an oasis of calm. Incense hung thick in the air, and I felt a peace I hadn't felt since… well, since I left for this trip. The carvings were beautiful, the air was cool, and everything felt sacred. I just sat, watching people pray, their faces lit by the flickering light of candles. This was what I needed.
- Post-Temple: I’m pretty sure I got lost. I navigated the streets. I saw a cute little cat. The streets are always busy, and the smells are… unique.
- Evening: I am currently booking a massage, because I'm utterly exhausted! My feet are killing me, my brain is fried, and I'm pretty sure my shoulders are permanently hunched from carrying my camera. I'll report back on the massage.
Upcoming:
- Finding more restaurants… without the existential crisis.
- Learning how to say "thank you" without sounding like a complete idiot.
- Avoiding further dumpling-related traumas.
- Surviving.
Final Thoughts (for now):
China is challenging, overwhelming, and… captivating. It’s a place that demands you discard all your expectations. It's making me question everything I thought I knew about traveling. I’m still a little scared, a little homesick, and a lot of hungry. But I'm also… starting to get it. And that, I think, is why people travel. To be completely lost, and finally find yourself. Or something like that. Until tomorrow… Wish me luck. I think I’ll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Makarska Apartment Awaits!
Alright, let's be real. Is the Starway Hotel *actually* luxurious or is it just…fluffy marketing talk?
Okay, look, the "unbelievable luxury" thing? Yeah, that's… ambitious. It's not the Four Seasons, you know? Let me put it this way: I went in expecting a slightly nicer Motel 6 and walked out feeling like… well, like I'd been moderately spoiled. The lobby *does* have a chandelier that's seen better days. It felt a little like the chandelier was judging my questionable fashion choices. Some of the finishings might be a *touch* dated, the wood grain in the elevator had seen a lot of people. But the staff? They are genuinely trying. I'm talking like, *above and beyond* trying. More on that in a sec. So, "unbelievable"? Eh. "Pleasantly surprising for the price and location"? Absolutely. And frankly, after a few too many baijiu shots, everything starts to feel a little unbelievable, right?
What’s the deal with the rooms? Are we talking tiny shoebox situations?
Okay, the rooms. This is where the Starway *mostly* wins. They're… spacious. Relative to what you might expect in a Chinese city hotel. They're not like, palatial, but I could *breathe*. The beds were comfy! Not the rock-hard mattresses you sometimes get. I was actually able to sprawl out. Now, I did have a minor issue with the air conditioning – it decided to sound like a particularly disgruntled lawnmower at 3 AM. Seriously, the noise! But a quick call to the front desk, and a lovely person (who, bless her heart, spoke *some* English) got it sorted out fast. They even, and this is where the "above and beyond" comes in, offered to move me to a completely different room! At 3 AM! Which I declined because I was comfy and half-asleep and didn't fancy repacking. But the *effort*! That's what I'm saying. Plus the rooms had this amazing, and I mean AMAZING, view of the bustling city. Made me feel like a movie star, even though I was just in my PJs.
The food! Give me the lowdown. Is it edible? Or should I pack protein bars?
Okay, so the food… This is where things get... interesting. The breakfast buffet? It's an experience. There's a mix of Western and, well, *everything else*. There were these little steamed buns with pork inside, which were divine. Like, seriously good. Seriously addictive. I may have eaten, like, five. Then there was the… *mystery meat*. I’m not kidding. It was in a slow cooker, and the sign said something about "local delicacy." I asked one of the staff, and the response was a very enthusiastic nod and a shrug. I tried a small piece (for research purposes, obviously). It was… definitely meat. Possibly pork. Verdict: not horrible. Not amazing. An experience, for sure. Stick with the buns. And the coffee? Let's just say it's not Starbucks. But hey, it'll wake you up.
What about location? Is it in the middle of nowhere? Do I need a translator and a compass to find it?
Nope, not in the middle of nowhere! It’s smack-dab in the thick of things. The Starway's location is pretty solid. You're close to… stuff. I'm not gonna lie, navigating Fuyang can be a bit of an adventure if you don't speak Chinese. Lots of bustling streets, scooter traffic, and food stalls. The hotel itself is pretty easy to find, actually. Just tell your taxi driver "Starway Hotel, Fuyang," and they'll probably know where to go. Okay, maybe keep a map handy on your phone, just in case. But generally, it's pretty accessible. And really that makes exploring this city's wonders possible.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Do they speak any English? Because my Mandarin extends to "Ni hao" and "xie xie."
Okay, the staff. GOLD STARS. Seriously. They're unbelievably friendly. Like, genuinely welcoming. And this is the thing that elevates the Starway from "okay" to "memorable." English skills vary. Some staff speak very little, but they *try*. They have that endearing mix of smiling and nodding that anyone who has ever traveled in Asia knows and loves. The front desk will have someone who does speak alright English. They were always super helpful with directions, booking taxis, and anything else I needed. One time, I needed to send a package back home. It was a total mess of forms and customs and me looking utterly bewildered. Well, one lovely staff member literally walked me to the post office, translated everything, and helped me get it mailed. Above and beyond, people. That's the Starway's superpower. They make you feel like they actually *care*. That kind of service? It's worth its weight in gold. And in this day and age of impersonal travel, that's really something precious.
Would you go back? Be honest! Spill the tea!
Okay, the big question. Would I go back? Absolutely. Yes, absolutely. Look, it's not perfect. The air conditioning's grumpy, the mystery meat is… well, mysterious, and the decor has seen better days. But the staff, the comfortable rooms, the location, and the *vibe*? It's a win. It's a genuinely charming place with a heart. It’s not about the "unbelievable luxury." It's about the experience. I left the Starway with a smile – a slightly sleep-deprived, mystery-meat-infused smile, but a smile nonetheless. And isn't that what travel is all about? Finding the hidden gems, the places with character, the ones that don't just offer a bed but offer a little piece of someone's heart? So, yeah. I'll be back. Probably for more of those steamed buns. And, maybe, braver with the mystery meat next time...Wish me luck.
