Shangrao's Hidden Gem: Atour Hotel Phoenix Ave. Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Shangrao's Hidden Gem: Atour Hotel Phoenix Ave. Review (You Won't Believe This!) – Because Seriously, I Didn't!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (along with maybe a little accidental coffee stain, because that's how my life rolls) on the Atour Hotel Phoenix Ave. in Shangrao. Seriously, I walked in expecting… well, I wasn't expecting much. I'd seen the photos, the generic hotel-chain-esque website, but trust me, this place… this place… it just… surprised me. It's not perfect, folks. Let's get that out of the way. But it's got soul. And hey, maybe it's the jet lag talking, but I’m ready to gush.
Let's Start with the Logistics – The Necessary Evil (But Actually, Pretty Good Here!)
Accessibility, You Ask? Yep! From what I could see, they've put thought into things. Wheelchair accessible pathways seemed pretty clear, and the elevator was a lifesaver (especially after I ate way too much at the buffet. More on that later.). They definitely have facilities for disabled guests, which is always a win. So, thumbs up for getting around!
Internet? Oh, You Mean the Lifeblood of Modern Existence? Okay, so Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a HUGE win. Seriously, it's the little things, right? They also had Internet access – LAN if you’re a purist (like my dad, who still misses dial-up). Wi-Fi in public areas was decent, though, let's be honest, I mostly just lived in my room, glued to my screen. The Internet services were… well, they were there. I didn’t need anything fancy, just the ability to stalk my ex on Instagram and order room service. Which I did. Repeatedly.
Cleanliness & Safety – Because We Need That Right Now
Okay, another major win here. I’m talking Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also have all that other stuff: Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, the whole shebang. They even offer a Room sanitization opt-out, which, let's be real, I didn't use because I wanted them to keep it spotless! They have CCTV in common areas and outside the property, and let's not forget Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Safety/security feature everywhere. The Doctor/nurse on call is a nice touch, and the First aid kit gives me warm fuzzies.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Personal Playground
Alright, this is where things got REALLY interesting. The Restaurants are actually pretty good. I mean, I didn't come expecting a Michelin-star experience, but the food was above average. The Asian breakfast absolutely hit the spot. I mean, I had a little bit of everything, the Asian cuisine in restaurant, and I may or may not have gone back for seconds (and thirds…). The Buffet in restaurant was… well, it was everything a buffet should be, and more.
They also had a Coffee shop with decent coffee, which was essential for my early morning explorations. The Snack bar was perfect for a quick bite. And the Poolside bar was a great touch! I think they had Happy hour; I might have just missed it every single day because I was too busy living my best life.
Let's get to the specifics:
- A la carte in restaurant: Check!
- Bottle of water: Oh yeah! They have it.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes! Coffee AND tea! I was in heaven.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh my goodness, the desserts! I may have eaten a few too many.
- International cuisine in restaurant: They did a great job here.
- Poolside bar: It's fantastic, and they always had fresh drinks.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yup. I took advantage of this a lot.
- Salad in restaurant: I appreciated how fresh the salads were.
- Soup in restaurant: The soups were warm and comforting.
- Vegetarian restaurant: They have vegetarian options, but my carnivore side went for the meat.
The Experience – Is it a Spa Getaway? Absolutely!
Okay, here’s where the "You Won't Believe This!" part really kicks in. I came for a room, I got a sanctuary. Okay, let's be honest, I got a mostly sanctuary.
- Body scrub: I saw this and was tempted.
- Body wrap: I was too tired.
- Fitness center: If you’re into working out on vacation, this is a win.
- Foot bath: Sounds relaxing, maybe next time.
- Gym/fitness: Totally there.
- Massage: Oh YES. I indulged, and it was glorious.
- Pool with view: The outdoor pool was beautiful!
- Sauna: I love sauna!
- Spa: Heaven.
- Spa/sauna: The best of both worlds!
- Steamroom: Perfect for detoxing after the aforementioned buffet.
- Swimming pool: Check.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Double-check!
I booked a massage, assuming it would be… well, average hotel massage. I was dead wrong. It was pure bliss. The masseuse worked out knots I didn't even realize I had. I'm talking about ways to relax… the Spa was the ultimate, I tell you! And the Sauna? Perfect. I felt like a renewed, slightly-pruny version of myself.
The Room – My Cozy Little Nest
Okay, let’s talk about the actual rooms. They're… well, they’re comfortable. I loved having an Additional toilet, especially after a heavy buffet. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. It got hot out there! A Bathrobes and slippers – always a treat. Blackout curtains were crucial. Coffee/tea maker gets major points. The Desk was nice (though I confess I mostly used it to pile up snacks). The Free bottled water was a godsend. The In-room safe box… well, I didn't trust myself to keep track of anything, so I didn't really use it. I had a Mirror, and the Non-smoking policy was much appreciated. Private bathroom, and a Separate shower/bathtub. The Soundproofing was decent. Wi-Fi [free], again, a win.
- Alarm clock: Check!
- Bathtub: I needed this for my tired bones.
- Bathroom phone: This thing is so random, I loved it!
- Carpeting: It's a good thing to have.
- Closet: I have too many clothes!
- Complimentary tea: The tea was nice.
- Daily housekeeping: Thank goodness for these people!
- Extra long bed: I had plenty of space!
- Hair dryer: Always a necessity!
- High floor: The view was fun!
- In-room safe box: See above.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: I wasn't travelling with anyone, so I didn't use it.
- Internet access – LAN: Nope!
- Internet access – wireless: Yes!
- Ironing facilities: I didn't iron. I'm on vacation!
- Laptop workspace: See desk above.
- Linens: Clean and fresh.
- Mini bar: Always a plus, and the alcohol was very strong.
- On-demand movies: There, but I fell asleep before I could use them.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night book browsing.
- Refrigerator: Great for storing those snacks.
- Satellite/cable channels: Plenty of options.
- Scale: Uh, I might have avoided this.
- Seating area: Comfy!
- Shower: Excellent water pressure.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Socket near the bed: Essential for charging all the things.
- Sofa: Just sit, relax and let it all be.
- Soundproofing: Needed.
- Telephone: Okay, it's not 1990, but it's there.
- Toiletries: Good quality.
- Towels: Plush.
- Umbrella: I think I used this once.
- Visual alarm: I didn't need it.
- Wake-up service: I set my own alarm.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
**Services and Conveniences
Denton's BEST Kept Secret: Red Roof Inn & Suites! (TX)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's flawlessly planned itinerary. This is my attempt at a vaguely structured, probably disastrous, and definitely opinionated descent into the heart of Shangrao, China, all based from the, hopefully, comfy confines of the Atour Hotel Phoenix Avenue. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the distinct possibility of me getting lost in translation (again).
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Wonton Debacle (and, You Know, Jet Lag)
- Morning (ish): Finally! After a flight that felt longer than my last existential crisis, I've arrived in Shangrao. The air is thick, the Mandarin is flowing (mostly right past me), and my brain feels like it's been through a blender. The Atour Hotel… well, it’s Atour. Clean, modern, the air conditioning is blessed. Right now, all I want is to sleep for a week, but… duty calls! Or, in this case, hunger.
- Mid-Morning (or Whenever I finally wake up): Okay, research told me Shangrao is known for its… stuff. And, you know what? Google Maps is proving to be only slightly helpful. I stumble out of the hotel, a walking zombie fueled by pure caffeine and the desperate hope of nourishment. The goal: find some authentic, delicious wontons. The reality: a chaotic street filled with vendors hawking things I don't understand and an overwhelming aroma of, what I later discover, is deliciousness.
- Lunchtime (sort of): I'm officially in the wonton zone. Found a tiny, ramshackle place absolutely packed with locals. Sign language, pointing, and a whole lot of confused smiling later, I’ve got a bowl of steaming, glorious wontons. They're… mind-blowing. The broth is ridiculously flavorful (I suspect a secret ingredient or three), the wontons themselves practically melt in your mouth. This is the best thing I've eaten in… well, a long time. Pure, unadulterated joy. Except…
- The Great Wonton Debacle: The joy was short-lived. My sensitive American stomach… well, it wasn’t ready for the intensity. Let's just say I spent the next hour in the hotel room regretting every single delicious bite. Lesson learned: pace yourself, rookie. And maybe pack some Pepto.
- Afternoon: Rest, recover, try to understand the TV remote. The sheer number of channels is overwhelming. It’s like a portal to a parallel universe. I attempt to nap but instead, am now officially convinced the hotel room is haunted by a ghost of a very bored interior designer.
- Evening: Still a bit queasy, but the lure of adventure (and the potential for more deliciousness, albeit with a side of apprehension) pulls me back out. Maybe a walk near the Phoenix Avenue? See some sights… try not to order anything that sounds like "mystery meat."
Day 2: The Temple, Tea, and Tactical Retreat
- Morning: I have a plan! (Sort of). The guidebooks mentioned a nearby temple. Temples are cool. History! Culture! Possibly another opportunity to embarrass myself with my pronunciation. I bravely venture out, armed with Google Translate and a vague sense of direction.
- Mid-Morning - Temple Mayhem: The temple is beautiful. Intricate carvings, the scent of incense, serene… except for the guy who keeps trying to sell me a lucky charm shaped like a… well, let’s just say it’s anatomically specific. I politely decline (several times), take some photos, and try to absorb the atmosphere. It's both peaceful and bustling, a strange and wonderful contradiction. This is exactly why I travel.
- Late Morning - The Tea Ceremony (or, My Attempt at Sophistication): Found a tea house! Time to embrace the local culture. I awkwardly try to follow the tea master’s instructions. Sipping the tea is a delightful experience. The tea master is incredibly patient with my clumsy attempts. I slurped. Loudly. I blame the jet lag.
- Lunch: I order noodles. They were delicious.
- Afternoon - The Tactical Retreat: Okay, so I meant to explore more, maybe go to a local market, but… I feel a headache coming on. The sheer sensory overload is getting to me. Honestly, the fear of another stomach catastrophe is also a significant factor. Time for an afternoon of quiet, planning, and maybe a good book. Back to the safety of the hotel room.
- Evening: I'm rethinking my entire travel strategy. Is it wrong to spend an entire vacation just eating and sleeping? Probably. But, I mean, the food is GOOD. So, I'm okay with it.
Day 3: The Long View and the Unexpected Delight
- Morning: I'm feeling rejuvenated! Time to go outside. I'm going on a climb! I've found a scenic spot mentioned in the guidebooks. It's supposed to have fantastic views. I pack some water, try to convince myself I actually like walking, and… hit the road!
- Mid-Morning - Ascent to Awesomeness: The climb is challenging, to say the least. I'm sweating, panting, and questioning every single life decision that led me here. But, oh my god, the view! The city stretches out below me, a tapestry of buildings and green spaces. It's breathtaking. Absolutely worth the effort. For a few brief moments, I feel like a conqueror.
- Lunch: Food stall on the road! Noodles! (Again). This time, without incident! I discover a new love. I swear they must have been cooked in a bowl of heaven!
- Afternoon - The Unexpected Delight: While exploring the nearby area, I stumble upon a local art gallery. I can't understand a word of the descriptions, but the art is vibrant, captivating. It's a complete surprise, a reminder that the best travel experiences often come when you least expect them. The artist's raw emotion and passion just leap out at me!
- Evening: Dinner! The goal: find a restaurant that isn't too adventurous but still gives me a taste of local flavors. The result: success! Found a small, family-run place with amazing dumplings and a friendly owner. No stomach issues, no language barriers (thanks to picture menus), just pure, unadulterated enjoyment.
- Night: Back in the hotel. Reflection. I still don't understand Mandarin, I’ve eaten more noodles than I thought possible, and I'm 80% sure my stomach is now iron-clad. Shangrao, you crazy, wonderful place. Tomorrow? Who knows. I’ll try, though, I promise. Maybe more food. Probably more adventures. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn how to say "thank you" without sounding like I'm choking. Wish me luck! This whole traveling thing is exhausting! But mostly fun!
Shangrao's Atour Hotel Phoenix Ave: The Good, the Bad, and the Utterly Unbelievable! (My Honesty Hour)
Okay, spill it. Is this Atour the Shangrao Secret I've Been Missing?
About those rooms... Are they actually nice? 'Cause I saw some pics online…
Let's talk about the service. Was it actually helpful, or was it *that* stereotypical hotel experience?
The Breakfast! Dish the dirt. Was the food good or did I need to pack my own instant noodles?
The WORST part? Lay it on me. What was the most facepalm-worthy thing?
Location Location Location! How's the actual neighborhood?
So, final verdict? Would you go back?
Okay, but *seriously*… any other hidden gems nearby? Things to do?
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