Nanjing's BEST Hotel Near North Railway Station? (Elan Inn Review!)
Elan Inn Near Nanjing North Station: A Train-Spotter's Diary of Delight and… Disappointment?
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to lay down the truth about the Elan Inn, the supposed "BEST" hotel near Nanjing North Railway Station. Emphasis on "supposed." This isn't a polished travel brochure; it's a raw, unfiltered account of my stay. Consider this your messy, honest, and hopefully helpful guide.
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Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
Let's start with the practicalities. Nanjing North Station is HUGE. Being near the station is already a HUGE plus for convenience. The Elan Inn claims to be accessible. Okay, let's dissect this. We're talking:
- Wheelchair Accessible: I didn't personally test this with a wheelchair, but I did notice a few things. There is an elevator (thank GOD), and the public areas seemed relatively easy to maneuver (though I wouldn't swear by it). However, I can't definitively say if the rooms themselves are fully adapted. *Important point, if you're a wheelchair user, I'd call ahead and *really* grill them about room accessibility. Don't just take the website at face value.*
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Ditto above. They say they have it, but I'm not wholly convinced.
Internet Access: Glory, Free Wi-Fi! (Mostly)
Alright, the internet situation is crucial. We're modern people, we need to be connected!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Hallelujah! This is a huge win. The Wi-Fi was generally reliable, though it did hiccup a couple of times during peak hours. (I blame the tourists streaming K-dramas.)
- Internet [LAN]: I didn't actually use the LAN cables, but they were there in the room – a relic of a bygone digital age!
- Internet Services: Fine, nothing fancy. Just the basics.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Mostly Safe, But…
Okay, this is a big one, especially after… well, you know.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes, in theory. Did I see them using them? Not particularly. Felt a little like the "essential oil diffuser after a bad smell" situation.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed like it, but who can truly tell? A little spraying and wiping doesn't hurt, I'll give them that.
- Hand sanitizer: Stations everywhere, which is GREAT.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Check. More on the food later.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Attempted, not always successful. People are people. (Especially in buffet lines…)
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Hopefully. I certainly hope they do.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I think so. They wore masks, at least.
- CCTV in common areas & outside property, Security [24-hour]: Makes me feel a little safer. It's a bustling area, and security is always good.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Smoke detectors: Basic safety is present, and that's good.
My (Almost) Embarrassing Breakfast Saga: A Case Study in "Buffet" Realities
The breakfast, oh the breakfast. This is where things got… interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, a buffet, which is usually a sign of good value and choice. However, there was also a Breakfast takeaway service. So, yeah, great for on-the-go people.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Variety! Though I'm not sure what I expected at Elan Inn near a train station…
- Buffet in restaurant: Okay, the food quality was… variable is an understatement. The coffee was lukewarm, the pastries were suspiciously stale (a real pet peeve), and the "western" options consisted mainly of congealed scrambled eggs. But I swear the Soup in restaurant was actually pretty decent, despite my skepticism. On second thought, the soup saved the day.
- Café and Coffee shop: Seemed promising, but I didn't actually try them. I may be regretting my decision, but also, I'm still recovering from that breakfast…
- Fruit and Salad in restaurant, but not much: Alright, let's just say that it wasn't a gourmet experience, and the word "fresh" wasn't prominently displayed anywhere.
- Restaurants, but not many options: Limited, and a bit over-hyped.
- Alternatives: I'd recommend trying the takeaway option to be honest.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Don't Get Your Hopes Up
Look, this isn't the Ritz. It's a budget-friendly hotel.
- Bar: Didn't see one. Probably wouldn't have used it anyway.
- Bottle of water: Provided, thankfully.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee/tea maker in rooms: Yes, essential for survival.
- Happy hour: Didn't observe, but not surprised.
- Poolside bar: Dream on.
- Room service [24-hour]: Nope.
- Snack bar: Non-existent, I believe.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Not really. Veggie choices were pretty limited.
- Desserts in restaurant: Limited to the dessert buffet which weren't stellar.
Let's Talk About The Room (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Smelly)
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains: Essentials, all present and functioning.
- Bathroom phone: A bit bizarre, but I didn't use it.
- Bathtub: Some rooms, not all. I didn't get one.
- Bed: Extra long bed Hallelujah! (I'm tall.)
- Closet: Adequate.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Yes, which is absolutely appreciated.
- Desk: Yes, and it was almost big enough to actually work on.
- Hair dryer: Yes.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Mini-bar: Empty. A missed opportunity.
- Non-smoking, and very welcome Non-smoking rooms Yes.
- Refrigerator: Yes, also empty.
- Satellite/cable channels: Fine. Didn't really watch them.
- Seating area, Sofa: Not exactly luxurious, but functional.
- Shower, Separate shower/bathtub: My shower was fine, nothing special.
- Slippers: Yes, the essential hotel slipper experience
- Soundproofing, which was a big Plus: The train noise was surprisingly minimal.
- Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, and all of the standard necessities: Present and accounted for.
- Wake-up service: Yes (but I used my phone).
- Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Yes and yes!
- Additional toilet Some rooms have it, not mine.
- Mirror, Reading light, and Socket near the bed: Great.
- Carpeting, Carpeting: I did not inspect the carpet like a scientist.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Nice option for families.
- Laptop workspace: Yep.
- Linens, High floor, Ironing facilities, and Internet access – LAN A mixed bag. Overall, the room was clean and functional.
For the Kids, and "Things to Do" (Limited)
- Babysitting service: Not sure.
- Family/child friendly: Seemed okay, but not overflowing with kid-friendly amenities.
- Kids meal: Unlikely.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: There was a gym, I think, but I didn't venture in.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nope.
- Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view Don't count on these.
- Things to do: Well, it's next to a train station. So, train-spotting is a thing, I guess? Otherwise, explore Nanjing!
Services and Conveniences: The Basics, Done…Okay
- Air conditioning in public area, Elevator, Daily housekeeping: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal: ATM on-site, handy.
- Concierge: Limited, but helpful when they were around.
- Currency exchange: I didn't need it, but the option was there.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Good to have.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- **Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings,
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, and utterly unpredictable experience that is the Elan Inn Nanjing North Railway Station Plaza. Forget meticulously planned, perfectly polished itineraries. This is the real deal. The one with questionable food choices, questionable language barriers, and a whole lotta "wait, what just happened?" moments.
Day 1: Arrival – A Symphony of Luggage and Lost Causes (Mostly Mine)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Nanjing South Station. (Yes, I'm a total idiot and booked the wrong station. North Station where I'm staying is a hassle.) Okay. First hurdle. I'm already sweating like a pig in a sauna, and my luggage is threatening to explode. I swear I packed lighter this time. Lies! All lies! The sheer volume of humanity jostling for space around the departure point of the "Metro Line 3" is astounding. I'm pretty sure I saw a guy balancing a bicycle on his head while simultaneously eating noodles. China, you never cease to amaze.
- 2:30 PM: Metro Misadventures and the Quest for the Elan Inn. This Metro is seriously complicated. I'm squinting at the Mandarin signs, which might as well be hieroglyphics. Thank god for the helpful older lady with the kind eyes who pointed in the right direction. I think. Or maybe she just felt sorry for the bewildered Westerner.
- 3:30 PM: Elan Inn Check-in – The Joy of Air Conditioning and Tiny Rooms. Found it! The building is a block from the station. I'm expecting a swanky hotel, but let's be honest, it's an Elan Inn. This place is… functional. Clean-ish. The air conditioning is blasting at full force, which is a small miracle given the humidity outside. My room is the size of a shoebox, but hey, at least it has a bed and a surprisingly decent shower with hot water! The only thing missing is the ability to sit up without hitting my head.
- 4:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and the Discovery of Questionable Snacks. Unpacked. Immediately tried the vending machine. Found these bizarre, brightly coloured, suspiciously fragrant, and probably-made-of-mystery-meat snacks. Regret is already setting in.
- 5:00 PM: Exploring the Railway Plaza – Endless Crowds and the Scent of Street Food. Stepped outside. Holy moly, the energy! It's a whirlwind of vendors shouting, people rushing, and the constant rumble of trains. The smells! Oh, the smells! A glorious, chaotic mix of spices, frying oil, and something vaguely floral. I'm thinking I'll start with the fried dumplings. I'm already regretting it.
- 6:00 PM: The Dumpling Incident. The dumplings are a gamble. They are, to be frank, amazing. But, I can't even begin to guess what's in them, or how long they've been sitting there. Took a chance, and they were incredible. Two minutes later, the vendor points at a little red sign and shrugs. I realize I may have just consumed something with questionable origins. Ate 3 more anyway.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner Disaster – Lost in Translation (and a Spicy Bowl of Regret) Okay, so I was feeling adventurous. I wander into a noodle shop, point at a picture, and hope for the best. What arrives is a volcanic-looking bowl of noodles swimming in chili oil, with enough spice to melt my face off. Tears streaming, nose running, I manage to eat about half of it. The waitress laughs at my suffering. I laugh with her. Or maybe I'm crying. It's hard to tell.
- 8:00 PM: Trying to find my way back. Somehow I still have my phone. I find google maps, my only sanity in this chaos.
- 9:00 PM: Collapsing in Bed. The air conditioning is my best friend, my savior. I am exhausted, overwhelmed, and inexplicably happy. This is going to be an interesting trip.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and a Close Encounter with a Pigeon (Seriously)
- 7:00 AM: Waking up in the dark. The room is eerily silent. The only sound, my stomach rumbling.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast…Again. I didn't learn my lesson yesterday. I'm at another noodle place near the Inn. This time, I point at a picture of… something. It's a mystery, but it's also delicious. My spicy food tolerance seems to be increasing.
- 9:00 AM: The Journey to the Temple. Getting to the temple, I hopped on the Metro. The temple itself is all gold and incense and the incessant chanting of monks. It's genuinely beautiful, and the peace is a welcome change after the mayhem of the railway plaza.
- 11:00 AM: Tea Ceremony- The ultimate peace. I'm sipping tea in a quiet tea house, learning about the art of tea. It's so different from that instant tea bag lifestyle I lead.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I have to be strategic here. I find a small restaurant, pointing to dishes in picture and hoping for the best. I've gotten good at gauging the spice levels.
- 1:00 PM: This is where the pigeon enters. Walking back to the station, I have a close encounter with a pigeon. It swooped down out of nowhere and practically landed on my head. I screamed. The pigeon flew away looking smug. I'm pretty sure it was laughing at me.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping. I'm terrible at haggling. I try, but end up paying way too much for a fake silk scarf. I can't help but give the vendor a look of bewilderment.
- 3:00 PM: Afternoon Exploration. Wander. See what happens. I'm exhausted.
- 4:00 PM: Snack. I decide to play it safe. I get a fruit from a street vendor. Maybe that will be a safe bet for my stomach.
- 5:00 PM: Time to head back. I head back but don't feel like I have seen it all.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Found a burger joint near the Inn. American food always works!
- 7:00 PM: Back to the room. Back in the room, and ready for a rest. I sleep early.
Day 3: Departue and Reflections. Goodbye, Nanjing!
- 7:00 AM: Another bad breakfast. I can't even. I'm too hungover on noodle soup.
- 8:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I pick up some postcards. For my family.
- 9:00 AM: Final Metro Ride. Farewell, Nanjing. My time here has been a whirlwind of chaos, delicious food, and a close encounter with a pigeon. I'm leaving with a full stomach, a slightly lighter wallet, and a thousand stories to tell.
- 10:00 AM: The journey home. Let's get out of here!
This itinerary is by no means perfect. It's not even particularly practical. But it's real. It's raw. And it's the kind of trip that stays with you, the one you'll tell stories about for years to come. Nanjing, you beautiful, crazy, spicy, pigeon-filled place. I'll be back someday, I have no doubt. But for now, I need a nap and a bland sandwich.
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Elan Inn Near Nanjing North Railway Station: The Real Story - FAQs (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, FINE, Is it even near the North Station? 'Cause Google Maps can lie!
Alright, truth time. Yes, *technically* it's near. I mean, you can SEE the station. It's... like... a brisk walk. Maybe fifteen minutes if you're power-walking. Twenty if, like me, you get distracted by every single dumpling stall and end up smelling like deliciousness the entire way. (And yes, I judge a hotel's proximity by the dumpling factor. Sue me.) Definitely easier than, you know, a *taxi*, but don't expect to roll out of bed, grab a pastry, and be on the platform in 5. My advice? Factor in extra time for dumpling-related detours. Always.
So, is the room... clean? Like, *actually* clean, or "Chinese-hotel-clean"?
This is the big one, isn't it? Look, let's be real. "Chinese-hotel-clean" sometimes means... a *little* bit of a question mark. (No offense, Nanjing, I love you!) But honestly? The Elan Inn was *surprisingly* decent. My standards are pretty low, I've stayed in a LOT of budget places. The bathroom was... well, it wasn't a sterile operating room, but it wasn't a biohazard zone either. The sheets *looked* clean, and I didn't see any suspicious crawlies. (Shush, brain, don't go there!) The real test? My wife, who has a nose like a bloodhound. She didn't *immediately* rip off the sheets and demand a new room. That's a WIN in my book. Would I eat off the floor? Probably not. But it's perfectly acceptable for a quick overnighter.
What about the noise?! Railway stations are notorious for that!
Okay, here’s the kicker. This is where things get… interesting. I'm a light sleeper, a wretched, delicate flower. The first night? I swear, I heard the train *breathe*. The constant rumble, the occasional whistle… it was a symphony of metal and impatience. I thought, "Oh God, I'm doomed." I even considered sleeping in the bathroom (tile is naturally cooling, right?). But. Then, *miraculously*, thanks to my cheap earplugs (I'm a budget traveler, remember?), I slept. Like a baby. A baby who occasionally dreams of speeding locomotives. It's not silent, let me be clear. But it's MANAGEABLE. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Or, become one with the iron horse. Your choice.
The Wi-Fi! Is it a myth, a legend, or a slow, miserable torture device?
Oh, the Wi-Fi. This is where my blood pressure *slightly* elevates. Look, it *exists*. Technically. It works. Sometimes. It’s like the internet equivalent of a very elderly tortoise. You expect it to eventually get there, but you're not holding your breath. Streaming? Forget about it. Uploading photos? Better make a cup of tea. Checking emails is doable. Just don't expect to download the entire internet in five minutes. Honestly, it probably makes you *more* productive, because you're forced to actually, you know, LOOK at the world around you. Which, in Nanjing, isn't a bad thing. The fact that it occasionally cuts out? That's just part of the charm. Embrace the uncertainty.
What's the staff like? Friendly or "leave me alone, I'm tired" friendly?
The staff... alright. They were efficient. Not the gregarious, "welcome, my friend!" type. More the "yes, sir... yes, ma'am... here's your key" type. Perfectly functional. No complaints, no raves. They didn't try to sell me anything, which is a win in my book. They spoke enough English to get by, but don't expect deep philosophical conversations. They are there to do a job, and they do it. Now, I will state, did they go above and beyond? No. Did they smile at me? Sporadically. Did they offer me a free dumpling? (Okay, I'm over the dumplings, I swear!) No. But they weren't rude, and that's what matters, right? If you need someone who will enthusiastically chat with you for an hour, this isn't that place. If you just want a room and no fuss, then you're golden.
The breakfast? Did it even exist?
Okay, *THIS*. This is where the Elan Inn, for me, *slightly* crumbled. Breakfast was included, which is always a plus. But... it was... *basic*. Think stale bread, watery congee (rice porridge), and maybe a sad, forlorn egg. I am not a fussy eater, I eat EVERYTHING (except cilantro, it tastes like soap!), but even *I* struggled. Look, I got there late one morning - and they had... a single, hard-boiled egg, and a piece of toast. I took both because what choice did I have? It was probably, the single most depressing breakfast I had in my entire life. I would recommend walking *outside* the hotel. There must be something, *anything* better nearby.
Anything else I should know? Like, the true, honest dirt?
Yes! One thing – and this is important. The elevators. or lack thereof – depending on the room you get. Ask about this before you book, because, you know, if you have a back problem or hate stairs and they put you on the 6th floor, your stay will be a lot less fun. It is a cheap hotel, after all. Also, there’s a weird, vaguely disconcerting smell in the hallways. Can’t quite place it. Cleanliness meets cheap air freshener? A lingering memory of a particularly spicy noodle dish? Who knows! Just be prepared. It's not a deal-breaker, but... yeah, you might want to keep the window open a crack. Or not. It's all part of the experience. Don't go in expecting perfection, and you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. And seriously, bring earplugs. You'll thank me later.
