A budget-friendly downtown hotel in Changsha that you'll want to stay at again and again!!

Full review of the Steigenberger Icon Changsha: A cost-effective choice with many facets I recently stayed at the Steigenberger Icon Changsha, a high-end hotel under the Huazhu Group, and had a great experience. Here's my review. 📍Great location The hotel is located near the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center and close to Guangda, the last stop on Metro Line 2. It's only one stop away from Changsha South Railway Station, and you can take the metro directly to Changsha Railway Station, Wuyi Square, Orange Isle, and Meixi Lake. Although it's at the end of the metro line, it's a great choice for travelers due to its high cost-effectiveness and convenient transportation. 📋Basic hotel information The hotel opened in the second half of 2021 and is in the same building as the Steigenberger Hotel. It was originally planned to be an InterContinental and Crowne Plaza dual-brand hotel, but the owner, Sunac, changed it to the German brand Steigenberger Icon and Steigenberger under the Huazhu Group. The hotel has 363 rooms and suites. 📤Smooth check-in When I arrived at the hotel, the staff linked my membership level and arranged a corner room on the 20th floor for me. They also kindly informed me of the breakfast location and time. At the time, both the indoor and outdoor swimming pools were closed for maintenance, but the gym was open 24 hours a day and could be accessed with a card, which is convenient for fitness enthusiasts. 🏘️Reasonable room layout The room layout is very square. When you enter the room, there is a closet on the left and a bathroom on the right. There is a square desk in the room, which can meet basic office needs. The two large floor-to-ceiling windows in the corner room are a highlight, offering a very open view. There is also an L-shaped sofa by the window, which is very comfortable to sit or lie on. 🛌Complete and high-quality amenities 1. 🛏️Room amenities: When I returned to my room in the evening, a welcome fruit plate was already placed. For Platinum members, the mini bar is free, with a can of Coke, a can of Sprite, a can of Fanta, a bottle of sparkling water, six packs of tea, and two bags of coffee. There are also two wine glasses in the cabinet. The room has plenty of bottled water. The mattress is comfortable, and the bedding is silky, providing a good sleep experience. The TV can be cast, adding to the entertainment options. 2. 🛁Bathroom amenities: The room has a large bathtub, which is great for relaxing when you're tired. The toiletries are the same as those at Sheraton, and body lotion is provided. The hairdryer is Dyson, which is high quality. However, the room does not have a smart toilet. 3. 🧹Soundproofing and cleanliness: The soundproofing is good, creating a quiet environment for rest. The room is also very clean, with timely linen changes. 🍜Great dining experience Although the hotel does not have a lounge, the breakfast is excellent. The noodle station has a variety of toppings and ingredients, and the hot dishes are made with real ingredients, with plenty of meat and delicious flavors to satisfy different tastes. 💪Well-equipped gym The hotel has a 24-hour unmanned gym on the top floor, which is large and well-equipped. Although there are no free weights, the other facilities are comparable to a small commercial gym. The indoor and outdoor swimming pools not only have great views but also meet the length and depth standards, making them perfect for swimming enthusiasts. 💗Other tips 1. The air conditioning in the hotel restaurant and gym is not very effective, so you may want to adjust your clothing accordingly when visiting these areas. 2. Although the hotel does not have a dedicated concierge, the front desk staff are very friendly and can help with any questions. 3. There are many local delicacies and attractions around the hotel, so be sure to explore during your stay. Overall, as the most high-end brand under the Huazhu Group, apart from Song Hotel, the Steigenberger Icon Changsha may not fully meet the "luxury" standard in some aspects, but its high cost-effectiveness, excellent breakfast, and high-quality public facilities make it a hotel worth choosing. I look forward to seeing it continue to improve and develop in the future.