Qingyuan's BEST Kept Secret: Shunying's City Comfort Inn (You WON'T Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of this place, warts and all. Forget the polished brochures, we're getting real, okay? This isn’t some sterile travel blog; this is me, just me, rambling about a hotel stay that left me feeling…well, let’s just say it was an experience. And yeah, I gotta pepper in some SEO stuff to make sure you actually find this mess, but trust me, the juicy bits are the human bits.
Let's start with the basics, the "need-to-knows" (SEO focus, but I'll make it interesting, I promise!):
Accessibility: Okay, so, "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed. That's good. But the devil's in the details, right? I didn't personally need any specific accessibility features, but I did notice an elevator that looked… well, it looked old. And the hallways were a bit narrow in places. "Wheelchair accessible" isn’t directly mentioned for all areas, and that makes me nervous. Hopefully, they've got their act together, because the world needs more inclusive hotel experiences and "Wheelchair accessible" features are necessary. I'd recommend calling them to confirm specifics if accessibility is a must-have. They also have "Facilities for disabled guests," so that's something.
Internet & Tech Goodness: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" (YES!) "Internet access – wireless." (Double YES!) "Internet access – LAN." (Okay, for the old-school gamers, nice.) They tick those boxes, thankfully. In this day and age, a decent internet connection is a necessity. Remember back in 2005 when hotel WiFi was like a glitchy dial-up connection from the dark ages? Shudders. I needed to work, and the internet was more or less reliable, so that's a huge point in their favor. "Internet services," "Wi-Fi in public areas" … all present.
Cleanliness & Safety – Pandemic Edition: This is where it gets interesting. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer," "Room sanitization opt-out available" (Interesting… choice), "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," "Staff trained in safety protocol," and "Sterilizing equipment…". Okay, they're trying. I noticed hand sanitizer readily available, which is a big plus. And hopefully, this stuff is actually done, not just listed. "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" is, well… hopeful. People are people, and they don't always follow rules. (See: The buffet situation, which we'll get to.)
Now, for the FUN stuff. The stuff that makes a hotel stay memorable (or a total disaster, depending on your luck):
The Spa, The Pool, The…Vibes: Okay, I'm a sucker for a good spa. "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Foot bath," "Massage," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]," and "Pool with view." Sigh. The outdoor pool area? Gorgeous. Seriously Instagrammable. I spent a solid afternoon just floating, staring at the… well, I’m not saying what I was staring at, but it was beautiful. The "Poolside bar" was a nice touch, though the cocktails were a tad…sweet. The spa itself was… well, a bit hit-or-miss. The massage was heavenly (worth the price), but the steam room was, let’s just say, less steamy than I'd hoped. And navigating the spa facilities in a fluffy robe? A near-Olympic sport of its own.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – The Great Food Adventure: Alright, let’s break down the food situation. "A la carte in restaurant," "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Bar," "Breakfast [buffet]," "Breakfast service," "Buffet in restaurant," "Coffee/tea in restaurant," "Coffee shop," "Desserts in restaurant," "Happy hour," "International cuisine in restaurant," "Poolside bar," "Restaurants," "Room service [24-hour]," "Salad in restaurant," "Snack bar," "Soup in restaurant," "Vegetarian restaurant," "Western breakfast," "Western cuisine in restaurant." Whew. They have a lot of options. The "Breakfast [buffet]"? That’s where things got… chaotic. People! So many people, grabbing things with bare hands. I watched in horror as someone sneezed directly onto the croissants. (I may have lost my appetite for croissants, forever.) I'm not saying the staff wasn't trying – they were clearly trying to keep up with the sanitization and all that, but…crowds are crowds. Opt for Room service [24-hour] if you have reservations.
The Room – My Little Sanctuary (mostly): "Additional toilet" (Luxury!), "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Bathrobes," "Bathroom phone" (Are we still using those?), "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains" (YES!), "Carpeting," "Closet," "Coffee/tea maker," "Complimentary tea," "Daily housekeeping," "Desk," "Extra long bed," "Free bottled water," "Hair dryer," "High floor," "In-room safe box," "Interconnecting room(s) available," "Internet access – LAN," "Internet access – wireless," "Ironing facilities," "Laptop workspace," "Linens," "Mini bar," "Mirror," "Non-smoking," "On-demand movies," "Private bathroom," "Reading light," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Scale," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Slippers," "Smoke detector," "Socket near the bed," "Sofa," "Soundproofing," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Umbrella," "Visual alarm," "Wake-up service," "Wi-Fi [free]," "Window that opens." Okay, the room itself was… nice. And the "Blackout curtains" saved me from early-morning sunbeams. I fell in love with the "Slippers!" I could get used to these, everyday. I didn’t use the scale, I was on vacation, and I don’t need any reminders. The "desk" was the perfect spot to work when the internet was working. The bed was comfy, the TV worked (score!), and the shower pressure? Actually, really, really good.
Services & Conveniences & That One Annoying Thing: "Air conditioning in public area," "Audio-visual equipment for special events," "Business facilities," "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Contactless check-in/out," "Convenience store," "Currency exchange," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning," "Elevator," "Essential condiments," "Facilities for disabled guests," "Food delivery," "Gift/souvenir shop," "Indoor venue for special events," "Invoice provided," "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meetings," "Meeting stationery," "On-site event hosting," "Outdoor venue for special events," "Projector/LED display," "Safety deposit boxes," "Seminars," "Shrine," "Smoking area," "Terrace," "Wi-Fi for special events," "Xerox/fax in business center." They have it all. Honestly, the "Concierge" was super helpful. The problem? That darn "Ironing service." I sent a shirt in, and it came back… warped. I’m talking, like, “Salvador Dali” levels of ironing. I ended up wearing a wrinkled shirt to my business meeting, I do recommend you send out your clothes with caution.
Getting Around (or, The Taxi Fiasco): "Airport transfer," "Bicycle parking," "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," "Car power charging station," "Taxi service," "Valet parking." I used their "Taxi service" to get to the airport, and let me tell you… it was a comedy of errors. The driver was late, he didn't speak English well, and he took the scenic route. I almost missed my flight. I’d probably recommend using a rideshare service next time.
For the Kids: "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," "Kids meal." They seem well-equipped for families. I don’t have kids, so I can’t specifically review these things, but they seem to be catered for.
The Quirky Stuff, The Imperfections, The Realness:
Okay, the hotel isn’t perfect, let's get that straight. The decor is maybe a little… dated. And that "Smoking area"? Let's just say it attracted some serious cigarette-fueled conversations. The fitness center? Functional, but a bit cramped. And then there’s the mysterious lack of a decent coffee shop…
So, Would I Recommend It?
Here’s the honest truth: It depends. If you're looking for a luxurious, flawlessly executed experience, maybe look at other options. But if you're open to a
Indonesian Island Paradise: Your Private Pool & Bathtub Awaits (AN119A)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're going to City Comfort Inn Qingyuan Municipal Government Shunying, China! Or rather, I am, and you get to ride shotgun on this glorious, utterly chaotic, and probably carb-heavy adventure. Prepare for a trip diary that’s less "polished travel blog" and more "confessional booth in a backpack."
The "Maybe I Should Have Googled More" Qingyuan Shenanigans: A Totally Disorganized Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Persistent Question of "Where Am I?"
Morning (AKA, the Hours I Can't Remember): Touchdown at… well, somewhere. The airport. Let's be honest, I was running on four hours of sleep and the kind of existential dread that only comes from knowing you're thousands of miles from your comfort zone. Finding the driver? A comedy of errors involving frantic waving, pointing at blurry phone translations, and the universal language of "I-look-lost-and-desperate." The driver, bless his heart, just smiled and went with it. Bless him.
Lunch (and the First Carb-Loading Incident): We made it to the City Comfort Inn! Or, at least, I think we did. The lobby smelled… well, like a hotel lobby. Which, as we know, can be anywhere from “pleasant” to "that-thing-in-the-back-of-your-fridge-that-you-really-should-have-thrown-out-a-week-ago." Lunch? Ah, lunch. I stumbled upon a small noodle shop nearby. My Mandarin is about as good as a goldfish's understanding of quantum physics. I pointed at things on the menu, smiled a lot, and ended up with a massive bowl of… something. It was delicious. And by "delicious," I mean "perfect for slurping down while wondering why I didn't pack more antacids." This place gave off an awesome aroma of cooking and lively chatter!
Afternoon: The Room, the View, the Existential Crisis: The room was… a room. Spotless, though! Maybe the most I've ever appreciated a tiny, sterile space. The view? Well, it looked out at another building. And the Municipal Government building across the way. So… power and bureaucracy. At least I have a view of power and bureaucracy! I immediately plonked myself on the bed for a nap, which morphed into the classic jet-lag-fueled state of semi-consciousness where you question all life choices. Did I pack enough socks? Am I happy? Do I really need to call my accountant?
Evening: Exploration (Or, Getting a Bit Turned Around): I ventured out. Armed with a poorly-printed map and my dwindling confidence. I got lost. Several times. I walked past a bustling market, crammed with more things that I didn’t know what I was looking at. The colors, the smells… it was overwhelming and incredibly exciting all at once. I came across a street vendor selling something that looked like a pancake, but it tasted… well, I don't know what it tasted like, because I can't describe it. It was tasty and satisfying.
Day 2: The "Mountain Adventure" (That Was More of a Gentle Hike + Endless Photo Stops)
Morning: Breakfast and a Bold Plan: The free breakfast at the hotel… not my favorite. But it was food! I ate something vaguely egg-shaped and toast-adjacent. Today's goal: a "nearby mountain" I found mentioned in a travel guide. "Spectacular views!" it promised. I like spectacular views, but I wasn't sure I was up for climbing Everest in my sneakers.
Mid-Day: Hiking (ish). And, My God, the Photos! Okay, the hike… not Everest. More of a gentle stroll uphill. I was seriously underprepared, I mean, a backpack, water bottle, camera, and a smile! I think there were a few real hiking boots among the other tourists. I took countless photos. Seriously. Every leaf, every rock, every awkward angle of the mountain. I think the mountain got bored of being photographed.
Afternoon, The Mountain's Peak!!: I made it to the top! The view was pretty spectacular. I took a deep breath and was glad I came. Then came the wave of happiness. It felt very good to be standing where I was.
Evening: Dinner Fiasco (and Finding the Good Stuff): Dinner. Ah, dinner. The quest for a good meal. I followed a crowd into some restaurant. I ordered using charades and ended up with something surprisingly yummy. I ate a lot of dumplings. I'm pretty sure I’m going to leave this country with a dumpling belly.
Day 3: Culture and "Maybe I Should Have Learned Some Mandarin"
Morning: Temple Time (and Questioning My Attire): I visited a temple. Absolutely stunning. The architecture, the colors. I felt like I should've dressed more respectfully. I kept feeling, like, am I doing this right? I watched the locals pray. The whole thing made me feel very, very present, very calm.
Afternoon: Market Mayhem (and Buying Things I Can't Identify): The market again! My sense of adventure (or maybe my stubbornness) drove me to enter the crowded stalls of the market. I really tried to bargain. It was hilarious, given my language skills. I ended up buying a bunch of things I have no idea what they are. I may or may not have gotten ripped off. But hey, souvenirs!
Evening: Last Supper (and the Realization That Time Flies): My last dinner. My heart ached a little to leave. This little adventure was so strange, so out of the ordinary, so… good. I tried a local delicacy. I had fun and I ate the food!
The "Things I Learned (or Didn’t)" Rundown:
- Mandarin: I still barely know any. My vocabulary is limited to "hello," "thank you," and "where is the bathroom?" (essential).
- Jet Lag: It’s a real thing. Bring melatonin. And maybe a pillow.
- Food: So much food. Everything is an adventure. Try everything!
- People: The people I’ve met have been kind and helpful, even when they can't understand me!
- Packing: I packed too much. I also didn’t pack a decent phrasebook.
Going Back: Yeah, I would go back. I'd go back in a heartbeat. This trip was… imperfect, messy, and maybe a little bit ridiculous. But it was definitely, truly, mine. And that, my friends, is pretty darn good.
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits (V405)
Okay, So... What *is* This Thing, Anyway? (Like, Seriously?)
Alright, alright, settle down, newbie. The "thing" you're probably scratching your head about is... well, it's a website. It's a thing you look at on a screen. You probably clicked on a link so that you read this exact thing. But in a broader sense? It's an attempt to answer the questions bouncing around your brain, the stuff you're probably too embarrassed to ask your best friend because you might look like a complete idiot. (Trust me, we've all been there.) I mean, I'm writing this because I had similar questions, and I'm still not exactly sure how it all works. More realistically? I have an idea and am trying to get the answers for it.
But... Why? Why are you doing this? Is it some kind of elaborate tax evasion scheme?
Tax evasion? Please. I barely understand my own bank account, let alone complex financial crimes. Nope, the goal here is more basic. I have some dumb ideas, hopefully some good ones, and like it or not, I'm going to talk about them. I'm also hoping to connect with people who... well, who *get it*. Maybe they'll ask me questions. Maybe they'll laugh. Maybe they'll even throw virtual tomatoes. Honestly, I'm prepared for all of the above and more.
So, what do you actually *do*? Is this a job, a hobby, or a cry for help?
Ah, the golden question! This is... a messy intersection of all three. It *started* as a hobby, the thing I tinker with when I should be doing more important things like cleaning my living room. But the more I dig in, the more I want to make it a job. A cry for help is also not wrong. If I could make a living off of this... I might still be living in my parents's basement, but at least I'd have a cool niche, right? And the fact that I am even *considering* dedicating time to it… Yeah, maybe a little of all three. It's a desperate gamble with myself.
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. What's the biggest hurdle you've faced so far? Hit me with the juicy details!
Oh, man. Where to even *begin*? It's all been hurdles! Actually, the biggest hurdle? Probably the crippling self-doubt. Every single day, I have a voice like a grumpy old parrot on my shoulder, squawking things like, "Nobody cares," "You're not good enough," and "Go back to watching cat videos." It's exhausting. Seriously. I have lost hours and days just overthinking.
And then there's the technology. I swear, I'm fluent in Google, but actually *building* stuff? I'm not the smartest guy in the room. I have spent untold hours staring blankly at screens, Googling error messages, and wanting to throw my computer out the window. The technical side of the project is constantly taunting me. Every step forward feels like three steps back.
So, you're not all sunshine and rainbows. What's the *worst* thing that's happened? Share!
The absolute *worst*? Okay, brace yourself. Once, after spending a full weekend trying to install something. I mean, I *thought* it was installed, and I was celebrating, like, "Yes! I am a coding god!" I even cracked open a bottle of cheap wine to toast my supposed success. I then went back to "tinkering" with it. And then, I tried to show it off to a friend. And… *it didn't work*. At all. Like, the whole thing crumbled. My computer, my confidence, my ego… all in tatters. I wanted to bury myself under a mountain of blankets. That feeling of utter defeat? Yeah, that was a low point. I sulked for a solid day after that.
Do you have any regrets? Besides the wine incident?
Regrets? Oh, honey, I have a whole closet full of them. I regret not starting sooner. I regret letting fear hold me back. I regret all the times I listened to that grumpy parrot on my shoulder. I regret not drinking more wine *before* the whole thing crashed and burned. Okay, that last one was a joke... mostly. But seriously, the one thing I do regret is overthinking things. I waste so much time agonizing over perfection that I get nothing *done*. It's a work in progress, though!
What keeps you going? What gives you the drive?
Honestly? Stubbornness. Pure, unadulterated, unyielding stubbornness. And spite. (Don't judge!) Also, the occasional wave of creativity. And the belief, however faint, that there's *something* here. Something kind of cool. Also, there are some good people who helped me from the beginning, and I don't want to disappoint them. And, you know, the hope that one day my living room won't look like a disaster zone.
Is there anything else you want to add?
Yeah. If you somehow made it to the end of these ramblings, thanks for reading. It means a lot. And if you have questions, or even just want to tell me I'm a total idiot, feel free. I'm developing a thicker skin every day. (And maybe, just maybe, offering some unsolicited advice is the beginning of something). Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go stare at a computer screen and try not to cry. Wish me luck!
