On the way from the airport, the taxi driver told us of the road construction and took some short cuts on the way. This mean driving against traffic on the highway!!! Welcome to Kunming!!! haha When we arrived on Baiti street, our driver missed the hotel as there is no front to see. There is a restaurant there instead. Our driver looked out the window and said "oh this is not that good of a hotel" As it was late at night and I was a bit scared that the driver was going to take us to one of his "friends hotel" we decided to check it out.
Prior to checking in, the receptionist asked us to check out the room. At the time I did not understand but the room my wife looked at smelled like smoke in the "non-smoking room. The second was another "non-smoking room" but was not as bad as the first so we checked in as of course this took a while, even with my wife speaking Mandarin.
Upon entering the room, the first thing to hit you is the idea that this is China and Non Smoking means nothing so it smelled like cigarettes. The room with its pink walls was good size with a queen sized bed. Now this is the "standard super firm bed" as found all over China which means that its softer than the floor.
The was an LCD tv and a hook up for the inter-net bu no Wi-Fi. The bath area, Note that I did not state Bath "room" was quite different. There is a shower stall with glass enclosure as well as the toilet area enclosed in glass. Now I enjoy having a little more privacy while doing my business but this is China. The brochure states "hot water in 24 hours" but of course they mean they have hot water 24 hours a day.
Located on the property is a business center. They offer travel services and upon talking to the girl there, it is obvious that she knows her business. Given the fact that the bus ticket cost 10 rmb more than if I went to the station myself, it was well worth the money not having to spend the time getting there, as it is 20 mins away. I would had spent double that in taxi fees. In addition, she arranged a ride for us to the bus station and this was most convenient since she came with us.
The breakfast is the best thing going for this Motel. To begin, they serve decent coffee which is difficult to find in China let alone Kunming. The beef noodle soup is fair, a bit oily but still you would hard pressed to find a better bowl in the area. I found the noodles here to be better than the "under the bridge" noodle joint on the corner.
As for the location, I find that I was near the center of town but would had preferred to be a bit closer to Green Lake.
Now would i stay here again? No, given the fact that I now know that I could find much better accommodations for a little bit more. Would I recommend my friends or fmaily to stay here? NO. However, for about $20 USD what should I expect...not much and this is what is offered. It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words but please do not be fooled by the photos as they are staged and miss all the details.
If you are on a strict budget, a backpacker in the true meaning then this would be fine for you or even a step up....make that small step up. For everyone else...look elsewhere.
- Spring City Hotel
- Spring City Motel
