Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel Aksu Century Plaza - Aksu, China
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel Aksu Century Plaza experience. And let me tell you, the Aksu Century Plaza, China isn’t just a hotel, it’s a journey. (Cue dramatic music, or maybe just the sound of me frantically typing). This review is going to be less meticulously charted and more like, well, me, rambling on after a week in the place. Let's go!
First, the Basics (and the Small Stuff That Actually Matters):
Let's start with Accessibility, for those of us actual humans who need things like ramps and elevators. I'm thrilled to report they've got some great stuff lined up with Facilities for disabled guests in place. More on this later, because I’m going to get into personal stories and not just regurgitate the brochure, trust me. Elevator? Yep. Also, a big shout-out to the staff, who, from what I could see, are generally pretty accommodating (more on that later too).
Internet Access (and the Eternal Struggle of a Traveler)
Okay, internet. This is huge. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!). And it’s, dare I say it, decent. Of course, I spent half my time cursing the lag, uploading HUGE files, and generally being a millennial glued to my screen, but hey, the Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas are all there, which is a win! They really do have decent Wi-Fi, like, actually usable. I'd say a solid 4/5 stars on the internet front, especially for rural China where you kinda expect dial-up.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because The World is Wild:
Right, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. Or, you know, the other microscopic terrors we’re all worried about. The Starway Aksu Century Plaza tries hard. They’ve thrown the whole sanitizing kitchen sink at it: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I'm not going to lie, it’s overkill. Every surface seems to gleam. They're definitely erring on the side of caution, which is good. Hygiene certification? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Oh yes. I’m not even quite sure what half this stuff is, but it's all there. And hey, Doctor/nurse on call. Who doesn't like that?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where the Real Fun Begins (and Sometimes Ends):
Okay, deep breath. This is where things get…interesting. The Restaurants are your go-to, with a Buffet in restaurant that's… well, it's a buffet. I'm not gonna lie, the breakfast was a bit of a hit-or-miss. I'm used to your standard hotel spread, but I did enjoy the Asian breakfast options, sometimes. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was also an interesting experience. The Western breakfast was more my speed—pancakes, sure. But the coffee? Let's just say I made the most of the Coffee/tea maker in the room. There is a Poolside bar, or at least, it was a poolside bar. (I think it was closed during my stay, which was a real shame). Room service [24-hour]? Absolutely. This is probably the best option, honestly.
The Experience - Pacing and Structure, Anecdotes and Quirks
Now, I want to share a specific experience. One day, I decided to be adventurous. I’d heard of a local specialty. I went to the buffet and was utterly bewildered. I took a deep breath, and as you're probably getting now, I can be quite indecisive. I finally grabbed a plate. I was intimidated. I approached a dish with a sauce like some kind of neon slurry. The scent - a mix of sweet and, well, uncertainty - hung in the air. I took a small bite. And then…nothing. A bland, vaguely sweet taste, followed by a wave of… texture. I couldn't place it. Was I in a sci-fi movie? Did I just eat a lab experiment? My partner watched me. It was the food. It was not the food of kings. It was a food like something from a science experiment. So, I went to the 24-hour room service and ordered a burger. Thank god for the burger.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or Attempt to):
The Starway Aksu Century Plaza wants you to relax. Really, really badly. They've got a Fitness center. I took a peek. Look guys, it was fine, but not exactly motivating. Then… the Pool with view. The view was actually pretty great and a real highlight of the hotel. But, I went to relax. I was ready for my massage. And there it was, Spa. Spa/sauna, Steamroom. It was amazing… if a little awkward. The staff were super professional, but the spa itself was a bit…clinical. I'm rambling. My memory is hazy. I still remember the massage. I highly, highly recommend the massage.
The Rooms - Your Personal Fortress (Or at least, a room):
Okay, the rooms. They’re decent. A Non-smoking sanctuary, which, if you're like me, is a huge plus. The Air conditioning? Works. The Blackout curtains? Absolute lifesaver. I slept like a baby (or at least, like someone who wants to sleep like a baby). The Bed was comfy. There was a Coffee/tea maker, which I abused. The Mini bar was well-stocked, and the Free bottled water was a Godsend. Bathrobes? Check. Slippers? Double-check. The Window that opens? Surprisingly important for me:
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (Maybe):
They've got everything you'd expect. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal. The basics are covered. Currency exchange. Useful. The Gift/souvenir shop? Well, I got a keychain. Don't judge.
For the Kids – Are You Kidding (Maybe):
I didn’t have any kids with me, but I noticed the Babysitting service. And there were a few Kids meal, so good job on that. I also noticed Family/child friendly.
Getting Around – The Great Escape:
Airport transfer? Yes. Car park [free of charge]. Excellent. Taxi service? Available. The Bicycle parking also available. But I mostly stayed within walking distance, and I found that to be the best thing to do.
The Verdict (Finally!)
Look, the Starway Hotel Aksu Century Plaza is a solid choice. It's clean, safe, and offers a decent level of comfort. It's not perfect. The food can be hit or miss. But the staff are friendly and helpful, and the rooms are comfortable. The internet is good. And that massage was divine.
My Honest Offer for You…and Why You Should Book NOW
Okay, here's the deal: if you're looking for a relatively hassle-free stay in Aksu, the Starway is worth it. The price probably won't utterly break your bank, and you'll get a decent experience. It's not the Ritz-Carlton, but it's also not a total disaster zone.
My offer: Booking now gets you a complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability). Plus, mention this review, and you’ll get a bottle of local wine. Consider it my way of saying, "Hey, it might be a bit weird here, but at least you'll be comfortable." And seriously, book that massage. You'll thank me later.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Wenling's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is Aksu, China, via the glorious Starway Hotel Aksu Century Plaza! And trust me, it's got more twists and turns than a plate of Uyghur lagman. Prepare for a whirlwind, and maybe some mild existential crises.
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Wall of Pillow Talk
- Morning (ish): Oh God, the flight. Let's just say my noise-canceling headphones battled the screaming toddler with epic tenacity. Land in Aksu. Air so crisp it actually made my lungs feel cleaner? Weirdly refreshing, despite the jet lag battering me into submission. Found my bags – a small victory!
- Afternoon: Check-in at the Starway. The lobby is…beige. Utterly beige. Okay, let’s focus. Room is decent, with a view of… well, other beige buildings. Seriously, is Aksu sponsored by Pantone? The bathroom, however, is a glorious battlefield of questionable plumbing. Water pressure that could strip paint? Check. Drain that gurgles with the enthusiasm of a dying walrus? Check. I'm already picturing myself getting very, very personal with the plunger. (And I'm not a plumbing kind of gal…)
- Evening: Dinner. Found a local restaurant that looked promising – after wandering around and getting lost in a maze of identical streets. That’s when my stomach starts to rebel. Spicy noodles… SO spicy. Tears streaming, nose running, but damn, that flavor! It’s worth it. Almost. Back to the hotel, where sleep is the only thing I will be doing. I'm pretty sure I dreamed about the Great Wall… of pillows. Don't ask.
Day 2: Markets, Mayhem, and Mandarin Misunderstandings
- Morning: Attempted sunrise. Woke up in a sweat, feeling a creeping sense of… where am I? Who am I? The jet lag is kicking my behind. Today, the Aksu Market! Heard it's a sensory overload. Armed with my phrasebook and a healthy dose of "fake it 'til you make it" bravado.
- Afternoon: Market Mayhem. Oh. My. Goodness. The market. Colors, smells, and sounds assaulting every sense! Spices piled high like miniature mountains, the scent of roasting kebabs, the cacophony of bartering…It's utter chaos, and I love it. Tried to buy a scarf. Ended up bartering with a toothless old woman who kept calling me "Little Princess." Think I paid way too much, but the scarf is gorgeous, and she seemed happy, so… win?
- Evening: Dinner at a seemingly fancy restaurant. Spoke some Chinese! (Or, I think I did.) Apparently, I ordered… fish eyes. What?! Honestly, tasted better than it looked. But the waiter was definitely giving me smirks. He probably thought I was a complete buffoon. (I probably was). Tried to tip, and the waiter just stared me down…I think I lost him, by a lot - and I don't think he liked me.
Day 3: The "Hidden Gem" That Was Questionable
- Morning: The hotel breakfast. Standard buffet fare. The coffee tastes like… well, it tastes like brown water, mostly. But okay. Today, a local friend recommended an ancient temple, way outside of Aksu. Sounds exciting.
- Afternoon: The "Temple." Road trip! The scenery is stunning, vast, and… desolate. Arrived at the temple, which turned out to be a crumbling ruin. The guidebook, was an understatement. The "amazing carvings" are mostly eroded. The silence is almost deafening. Kind of felt… underwhelmed. And then, the guard dog attacked my jeans. Not my best day.
- Evening: Back in Aksu. Pizza delivery. (I desperately needed some familiar flavors.) Watched the sunset from my beige hotel room. Thought about everything and nothing. The trip has been exhausting, but also… exhilarating? I'm starting to see the beauty, even in the beige. Maybe.
Day 4: The Uyghur Welcome and the Power of Lagman
- Morning: Slept in. Bliss. The plumbing is still questionable, but I'm making peace with the gurgling walrus in the drain.
- Afternoon: A Uyghur feast! Finally, a decent meal. A local family invited me to their home for lunch. I'm not sure how I got so lucky… but it involved some sign language, and a lot of pointing. The food! The lagman was the single greatest noodle-based experience of my life. Freshly hand pulled, perfectly spiced. The Uyghur people are so kind, despite me being the clumsy outsider. The family, so welcoming. I'm tearing over it. It was the first time I felt truly connected. Food really is love.
- Evening: More lagman. Leftovers. The memory of the lunch fills me with genuine joy. I feel… different. The jet lag fades into the background. Aksu is less beige, more vibrant. Maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to get it.
Day 5: Departure - Farewell, Aksu (and Farewell, Plumbing!)
- Morning: Packing. Saying goodbye to the gurgling drain. Actually feeling a little sad to leave.
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a beautiful, hand-woven carpet. It feels heavy with the weight of Aksu, with the grit and the kindness, and with the… well, the endless beige.
- Evening: Flight home. Looking out the window, I realize the beige is still there around me… But now, I can see past it. Aksu… it's a place that makes you work for it. And the rewards are worth it. Until next time, you ridiculously amazing, completely maddening, and utterly unforgettable city.
So there you have it. My Aksu adventure, in all its messy, honest glory. Hope you enjoyed the ride, and maybe, just maybe, learned a thing or two. Now, if you'll excuse me… I need to go find a proper cup of coffee. And maybe buy a plunger. You know, just in case…
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Yangzhou Wuyue Plaza Review!
Unbelievable Luxury or Just Believable Hype? My Aksu Adventure - Starway Hotel Aksu Century Plaza - Aksu, China
So, is this place *really* "Unbelievable Luxury" or just, you know, a hotel?
What's the room situation like? Did it live up to the "Century Plaza" part of the name?
The view? Was it something?
Let's talk food. The reviews mentioned a buffet. Good? Avoid?
And the spa? Did you treat yourself to some "Unbelievable Luxury" there?
Did you have any issues with the staff? Were they helpful?
What about location? Was it easy to get around?
Overall, would you recommend the Starway Aksu Century Plaza?
Any quirky observations or memorable moments that stand out?
Final Thoughts? Did it make you laugh? Make you cry?
