Hotels that even students can afford are truly exceptional.
In-depth review of Changsha North Star InterContinental Hotel: A celebrity-like experience
In Changsha, the Changsha North Star InterContinental Hotel is a favorite among celebrities and an excellent choice for ordinary travelers seeking high-quality accommodation! Let's take a closer look at this hotel.
Excellent Location
The hotel is located in the Beichen Delta, at the confluence of the Xiangjiang River and Liuyang River in Kaifu District. It boasts rich surrounding amenities, is adjacent to the "Three Halls and One Gallery," faces the Hunan Financial Center across the river, and offers breathtaking scenery. The subway station is about a ten-minute walk away, and a four-station subway ride takes you directly to the bustling Wuyi Square, making travel incredibly convenient.
Hotel Information
The hotel opened in 2014 and has 396 guest rooms. It collaborates with Hunan TV, so the chances of encountering celebrities are very high, especially during the filming of shows like Sisters Who Make Waves.
Check-In Experience
Upon arrival, the doorman warmly greeted me, helped with the door, and took my luggage. The service was incredibly attentive. I was particularly fortunate to be upgraded to a corner room with a river view. Previously, with a Platinum card, I was only upgraded one level to a river-view room. This time, despite being downgraded to a Gold card, I was upgraded three levels, which was a pleasant surprise.
Room Facilities
- Living Area: The room is fan-shaped. Although the corner room doesn't have a separate living room, it has a partitioned small space. Upon entering, there's a foyer, a wardrobe on the left, a bathroom on the right, and a desk that meets basic office needs. The corner room has large, arc-shaped floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a wide view. There's a sofa by the window, and although there's a large supporting column, it doesn't significantly affect the viewing experience.
- Minibar: Welcome fruits are only available for Platinum card members and above. Previously, as a Platinum card member, I received a small lobster doll during turndown service. This time, it was a sachet, both unique in their own way. The minibar is chargeable, the tea provided is Twinings tea bags, and the bottled water is Baisui Shan, with ample supply.
- Bedroom: The mattress is extremely comfortable, and the linens are silky smooth against the skin, ensuring a good night's sleep. The curtains are smart-controlled, which is very convenient. The TV has been updated and supports screencasting. There's also a Philips speaker with excellent sound quality, perfect for enjoying audio-visual entertainment.
- Bathroom: The highlight of the corner room is the bathroom, which is even more spacious than the bedroom. The shower and toilet are on either side of the entrance, and double vanities flank the bathtub. The bathroom's river view is even better than the bedroom's. The toiletries are BYREDO BLANCHE, which are high-quality.
Dining
The hotel lounge offers excellent food and also serves breakfast. However, the hotel restaurant has a wider breakfast selection and an exquisite three-tiered afternoon tea served in a birdcage. Both the lounge and breakfast are among the best in Changsha hotels, with a rich variety of delicious food. The lounge has a cocktail menu every evening, with a full selection of drinks, snacks, and hot dishes.
Fitness Facilities
The hotel has a 24-hour unmanned gym with complete fitness equipment, including dumbbells, cable machines, and Smith machines. There's also a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi. The pool's length and depth are ideal, with shallow and deep sections to cater to different needs.
Overall Evaluation
Advantages
1. The quality of the breakfast and lounge is exceptional, making this hotel worth choosing again and again.
2. From the doorman and front desk staff to the housekeeping staff, the service is outstanding, making you feel at home.
3. The views are captivating, whether facing the "Three Halls and One Gallery" or the river, and are on par with those of the Grand Hyatt.
Disadvantages
The hotel has been open for a while, so the decor is inevitably somewhat dated. However, it's well-maintained and the materials are of high quality, so it doesn't look worn out.
🧹Soundproofing/Cleanliness: The soundproofing is excellent, providing a quiet resting environment. The cleanliness is outstanding, with both the rooms and public areas spotlessly clean.
🏘️Room Type/Layout: The room layout is reasonable, and the corner room's space is cleverly utilized. Although there's no separate living room, the small space division is practical, and the bathroom layout is a major highlight.
🛌Amenities/Facilities: The facilities are comprehensive, from complete gym equipment to high-quality linens and toiletries, smart curtains, a TV with screencasting, and a high-quality sound system, catering to various needs.
💗Other Tips:
1. Becoming an IHG member unlocks more benefits, such as room upgrades. It's recommended to learn about and register before checking in.
2. To increase your chances of encountering celebrities, check Hunan TV's filming schedule in advance.
3. There are many attractions and restaurants near the hotel. Plan your sightseeing and dining itinerary in advance.