traveltales: CHINESE HOTELS

Sunday, November 7, 2010

CHINESE HOTELS

Hotel Surprise

A couple of years before the Olympics in Beijing we were not sure what to expect in hotel accommodations. Long story short, we had excellent hotels everywhere we traveled and wanted for nothing anywhere.

The 100-year-old Beijing Hotel, centrally located, was a five-star hotel. Once in our room we only did minimal unpacking, showered and hit the firm queen-size beds for a hopeful good night’s sleep. It was nearly midnight. We had passed over 15 time zones but we had arrived in China!

The Garden Hotel in Xi'an

Another surprise awaited us at the five-star Xi’an Garden Hotel. I remarked, “I certainly did not expect a 5-star hotel in China to be a truly 5-star, more like an American 3-star. This place is gorgeous, the landscaping is beautiful." We walked across a zig zag--–remember the dragons---wooden walkway over a lovely pond to get to our room.

Our Chendu hotel, JJH or Jinjiang, built in 1958, was located across from the Jinjiang River. Jin means prosperous----people’s expectation the hotel would experience prosperity like the new China.

The cabins on the American ownedVictoria Empress for the four days on the Yangtze River were small but comfortable with two single beds, a desk, hanging closet, and a small bathroom with a shower over a short tub, sink and commode. We loved the balcony and spent a fair amount of time on it. of the ships are . The 77 cabin Empress was 287 feet long.

The Tibet hotel was what I really expected throughout the trip. It would be a 1 ½-3 star hotel in the United States. We had a fabulous view of the Himalaya Mountains from our room picture window. Heat is turned on by the calendar not by the weather.

The time for heat was off during our stay. At 12,000-feet it gets pretty cool in the evening. There was no way we were going to get heat but were offered additional blankets. During the day we left the drapes wide open for the sun to warm the room and with the added blankets we actually slept well in the comfortable beds.

Our Hong Kong hotel was like any large plush hotel in any large city.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.