Unbelievable Pingdingshan Stay! GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza Review
Unbelievable Pingdingshan Stay! GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza: A Raw, Real Review (Prepare for Rambling!)
Okay, so I just got back from Pingdingshan, and let me tell you, navigating China can be a TRIP. And the GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza? Well, it's a mixed bag, to say the least. Buckle up, because this isn't your average polished travel blog. I'm going to be brutally honest, and probably go off on tangents. Consider this your fair warning.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or Lack Thereof…):
Finding the GreenTree Inn was easy peasy, right smack in the Wanda Plaza. Location? Check. But the first thing that hit me? The accessibility. Or rather, the lack of it. Navigating the hotel and, more importantly, the surrounding Wanda Plaza, felt like a bit of an obstacle course. I'm mostly mobile, but I was thinking about folks with mobility issues… it just wasn't ideal. I mean, there's an elevator, thank god, but the general flow? Could be better, GreenTree, could be much better.
Let's Talk Internet, Baby! (And the Great Wi-Fi Quest):
Okay, so the promise of "Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!" is HUGE. And it's true, kinda. You can get Wi-Fi, but the connection was spotty enough to make me want to scream into a pillow. Remember, I need internet for work, y'all! And it’s not like I was just trying to upload some Instagram selfies! There's internet, there's LAN access (which I didn't even bother with, it felt like going back to the 90s), and there's supposed Wi-Fi in the public areas. Didn't really test the public Wi-Fi since my room's was such a letdown. So, bring a backup plan (or a really good data package) if you need reliable internet.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind… Mostly:
This one got a major gold star. The GreenTree Inn actually seems to care about being clean. Big shout-out to the team for taking cleanliness seriously. I'm talking "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and rooms seemingly "Sanitized between stays." The "Hand sanitizer" dispensers were everywhere. So, you know, I was in a good place even with the slight lack of perfect mobility access. I was feeling pretty safe. They kept it tidy, and that's a huge plus in my book. And the "Smoke alarms" and "Fire extinguisher" made me feel like they actually care about their customers.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food for Thought (and My Stomach):
The food situation was…varied. They had "Western breakfast" (which I bravely attempted once), and "Asian breakfast". The "Buffet in restaurant" looked alright, but honestly, the "Coffee shop" saved me. The "Poolside bar" looked enticing, tempting though I didn't try them. Room service, thank God, was 24-hour. Which I definitely took advantage of, late at night. I tried the "A la carte in restaurant" menu, too! But more than anything, the "Bottle of water" in the room made me even happier because I definitely got thirsty.
The Room: Where Dreams (and Sleep) Come True… Most of the Time:
Okay, my room. Here’s the deal. “Blackout curtains” are essential when chasing away jetlag. They had them! They also had “Air conditioning,” “Complimentary tea,” (thank you, GreenTree!) a “Refrigerator,” and a “Safe box.” Basic, but functional. The “Desk” was a lifesaver. The “Shower” was adequate. The “Slippers.” Ah, the slippers were a nice touch. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean and comfortable enough, and honestly, after a long day battling the streets of Pingdingshan, that's all I needed. A nice, quiet room. That's what you pay for, right?
The Spa & Relaxation Zone (Or the Lack Thereof):
Okay, here is where I get a little bit down. The lack of a spa. I had been looking forward to a "Sauna", and a "Massage". But all that was missing! Come on, people! A long day in Pingdingshan needs a spa day! The "Gym/fitness" center was there but was way too basic for me.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
They had "Daily housekeeping," which was nice. I may have left a mess or two, but they never complained. They had an elevator, a "Doorman", and a "Concierge." There was a "Gift/souvenir shop" which was helpful too if you're into that sort of thing. The "Currency exchange" was convenient too.
Getting Around:
The "Car park [free of charge]" was a huge benefit. Parking in Pingdingshan can be a nightmare.
The Verdict: Worth It? (With Caveats!)
So, is the GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza worth the stay? Yes, with a few caveats. It's clean, generally safe, and located in a convenient spot. It's not fancy, the internet can be a pain, and the spa is MIA, but it gets the job done. If you're looking for a solid, affordable place to rest your head in Pingdingshan, and prioritize cleanliness and location, then I'd say, go for it. Just pack a good book (or download some offline stuff) because that Wi-Fi might let you down. Final Grade: 7.5/10 (Could be an 8.5 with a functional spa and upgraded Wi-Fi!)
The "Unbelievable Pingdingshan Stay!" Offer (Because Let's Be Honest, You're Reading This):
Tired of the usual hotel blah? Craving adventure but still need a safe and reliable place to crash? We get it.
Book your stay at the GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza Pingdingshan NOW and get:
- Discounted nightly rates!
- Complimentary breakfast! (Subject to availability and the whims of the buffet gods)
- Free Wi-Fi! (We can't guarantee it'll be amazing, but hey, it's free!)
- Bonus! If you tell the front desk you read this exact review, you'll receive a mysterious bonus surprise. (We won't tell you what it is. That's part of the fun!)
- Plus, the peace of mind that comes with a clean and safe environment.
- Close to "Wanda Plaza" if you happen to like that sort of thing.
- Be aware, Accessibility is a mixed bag, so if you have mobility issues, be prepared.
Don't delay! This offer won't last forever! Click here to book your Unbelievable Pingdingshan adventure now! (Or something like that, find the booking link somewhere.)
Luxury Retro Condo w/ FREE Pool & Gym: 15 Min to Downtown Ho Chi Minh!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to experience my INTERNAL MONOLOGUE-slash-GreenTree Inn Adventure in Pingdingshan! This isn't your polished travel guide, folks. This is the REAL DEAL. Prepare for emotional rollercoasters, questionable decisions, and the overwhelming urge to eat ALL the noodles.
Day 1: Arrival… and the Mystery of the Missing Pillow
- 14:00 - Arrival at GreenTree Inn Pingdingshan Wanda Plaza Branch. Okay, first impressions: surprisingly clean lobby! The friendly face at the front desk spoke some broken English, which, combined with my nonexistent Mandarin, made for a rather… charming check-in process. Found my room, and… wait a minute… WHERE IS THE EXTRA PILLOW?! This is a CRITICAL situation. I, sir, require a mountain of fluff to properly sleep/complain about the world.
- 14:30 - Pillow Pursuit. Armed with my best charades skills, I returned to the front desk. I attempted to explain, with much arm-waving and exaggerated head-bobbing, the pillow emergency. Success! Another pillow was secured. Victory is mine! (Though, now I'm suspicious about the first one… did someone steal it? Is this an elaborate pillow heist?!).
- 15:00 - Exploring the Wanda Plaza: Alright, time to dive into the Wanda Plaza! This place is HUGE. Honestly, I got a little overwhelmed. It's a sensory overload – the flashing lights, the constant music, the sheer volume of people. I walked through a bunch of shops I didn't understand the first thing about, but I did manage to snag a questionable-looking iced tea. I'm still not sure what was in it, but at least it was cold.
- 17:00 - Dinner Debacle (aka, The Noodle Quest): Okay, this is where things got interesting. I wanted noodles. NEEDED noodles. I scoured the Wanda Plaza, and finally found a promising little noodle place. The menu? All in Chinese. My Mandarin? Nonexistent. So, I pointed randomly, said "xie xie" a lot, and hoped for the best. And the best happened! This bowl of noodles was LIFE-CHANGING. Spicy, savory, and overflowing with deliciousness. I slurped. I moaned (quietly, I'm not that uncouth). I may or may not have considered ordering a second bowl, right then and there.
- 19:00 - Wandering the Plaza: After the noodle explosion, I simply had to wander, completely stuffed but happy. I watched some teenagers play a VERY competitive game of basketball, ogled some (very expensive) clothes I could never afford, and generally reveled in the chaos of it all. This is the magic of traveling, you know? Just being in a place and absorbing the energy.
- 21:00 - Back at the GreenTree: The Great Pillow Experiment. After a long day on my feet and a full stomach, I returned to my room to crash. I tested the pillows. The extra one was perfect. I was so exhausted, I fell asleep almost instantly.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion (and Questionable Street Food Decisions)
- 08:00 - Wake-up Call: The Dawn of the Damp Towel. Okay, so the shower felt like a gentle mist. Which is fine…Except the damp towel hang from the night before was cold. So cold. But onwards! Time to embrace the adventure!
- 09:00 - Breakfast Interrogation: Back to the Wanda Plaza for breakfast. Found a very… interesting shop. The food was all on display, and I could sort of identify things. I pointed, nodded, and hoped for the best. Got some kind of fried dough stick (it was greasy, glorious, and I'm pretty sure it's what I'll be craving for weeks after I leave).
- 10:00 - The Temple Adventure (AKA, Lost in Translation): I wanted to "do culture" after breakfast, so I decided to check out some temple. Armed with my trusty translation app (which, let's be honest, mostly spits out gibberish), I started wandering, fully immersed in my attempt to grasp ANY cultural concept. I'm pretty sure I saw what looked like a giant golden Buddha statue. It was impressive. It was quiet. It was beautiful, but also, I had no idea of the significance of anything. I felt like an imposter, but hey, at least the air was fresh and the architecture was amazing.
- 12:00 - Lunchtime… Gamble: I was starving. I really wasn't sure what to eat. This time, I decided to dive head-first into the street food scene. I saw some things being cooked on a grill, and there were lots of locals crowded around. I pointed like a madman, and paid my money. "It's all part of the experience, right?" I told myself. And it ABSOLUTELY was. I am still not sure what I ate. It was… chewy. It was kinda spicy. I have no regrets.
- 14:00 - Rest Back at the GreenTree: I was tired after all the walking. After some rest, I felt so much better and got hungry as a bear.
- 16:00 - Wanda Plaza Round Two: The Shopping Spree (or Lack Thereof): Back to the Wanda Plaza! (Because, let's be honest, where else is there to go in Pingdingshan?). This time, I was going to buy something. I wandered. I browsed. I got completely overwhelmed again. I settled for buying a souvenir for myself - a keychain. And I was happy with my very small victory.
- 18:00 - Dinner Re-do (Noodle Edition, Again): Let's be honest, the thought of NOT eating noodles was unthinkable. Found the earlier noodle spot. I was a regular! The server recognized me, and the whole experience felt a little bit warmer, a little more friendly. And the noodles? As amazing as the day before. I have developed a real emotional attachment to this place.
- 20:00 - Relaxation in the GreenTree: After dinner, I went back to my room. I wanted to watch some television, but the programs were all in Chinese. So I just laid in bed and appreciated the quiet.
Day 3: Departure and Departure
- 07:00 - Packing Meltdown: Time to pack. I am a terrible packer. My suitcase is a disaster zone. Somehow, I managed to mostly succeed.
- 08:00 - Last Breakfast at Wanda Plaza: I needed noodles again! I had my final breakfast. I was sad to leave. I almost cried.
- 09:00 - Check-Out and Departure: One last smile for the front desk. I left the GreenTree Inn feeling refreshed!
Final Thoughts:
Pingdingshan? It's quirky. It's overwhelming. It's sometimes confusing. But I wouldn't trade the experience for all the perfectly planned itineraries in the world. And the noodles? Oh, the noodles… I miss them already. This journey was an experience that I will not ever forget. Pingdingshan, you weird, wonderful place!
Lyon's Hidden Gem: 1882 Luxury Awaits at Hotel De Verdun!
Okay, so *Unbelievable* Pingdingshan... What even *is* that? And why a GreenTree Inn?!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. "Unbelievable" Pingdingshan is my code for a *trip*. A very specific, and at times, utterly baffling trip. I went to Pingdingshan, a city in China, and because I am a budget traveler (and secretly, just a bit of a masochist when it comes to hotels!), I chose the GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza. Don't judge! I've stayed in worse. Much, much worse. Think "motel room from a horror film" worse.
Honestly, the Wanda Plaza part sounded promising. Wanda Plazas are typically... well, they're *things*. Like, malls, restaurants, the works. But the GreenTree Inn? That's where the adventure truly began. It felt deeply underwhelming at that moment, the kind of underwhelming that sets your expectations *low*.
The Wanda Plaza factor... Live up to the hype? Or, you know, NOT?
Okay, so the Wanda Plaza itself? Mixed bag, baby, mixed bag. It was… a Wanda Plaza. Meaning, there was a cinema (mandatory, right?), a bunch of shops selling things I didn't need, and a frustratingly confusing food court. I'm talking, like, "where does the line *actually* start?" confusing. And trying to order food when nobody speaks English? Pure chaos. Glorious chaos.
But there was a Haidilao Hot Pot. And, honestly, that probably saved the whole trip from being a complete disaster. Haidilao is an experience. The service! The little aprons! The free snacks while you wait! It borders on obsession. I mean, I'd go back to Pingdingshan *just* for the Haidilao. Don't tell anyone I said that, though.
Let's talk GreenTree Inn. What kind of… *experiences* did it deliver?
Okay. Deep breath. The GreenTree Inn. Where do I even begin? It was… functional. Let's start there. FUNCTIONAL. Think IKEA furniture that’s seen better days, generic art on the walls, and a bathroom that was… present. The bed? Let's just say I wasn't entirely sure what material the sheets *were*, but they weren't particularly soft. Or clean. Again, budget travel, so…
But here’s the thing. I’m obsessed with the details, and the details were… curious. There was a tiny, useless desk, a water boiler that looked like it had survived a small nuclear explosion, and a TV with channels I couldn't understand. And the internet? Oh. The internet was a glorious exercise in patience. Or lack thereof. Picture me, fuming, yet somehow still managing to upload a selfie to Instagram with an excruciatingly slow connection.
And the breakfast? Don't even get me started. It was… well, let’s just say I spent most of my mornings at a local dumpling shop instead. Which, by the way, had *amazing* dumplings. And that, my friends, is a travel win.
The *Bathroom*... Okay, spill. What horrors did it hold?
OH, the bathroom. Okay, so the bathroom. It was… the kind of bathroom that makes you question your life choices. The shower curtain clung to you like a clingy ex. The water pressure? Weak, my friends. We're talking a gentle drizzle approximating what a rainstorm might *dream* of being.
And the *smells*, oh god, the smells. I'm not talking about bad smells. I'm talking *intriguing* smells. A floral aroma that seemed to emanate from some kind of air freshener that had been on the fritz since the hotel was built. There was also a lingering hint of... well, let's call it "industrial cleaner." It was a potent combination that, honestly, I don't think I'll ever forget. Some memories are etched forever.
The toilet, bless its little plastic heart, worked… eventually. Let's just say I was constantly checking to see if it had properly been flushed the previous day and leaving a trail of tissues to mop up. The only upside was the incredibly soft toilet paper. Luxury!
What about the staff? Any memorable encounters?
The staff? Well, they were… present. My Mandarin is nonexistent, their English was limited. We communicated through a mixture of hand gestures, facial expressions, and Google Translate. It was a beautiful, messy chaos.
One day, I tried to order room service (a mistake, in hindsight). I wanted some tea, so I managed to get that part across. But what *kind* of tea? They brought me something that smelled vaguely of old socks and had a color that was… concerning. I think it was tea? I have no idea, and frankly, I'm still a little afraid to find out.
But the best part? The genuinely helpful housekeeping lady. She was an angel! She kept my room clean, even when I tried to be a slob. One time, I lost my charger and she found it, tucked it away for me with a tiny, almost imperceptible smile. God love her.
So, overall, would you recommend the GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza? Be honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I recommend the GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza? Look, it depends. If you're looking for luxury, a spa experience, and pristine conditions? NO. Run. Run far, far away.
But, if you're a budget traveler, an adventurous soul, and someone who doesn't mind a few imperfections (and smells you'll *never* forget), then… maybe. It was an experience. It was an adventure. It's a story I'll be telling for years. And heck, maybe I’ll even go back. Just for the Haidilao. And the dumplings. And the sheer, unfiltered *weirdness* of it all.
So, yes and no. It's complicated. Like me. And my relationship with the GreenTree Inn.
Any advice for a GreenTree Inn Wanda Plaza newcomer?
Three words: Lower. Your. Expectations. Seriously. Then, pack some earplugs (for the road noise, and the questionable plumbing noises), a good book (because the internet might fail you), and a sense of humor. And embrace the chaos. Embrace the weirdness. Embrace the fact that you *will* remember this trip.
Also, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. And maybe bring your own tea. You've been warned. And, oh yeah, find the dumpling shop. Trust me on this one. It's a game-changer.
