Ordos' BEST Kept Secret: GreenTree Inn Kangbashi! (Ulan Mulun St.)

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

Ordos' BEST Kept Secret: GreenTree Inn Kangbashi! (Ulan Mulun St.)

Ordos' REALLY Good Secret: My Chaotic Love Affair with the GreenTree Inn Kangbashi (Ulan Mulun St.)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the (slightly lukewarm) tea on the GreenTree Inn Kangbashi in Ordos, and let me tell you, it's a ride. This ain't your sterile, corporate review; this is a messy, real-life account soaked in questionable decisions, lingering jetlag, and a whole lotta Mongolian dust. And yes, I'M calling it a "secret." Because honestly, I felt like I stumbled onto something pretty darn special, despite its…quirks.

First things first: Accessibility. Now, I am NOT in a wheelchair, but I saw the signage, the elevators, and the generally wide walkways, and I’d say this place tries. They definitely make an effort, which is more than you can say for a lot of places. Bless them.

My God, the Internet! (And the Lack Thereof)

Alright, let's get the digital devil out of the way first. Internet access: They claim internet access. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, technically true. But “free” sometimes felt like “faint hope.” You had the choice of Wi-Fi in the room, and LAN, and the LAN thing… Well, good luck. I fiddled with things for a solid hour one evening, convinced I was a tech genius, only to give up and go to sleep.

Then, boom, Wi-Fi! Mostly stable. Mostly. You could check emails, maybe stream something. Don't expect to download the entirety of the Library of Congress. But, hey, at least you had something.

Cleanliness and Safety: A Tale of Two Halves

This is where things get interesting. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably. Daily disinfection in common areas? Definitely, I saw the guys with the spray bottles more than I saw the sun. They were serious. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep, signs everywhere. It almost felt like they were trying to disinfect the air I was breathing… And look, as someone who's maybe a little germaphobic when traveling, I appreciated it.

Stuff for the kids: Babysitting service? Maybe, probably. I didn't see any screaming toddlers. Family/child friendly? Seems to be, judging by the elevators and the general chill vibe. Kids meal? Unsure. I'm a 40-year-old toddler, so I stuck with the chicken wings.

The Food Frenzy (and My Regretful Adventures)

Okay, the food. Here's where the GreenTree Inn really throws its hat in the ring, and the ring is a delicious, slightly confusing, culinary battleground.

Restaurants: There are a few spots, and they're… varied. There's the buffet restaurant, a glorious, slightly chaotic free-for-all. Asian cuisine in the restaurant? Absolutely. Western cuisine in the restaurant? Kind of. It's more like "Western-ish, if you squint your eyes and pretend the mashed potatoes are really, really fluffy". Breakfast [buffet] was the highlight, a glorious symphony of unknown meats, fluffy bao buns, and suspiciously sweet yogurt. I went full glutton, sampling everything.

Then there's the Room service [24-hour]: This is a game changer. Long flight? Need a late-night snack? Boom. This is where I ordered Chicken wings at 3 AM and it was glorious.

The Spa, the Sauna, and the Secret Shame

Pool with view? Nope, not really. Sauna? Yes! But I never went. Spa? Yes! But again, I never went. Gym/fitness? Yep. I saw it. I didn’t visit. What can I say? I’m a creature of habit.

So, yeah, I skipped the spa. My bad. But I saw it, I admired it, and I fully intend to take advantage next time.

Services and Conveniences: The Unexpected Perks

This is where the GreenTree Inn really surprised me. Cash withdrawal? Yes! Concierge? Absolutely. Daily housekeeping? Immaculate. Food delivery? Loads of options. Laundry service? Yep, they even did my underwear. They're basically magicians with a washing machine.

Honestly, they had everything. Facilities for disabled guests? They've thought of it. Meeting/banquet facilities? You bet. Safety deposit boxes? In the room. They really cover all the bases.

The Rooms: A Comfortable Cocoon

Rooms sanitized between stays? Yup. Air conditioning? Yes, thankfully. Bathtub? In my room, glorious after a long day of adventures. Coffee/tea maker? Essential. Free bottled water? Bless their hearts. Daily housekeeping? Flawless. Internet access – wireless? It worked! Mostly. Mini bar? A little sad, to be honest. Non-smoking? Mostly. Shower? Excellent pressure. Seating area? Comfy. Wake-up service? Never used it, but it was there.

They weren't five-star luxury, but they were clean, comfy, and the perfect antidote to the chaos of navigating a new city.

Getting Around: The Taxi Tango

They had Airport transfer, which was a lifesaver. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, parking was free. Taxi service? Easily available.

The Verdict: Would I Go Back? Absolutely

Look, the GreenTree Inn Kangbashi isn't perfect. It's not a flawless, five-star experience. It's got its quirks. It's a little rough around the edges. But that's what makes it so darn charming. It's honest, it's comfortable, and it genuinely feels like a place where people care.

It's the kind of place where you can get deliciously weird food at 3 AM, where the staff actually smile, and where you feel like you've stumbled onto something special. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back for more, even with all the imperfections. This is a hidden gem. Go check it out – and tell them I said hello. (And maybe help me find a decent download speed next time!)

Escape to Big Bear Lake: Your Hampton Inn Awaits!

Book Now

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive HEAD FIRST into the chaotic beauty that is… GreenTree Inn Ordos! Specifically, the Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch. Sounds glamorous, right? Well, let's get to it, shall we?

DAY 1: Arrival & The Great Wall… of Disappointment?

  • 15:00 - Arrival at Ordos Ejin Horo Airport (DSN). Ugh, that flight! Let's just say Ryanair could learn a thing or two about comfortable seating. Anyway, finally made it. Taxi to the GreenTree Inn. I’m praying the air conditioning works. Seriously, it's China in August.
  • 16:00 - Check-in & Room Reveal: Okay, the lobby looked… well, GreenTree Inn-y. Functional. The room? Hmm. Clean-ish. The bedspread screamed "1990s motel convention chic." And the smell. Not bad, but not… good. It's a hotel smell. You know, the one that’s trying too hard to be fresh. Let's hope the shower works!
  • 17:00 - The Search for Food (and then more food): I was starving. My stomach was, like, playing a mournful whale song. Found a noodle shop nearby. Simple, cheap, perfect. The noodles were perfectly chewy, the broth was savory, and the chili oil… oh, the chili oil. Pure bliss. I ate two bowls. Don't judge me.
  • 19:00 - Embracing the "Modern Desert Oasis" (and Failing): Okay, so Ordos is famous for Kangbashi, a weirdly empty, ultra-modern district. Thought I'd check out the “scenic spots.” The Great Wall, allegedly. But it turned out to be a… reconstruction of the Great Wall. A very new reconstruction. Think Disneyland meets concrete. My mood was starting to match the grey aesthetic. Not my cup of tea.
  • 21:00 - Nightcap… and Bed: Back at the hotel. The air conditioning wasn't horrendous. Thank goodness. A bottle of water (essential), a quick scroll through my phone, and then… sleep. Exhausted.

DAY 2: The Gobi Desert… And the Truth About My Stomach

  • 08:00 - Breakfast Disaster: Hotel breakfast included, and it was truly a wild buffet. Rice porridge? Check. Weird, congealed meat things? Check. Something vaguely resembling scrambled eggs that tasted like… disappointment. I cautiously ate a piece of bread. Safe-ish.
  • 09:00 - Desert Adventure Begins (Sort of): Decided to brave the desert. Booked a day trip with a local guide. The drive out was… long. Bleak, and mostly empty. The landscape was impressive, nonetheless.
  • 11:00 - Camel Ride of Awesomeness (and Regret): HOLY. COW. Camels! I was SO excited. Then I got on. It's a long way up. And down. My backside still aches a little. But the view across the dunes was breathtaking. Pure, sun-baked freedom. I'm a desert queen!
  • 12:00 - Desert Lunch (and the Unpleasant Aftermath): Lunch was a traditional Mongolian spread. Which, apparently, included a sausage that was a bit… off. My stomach, which had been holding its own, now decided to stage a full-blown revolt. Oh, the humanity!
  • 15:00 - Desert Meditation (…while clutching my stomach): Tried to focus on the vastness of the desert to distract myself. Failing. Contemplating the plumbing situation at the hotel to ease my worried mind. No such luck.
  • 17:00 - Return to the GreenTree Inn of Shame: Back at the hotel. Still hugging my stomach. Ordered plain rice from room service (bless their hearts). Thinking of that chili oil, though. That was the highlight of the trip so far.
  • 19:00 - Watching TV and Fighting the Urge to Vomit: Watched some truly terrible Chinese TV. It somehow took my mind off things. Mostly.
  • 21:00 - Sleep… Maybe: Praying for a peaceful night. And for my stomach to recover.

DAY 3: The Verdict

  • 07:00 - Waking Up (Reluctantly): Stomach is… better. Thank god for small mercies.
  • 09:00 - One Last, Cautious Breakfast: More bread. More water. Playing it safe.
  • 10:00 - Walking around the District (briefly): Everything felt deserted again. I wondered if anyone actually lived in this modern desert oasis.
  • 12:00 - Farewell Noodle Shop: One last bowl. Didn't need the chili oil this time. Maybe a mistake.
  • 14:00 - Check-out & Airport Bound: Back to reality. Back to the chaos of travel. But, looking back, I kind of had a good time in Ordos, despite the stomach troubles. Would I go back? Maybe. Bring more Immodium, though. And a better bedspread.

Key Takeaways:

  • GreenTree Inn - Functional. Not fancy. Bring earplugs and low expectations, and you'll be fine.
  • Ordos - Weird. Beautiful. Empty. You definitely need cash. I forgot that.
  • Chili Oil - The real hero of this trip.
  • My Stomach - needs serious training.
  • Travel - messy, imperfect, and wonderful.

Alright, that's it. Hope you enjoy the journey… and remember to pack some Pepto-Bismol!

Escape to Paradise: Hampton by Hilton Antalya Airport Awaits!

Book Now

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China```html

Ordos' BEST Kept Secret: GreenTree Inn Kangbashi! (Ulan Mulun St.) - The Unofficial Guide, Mostly!

Alright, listen up, because if you're even CONSIDERING Ordos, and you're not loaded (which, let's be honest, is probably most of us), then you NEED to know about the GreenTree Inn in Kangbashi. Specifically, the one on Ulan Mulun Street. Forget the fancy hotels, this is where it's at. Now, let's get this hot mess of an FAQ started, because lord knows, I had a mess of a time figuring this place out myself!

Is this place REALLY a "secret"? Everyone keeps talking about it!

Okay, "secret" might be a slight exaggeration. It's more like... a well-kept, budget-friendly, and surprisingly pleasant secret from the hordes of tourists who'd rather splash out on marble bathtubs (seriously, I saw one of those hotels, and it was terrifyingly opulent). It's the kind of place you stumble upon after a long day of sand surfing and feeling utterly bewildered by the sheer scale of Ordos. Think of it as your weary traveler's oasis. And yes, everyone talks about it... once they've *found* it.

Okay, but is it *clean*? That's usually the first thing that goes with "budget."

Alright, let's be brutally honest. Clean is... relative. It's not the Ritz-Carlton. But for the price? Absolutely. Look, I've stayed in places that make you want to scrub your skin off in industrial-strength bleach, and GreenTree Inn... it's not *that*. The sheets are, generally, clean. The bathroom... well, let's just say you might want to pack some Lysol wipes if you're particularly germaphobic (like me, I confess!). My biggest gripe? The occasional mystery stain on the wall that you *know* has a story. But hey, character, right?

One time, I swear, I saw a tiny, perfectly folded paper crane on the windowsill. I have no idea where it came from (maybe the cleaning staff is secretly into origami?!), but it was oddly charming. See? Good and bad at the same time... welcome to GreenTree!

What about the location? Is it in the middle of nowhere?

That's actually one of the BEST parts! Ulan Mulun Street is… well, it's *in* Kangbashi. Which is the weird, futuristic, almost-too-perfect-to-be-real district of Ordos. It's close enough to the main attractions (the museums, the massive public squares - prepare to be overwhelmed by space!), and you can walk to decent restaurants. It's also a pretty short taxi ride to the bus and train stations. Just… be prepared for some seriously long, wide roads. You'll feel like you’re a tiny ant crossing a galactic highway. But hey, the walk itself is an experience. Just bring your walking shoes and your sense of awe.

And the *silence*! Compared to the chaos of some other Chinese cities, Kangbashi is practically monastic. It's eerily quiet at night. Which, after a day of battling crowds, is a godsend.

The rooms… what are they *really* like?

Okay, so the room situation. Let's say... compact. Don't expect sprawling suites. Think efficient. Think functional. Think... well, maybe a little *cramped*, depending on how much luggage you're dragging around. The beds are usually decent: not the plush, sink-into-them kind, but perfectly sleepable. You'll get a TV (mostly Chinese channels), a kettle, and usually some instant coffee and tea bags (which may or may not be drinkable - I'm not judging!).

The bathrooms? Small. The showers? Sometimes the water pressure is amazing, sometimes it's a pathetic trickle. Embrace the adventure! They usually provide the basic toiletries, but I always recommend bringing your own shampoo and conditioner. And maybe some hand sanitizer. (See: my earlier comments on cleanliness.)

My BEST story? Once, I was in a room, and the air conditioning was OUT. Seriously, it was a scorcher of a summer day. The staff, bless their hearts, brought me a FEW extra electric fans. It was a little like being in a wind tunnel. But you know what? It was *fine*. They tried. And that's the GreenTree Inn experience: It’s not perfect, but the effort is there.

Is there a restaurant or any food near the hotel?

There's usually a small breakfast buffet, which is... well, it's there. Don't expect Michelin-star dining. It's largely Chinese staples like congee, maybe some hard-boiled eggs, and questionable pastries. It's enough to get you fueled up for the day. And, sometimes, there are some surprisingly tasty little buns. Take advantage of every opportunity. I highly recommend the local noodle shops nearby. They're usually delicious and cheap. Just point and smile if your Mandarin isn't up to scratch. (Mine definitely isn't!) And you'll find restaurants nearby. Don't expect a foodie paradise but there are definitely options to fill your belly.

I *always* make sure to grab snacks at the local convenience store and I can never get enough of the flavored water bottles. They're actually delicious. I found myself craving them after I left.

How do I book a room? Any tips?

Booking is fairly straightforward. You can usually book through the usual online travel agencies or the GreenTree Inn website itself (if you can navigate it). I've had the best luck booking directly. Prices are usually super reasonable. Double-check the reviews on the booking sites, but take them with a grain of salt – remember my notes on relative cleanliness? It's also worth knowing the staff's English level varies wildly. Be prepared to use a translation app. And maybe learn a few basic Chinese phrases (Ni hao! Xie Xie! *Help me, please!*).

My tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season. This place gets popular because it's great value. And consider getting a room on a higher floor, just for a better view (or at least, to avoid the potential noise from the street - Kangbashi is quiet, but not *soundproof* quiet).

Okay, so should I stay there or not? Give it to me straight!

Alright, here's the deal. If you're aEscape to Paradise: Hampton by Hilton Antalya Airport Awaits!

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

GreenTree Inn Ordos Kangbashi District Ulan Mulun Street Branch Ordos China

Comments

Popular posts from this blog