Starway Hotel in Chengdu

Disappointing stay at this hotel.

Service - lacklustre (front desk disinterested in anything). Asked for some things in my room to be fixed when I’m out for the day but it seemed nothing was done for the entirety of my few days’ trip. FYI I’ve never once heard them greet any guests entering, leaving hotel even when they’re not occupied.

Location - only for those working or with business in the vicinity otherwise don’t encourage leisure travellers booking this hotel. Do yourself a favour and spend a bit more time doing your research.

Goes without saying that it’s very far from most tourist attractions. Plus it’s not even within reasonable walking distance to any shopping malls or supermarkets for simple groceries or essentials shopping (there’s a McDonalds and some eateries dotted around the vicinity and pretty close to a metro station though).

As the hotel abuts 2 roads and the cars somehow don’t drive into the hotel driveway, whenever you book Didi, be prepared to do a cat and mouse chase running around the perimeter of the hotel trying to hunt down exactly where the Didi is parked and waiting. During certain times of the day, one of those roads apparently switch from two to one-way lanes so you’ll have to wait for the traffic light, cross the road and board your Didi from the opposite side.

Others - room doors automatically slam shut really really loudly so every time your neighbour opens and lets the door shut by itself, you’ll be woken up (whether late at night or early morning) by super loud bangs.

Furnishings starting to show their fair share of wear and tear.

Laundry - hotel only provides washing powder (have not seen that anywhere else). For those used to liquid washing detergent, you’ll have to get your own (see above comment on proximity to shopping malls etc).

Positives: quiet neighbourhood, hotel decor is youthful and vibrant, don’t need to wait too long for lifts, clean rooms, food options.

Reflection: I booked this hotel cos of the positive reviews but re-reading those reviews, my experience has been somewhat different and maybe the only thing I can relate to is cleanliness.