Guangzhou Zoo's BEST Hotel: Dashi Metro Comfort Inn!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Guangzhou Zoo's BEST Hotel: Dashi Metro Comfort Inn! (Let's just call it the "Dashi Inn" for brevity's sake, yeah?) and it's going to be less polished hotel review and more drunken travelogue – think Yelp meets therapy session. Prepare for a wild ride.
First, THE DISCLAIMER: I'm not a robot, and neither is this review. So, if you're looking for perfection, go elsewhere. But if you want the REAL scoop, the nitty-gritty, the "did I make the right choice?" whispers…then you're in the right place.
Accessibility: (Getting There, Getting Around, and, Uhm, Getting ON the Metro)
Accessibility… hmm. Let's just say, "China is a work in progress” when it comes to wheelchair-friendliness. The Dashi Inn itself? Pretty good. Elevators, ramps, the whole shebang. Inside the hotel, you're golden. However… getting to it? The Metro is supposed to be accessible, but I encountered a few… minor hiccups. Like, let's just say, a lack of obvious ramps at certain stations and the fun game of "is that an elevator really working?" The Dashi Inn itself? No problem, but the city experience? Pack your patience (and your maybe-rusty Mandarin). They DO offer airport transfer, and it's a LIFE SAVER. Taxi service is plentiful.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Honestly, I was too busy scarfing down everything to assess the accessibility of the restaurants, but I'm assuming they are.
Internet: (Wi-Fi, LAN, and the Great Online Search)
Okay, internet. Gotta be honest, I’m a digital native. In today's world, Wi-Fi is as essential as air. They have free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Praise the gods! It worked, thank goodness, though it wasn't blazing fast, but hey, let's not get greedy. I managed to stream my shows (hello, Netflix!) and upload my Instagram stories. There's also internet LAN (remember those?!) available, which is fine if you're into that sort of thing. Internet services seemed up to par, nothing to complain about. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, it's there.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax….or, My Near-Death Experience in the Sauna
- Fitness center: Did the gym? Nope. Judging my physical appearance, you'd think I'd be there, but I wasn't.
- Pool with view: The outdoor pool looks great. It has a view. I'm not much of a swimmer, so I can't tell you.
- Spa/sauna: Okay, this is where things get interesting. The sauna was… uh… intense. Like, sweat-gushing-from-every-pore kind of intense. Let's just say, I felt like I was being slowly roasted. I emerged looking like a boiled lobster. But you know what? It was also oddly cathartic. Like, if you want to melt away all the stress of your life, hop in there. Just keep water handy. The spa treatments themselves seemed okay.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Hand Sanitizer and the Disinfectant Dance)
Look, let's be real. I'm a germaphobe. I travel with a hazmat suit (kidding…mostly). The Dashi Inn? Pretty good. The rooms are well-kept. They offer anti-viral cleaning products, room sanitization opt-out available. They have daily disinfection in common areas. They are really on top of it. Staff trained in safety protocol? Yes. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes. Hand sanitizer everywhere? You betcha. Daily housekeeping, and it shows. I never felt like I was in a plague zone.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (The Asian Breakfast Buffet and My Existential Salad Crisis)
Okay, the food. This is where the Dashi Inn really shines, especially the Asian breakfast! The buffet is impressive. The food is okay. There are options for the faint of heart. I went for the Asian cuisine, the Western breakfast. I wanted to try everything. I mean, hello, the food is endless. The coffee shop is fine. There’s even a poolside bar. The happy hour is a perk!
- A la carte in restaurant: They have this, and the western cuisine in the restaurant is delicious.
- Salad in restaurant: I had a salad, and it felt… inadequate, like it was obligatory. It was fine, basically. It was okay, maybe not my proudest moment, but it was edible.
Services and Conveniences: (Elevators, Laundry, and the Mystery of the Concierge)
- Concierge: I tried using the concierge. It's okay if you're in a hurry. It took too long for me, for most things.
- Laundry service: Was great. Got my clothes cleaned and pressed and ready.
- Convenience store: Essential, right? Right on the spot, handy and helpful.
- Dry cleaning: Did not use it.
- Elevator: Yep, it works.
- Luggage storage: They have luggage storage. I didn't really need it.
- Daily housekeeping: Nice.
For the Kids: (Babysitting, and the Great Escape)
- Family/child friendly: They totally are.
- Kids facilities: They have them.
- Babysitting service: The Dashi Inn offer babysitting service?
- Kids meal: They probably have them, but I didn't have kids with me.
Rooms: (The Beds, the Bathroom, and My Personal Panic Attack in Blackout Curtains)
- Blackout curtains: Amazing. Like, seriously, amazing. I slept like a baby (after the sauna, of course).
- Air conditioning: Yes, thank the heavens. It was a lifesaver in the Guangzhou humidity.
- Additional toilet: That's what I need.
- Bathtub: I love a bath, and it was nice and clean.
- Free bottled water: Yes. Dehydration is not my friend.
- Desk: I did some work with my laptop.
- High floor: I wanted high, for a view.
- Internet access -- wireless: Yes.
- Mirror: Needed.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Reading light: Handy.
- Refrigerator: Essential.
- Shower: Fine.
- Sofa: Cozy.
- Towels: Clean.
- Wake-up service: They have it.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes!
- Window that opens: Yes.
Getting Around: (Metro, Taxi, and the Existential Dread of Airport Transfers)
- Airport transfer: Essential. Absolutely essential. If you're flying into Guangzhou, book it. Trust me.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yep.
- Taxi service: Plentiful.
The BIG Announcement: My Personal Rating
Okay, so the Dashi Inn isn't perfect. Nothing in life is. But for the price? The location? The general vibe? I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Now, for the Sales Pitch (aka: How to Get YOU to Book That Room!)
Guangzhou Zoo's BEST Hotel: Dashi Metro Comfort Inn! – Your Gateway to Adventure (and Really Good Noodles!)
Tired of the same old boring hotel stays? Craving an authentic experience that’s both comfortable and conveniently located? Look no further than the Dashi Metro Comfort Inn!
Here's the deal:
- Epic Comfort: Seriously comfy beds, blackout curtains that will let you sleep until noon (if you dare!), and air conditioning to combat the Guangzhou heat. This is your home away from home.
- Food, Glorious Food: Start your day with an Asian breakfast buffet that will blow your mind. Noodles, dumplings, and all the weird and wonderful dishes you can handle. Plus, there’s a poolside bar for those happy hour essentials.
- Convenience is King (or Queen): Just steps from the Dashi Metro station is a blessing. Explore Guangzhou with ease!
- Stress-Free Stay: Cleanliness is key, with professional cleaning, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocols.
But that’s not all!
My special offer includes:
- 10% discount on your first night.
- Free late check-out (2 pm).
- A complimentary bottle of water upon arrival. (Because hydration!)
So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at the Dashi Metro Comfort Inn today!
Click this link to book and use code "DASHINNSWITCH"
**Don't delay! This offer won't last forever. Experience
Unbelievable Myrtos Mare Suites: Greece's Hidden Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're heading to Guangzhou! And not just any Guangzhou, but the legendary (in my head, anyway) City Comfort Inn near Dashi Metro Station, Zoo Main Branch. Consider this less a meticulously planned itinerary, and more… a chaotic, caffeine-fueled diary of the trip. Buckle up, it's gonna be wild.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Dim Sum Debacle (aka, My Stomach's Symphony of Regret)
Morning (7:00 AM, Beijing Time because jet lag is a cruel mistress): Wake up in a sweaty haze, convinced I'm still dreaming of the plane's tiny, stale breakfast sausage. Finally drag myself out of bed, the official start. My first time in China! Okay, deep breaths… you got this.
Morning (8:00 AM): Arrive at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). The airport itself? Surprisingly modern. The language barrier? Immediately apparent. I'd spent weeks boning up on basic Mandarin, but the first conversation I had was with a taxi driver who apparently spoke only rapid-fire Cantonese. I mostly just pointed and smiled.
Morning (9:30 AM): Taxi ride to the City Comfort Inn. The driver weaves through traffic with the carefree abandon of a stunt driver. My knuckles are white, clinging to the seat. This is going to be an adventure, alright.
Morning (10:30 AM): Check in to the City Comfort Inn. The staff are lovely and endlessly patient with my limited Mandarin. The room? Clean, a little cramped, but sporting a nice view of… a bustling street corner. Pretty much perfect for people-watching.
Morning (11:30 AM): The real mission begins: DIM SUM! My research led me to a highly-rated restaurant a short metro ride away. Visions of fluffy bao buns and delicate har gow danced in my head. This is what it's all been leading up to!
Lunch (12:30 PM): Arrive at the restaurant. Menu is entirely in Chinese, with pictures that are equally baffling. Armed with a phrasebook and a lot of guesswork, I order a series of dishes. Cross fingers, hope for the best.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Food arrives. Half of it is delicious! Savory pork buns that explode with flavor, silky-smooth cheung fun. The other half? An acquired taste. Let's just say I discovered new textures of offal and, well, let's just say my stomach is now playing a slightly mournful tune. I'm not gonna lie, there might have been a moment where I considered throwing up. I managed to avoid it, but now my stomach is a warzone.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Wandered around the area, recovering from the Great Dim Sum Debacle. Found a cute little tea shop where I bought green tea. Soothing the burn.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Jet lag is hitting hard. Napping is essential.
Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): A quick walk around the neighborhood. The air smells of adventure, of spices, of… something I can't quite identify but is probably delicious. Found a small street food stall selling what looked like crispy pancakes. Tried one. Heaven. Pure, crispy, savory heaven.
Evening (8:00 PM - onward): Back at the hotel, the stomach still being fickle. Ordering noodles from a delivery app. Praying they won't involve any questionable ingredients. Dear food gods, please be merciful.
Day 2: Zoo Shenanigans and a Temple Triumph
Morning (8:00 AM): Okay, feeling slightly better. Thank the food Gods. Today: the Guangzhou Zoo! Armed with my phrasebook and a renewed sense of optimism.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Guangzhou Zoo! The zoo is BIG. Saw pandas (duh), tigers, elephants, and a disturbing number of peacocks that liked to strut right on the walkways. Did I mention it's HOT and HUMID? I was sweating so profusely I could have opened my own water park. I spend a good hour just watching a group of monkeys. Their life is far too entertaining for its own good. At one point, a monkey just… flicked its nose at me. Monkey attitude. I respect it.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Found a small cafe inside the zoo. Ate a chicken sandwich. The best part? The air conditioning.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This place is stunning! Intricate carvings, incense burning in the air, a general feeling of peaceful serenity. I felt like I was transported to another world. Took a lot of pictures (obviously). Bought a lucky charm. I could use all the luck I can get.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Getting lost in the alleyways near the temple. Wandered through bustling markets. Got completely overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells. Tried to barter for a souvenir, failed miserably, still a great time.
Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant. This time I managed to order something… edible. Even delicious! Victory!
Evening (9:00 PM - onward): Collapse in my bed, exhausted but happy. Day 2: conquered.
Day 3: The Metro Madness and My Farewell Feast
Morning (8:00 AM): More metro madness. Guangzhou's metro is a marvel of efficiency, even if I accidentally got on the wrong train three times. Learning the ropes.
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Explored a local park. This is where I truly started to feel like I wasn't just a tourist, but someone experiencing life here.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Farewell feast at a slightly more upscale restaurant. Got to try some of the more famous local dishes. My meal was delicious and I finally started picking up some Chinese!
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. Managed to find some amazing gifts and a few things for myself.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the hotel, packing my bags, reliving the past few days. Saying goodbye to the place that helped me grow.
Evening (6:00 PM): Headed to the airport. Filled with a mix of sadness and excitement. I'm leaving, but I'm taking a piece of this amazing place with me.
Evening (7:00 PM to ???): Fly home. Reflecting on the delicious food, the language barriers, the kindness of strangers, and the utter chaos of it all. Guangzhou, you were a wild ride. I'll be back.
And That's It!
This is just a snapshot, of course. Life's messier than any itinerary. Did I miss things? Absolutely. Did I have embarrassing moments? A whole catalogue. Did I love every second? Absolutely! Because that's what travel, and life, should be about. Embrace the mess, the unexpected, the delicious (and sometimes slightly questionable) food, and the experience. Go forth, and get lost! Just maybe bring some Pepto-Bismol. You'll thank me later.
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Dashi Metro Comfort Inn: You've Got Questions, I've Got (Messy) Answers!
Okay, so, Dashi Metro Comfort Inn... is it *actually* comfortable?!
Comfort? *Sigh*. That's a loaded question, isn't it? Look, it depends on your definition of "comfort." If you're picturing fluffy robes, a pillow menu, and a view of the Eiffel Tower... keep dreaming, honey. This ain't the Ritz. Let me put it this way: I've slept in worse. Like, *way* worse. Remember that backpacking trip through Southeast Asia? Yeah, this is a marked improvement over the rat-infested hostel in Hanoi. The beds are… beds. They’re there. And you can *probably* sleep on them without catching anything. There's A/C, which is GOLD in Guangzhou. Sometimes it even *works*. (More on that later).
My Take: "Acceptably comfortable" sums it up. Don't expect luxury, but it'll do the trick if you’re mainly there to crash after a day wrestling with pandas and dodging rogue monkeys at the zoo. Which, let's be honest, is probably why you're here.
How close *is* it to the Guangzhou Zoo? I'm taking the kids!
Okay, this is the *good* part. The Dashi Metro Comfort Inn? It's a total slam dunk for zoo proximity! You hop on the metro *right there* (hence the name), and it's a relatively quick hop over to the Zoo. I’d say maybe a 20-25 minute metro ride, tops? Assuming the lines aren't a complete madhouse, which, let's face it, they sometimes are.
I remember this *one* time, taking my niece and nephew... they were basically feral after a day of tiger-watching. It was rush hour. Total chaos. Bodies pressed together. My nephew started singing the theme song to "Paw Patrol" at the top of his lungs to deal with the stress. The *entire* train car just stared. But even *then*, at least we knew we weren't stuck too far from the promised land (i.e., the hotel and a long, hot shower). So, yeah, the closeness is a HUGE win with kiddos. Less whinging, more sleep. Win-win!
What about the rooms themselves? Clean? Big?
Clean… *relatively* speaking. Let's be honest the "clean" in a Chinese hotel is a different animal from, say, the Four Seasons. Think more "industrially clean" than "sparkling pristine." Do they change the sheets? Probably. Do they always vacuum under the beds? Unlikely. I once found a rogue ant in my room. But, hey, it's China. Embrace the adventure, right?
Size? That depends on the room you book! Some are tiny. Think… shoebox-adjacent. Other rooms are actually pretty decent. I'd recommend paying a *little* extra if you can, just for the space. Because let's be real, after a day of walking and sweating in the Guangzhou humidity, you *need* a little room to spread out. And maybe do your laundry. (More on *that* later too...).
Tell me about the breakfast. Is it edible?
Oh, the breakfast. Let's just say it's… an *experience*. It's included, which is a bonus. Think of it as a cultural immersion, starting with a plate of lukewarm noodles at 7 am. There are usually some variations: congee (rice porridge... bland, but fills you up), maybe some dumplings, some mystery meat that you *pray* isn't what you think it is, and sometimes, if you're lucky, toast. They also *always* have these tiny little pickled vegetables that taste like a cross between vinegar and regret.
The coffee? Well, let’s just say it has the consistency of brown water and the taste of despair. But hey, at least you *get* coffee! My advice? Go in with ZERO expectations and you *might* be pleasantly surprised. Or, hit a nearby bakery for something more Western-palatable.
Is the staff helpful/able to speak English?
The staff is generally… trying. Some speak decent English, some speak a little, and some… not so much. Be patient. Use hand gestures. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. "Hello," "Thank you," and "Where is the bathroom?" are your friends. Google Translate can be your lifesaver. I once spent a solid 20 minutes trying to explain to a front desk clerk that the AC wasn't working. He finally, *finally*, understood when I pantomimed fanning myself furiously and sweating dramatically. It worked! Within an hour, someone was fixing it!
Pro tip: Download a translation app *before* you go. It will be your best friend. Especially when dealing with complex issues, like, you know, figuring out if you can order a taxi to the airport.
Any sneaky fees or hidden costs I should be aware of?
Okay, so, this is where things get… interesting. Generally, no, there aren't *massive* hidden fees. That said, always read your bill carefully. Check for things like… "environmental fees" (which honestly could be anything). Keep an eye on the minibar if you decide to use it. (Those little bottles of drinks can add up *fast*!). The most common fee, beyond your room rate, is *maybe* a small deposit when you check in. They usually give it back when you leave.
But listen, here's a Story: *One* time, I had a mini-meltdown. I went to check out. The dude at the desk started rattling off numbers in Mandarin, like a machine gun. I couldn't understand *anything*. Turns out, there was a phone call I had made that *cost* me 50 Yuan! (Because yes, international calls still exist in 2024.) I was mortified, and trying to recall the last time I even *used* a phone! Of course, I’d *accidentally* called my cousin in Canada to tell her all about the tigers I had seen. Long story short, keep your eyes peeled at check-out.
Anything else? Anything I *should* know before I book this place?
Oh, *tons* of things! First, the Wi-Fi: it can be spotty. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds, especially during peak hours. Secondly, the soundproofing? Not the best. You *will* hear the hallway conversations, the kids running, and the random karaoke sessions (Save On Hotels Now
