Escape to a Nordic Palace: Cozy Xi'an Getaway Near Subway!
Escape to a Nordic Palace: Cozy Xi'an Getaway Near Subway!
Escape to a Nordic Palace: Cozy Xi'an Getaway Near Subway! - A Totally Frank Review
Okay, so you’re looking for a little slice of…well, not-China when you’re in China? You’re tired of the hustle, the bustle, the general…overload of Xi'an? (Don't get me wrong, I love Xi'an, but sometimes…a girl just needs a break, ya know?) Well, I think I've found your escape hatch in this "Nordic Palace" situation. Let’s be real, the name's a bit grandiose, but hey, so are some of my expectations when I book a hotel room! Buckle up, because this review is gonna be… honest. Really honest.
First things, first: The Basics & the Location, Location, Location!
The "Cozy Xi'an Getaway Near Subway" part of the name? Nailed it. Seriously, the subway access is a HUGE win. Makes getting around super easy, which is a godsend when you’re, you know, trying to eat ALL the dumplings and explore the Terracotta Army (speaking of which, GET THERE EARLY. Trust me.) Accessibility? I didn’t specifically test it for wheelchair access, but there is an elevator (thank GOODNESS! I’m not getting any younger) and the hotel seems modern enough to incorporate those features. I'll have to give that a deeper dive on my next visit, but I saw no immediate red flags.
The Room – My Scandinavian-ish Fortress of Solitude (But Not Without Drama!)
Alright, the rooms. They're…fine. They're not exactly IKEA-catalog perfection, but they are clean. And, like, really clean. The “Rooms sanitized between stays” thing? I believe it. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and I didn't find any errant dust bunnies plotting my demise. (That said, I always bring my own sanitizing wipes. Just in case.)
The "Scandinavian" vibe? Okay, it leans a little…interpretive. Think less minimalist snowdrift and more “kinda-sorta-inspired-by-Scandinavia-but-definitely-in-China.” Still, the blackout curtains were a gift from the gods (essential for combating Xi'an’s early sunrises!) and the bed… the bed was amazing. Extra long, comfy, with a nice little reading lamp and a convenient socket nearby. Perfect for binging Netflix on my laptop workspace (free Wi-Fi, baby!). They really got the "comfort" aspect right.
Oh! The bathroom. Now that was a highlight. The shower had GREAT water pressure (a MUST). Plus, they provided complimentary toiletries, which is always a win (especially if you forgot your shampoo, like someone did…). There's also a separate bathtub – which I didn't use but it can be a big plus for many. Okay, here's a confession: I totally forgot to check for the "additional toilet" situation. Sorry, I'll be more thorough next time!
Things That Made Me Go "Ooh" and "Aah"… and a Little "Ugh":
- The Spa! Oh my god, the spa! I splurged on a massage and spent some time in the sauna. Glorious. Absolutely glorious. This is where the “Nordic” thing really came through. It felt like pure, unadulterated relaxation. I think I might have briefly dozed off in the steamroom, and nobody even judged me. (Spa/Sauna, Pool with a View – all of it was delightful.) The Body Scrub? Tempting. Body Wrap? Maybe next time.
- Food! Breakfast? Okay, let’s be real. It was an "Asian breakfast" with some "Western cuisine" options. The choices were plentiful, but the real star was the coffee shop. The coffee was surprisingly good, and the coffee/tea restaurant setup made for a lovely start to the day. The Restaurant itself also had an a-la-carte menu, I heard great things about its international cuisine, and the salad bar was surprisingly fresh, I also appreciated that the hotel provided a breakfast takeaway service.
- The Staff: Generally friendly and helpful, and definitely trained in safety protocol (thanks, COVID!). The doorman was always there with a smile, and the daily housekeeping was impeccable.
- The "Ugh" Moment: Okay, here’s my minor gripe: the soundproofing could be slightly better. I could occasionally hear…things from the hallway. But hey, I'm in China. Noise is part of the charm, right? (Still, the soundproof room was much-appreciated!)
Feeling Safe and Sound? Yes! (And the Safety Measures are Actually Reassuring)
Cleanliness and safety were clearly a priority here. I noticed "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. They offered "Rooms sanitized between stays," and “Individually-wrapped food options" which made me happy. The staff wore masks, and there were things like "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter." I even saw "Sterilizing equipment," which isn't something you expect to see in a hotel, but it’s pretty reassuring. It felt safe, which is a massive plus in the current climate.
The Nitty Gritty of Services and Conveniences:
- The Perks: Air conditioning in public area, a little convenience store, great Wi-Fi in all rooms. They even had a car park (free of charge!), which is awesome.
- The Businessy Bits: I didn't use them, but they seem to have decent business facilities including "Business facilities," Meeting/banquet facilities, and "Seminars".
- The "Nice-to-Haves": Luggage storage! Dry cleaning (thank goodness!), and an elevator. There was also a "Cash withdrawal" option.
Hidden Gems and Cool Extras:
- The Poolside Bar: Didn't have time to hit it, but it looked tempting!
- The Terrace: Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail (or a quiet moment with a book).
- The Gift/Souvenir shop: Great for buying last-minute presents (or… well, for me, mostly, for myself).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure:
There are restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, and even a snack bar. Plenty of choices! I appreciated the variety. "Happy hour"? Yes, please! They had a "Vegetarian restaurant," which is a definite plus in China.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!
The "Airport transfer" is a great option, especially after a long flight. The car park (free of charge!) is also a huge bonus. Plenty of "Taxi service" available too if you don't want to use the subway.
For the Kids:
I didn’t have a kid with me, but they seemed kid-friendly, with "Kids facilities," and "Babysitting service".
Could There be Improvements?
Maybe a more robust "Fitness center"? And I'm not always a fan of the "Smokers area," but hey, it's a thing.
Final Verdict: Should You Book? (Absolutely!)
Look, if you're looking for a stylish, spotless, and centrally-located base for exploring Xi'an, you could do a lot worse than "Escape to a Nordic Palace." Is it perfect? No. But it’s comfortable, clean, convenient, and genuinely relaxing. Plus, that spa experience was worth the price of admission alone.
Here's My Offer to YOU, my fellow weary traveler:
Book your stay at Escape to a Nordic Palace: Cozy Xi'an Getaway Near Subway! and get a FREE upgrade to a room with a view! Use promo code "XIANGODDESS" at checkout and enjoy:
- Guaranteed: A ridiculously comfortable bed and top-notch blackout curtains.
- Absolute: Free access to the sauna and steamroom (trust me, you'll need it after a day of sightseeing).
- And Best of All: That feeling of being whisked away from the hustle and bustle of Xi'an without actually leaving the city.
Don't just visit Xi'an. Escape to it. Book now, and bring your own sanitizing wipes (just in case!)
Sveti Vlas, Bulgaria: Your Family's Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This is going to be less a polished itinerary and more a travel diary of a slightly unhinged (but enthusiastic!) adventure. We're talking Z城墙, 南门, 回民街, 钟鼓楼, the tantalizingly named "C初冬暖阳北欧豪华影院民宿" (which, honestly, I’m picturing a cozy little place, full of light and probably, hopefully, not too many dust bunnies – let’s face it, no Airbnb is perfect), plus a sneaky detour to Racova, Romania. And all thanks to the wonders of the internet and my slightly obsessive travel planning. Let's do this!
Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an (and the Great Wall Tease)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Arrive at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). Okay, first impressions. The air is… well, it’s Xi'an air. Let's just say it's definitely present. After wrestling with my luggage (seriously, does anyone else feel like their suitcase triples in weight on every single layover?), I navigate the chaos of public transportation. Fingers crossed Google Maps doesn't steer me too wrong.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Arrive at the "C初冬暖阳北欧豪华影院民宿." Oh. My. God. It's… actually pretty darn cute! (Okay, maybe the "Nordic luxury" is a touch overblown, but the bed looks comfy, and hey, it DOES have a giant TV. Win!). The host greets me with a smile and some broken English, the kind that makes you feel instantly at home. I love it.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch. I need food. I'm starving after the flight (and the luggage wrestling). We're off to hunt for some of Xi'an's famous street food. I'm already salivating at the thought of roujiamo (meat burgers). Oh, the joys of getting lost in translation and pointing wildly at pictures! I'm hoping I don't accidentally order tripe. Shudders.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Finally, a glimpse of the Z城墙 (Xi’an City Wall). I decide to take a walk on the wall even though my legs are still recovering from the flight! Wow, it's HUGE! And the views are incredible. I spend way too much time just staring, listening to the sounds of the city below, the honking of vehicles, chatter of people, and taking pictures. It's definitely a "wow" moment. I feel like an emperor, surveying my domain. (Okay, a slightly tired emperor, but still).
- Evening (6:00 PM): Attempt to tackle dinner near the South Gate (南门). The crowds are intense. The aromas are even more intense. I get overwhelmed with the options. After some serious indecision, I settle on… I'm not even sure! Pork something-or-other in a spicy sauce. My tastebuds are doing a happy dance.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Collapse into bed. Jet lag is starting to hit hard. The giant TV in the "Nordic luxury" apartment is tempting (and the only thing keeping me awake), but the call of sleep is strong. Maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow’s the day for the Great Wall! (At least, that's the plan.)
Day 2: Xi'an's Delights (and a Minor Disaster)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up. Feeling surprisingly chipper! Breakfast is instant noodles from the 7-Eleven downstairs. Classy. The promise of breakfast at 回民街 (Muslim Quarter) is keeping me going.
- Morning (10:30 AM): Return to 回民街. OMG! The smells, the colors, the noise. It’s a sensory overload in the BEST way possible. I see everything from lamb skewers, to noodle pulls to sweet rice cakes. This is where the magic happens. It's a foodie paradise.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Lunch. In 回民街, as expected, the places are bustling. I take a gamble and order something I can't even pronounce (a noodle dish, judging from the pictures). It turns out to be delicious. I ate almost the whole thing (embarrassingly with chopsticks).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Visit the 钟鼓楼 (Bell and Drum Towers). Wow, the architecture is something else! I climb the Drum Tower, which is supposed to offer great views. However, I am exhausted and the views are just okay.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Disaster strikes. Or, to be precise, my phone dies. Dead. Kaput. The battery's gone to meet its maker. This is a MAJOR issue. How will I navigate? Find restaurants? Text my family to tell them I'm still alive and not being held hostage for my kidneys?
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): Panic. Deep breaths. Figure out how to find a shop to fix my mobile. A helpful local points me in the direction of an electronics store (thank goodness for pointing!).
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Phone situation sorted (ish). Now, hopefully it will last!
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner near the apartment. And it’s… another flavor explosion. I try the local dumplings. Each one is a tiny work of art. I think I ate at least 20. Maybe more, I'm not counting.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Exhausted, content, but still slightly on edge from the phone incident. Watch TV. Sleep very soundly.
Day 3: The Romanian Curveball (Racova!)
- Morning (9:00 AM): I wake up refreshed. I go out and get some breakfast.
- Morning (10:00 AM): For a long time, I've been planning a trip to Europe! The plan was Paris, however, I was recommended Racova, Romania, and I'm not a fan of Paris!
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Arrive at the hotel. Everything seems okay and I enjoy the view.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): I try to leave to see the town! However, I am shocked! I see a whole family of bears! It was terrifying.
- Evening (6:00 PM): I return to the hotel, still terrified by the encounter. I try to call the police, but I can't speak Romanian.
- Evening (8:00 PM): I decide to check the online forums. They tell me to just stay in my room.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Sleep and pray I make it home and never have to deal with bears again.
Day 4: The Aftermath and Departure
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up. After everything, I'm still alive!
- Morning (10:00 AM): Get ready to leave. Thank god!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Depart from the hotel. Maybe I shouldn't have come to Romania!
Observations and Ramblings:
- Food: The food in Xi'an is mind-blowing. I mean, seriously. I’ve eaten more this trip than I usually do in a month.
- Navigation: Google Translate is a lifesaver! I can’t imagine surviving without it.
- The People: The people here have been incredibly friendly and helpful, even when my Mandarin skills are… nonexistent.
- Unexpected Adventures: The phone fiasco was a good lesson in staying calm. And hey, at least I have a good story now.
- Overall: My journey to Xi'an/Racova has been a chaotic, delicious, and utterly unforgettable experience. I came here craving adventure, and it delivered in ways I never expected.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so this isn't a perfect, polished itinerary. It’s a bit scattered, full of tangents, and probably contains more than a few grammatical errors. But it's real. It captures the exhilaration, the exhaustion, and the sheer chaos of travel. And that, my friends, is the best way to experience it. I would travel to these places again, but I would be a LOT more careful with what I get myself into.
Escape to Mahabaleshwar: DV Inns Meridian Villa's Valley & Strawberry Farm Paradise!
Escape to a Nordic Palace: Cozy Xi'an Getaway FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions)
Okay, where *exactly* is this "Nordic Palace?" Is it like, actually a palace? Because my expectations are already up here.
Alright, settle down, royal. No, it's not *actually* a palace. Unless your definition of "palace" includes a super comfy, beautifully decorated apartment in Xi'an, that makes you feel like you're living in a Scandinavian dream. Think less Buckingham, more IKEA showroom that someone actually *lives* in, and it's awesome. It's near the subway, which is KEY. You can practically roll out of bed and onto the train. Finding it was a bit of an adventure... the first time. We were *convinced* we were completely lost. "Did we get off at the wrong stop? Are we even in Xi'an anymore?" That's when the little pin on the map guided us, a beacon of hope in a sea of... well, other apartment buildings. And it's in a newer residential area, so there's a bit of modern-but-not-touristy charm.
Booking this place – smooth sailing or epic saga worthy of a historical drama?
Honestly? Pretty smooth. I booked through [mention booking platform, e.g., Airbnb]. The host, [Host's Name if you remember], was super responsive. I'd definitely recommend messaging them beforehand in case you have any specific requests, like crib. The reviews are also reassuring. The booking process itself? Easy peasy lemon squeezy. I was more worried about the *travel* to Xi'an. THAT was an ordeal (delayed flights, lost luggage... you name it). But the booking? No worries. Just do it. Get excited!
Subway access – really as convenient as they claim? I'm not trying to walk a mile to get to the station after a day of terracotta warriors.
YES! Absolutely. It's stupidly convenient. Like, "wake up, grab coffee, and be on the train within minutes" convenient. No more long walks, no more haggling with cabs (though I *did* enjoy trying to haggle with a cab driver once, purely for the sport of it. He was NOT impressed). The subway is a lifesaver in Xi'an. Trust me. You'll be zipping around the city like a local in no time. It helps you save so much time, and it's much cleaner compared to some other subway systems I've been on - cough, cough, New York...
The decor…is it actually "Nordic?" Or just a marketing ploy with some IKEA furniture? Because I've been tricked before…
Okay, this is where it gets good. It's *definitely* got that Nordic vibe. Clean lines, natural light (a huge plus!), and a calming color palette. I'm talking light wood, maybe some pops of color... like, the kind of apartment you scroll through on Pinterest and secretly covet. Yes, there's some IKEA in there (let's be real, most of us have IKEA somewhere in our lives). I kept thinking how I wanted to re-do *my* home. It's very Instagram-worthy, which, let's be honest, is important. The best part? It feels genuinely cozy. Like, you could curl up with a book, a cup of tea, and feel completely at peace. I got completely lost in a book and forgot about the outside world once I settled in.
Kitchen situation – Can I cook? Or am I stuck eating street food constantly (which I probably will anyway, but still…)?
You CAN cook! The kitchen is equipped with the basics. Not a Michelin-star chef's kitchen, mind you. But it's got a stove, a microwave, a fridge, and the all-important kettle for tea (essential for me!). I ended up enjoying the street food more anyway. But it's comforting to know you *could* whip up a simple meal. It made a quick breakfast before heading out of the apartment much easier. Honestly, though, Xi'an's street food is a crime to miss, and the apartment is in a great spot to access a lot of it.
Wi-Fi: reliable or constantly buffering? Because streaming my shows is *crucial*.
The Wi-Fi was pretty solid! No major issues. I think I had a little hiccup once, but probably because I was trying to stream a HUGE movie on my laptop. If you're planning on binge-watching, it should be fine. It's far better than some of the hotels I've stayed in where the Wi-fi was a constant struggle. This almost made me want to stay in and just watch shows, honestly. Almost.
What other kinds of amenities are included? Is there laundry? Do they have a hair dryer? Please, tell me about a hair dryer...
Okay. *Deep breath*. Pretty standard amenities. There was a washing machine, which was a lifesaver after sweating through a day of sightseeing. There was a hair dryer, which is important because I’m a woman, and my hair takes FOREVER to dry, please don't judge. Also, there were towels, soap, shampoo, all the basics. It wasn't super fancy, but it was enough for me. I honestly can't remember what else was there... I was too busy enjoying the city to really take stock of everything.
The bed… is it actually comfortable? Reviews often lie about beds. This is a *critical* factor.
The bed was... good. Not the *best* bed I've ever slept in (I'm a bed snob, I admit it). But it was definitely comfortable enough. I slept soundly. I didn’t wake up with any aches or pains, which is a huge win in my book. I did have some weird dreams while I was there, something to do with terracotta soldiers chasing me (which, hey, maybe I was visiting the Terracotta Army too much).
Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper and need peace and quiet.
That depends. I'm also aCheap Hotel Search
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