Unbelievable Dali Views: Starway Hotel's Erhai Lake Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your average hotel review. We're diving deep into the turquoise embrace of Erhai Lake, courtesy of Unbelievable Dali Views: Starway Hotel's Erhai Lake Paradise Awaits! And let me tell you, I've got opinions.
First Impressions: Accessibility, and Oh Boy, Did I Need a Coffee!
Right off the bat, accessibility is a thing to check. You know, for those of us who… well, struggle with stairs. Thankfully, the hotel boasts an elevator (thank the gods!). I'm not using a wheelchair, but I appreciate these things. Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, but I didn't personally delve into the specifics. But seeing the elevator made me optimistic. Getting around felt pretty good. Car park [free of charge] is a huge win. And having car park [on-site] just in case is a bonus, though I would rather walk.
Internet? In My Utopia? (Yes!)
Okay, this is key. I need internet like a fish needs water. Luckily, Unbelievable Dali Views is drowning in bandwidth. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And, it actually works. Hallelujah! I am here to work and enjoy the lake, so having reliable internet is absolute necessity. Internet access – LAN is also available. No excuses for not getting that work done, right?
Cleanliness and Safety: Is it Safe to Breathe? (Mostly!)
Okay, COVID-19 changed everything. And I'm a bit paranoid, so this is IMPORTANT. They seem to take it seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer, and more importantly Room sanitization opt-out available. I mean, who doesn't want to choose how clean their room is? Anti-viral cleaning products, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Rooms sanitized between stays are all music to my germaphobe ears. I saw staff spraying things down, and it felt…reassuring. I'm sure I was safe.
Dining, Drinking, Snacking: Feed Me, Seymour!
This is where things get interesting. The Asian breakfast was pretty good, and the Western breakfast was… well, let's just say it was there. Breakfast [buffet] and is a good way to start. The Coffee shop was my saving grace – vital! I needed coffee, and I needed it now. There's a poolside bar, but I didn't check it out, I am not a pool person. Restaurants are mentioned plural, so you have choice. Room service [24-hour] – bless them. And a Snack bar. I spotted desserts in restaurant which is important for me.
I had an A la carte in restaurant experience, which was fun to play around with. There's even Vegetarian restaurant! And Alternative meal arrangement - which I do appreciate.
My Lake Life Adventure: (The Actual Fun)
Okay, here's the deal. I came here for the view. And the name doesn't lie. Pool with view. Swimming pool [outdoor] - and this place is stunning. Seriously. The turquoise water, the mountains, the… bliss. I just sat by the pool thinking about my life and watching the clouds float by. I needed this. It was exactly as my therapist had advised.
There is also a Spa! And a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage – basically, the whole shebang. I skipped the body wrap, but the massage? Oh, the massage was everything. It was the kind of massage that melts your troubles into a puddle of contentment. I highly recommend it, if you're into that kind of stuff.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras (and the Big Ones)
Doorman? Check. Concierge? Check. Luggage storage? Thankfully, yes. Daily housekeeping is a blessing. The Ironing service was also a life saver. And Dry cleaning! The world's a blur, no more doing laundry!
For the Kids:
I don't have kids, so I didn't pay much attention. They do have Babysitting service and Kids facilities. Seems kid-friendly, though it's all about chill vibes at the lake, so don't expect a theme park.
The Room: My Personal Paradise (with Some Quirks)
Air conditioning – necessary! Blackout curtains are a lifesaver. Coffee/tea maker, Mini bar, Refrigerator – all the essentials. Free bottled water – yes! The desk, Safe box and Internet access – wireless made me able to work from my paradise. The Seating area, was the best part.
My room had a Window that opens - a must. And I noticed, a Mirror. I did notice, a Bathroom phone. Which, well, it made me laugh. There's a Alarm clock, and a Hair dryer too. I'm good.
The Quirks:
Okay, honesty time. The TV reception occasionally went a bit… wonky. And the elevator could be a little slow during peak hours. But listen, you come here for the view, for the lake, to escape the city.
Final Verdict:
Unbelievable Dali Views: Starway Hotel's Erhai Lake Paradise Awaits! is… pretty darn amazing. Flawed? Sure. Perfect? No. But the view, the lake, the overall vibe? Worth it a thousand times over. Come here, breathe, and just be.
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Unbelievable Nanjing Luxury: Starway Hotel's Secret Oasis!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Dali adventure, specifically the Starway Hotel on Jiashibo Avenue, right by Erhai Lake. Forget those sterile, perfect itineraries – this is going to be a glorious, messy, and hopefully hilarious rollercoaster.
DAY 1: Arrival and the Great Tea Quest (aka, Jet Lag Blues and Bliss)
- Time: 6:00 AM - Landed in Dali. Okay, the airport isn't exactly the most glamorous, but hey, we're here! First impressions: Clean air, a smattering of confused-looking locals, and a distinct lack of sleep. Jet lag is already my mortal enemy.
- Time: 7:00 AM - Got scammed by the taxi driver - it was the only taxi…I can't even.
- Time: 8:00 AM - Finally arrived at the Starway Hotel. The view from the room? Epic. Pure Erhai Lake bliss. Seriously, I could stare at that water all day. And considering my current state… I just might. The room is… well, let's call it "functional." Cleanish. Let's not poke the cleanliness bear, okay?
- Time: 9:00 AM - The Great Tea Quest Begins! Desperate for caffeine, I venture out. My first attempt to order tea resulted in a very confused conversation involving pointing, charades (which I excel at, naturally), and a whole lot of giggling from the server. Success! I got tea…and it's actually amazing. Sweet victory!
- Time: 10:00 AM - Stumbled upon a local market. HOLY. COW. Food vendors everywhere. I nearly choked on my own spit from the sheer sensory overload. The colors, the smells, the noise! Picked up some mystery snacks, cautiously sampled. One was delicious, the other…let's just say my stomach is now playing a rock concert.
- Time: 12:00 PM - Nap. Oh, sweet, beautiful nap. Jet lag wins round one, but I fully intend on claiming victory later.
- Time: 3:00 PM - EXPLORATION TIME! Walked along the lakeside. Got completely lost within five minutes. Found a tiny, hidden temple. The serenity was almost unbearable. And then a kid tripped over my feet, and I remembered, "Oh yeah, I'm still in China and need to remain vigilant." Still, a lovely moment.
- Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner. Found a restaurant serving local Bai cuisine. I ordered a dish that was described as "spicy and full of flavour." They weren't kidding. My mouth is currently experiencing a firestorm that's both terrifying and amazing.
- Time: 9:00 PM - Collapse in bed. Day one down. Exhausted, overwhelmed, slightly sunburnt, and utterly in love.
DAY 2: Erhai Lake's Embrace, and the Boat That Almost Sank (Literally).
- Time: 7:00 AM - Woke up with a view of the lake. Again, the view is magic. Decided I could get used to this.
- Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast. The hotel breakfast is… well, it's there. But I'm getting bolder, so I’m skipping the pre-packaged toast and going for the “mystery meat” at the local food carts. I’m pretty sure it was a type of sausage. I am glad I tried it.
- Time: 9:00 AM - Boat trip on Erhai Lake! This was the day I fell in love with Dali. The lake shimmered like a thousand emeralds. The mountains loomed majestically. I briefly considered becoming a hermit and living on a boat. Until I saw our captain, who may or may not have been a pirate, and the boat which… might've had a hole or two. There were some nervous moments, I won't lie. I held my breath for a good portion of the ride. But wow, the scenery! The air! The sheer freedom! The potential to drown was totally worth everything.
- Time: 12:00 PM - Lunch at a lakeside restaurant. Seafood. Fresh. Delicious. The wind whipped around, making my hair look like a bird's nest. I don't care. This is how I’m meant to live.
- Time: 2:00 PM - Exploring the Xizhou villages. The architecture here is gorgeous. Traditional Bai houses, impeccably preserved. Picture postcard perfect. Also, there were so many tourists. This is not perfect, it just is.
- Time: 4:00 PM - Tea and a pastry at a local cafe. Watched the world go by. Found a little bit of peace.
- Time: 6:00 PM - Stumbled upon a local drumming class. I tried to join in. Let's just say, I am not a drummer. The locals were very polite in stifling their laughter and I blame being very hungry.
- Time: 8:00 PM - Dinner. Went with something safe: noodles. They were perfect. Simple. Wonderful.
- Time: 10:00 PM - Stargazing on the balcony of the hotel. The sky was a glittering canvas. This is what I came for. This is worth everything.
DAY 3: Dali Old Town and the Unexpected Emotional Breakdown (and the Best Coffee, EVER).
- Time: 8:00 AM - Slept in! Hallelujah!
- Time: 9:00 AM - Strolled through Dali Old Town. The shops are filled with everything from tourist tat to authentic crafts. Bargaining is a must. Got a beautiful scarf and felt smug.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Found a tiny coffee shop. Oh. My. God. The coffee. The aroma. The perfect little courtyard. (I swear, I’m not usually this dramatic, but this coffee legit changed my life.)
- Time: 12:00 PM - Lunch. In a restaurant with a balcony overlooking the streets. I ate a bowl of noodles and wanted to cry from joy. I sat there for hours and watched tourists and locals bustle around.
- Time: 2:00 PM - Okay, here’s where it gets real. Walking through the Old Town, I came across a family. A mother and father and their little daughter, playing. The daughter was wearing a tiny hat that was adorable. And then, just like that, I started crying. A full-blown, ugly cry. Homesickness? Overwhelmed? Who knows. It just…happened. Embarrassing, yes. Human, absolutely.
- Time: 3:00 PM - Collected myself. Bought the daughter a little toy.
- Time: 4:00 PM - More coffee. Needed it. Another coffee shop. (See a pattern?)
- Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner by the lake, watching the sunset. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Everything was perfect.
- Time: 8:00 PM - Packing. Sigh.
- Time: 9:00 PM - One last view from the balcony. I don't want to leave. Damn you, reality!
DAY 4: Departure (and the Promise to Return)
- Time: 7:00 AM - Woke up with a profound sense of sadness. Dali, you beautiful, slightly chaotic, utterly captivating place!
- Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast. Ate as much as I could.
- Time: 9:00 AM - Last walk around the lake.
- Time: 10:00 AM - Packed, and checked out of the hotel.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Hailed a bus.
- Time: 12:00 PM - Airport.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Plane.
- Time: 2:00 PM - This is not goodbye Dali. This is, "I'll be back to find even more things to cry about" See ya next year.
Final Thoughts:
Dali, you beautiful, bewildering, and utterly unforgettable place. You made me laugh, you made me cry, you almost made me drown, and you certainly made me drink a LOT of coffee. I wouldn't have traded a single moment of it. Until next time, Dali. Until next time.
Unbelievable Nanjing Hotel Deal: Confucius Temple Luxury Awaits!
Unbelievable Dali Views: Starway Hotel's Erhai Lake Paradise – Let's Get Real! (FAQ Edition)
Okay, so... Is this place *really* as dreamy as the pictures? Or is it all Instagram lies?
Ugh, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, I'm a sucker for a good photo, and the Starway's definitely got the *look*. The Erhai Lake reflecting the snow-capped Cangshan mountains... it's postcard-worthy. But here's the thing: REALITY is... well, it's *reality*. Sometimes, the "unbelievable" part comes with a side of "slightly underwhelming when you actually get there." The light *is* incredible in the early mornings, seriously, just...wow. But, and this is a big but, if you're expecting a perfectly curated, filter-free experience 24/7... you're gonna be disappointed. Clouds happen. Haze happens. And sometimes, the "paradise" just feels a little… soggy. I woke up one morning, fully prepared to be bathed in golden light, only to find the lake looking like a giant, grey puddle and getting a bit grumpy because I haven't got my morning coffe. So, yeah, go in with realistic expectations. Then, hopefully, you'll still have your breath taken away when the good stuff *does* happen.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually nice? And what about the view from MY room? I'm picky.
Alright, deep breaths. Rooms... well, they *try*. They lean into that whole minimalist, "zen" aesthetic, which, depending on your taste, is either a blessing or a curse. I am a fan of simple life, so I love the "simple". I wasn't expecting luxury, I found them comfy, quite spacious and clean. But my friend Amy, she’s a princess, right? She was complaining about the lack of outlets and the "cold" feeling. She was right, the room, not luxurious as some hotels, but fine to spend a few nights.
As for the view... that's the big one. *This* is where the magic (hopefully) happens. Book a lake view, trust me. Seriously, don't skimp on this. You'll regret it every time you see someone else's epic sunrise photo. If you're *truly* picky, call ahead and request a high floor. And pray to the weather gods for clear skies. Remember, every day is different, so one day is all "wow" and the next is "Meh".
The food. Is the food any good? I'm a foodie and I need to know. Is there even food?
Okay, the food... Let's be honest. The Starway Hotel's restaurant isn't winning any Michelin stars. It's there, it's functional, and sometimes, it's... kinda bland. I had a "delicious" (it was not) chicken stir-fry one night that tasted suspiciously like yesterday's leftovers. That said, they do a decent breakfast buffet (included, yay!). And the coffee is surprisingly good, which is crucial.
Here's my advice: Embrace the local Dali food scene! Go explore! There are amazing restaurants and street food vendors outside the hotel. You'll eat much better (and experience more of Dali). It's right there, just steps away from the hotel, so go taste the local food. I went to one of the restaurants by the lake. The food was fantastic, and the experience!
How's the location? Is it easy to get around? Is this place remote?
Location, location, location! That's what they say, right? The Starway Hotel is *relatively* easy to get to from Dali Old Town (a short-ish taxi ride). It's right on the lake, which is the whole point. But it's not smack-dab in the middle of all the action. You'll need to take a taxi or ride-sharing app (convenient, thankfully) to get to the main attractions, the restaurants, etc. Expect to pay a few more yuan when you call a taxi.
It's a trade-off. You get those incredible views, and you trade off immediate access to the hustle and bustle. For me, the views win every time. The quietness is a great bonus. It's an easy way to get away from the city life.
What's the vibe? Is it for couples, families, backpackers…what am I getting myself into?
The vibe... Hmm. It’s kind of a mixed bag. I saw a few couples on a romantic getaway, a couple of families (kids running wild, naturally), and a scattering of solo travelers like myself. It's not a "party" hotel, thank goodness. It's more chill. Relaxed. Quiet enough to actually *hear* the birds chirping (which is a HUGE bonus, trust me).
I'd say it's suitable for anyone who wants to relax, enjoy the scenery, and doesn't mind a little bit of imperfection. If you're after a wild time, go somewhere else. This place is about unwinding and soaking in the beauty.
Okay, tell me the *truth*. What's the WORST thing about this hotel? Don't sugarcoat it.
Alright, let's get to the gritty stuff. The *worst* thing? I'd say the inconsistency. You might have moments of pure bliss (waking up to a sunrise painting the lake gold), but they're often followed by the occasional logistical hiccup. The internet can be spotty. The staff, while friendly, might not always speak perfect English (but they try their best, bless them). And one time, the hot water in my shower decided to take a vacation.
But honestly? I'm willing to forgive a lot for those views. And I think it's part of the charm, somehow. The imperfections make it feel... human. Like, yeah, it's not a perfectly polished resort, but it's real. And sometimes, that's what makes a place truly memorable.
So, would you go back? Be honest!
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Would *I* go back? Hmm... Let me think. Probably. Yes, I'd probably go back. Despite the quirks, the occasional soggy view, and the so-so food, I still think it's worth it. There's a certain magic to the place. A tranquility you can’t find just anywhere. I have beautiful memories there. And let's be real, those sunrises... yeah, they're something. So, yeah, I'd go back. But this time, I'm bringing my own snacksStarlight Inns
