Escape to Lavande Hotel: Your Beijing Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Lavande Hotel: Your Beijing Oasis Awaits! (A Rambling, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Escape to Lavande Hotel: Your Beijing Oasis Awaits! Seriously, that’s a mouthful, and frankly, a little over the top. But hey, we're here to find out if it lives up to the hype, right? I’m just back, and my brain's still buzzing from the Beijing adventure, so here we go… raw and unfiltered.
First Impressions and THAT Lobby…
Okay, okay, the "Oasis" part? Maybe not exactly. It's not like you stumble out of a dusty desert. Let's call it a… refined haven. The lobby is sleek, modern, and smells faintly of… something floral. I think. My sense of smell takes a vacation after 10 hours on a plane, so who knows. But the overall vibe? Clean. Polished. Like they actually cared about the design, which, hey, is a good start, yeah?
Accessibility: Trying to Navigate and Failing Gracefully
Now, let's get to the nitty-gritty. I’m not a robot; I can't test every accessibility feature. But from what I saw, Escape to Lavande seems to have made a genuine effort. There’s an elevator, thank god. Facilities for disabled guests listed in the details are there, and the website mentions wheelchair accessibility. But, and this is a HUGE BUT, I would strongly recommend contacting them directly before booking if you have specific needs. Because while they mention it, the experience is very different than what the data suggests. Don't get me wrong, there is still a difference between the theoretical and the practical. Getting detailed measurements from the hotel beforehand is much clever.
Rooms: Sanctuary or Just a Nice Place to Crash?
My room? Pretty darn nice. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? YES, bless those things. Jet lag needed to be defeated, and sunshine would not be stopping me. And the bed? Actually comfortable. It’s those little things, folks. A good bed can make or break a trip. The bathroom was clean, with complimentary toiletries, and… well, it felt clean. I had a bathtub, although I’m not a bath person. Wi-Fi [free]? Absolutely. And strong. I was even able to watch way too much Netflix. The extra long bed made me feel comfortable. The desk provided enough space for me to open up my laptop to work. The provided bathrobes were cozy, and the slippers an added bonus to make the stay luxurious. But seriously, the soundproofing was a godsend. No noisy hallways or loud neighbors to disturb the precious sleep.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-COVID Reality Check
This is where Escape to Lavande genuinely shines. They’re serious about hygiene. I saw hand sanitizer everywhere. They boasted anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. The room sanitization between stays gave me peace of mind, and so did the fact that they are able to provide individually-wrapped food options. They do show a serious commitment to preventing any spread of viruses. The staff, bless their souls, were trained in safety protocols. I even peeked into the kitchen (I admit, curiosity got the best of me), and it looked spotless. There were first aid kits available, along with a doctor/ nurse on call, which is always comforting, especially when you are far from home.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Coffee!)
Okay, let’s talk food. The breakfast buffet was… extensive. We are talking the Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, with some fusion elements to spice things up too. So, it's more or less a full breakfast spread. There was delicious coffee in the coffee shop, and even a few desserts in the restaurant. The bar looked inviting, and I may or may not have indulged in happy hour. Okay, I did. (Don't judge.) I also tried the soup in the restaurant – surprisingly good after a long day of sightseeing. They also had a convenient convenience store where I could grab snacks and drinks. The bottle of water in my room was a nice touch. I didn't need room service but was happy I had the option.
Things to do: Ways to Relax (and Actually Do Them!)
Okay, this is where Escape to Lavande really shines. And by shine, I mean actually has things. They had a spa. Yes. A real spa. Which meant, of course, I had to go in. I took a massage and it was an absolute DREAM. So good my brain turned to mush. They also had a fitness center, which I used to counteract the aforementioned happy hour. They had a sauna, and a steamroom, and even that amazing pool with a view. I opted for the indoor route, but there was also an swimming pool [outdoor].
Services and Conveniences: Little Things That Matter
They have things. Lots of things. The concierge was helpful. There's daily housekeeping. They have luggage storage. Cashless payment service. It was easier to get around because of the elevator.
Internet: Stay Connected (or Disconnect, Your Choice!)
The Internet was generally pretty solid. We're talking Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. I had Internet access – wireless in my room, and it was reliable. I could also use Internet access – LAN if needed.
For the Kids (or the Inner Kid):
They did seem family/child friendly, though I didn't travel with any kids. They offer babysitting service if you go. They're there to help with whatever.
Getting Around: Taxi, Taxi!
They offer Airport transfer. Taxi service. They even have car park [free of charge] and valet parking.
Now the Anecdotal Stuff: The Good, the Bad, and the Weird…
The Imperfect Perfect: Okay, the "Oasis" vibe? Kinda true. But I’m not entirely sure I even wanted an oasis. There were a couple of very minor hiccups – a slow elevator at one point, and a slightly confusing map of the property. But nothing that ruined my stay.
The "Would Recommend" Factor: Listen, if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, reasonably priced base for exploring Beijing, with some actual amenities to relax in… Escape to Lavande Hotel is a solid choice.
Final Verdict & My (Highly Subjective) Recommendation:
Escape to Lavande Hotel: Your Beijing Oasis Awaits! is a well-run hotel that delivers on its promises. The cleanliness, the comfort, and the spa amenities are all definite wins. Yes, it might feel a little corporate, but for the price and the location, it's hard to fault.
My Offer (and Why YOU Should Book Now!):
Book your escape to Lavande Hotel in Beijing TODAY, and enjoy:
- Guaranteed Spotless Cleanliness: With our industry-leading hygiene protocols, you’re guaranteed a safe and sanitized stay. No worries, just relaxation!
- Free Wi-Fi that Actually Works: Stay connected (or disconnect and binge-watch!… no judgment here).
- Pool with View: A beautiful and relaxing place to spend some time!
- Amazing Massage: The best way to melt away those travel aches,
- Convenience: Get a good base for your adventure, complete with an elevator.
Click here to book your Escape to Lavande Hotel – and start dreaming of your Beijing adventure!
Lyon's BEST Budget Hotel Near Part-Dieu Station!
Lavande Hotel Huazhou Beijing Road: My Beijing Tango of Chaos & Comfort (A Travel Diary)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is MY Beijing, in all its glorious, messy, dumpling-filled glory. And it all started…at the Lavande Hotel Huazhou Beijing Road. (Sounds fancy, right? It was…mostly.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Wall (and My Existential Crisis on a Bus)
14:00 – Check-in & Disappointment: Hallelujah! Finally landed in Beijing. Jet lag was already kicking my butt. Found the Lavande Hotel. The lobby looked slick, like something out of a sci-fi movie. Then, the room…well, let's just say the "double bed" was actually closer to a king-sized twin and the "city view" was mostly a brick wall. Minor, I told myself. Minor. We can work with this.
15:00 – Snack Attack! (And the Quest for Real Coffee): Urgently needed caffeine. The hotel said they had a coffee shop. Turns out, "coffee shop" meant instant coffee packets in the lobby. Sigh. So, I grabbed a pre-packaged pastry (looked promising, tasted…vaguely of cardboard and regret) and plotted my escape for a proper espresso.
16:30 – The Great Wall… of Buses: Right, the Great Wall. Everyone goes. So, I went. Finding the right bus? A chaotic ballet of hand gestures, broken Mandarin, and sheer dumb luck. Got jammed onto a bus that was already bursting at the seams. Sharing a stale bag of chips with a kid who kept giving me the side eye was an experience, to say the least. (It was hot. And I smelled. Definitely regretting that onion-and-garlic lunch.)
18:00 – Wall-Crawling and Unexpected Emotions: The Wall itself…whoa. Massive. Breathtaking. My legs were screaming after the first 10 minutes. But the view… the history… it hit me, man. Suddenly I was overwhelmed, almost choked up. Something about the scale of it, the centuries it spanned, made me feel tiny and…connected. Maybe it was the altitude. Maybe it was the jet lag. Definitely a core memory and yes I was on the verge of tears.
20:00 – Dinner Debacle: Back in the city, starving. Found a tiny little restaurant near the hotel. The menu? All Chinese characters. I pointed at a random picture. Ended up with something that looked like a black bean swimming pool. I don’t know what it was, but my stomach was a warzone for the next few hours. I’m still not sure whether to be thrilled or terrified.
22:00 – Hotel Room Reflection: Scraped the internet for English-speaking restaurants. The room is small, the bed is small, my stomach is angry, and my head’s spinning with too much history and not enough caffeine. But… I climbed the Great Wall! Damn, I’m actually in Beijing. I think I'll have to accept the "small" and embrace the "big" - this is a new experience.
Day 2: Temples, Tea & The Dumpling Diaries
08:00 – Coffee Redemption! (The Hunt Begins): Sleep? What’s sleep? Woke up at the crack of dawn, determined to find proper coffee. After a frantic walk around the area, located a glorious little cafe with proper espresso, avocado toast, and a decent wifi. It was heaven.
09:30 – Temple Hopping: Hit the Temple of Heaven. Mind-blowing architecture again. Giant courtyards, painted ceilings… it was stunning. The sheer number of people taking selfies? Less stunning. But, hey, I took a few myself. Guilty.
12:00 – Tea Ceremony…and a Tourist Trap: The "tea house" I found near the temple was a…experience. The tea was great (though overpriced). Then: sales pitches. Endless sales pitches. I’m pretty sure I now own a tiny jade dragon that I absolutely did not want. Lesson learned: research tea houses thoroughly.
14:00 – The Dumpling Quest, Phase 1: Okay, serious business. Beijing and dumplings are a match made in heaven! I went on a dumpling scavenger hunt. Tried three different places. One was amazing (juicy pork dumplings with a chili oil to die for!), another was… okay (bland), and the third? A total disaster. (I won’t go into detail. Let’s just say, the ingredients are best kept a mystery.) It could have been the dodgy shop or maybe just my taste buds, but let’s just call it an experience.
16:00 – People Watching Nirvana: Wandered through a hutong (traditional alleyway) street, and just observed. Elderly couples playing mahjong. Kids on scooters. The smell of street food. It felt… real. Beijing, in all its noisy, crowded, chaotic glory. I sat on a small stool, ate a spicy pancake, and just soaked it in.
19:00 – Dumpling Quest, Phase 2 (The Redemption): Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place recommended by the woman at the coffee shop. This place nailed it. The dumplings were perfect. Simple. Delicious. This has made up for the previous failures, my heart feels good, and I'm satisfied.
21:00 – Hotel Room, Part II: Feeling Good: This place is growing on me. Maybe. Coffee is a lifeline. Dumplings are the answer! And…Beijing is starting to feel… less overwhelming and maybe even enchanting. Tomorrow… I'm going to find the perfect Beijing duck. That’s a promise.
Day 3: Duck, Hutongs and the (Almost) Train Station
08:00 – Breakfast Bliss & Departure prep: Back at my cafe. Feeling pretty chipper - ready for the last day. Pre-packed, sorted my luggage. Time to enjoy.
10:00 – The Duck Dynasty: So, I found this place everyone raves about for Peking Duck. I queued for almost an hour. So worth it. The crispy skin, the juicy meat, the pancakes… honestly, the best meal I’ve had in ages. Okay, maybe the best meal ever. This makes up for all the previous culinary misadventures. This is the perfect Beijing memory!
12:00 – Hutong Hideaway: Headed out to explore more of the Hutongs, away from any tourist traps. Just wandered. Found a tiny art gallery, the most incredibly friendly lady offered me a cup of tea, and ended up buying a print. Another memory, made in the simplicity of the alleyways.
15:00 – The Train Station (and the Panic!): Right, train station. Easy, right? Wrong. It's massive, chaotic, and signs in two languages, neither of which I fully understand. Managed to find my platform… just as the train was boarding. Heart rate? Through the roof!
17:00 – Back at Lavande…For the Last Time, Yippee: Made it!! Successfully navigated the madness. The hotel suddenly seemed less small, less brick-walled-view-y, and more…a convenient basecamp from which I’d escaped into the wondrous chaos of Beijing.
19:00 – Final Reflection: Beijing… it’s not pretty. It’s not always easy. It’s definitely a sensory overload. But it’s alive. It’s full of surprises. And the dumplings… oh, the dumplings. Would I come back? In a heartbeat. Even the Lavande Hotel, and its small bed will do. Now, for the next adventure… whatever that may be.
Escape to Lavande Hotel: Beijing - You NEED to Know This (Seriously!)
Okay, spill. Is this place *really* as good as the Insta pics, or is it just another hotel trying to look fancy?
Alright, let's be real. The Insta pics? They're *mostly* telling the truth. Lavande Hotel in Beijing? It’s...complicated. I went in expecting fluffy pillows and endless serenity, and I got… well, a story.
First off, the aesthetics. They nailed it. Think minimalist chic meets… well, lavender. Everywhere. Seriously, the name doesn't lie. The lobby smells amazing, and my room looked like it belonged in a magazine. I actually caught myself *gasping* when I walked in. True story. But that initial blissful feeling? It faded, like the scent of cheap air freshener.
The Problem? Consistency! One day the water pressure was a trickle, the next it was a tsunami. One day, the breakfast buffet was *amazing* (those little dumplings!), the next it was… less so. I’m talking limp croissants and mystery meat. It felt like a lottery.
But, and this is a big but, *some* days – like, maybe two out of the five I was there – it was genuinely fantastic. Those are the days you’d believe all the hype. So, is it JUST another pretty face? No. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Prepare for the occasional hiccup. But, those hiccups… they’re part of the experience, right?
Location, location, location! How's it actually *located*? Are you stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, location. It’s...decent. Not prime real estate, mind you, but not a black hole either. The Lavande Beijing I stayed at (there are a few!) was in, let's just say, *a slightly less glamorous* district. Think… a few steps away from the tourist hotspots. Which, honestly, I kind of liked.
Pros: Public transport is surprisingly easy to navigate, even if you're, like me, someone who gets lost trying to find the bathroom in their own house. Taxis are plentiful, and the app-based ones (DiDi, if you're curious) are a lifesaver. Plus, you get a taste of real Beijing life, which I always appreciate. There's a local noodle shop across the street that I became *obsessed* with. Five-dollar bowls of pure deliciousness! (Okay, maybe six. Inflation, am I right?)
Cons: It's not *walking* distance to the Forbidden City, okay? You'll need to factor in travel time. And, well, the immediate surroundings aren't exactly picturesque. Think practical, not postcard-worthy. I wouldn't say it ruins the experience, but don't expect to step out of the hotel and be instantly transported to some romantic film set. You'll mostly see… well, other buildings. And maybe a street vendor selling questionable… stuff.
Seriously though, the noodles were worth it. Best noodles of my life. Forget the location, just move to that noodle shop.
The "lavender" thing... is it just a gimmick? Does everything *actually* smell like lavender?! (Because some people hate that.)
Okay, buckle up. The lavender. Is it a gimmick? Mostly. But here's the deal: it *is* a prominent aroma. I'm a lavender person. LOVE it. Scented candles? Yes, please. Soothing bath bombs? Absolutely. So, I was IN HEAVEN. My room? Lavender-infused air conditioning, lavender-scented toiletries, lavender-infused… something. I'm not sure what, exactly, but it *smelled* like lavender.
Now, if you HATE lavender... run. Run screaming. Pack your nose plugs. Because it's EVERYWHERE. The lobby is a lavender bomb. The hallways… lavender. Your sheets? Lavender. They even have lavender pillow spray! (Which, by the way, I took home with me. Don't judge.)
Here's my advice: If you're indifferent, you might be okay. If you actively dislike lavender, maybe, just maybe, explore other hotel options. It's not subtle. It's *intense*. And if you're allergic, you are officially warned.
Personally? I was floating on a purple cloud of relaxation. And that pillow spray? Pure magic.
What about the rooms themselves? Cozy? Cramped? And are the beds as comfy as they look?
The rooms? Pretty good. Mine was *technically* a standard room, but it felt… spacious enough. Modern, clean lines, lots of natural light (thank goodness!), and that all-important lavender scent. (Okay, I’ll stop talking about the lavender. Maybe.)
The beds… oh, the beds. *This* is where Lavande earns its stripes. They are… heavenly. Seriously. Cloud-like mattresses, silky smooth sheets, perfect pillows. I legit considered smuggling the pillows home, and I’m not normally the type to… well, steal hotel amenities. But they were *that* comfortable. I slept like a baby (until the occasional construction noise, which, hey, Beijing!).
Downsides? The bathroom was a little tight. I’m not a huge person, but I could barely turn around in the shower. The décor? Again, minimalist chic. Which is great… until you realize there are zero pictures on the walls. Zero personality. It felt a little… sterile. A few plants would have gone a long way.
But the bed? Worth it. Absolutely worth it. I’d go back just for the bed.
How's the service? Friendly? Annoying? And, can they understand English?
Okay, the service. This is where things get… interesting. Let's call it a work in progress. The staff are generally friendly and *try* to be helpful. But, the English proficiency… it's variable. Some staff members speak excellent English, some… not so much. And communication can be a bit of an adventure.
The good: When you *do* connect with someone who speaks good English, they're incredibly accommodating. I had a small issue with my room (the air con was a bit wonky), and they fixed it immediately. They were genuinely apologetic, and went out of their way to help. The front desk staff were generally pretty good at navigating the language barrier.
The not-so-good: There were a few times when I struggled to explain things. Like, trying to order room service in the middle of the night with limited Mandarin skills (or, you know, none). It involved a lot of pointing, gesturing, and hopeful facial expressions. It was… a comedy of errors, honestly. And, on one VERY memorable occasion, my wake-up call never came. I missed my tour of the Forbidden City! (Rant incoming…)
So, pack your patience, download a translation app, and be prepared to… improvise! It's partInstant Hotel Search
