Escape to Lijiang: GreenTree Inn's Luxurious Railway Station Retreat!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, vibrant, sometimes baffling world of the GreenTree Inn's "Luxurious Railway Station Retreat" in Lijiang, China. This ain't your grandma's hotel review; we're talking emotions, opinions, and a whole lotta rambling. Consider this your pre-flight pep talk: ready… set… GO!
The Entrance: First Impressions and (Maybe) Instant Regret
So, the "Accessible" category? Let's be brutally honest here. "GreenTree Inn" and "Luxurious" in the same sentence felt aspirational at first. But hey, gotta give credit where it's due. The lobby did have an elevator, which is a HUGE win if you're lugging luggage or dealing with mobility issues. And the front desk was… well, they spoke some English. (More on the staff later. The level of English fluency varied wildly, from "solid" to "mime," which, let's be real, is part of the adventure.) I can't definitively say it's fully wheelchair accessible, but they’ve definitely tried.
Rambling Thoughts on Accessibility, Because Life
- Accessibility: The elevator was a lifesaver! Seriously, after some long flights, I had those jelly legs. Plus, the exterior corridors were convenient, allowing for easy access from the room to the restaurants and other amenities.
- Things to do: Lijiang is all stone streets, and some areas have steps. Therefore, be prepared to ask for help if you need it. But the views and people there are worth it.
The Room: A Love/Hate Relationship with Blackout Curtains and Infinite WiFi
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. The rooms. The rooms were… a mixed bag. On my first visit, the room was spacious, cleaned, and comfy.
- The Good Stuff: The free Wi-Fi? Glorious. Truly. In a foreign country, being able to stream your favorite shows (or just, you know, work) is a lifesaver. And yes, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is accurate. The bed was… decent. Not a five-star mattress, but perfectly serviceable. The air conditioning worked like a CHAMP. And the blackout curtains? Chef's kiss. Essential for fighting jet lag and those early morning sunrises. I was in heaven. The little extras, mini bar, hairdryer, scale.
- The "Mmmmmm": The "luxurious" part? Definitely debatable. Think more "comfortable and functional" rather than "opulent palace." Some of the furniture felt a little… utilitarian. And the decor? Let's just say it was… tasteful in its own way. The bathroom was clean, the water was hot (most of the time), and there was even a separate shower/bathtub.
- Extra long bed.
The Amenities: Spa Dreams and Fitness Center Realities
Now we're getting into the meat of it. Did that "Luxurious Railway Station Retreat" promise of relaxation deliver? Sort of.
- The Spa/Wellness Area: Okay, the idea of a sauna and spa was amazing. I pictured myself luxuriating in a bubbling Jacuzzi after a day of exploring. I asked about the spa. Yes, they have massages here. (They do!). I never actually made it to the gym.
- Spa/Sauna: The spa was small but well-kept. The massages were, let's say, "authentic." Maybe a little too authentic. (I'm still not sure what the therapist was trying to achieve.)
- The Gym: My intention was there. But I didn't actually get to the gym and honestly, not sure I’d want to. But hey, at least they have one.
- Pool/Pool with a View: The outdoor pool… It was there! No complaints.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Culinary Adventure)
Food, ah food. This is where things really got interesting.
- Dining Options: There were restaurants. Plural! An Asian restaurant, a Western restaurant, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and possibly a ghost kitchen. Breakfast was available: Asian and Western.
- Breakfast Buffet: The words "buffet" and "China" are enough to make your mouth water right? The buffet was… an experience. The options were a mix of things I recognized and things I had no idea what they were, but was willing to try, (which is always a good life philosophy). The international cuisine. The Asian breakfast! The bacon, the sausages, all tasted good!
- Room Service: 24-hour room service? Now we're talking! Because sometimes, after a day of exploring and adventure, you just want to binge-watch something and eat noodles.
- Coffee/Tea: The coffee was… well, it was there. I had to be very specific on my order for coffee: strong, black, no sugar, and they knew what it meant.
- Coffee/Tea in the restaurant: The coffee was… well, it was there. It wasn't the best cup of coffee I've ever had, but it was a crucial part of a good breakfast.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Mostly)
This is a big one, especially these days.
- Obsession with Cleaning: They seemed quite committed to cleanliness. The rooms were cleaned daily and they were very diligent about it.
- Hygiene Certification: I noticed the certificate on the wall.
- Safety and Security: 24-hour security, CCTV, and fire extinguishers.
- Hand sanitizer, and Staff trained in safety protocol were visible.
- Shared stationery removed.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Helpful Staff: The staff, while not always fluent in English, were generally friendly and helpful. They tried to understand my broken Mandarin, and I tried to understand their English. It worked!
- The Elevator: It’s just so nice to not lug luggage up several flights of stairs.
- Daily Housekeeping: Essential!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Important!
Getting Around & Other Practical Bits:
- Airport and Train Transfers: Airport transfer was available.
- Car Park: Free car park on-site.
- Car power charging station: I don’t have a car!
- Laundry Services: Yes, they got my clothes clean!
The Verdict: Should You Stay Here?
Okay, so, is the GreenTree Inn's "Luxurious Railway Station Retreat" the most luxurious place you'll ever stay? Nah. But is it a solid, clean, and convenient base of operations for exploring Lijiang? Absolutely. The free Wi-Fi is a huge win. The staff, while not always perfect, were always trying their best. The location is pretty good. And the food, while sometimes a culinary adventure, was always available. So, yeah, if you're looking for a comfortable, affordable, and convenient place to stay, go for it. Just temper your expectations of "luxury." Think "comfortable and functional," with a generous helping of "charm." And be ready for an adventure!
The Offer
Tired of Ordinary? Escape to Lijiang with the GreenTree Inn – and We'll Treat You Right!
Are you ready to trade the mundane for the magical? To step into a world of ancient cobblestone streets, breathtaking mountain views, and the irresistible charm of Lijiang? Then, the GreenTree Inn "Luxurious Railway Station Retreat" is calling your name!
Here's What We're Offering (Just for You!):
- Guaranteed Best Rate: Book directly through our website, and we promise the best possible price.
- Free High-Speed Wi-Fi: Stay connected with lightning-fast, reliable Wi-Fi in your room and throughout the hotel. Post those stunning travel photos!
- Delicious Daily Breakfast: Fuel your adventures with our complimentary breakfast.
- Unbeatable Convenience: Located near Lijiang Railway Station, our hotel offers easy access to everything Lijiang has to offer. Plus, enjoy hassle-free check-in/out and luggage storage.
- Clean and Safe Environment: Relax with peace of mind, knowing that we prioritize your safety with enhanced cleaning protocols, including anti-viral cleaning products.
- Extra Perks: Enjoy options like, room service, and daily housekeeping.
Why Book with Us?
- Experience the Heart of Lijiang: Our hotel is perfectly situated to explore the Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and all the wonders Lijiang has to offer.
- Relax and Recharge: Unwind in our comfortable and well-appointed rooms.
- Unforgettable Memories: Create memories that will last a lifetime. From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by the beauty and charm of this extraordinary destination.
Don't Wait!
Book by [Date - Give a deadline] and receive a free upgrade to a room with a better view, plus a [Local amenity, like a discount on a massage or a welcome drink at the
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary is NOT your perfectly-curated Instagram feed. This is Lijiang, China, through the bleary eyes of yours truly, and we’re staying at the GreenTree Inn Lijiang Railway Station Yuxing Road Express Hotel. Let’s see if we survive… together.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Quest for Noodles (and Maybe Sanity)
Morning (6:00 AM -ish): Landed in Lijiang. Woo! Sunshine! Wait, the car just crashed! oh wait, that didn't happen… It was the "wake up" alarm. Dragged myself out of bed, battling jet lag that felt like a particularly grumpy gremlin clinging to my brain. Found my luggage (mostly intact, thank the travel gods). The airport… beautiful, but my brain's not fully processing the scenery. Headed to the GreenTree Inn. It looked decent enough online, but the lobby smelled faintly of… something. Not bad, just… something. Let's call it "ambiance." Check-in was a surprisingly smooth process. The staff was lovely, even though my attempts at Mandarin were met with polite confusion.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Settled into my room. Decent. Clean-ish. The bed looks comfier than it probably is. The view is… well, it's of another building, but hey, at least it's not a brick wall. Unpacked (halfway). Decided to nap. This jet lag is a beast.
Lunch (12:00 PM -ish): Woke up starving. The stomach is demanding sustenance! Found a tiny noodle shop a block from the hotel. The menu was entirely in Chinese, so I pointed randomly at something with pictures and prayed. Ended up with a spicy, almost-too-good bowl of noodles. I think a small tear rolled down my cheek. Jet lag, or emotional noodles? You decide! The little old woman who served me was so sweet, chatting away (I understood maybe 10% of it), but her smile was universal. This might be it. The authentic Lijiang experience.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Attempted to walk around. Old Town Lijiang. I read about it. Beautiful, charming, full of shops… and hordes of people. I was not prepared for the crowds. Got overwhelmed, maybe slightly claustrophobic. Spent a solid hour people-watching, trying to decipher the local dialect… and maybe secretly judging everyone's fashion choices (I'm a terrible person, I know). Had the (overpriced, but delicious) rose tea. Got lost. Found my way back. Repeat.
Evening (7:00 PM -ish): Dinner at a random restaurant near the GreenTree Inn. Tried to be adventurous and ordered…something. It was probably tofu. Maybe some meat. I don’t really know, but it was edible. The waiter kept smiling at me… either because I’m hilarious, or because I kept pointing and grunting at the menu. Decided to call it a night. Early to bed, hoping to kick this jet lag’s butt.
Day 2: The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Debacle (and a Whole Lot of Tea)
Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Set my alarm for an ungodly hour to go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Did I mention I hate mornings? Caught a bus to the mountain, which was a surprisingly smooth ride. The scenery? Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. The mountain… well, let's just say I was unprepared.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Ride up the cable car. I'm also terrified of heights. The view? Unreal. The air? Thin as a supermodel's patience. Felt lightheaded. Short of breath. Almost threw up. Made it to the top (yay?). The glacier. The blue sky. The altitude. Everything was so beautiful, so overwhelming. And so cold. I have a picture of me in front of it but will omit the tear streaming down my face (jet lag, altitude, beauty… or all three?). Couldn't stay long. Had to head back down to civilization and oxygen.
Lunch (12:00 PM -ish): Ate somewhere. I don't remember. I ate. Probably noodles. Possibly with more tears.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): TEAAA TIME! Spent the afternoon indulging in the ubiquitous tea houses dotted around the town. Found a quaint little place with a ridiculously friendly owner, who practically forced me to try every kind of tea imaginable. Puer tea, green tea, jasmine tea… I swear, I drank the entire menu. The entire afternoon was a blur of tea and conversations I can only vaguely remember. The owner kept insisting I was his "friend". I think he thought I was drunk. He wasn’t wrong.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the streets again, getting myself lost again, and stumbling upon a delicious street food stall. Spicy skewers, anyone?
Evening (7:00 PM -ish): Back to the hotel. Exhausted. Maybe slightly tea-drunk. Feeling a strange sense of accomplishment. And maybe slightly overwhelmed. Tomorrow… more tea?
Day 3: The Grand Finale (or, the Quest for a Decent Cup of Coffee)
Morning (8:00 AM -ish): Woke up feeling… relatively okay! Jet lag is slowly receding. Success! Decided I needed a proper coffee. Desperately. The hotel’s breakfast was… questionable. The coffee situation was even more so. Embarked on a mission to find a decent cup of coffee. The search was arduous. The results? Mixed. Found one place with what they called “cafe latte”. Barely coffee, mostly milk, but I will not complain.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM -ish): This is my day to revisit the Old Town. Went to the Old Town again. Strolled through the (slightly less crowded) streets. Got lost again, as always. This time, I went in with a plan: find a souvenir that wasn't a cheap, plastic trinket. Found a little shop that sells hand-painted scrolls. Bought one. It's expensive, but beautiful. And I love it, so there's no regret.
Lunch(12:00 PM -ish): Found a local restaurant this time. Ordered, and I am starting to get the hang of things… or maybe not! Ate something that was surprisingly delicious.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Time for one last stroll by the scenic streets.
Evening (7:00 PM -ish): Packing. A bittersweet feeling. Lijiang has been… interesting. Beautiful, overwhelming, challenging, and surprisingly delicious. I will miss the noodles. And the tea. And the chaos. And… the locals. Maybe. And I'm already planning my return.
Late Evening: Catching my train. Bye-bye, Lijiang. Maybe I'll see you again someday.
Final Thoughts:
This "itinerary" is… a mess, I know. And it is what it is. Lijiang is a messy, beautiful, and emotional place. I loved it. And the GreenTree Inn? It was fine (I mean, a roof over my head). Definitely not five-star, but it served its purpose. Just pack your patience, your sense of humor, and embrace the chaos. You might just have a wildly unforgettable time. Because, honestly, that's the best kind. You, my friend, will be glad you did.
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Escape to Lijiang: GreenTree Inn's Luxurious Railway Station Retreat - FAQs (and My Unfiltered Thoughts!)
So, Lijiang? Really? Sounds…touristy. Is this place actually worth the hype?
Okay, let's be honest. Lijiang is *touristy*. There’s no denying it. I walked through the old town, and yeah, it’s a sea of selfie sticks and overpriced yak butter tea. But… and this is a big but… there’s *something* about it. You feel it in the mountains, the crisp air (especially if you’re arriving from some smoggy city like me!), and the way the cobblestone streets wind around.
The GreenTree Inn Railway Station Retreat, though? That, my friends, is a secret weapon. It's like a little oasis of calm *before* you hit the frenzy. (More on that later... the 'frenzy' is a real thing.) Is it hyped? Kinda. Worth it? Maybe. Are the crowds at the GreenTree Inn itself a lot less than outside? Absolutely!
What's the GreenTree Inn like? Is "luxurious" a stretch?
"Luxurious" is… well, it depends on your definition. Let's be clear, it's not The Ritz. But for a GreenTree Inn, and for *that* price point in Lijiang, it's damn good. Think clean, comfortable, and with a surprisingly stylish (for a GreenTree!) aesthetic.
My room? Spotless. Bed? Firm but comfy enough after a brutal overnight train ride. The best part? The *quiet*. Seriously. After the chaos of the railway station (more on *that* later – I swear I’m getting there!), it was HEAVEN. They also had decent coffee, which is a lifesaver when you're running on train-sleep and the altitude is messing with your brain. No, it's not palace-worthy luxury, but in Lijiang? It felt pretty damn fancy.
Okay, the Railway Station - How far is this place from the actual station? Walking distance?
"Railway Station Retreat" is kind of a dead giveaway, right? It's *right there*. Like, you could practically trip out of the station and fall into the lobby. Seriously, the proximity is a MAJOR selling point. After a train journey, especially a long one, the last thing you want is a long taxi ride. And trust me, you’ll be GLAD you're not dragging your suitcase through the Lijiang streets… unless you *like* a workout.
It's a good 5 minute walk, maybe 10. More if you're like me and wander in a daze when arriving anywhere new. But the convenience alone? Worth the price of admission (to the hotel, not Lijiang itself. I'm still on the fence about that!).
Speaking of train journeys...How was your train ride?!
Aaaah, the train ride. Let's just say it was... an experience. Let me set the scene: I boarded this… *ahem*… *sleeper* train. In the middle of the night. After a long, stressful day of flight delays from Beijing. First tip? *Bring earplugs*. No, seriously, pack them! Between the snoring, the babies, the constant shuffling of feet, it was like a symphony of… well, not pleasant sounds.
Then there was the food. Oh, the food. Let's just say I ate the least suspicious looking thing I could find. (Which was probably… rice. Plain, old, boiled rice.) Long story short: I went to Lijiang looking like a zombie, on near no sleep and slightly traumatized. The GreenTree Inn? An absolute godsend. I collapsed in my room, and it was pure bliss.
What's the service like? Are the staff helpful?
The staff were great! My Mandarin is... well, let's say I can order noodles and point. But they were super patient with my butchered attempts at getting through. (I think they understood. They probably deal with a lot of foreigners. It's pretty bad.) They were always ready to help, and they spoke enough English to make check-in, check-out, and general questions a breeze.
I even had a problem with my room's TV (the remote was hiding from me, apparently). A quick call to reception, and within minutes, a lovely guy was there sorting it out with no fuss. Basically? Friendly, efficient, not overly intrusive. Exactly what you want after a long train journey and/or the general "culture shock" of China.
What about the location? Is it easy to get around from the hotel?
Okay, *this* is the trade-off. You're *right* beside the railway station. Which is fantastic for pre- or post-train convenience. But it does mean you're not *in* the Old Town. That’s a taxi/bus ride away.
I used taxis, which were easy to get. The hotel staff can help with that, of course, but the roads can get *busy*. So factor that in. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it's something to keep in mind. You're trading convenience for being in the thick of things. I was fine with the trade-off, but again, it's *your* trip. I really wanted peace and quiet after my terrible train experience. But others might want to be in the centre of it all.
Any tips or tricks for the GreenTree Inn or Lijiang in general?
**For the GreenTree Inn:**
- **Book in advance, especially during peak season.** This place is seriously popular. I'd hate for your train wreck to make you tired and then discover you can't even get a room!
- **Ask for a room away from the railway tracks if you're a light sleeper.** Even though it's pretty quiet, you’ll still hear the odd train.
- **Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.** It's reliable, which is a huge plus.
**For Lijiang:**
- **Bargain!** Seriously. Especially at the Old Town shops and with taxi drivers. Don't be shy.
- **Wear comfortable shoes.** Those cobblestones are killer after a while.
- **Drink plenty of water!** The altitude gets you. Plus, yak butter tea is…an acquired taste. (I *still* don't get it.)
- **Embrace the chaos.** Try to relax and, even though it's crowded at times, have fun. The scenery is gorgeous.
Would you stay there again?
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