Unbelievable Views! Howard Johnson LakeView Hotel Kunming: Your Dream Kunming Getaway
Unbelievable Views! Howard Johnson LakeView Hotel Kunming: Your Dream Kunming Getaway
Unbelievable Views! Howard Johnson LakeView Hotel Kunming: My Messy, Honest, and Slightly-Obsessed Breakdown
Okay, people, let's be real. Planning a trip is exhausting. Searching for hotels? A nightmare. That’s why I’m here to save you the hassle and give you the raw, unfiltered truth about Unbelievable Views! Howard Johnson LakeView Hotel Kunming. Prepare yourself; I'm about to get real. And maybe a little obsessed with a specific pool view…
First, the Basics (Yawn… but Important!)
Accessibility: This is where things get…decent. They say they're accessible, and they do have an elevator, which is a huge plus in my book. I didn't personally need full accessibility, so I can't vouch for every single detail, but they seem to make an effort. Score a point for Howard Johnson.
Cleanliness and Safety: (COVID Times!)
Look, I'm not gonna lie, post-pandemic, I'm a germaphobe. But Howard Johnson actually delivers on this front. They’ve got all the usual suspects: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and a bazillion cleaning protocols. The highlight? They use… drumroll… anti-viral cleaning products! That gives me peace of mind. They also offer room sanitization opt-out, which is a thoughtful touch for those who, like me, maybe a little too paranoid.
Room sanitization opt-out is available, which is thoughtful. They should be doing this on top of the normal cleaning, in my opinion, but I get that sometimes travelers get overwhelmed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and Coffee)
Let’s cut to the chase: the food is important. Very important. Howard Johnson delivers a pretty impressive spread. You got your Asian breakfast (hello, noodles!), Western breakfast (bacon, baby!), and a pretty solid buffet, to boot. The coffee shop is a lifesaver for those early mornings. They've even have a vegetarian restaurant. Plus, a poolside bar? Yes, please! Now, about those restaurants…they offer a bunch of different cuisines including Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant.
I was particularly fond of the coffee shop. The first day was rough, and a cup of coffee was basically the only thing keeping me from weeping openly. Services and Conveniences: You Can Get Stuff Done (Even on Vacation)
This is a big one. They got all the usual suspects: daily housekeeping, concierge, laundry service, currency exchange. They also have business facilities with meeting/banquet facilities and even audio-visual equipment for special events. What sets them apart is, weirdly, the convenience store. Sometimes, all you need is a bag of chips and a random snack to recharge, and this hotel understands that.
For The Kids:
Family/child friendly! I didn't have kids on this trip, but I saw several, and they seemed pretty happy.
Things to Do (Relaxing Edition): The Spa, The Pool, My Personal Paradise
Alright, buckle up, because this is where Howard Johnson REALLY shines. This is where I can say I had the best experience.
The Spa/Sauna: I am a sucker for a spa. I think the Body scrub and Body wrap were my favorite, or it could have all been the Sauna and Steamroom combo.
The Fitness Center: I did not personally go to the gym, but it's there, so if that's your thing, go for it!
The Pool with a View: My Happy Place
Okay, I'm gonna get a little gushy here. Because the Swimming pool [outdoor]? It’s genuinely spectacular. This is the highlight. Seriously. The Pool with a view is an absolute dream. Imagine sipping cocktails in the late afternoon, the sun setting over the lake, a gentle breeze…pure bliss. It’s Instagrammable. It's soul-soothing. I spent a solid afternoon doing absolutely nothing but staring at the view from the pool. I think I even lost track of time!
Internet Access:
Free Wi-Fi! And it actually works! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Very standard, very useful.
The Rooms:
They're clean, comfortable, and the view? Well, it's unbelievable (pun intended!). They offer all the usual amenities: air conditioning, hairdryer, mini bar. The blackout curtains are a lifesaver for those who love to sleep in. And the slippers? A tiny, thoughtful touch that made all the difference.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer is available, which is incredibly convenient.
Quirks and Imperfections:
No hotel is perfect, and Howard Johnson is no exception. The occasional service hiccup, the slightly slow elevator on occasion. But honestly? These are minor details. The positives far outweigh any negatives.
My Emotional Verdict: Booking This Hotel is a Must!
Look, I'm a person who loves to travel. I'm also a person who loves to be comfortable. This hotel provides.
In Conclusion:
Howard Johnson LakeView Hotel Kunming? Absolute win. It’s clean, well-equipped, and the pool view alone is worth the price of admission. If you're looking for a relaxing escape in Kunming, book it. Just… maybe try to get a room with a pool view. You won’t regret it.
Final Recommendation: My Unbelievable Offer!
Tired of endless hotel searches? I'm offering you, my beloved reader, a taste of paradise with my Unbelievable Views! Howard Johnson LakeView Hotel Kunming package!
Book your stay and discover a world where tranquility meets unbeatable views.
Here's what you get:
- Guaranteed Pool View Room: Imagine waking up to that breathtaking vista every single day!
- Complimentary Daily Breakfast: Fuel your adventures with a delicious and diverse breakfast buffet.
- Exclusive Spa Discount: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience at a special rate.
- Insider's Guide to Kunming: Get the inside scoop on the best restaurants, hidden gems, and local experiences from a trusted source.
Book now and receive a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival to enjoy while you soak in the breathtaking views! Remember, it is truly an amazing experience that you don't want to miss!
(Limited availability. Don't miss out on your dream Kunming getaway!)
This hotel is a huge win. Book it, and thank me later. You got this!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Hotel Abdulrahman Saleh Semarang!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average sanitized travel itinerary. This is my Kunming, at the Howard Johnson LakeView Hotel, and trust me, it's going to be a glorious, slightly chaotic, mess.
The "Get Me to Kunming (and Hopefully Not Thrown in Jail)" Phase:
- Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panicking (But, Like, Fashionably):
- 8:00 AM: Flight from…well, wherever I was before. Let's be honest, the travel part is always a blur. Praying my luggage hasn't decided to stage a solo adventure to, say, Vladivostok.
- 1:00 PM (Local Time): Land in Kunming. Breathe. Seriously, deep breaths. My Chinese is… well, let's just say I'm fluent in pointing and smiling. Hopefully, the customs folks appreciate my enthusiasm.
- 1:30 PM: Find the transfer to the Howard Johnson LakeView. This is where faith in humanity is truly tested. Praying to the Travel Gods (and Google Maps) that I don’t get scammed into a rickshaw ride to the moon.
- 3:00 PM: Check into the hotel. Room key? Check. Decent view of the lake? Praying for a good view. This hotel is the "LakeView" so I hope I get what deserves. I paid for.
- 4:00 PM: Unpack, attempt to assemble my travel survival kit (wet wipes, emergency snacks, a book I'll definitely read this time).
- 5:00 PM: First impression: the hotel is fine. But, is that a faint smell of… dumplings? Oh God, I hope it’s just my imagination.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ordering is going to be an adventure. Praying for a menu with pictures. Or, even better, a kind waiter who understands miming the universal sign of a “delicious, non-poisonous meal.”
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. Ordered some noodle.
- 8:00 PM: Early night. Jet lag is a beast. Plus, I need to conserve energy for the sheer, unadulterated exhilaration of navigating Kunming.
The "Exploring Kunming (and Possibly Mystifying the Locals)" Phase:
Day 2: Stone Forest & Street Food Frenzy (and a Near-Disaster involving a Duck):
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. I have a suspicious feeling about the pastries, but I’m going for it. Live dangerously, right?
- 9:00 AM: Stone Forest tour! Finally! Apparently, the Stone Forest is a “must-see.” I'm ready to be awestruck, or at least moderately impressed. Armed with sunblock and a crippling fear of heights.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: At the Stone Forest. Okay, the rocks are cool. They're…rocky. The tour guide is speaking a mile a minute, and I'm pretty sure I missed all the cultural significance but still was amazed. I swear, one of those formations looks exactly like my Grandma Millie.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to sample as much local food as possible. This might involve pointing, gesturing, and a lot of smiling. I'm prepared to brave the street food. I am. Okay, maybe a little scared.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Needed a break.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring the streets. Bought some snacks from the side street.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the streets. I don't know what I bought. But it does smell.
- 5:00 PM: Going to the restaurant. Order some duck.
- 6:00 PM: The duck. Well, it was delicious.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I am starting to feel the jet lag.
- 8:00 PM: A light snack. I saw some pastries. Maybe I should avoid those..
Day 3: Green Lake Park & Tea Tasting…and a Moment of Existential Dread:
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! A rare treat.
- 10:00 AM: A leisurely breakfast. Okay, I’m feeling brave. Time to tackle those questionable pastries. Wish me luck.
- 11:00 AM: Green Lake Park. Beautiful. The lake is shimmering, the air is fresh…Wait, is that someone doing Tai Chi? It's the most serene thing I've ever seen. I attempt a clumsy, awkward Tai Chi move.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Tea Tasting! I'm no tea connoisseur, but I'm willing to learn. Sipping tea, pretending to understand the nuances of flavor.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a cute little dumpling stall! I think I even managed to order something, without too much confusion. Victory!
- 2:00 PM: Exploring. Wandering the streets, soaking up the atmosphere. I stopped to watch a group of old men playing mahjong. For a moment, I felt a profound sense of…nothingness. Am I really here? What is the meaning of life? This travel is causing some existential crises, man.
- 3:00 PM: Another tea.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Feel better.
- 5:00 PM: Read my book.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I have had enough dumplings for a lifetime.
- 7:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: The Flower Market & Packing (and a Sudden Urge to Move to China):
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! Again!
- 10:00 AM: Flower Market! Colors, smells, chaos! I’m in heaven. I buy a single, perfect orchid. It's the only thing I own that matters.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Exploring the flower markets.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch.
- 2:00 PM: Packing. The dreaded task. How did I acquire so much stuff in such a short time?
- 3:00 PM: Packing continue. Did I really drink that tea?
- 4:00 PM: Trying to squeeze that orchid into my suitcase.
- 5:00 PM: One last stroll around the lake. Contemplating staying forever.
- 6:00 PM: Last dinner.
- 7:00 PM: Headed to the airport.
Day 5: Departure (and a Vow to Return):
- Early Morning: Flight back. Goodbye, Kunming. You were weird, wonderful, and I miss you already.
- Afternoon: Touchdown back wherever. Jet lag, post-travel blues, and a mountain of laundry. But also, a backpack full of memories and a longing to return.
Final Thoughts (aka, the Rambling Part):
This trip won’t be perfect. I’ll probably get lost, mispronounce everything, and embarrass myself. But, hey, that’s part of the fun. The best travel experiences are the ones that surprise you, the ones that make you laugh, even when you’re crying (from, you know, jet lag and a particularly spicy dish). Kunming, you were a blast. I’ll be back! And next time, I'm definitely learning some Mandarin. Or at least how to properly greet a local with something other than a slightly panicked smile. See ya!
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Unbelievable Views! Howard Johnson LakeView Hotel Kunming: Your Dream Kunming Getaway...Or is it? A Slightly Chaotic FAQ
Okay, real talk. "Unbelievable Views"? Does the *view* actually live up to the hype at the Howard Johnson LakeView? I've seen some *things*...
Alright, let's be brutally honest. The views? They're...well, they're *there*. The panoramic pictures on the hotel website? Yeah, they're probably real. But...and this is a BIG but... *weather*. Kunming's a notoriously moody dame. One minute she's all sunshine and rosy cheeks, the next she's wrapped in a thick, pea-soup fog that could swallow a small province.
My first morning? Fog. Like, couldn't see the hand in front of my face fog. I’m talking, I checked the weather app, and it was promising *nothing*. Then I woke up, peered out the window, and…nothing. Just gray. Kinda soul-crushing, actually. Felt like I’d been teleported into a David Lynch movie. Felt the fog, felt the melancholy. But then! The next day? BAM! Crystal clear, the lake glittering…it was, dare I say, *unbelievable*. But the "unbelievable" part was the sheer *contrast* between the two days. So, yeah, the view is potentially amazing. Just…pray to the weather gods. And maybe bring a really good book for the fog days. You *will* need it. And probably some chocolate. Trust me.
What about the rooms? Are they all modern and swanky, or more "slightly faded glory" after a few too many years?
Okay, "swanky" is probably a strong word. Let's go with "comfortable and functional with a hint of... patina." Think of it this way: imagine your stylish grandma's house. It's nice, it's got character, but the furniture might not be *brand new*.
The rooms are generally spacious, clean...ish. The bathrooms? Well, they're functional, which is really all you can ask for, sometimes. My air-conditioning unit sounded like a dying walrus, but hey, at least it *worked*. And the bed? Surprisingly comfortable, considering I was expecting something akin to sleeping on a slab of concrete. (Hotel bed expectations are *low* after years of travel, you know?)
I will say, the decor is…consistent. Beige. With matching beige curtains. And possibly some beige accents. Not exactly Instagram gold, but hey, you're not here to photograph your room, are you? (Although, the beige does serve a purpose... it makes the sunlight *pop* if you're lucky enough to get it!)
How's the breakfast? Buffet style? Do they have actual coffee, or just that… stuff?
Oh, the breakfast. Buckle up, buttercups. It's a… buffet. A *very* Asian buffet, mind you. Think noodles, dumplings, a questionable selection of meats… and, yes, actual coffee. (Thank the heavens!)
Now, I'm not a huge fan of the "mystery meat" situation, and the quality is… variable. The fried eggs, however, were consistently solid. A real godsend after a night of (ahem) *exploring* the local Kunming nightlife.
The coffee? It's not Starbucks, let's be clear. But it's drinkable. And the sheer variety of other options at the buffet (even the questionable-looking ones) is quite something. I once saw a gentleman load up *ten* plates with various items. Ten! I’m not sure what was more unbelievable, the views, or his breakfast strategy. I'm still pondering this amazing feat of dining prowess. It certainly provided fuel for the rest of the day!
Is the location convenient? How far is it from… well, everything?
Location… it's good in terms of being lakeside, obviously. You walk outside, and BAM, the lake is right there. Beautiful. But, if you’re thinking of walking *everywhere*… think again. Kunming is a sprawling city. Be prepared for taxis, Didi rides (the Chinese Uber), or the local subway.
The hotel is relatively close to some attractions, but you'll need transportation to reach the main tourist spots. Getting a taxi can sometimes be an adventure in itself, depending on the time of day and the traffic. And learning a few key Mandarin phrases wouldn't hurt either, honestly. (My attempts were… pathetic, but the hotel staff were incredibly patient.)
Any tips for making the most of my stay? Things I should absolutely DO or definitely AVOID?
Okay, here's the unfiltered truth:
- DO: Get a room facing the lake. Seriously. It's worth the extra money. (Even in the fog, the *potential* is worth it.)
- DO: Explore the lake. Take a stroll, rent a bike, whatever floats your boat (pun intended!). It's a beautiful escape from the city bustle.
- DO: Embrace the local cuisine. Be adventurous! Try the stinky tofu (just… brace yourself).
- DO: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. It'll go a long way. "Xie xie" (thank you) is a good start.
- AVOID: Expecting perfection. It's a hotel, not a resort on a desert island. Things happen.
- AVOID: Being afraid to try *anything*. That's the biggest mistake you can make!
- AVOID: Assuming you'll be able to understand the hotel’s TV system. I spent, like, 20 minutes trying to figure out how to switch channels. Still didn’t. Just watch a movie on your phone.
And most importantly… be prepared for a little bit of chaos. That's part of the fun, right? Embrace the mess, the occasional language barrier, and the ever-changing Kunming weather. You might just fall in love with this quirky city.
Is the staff helpful and friendly? Should I brush up on my "patience" skills before interacting with them?
Okay. The staff. This is important. *Generally*, yes, the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. But... let's just say that some of the English-speaking skills are a bit… *limited*. Patience is a virtue, my friend. And it’s a virtue you’ll need in spades.
I remember one time, I was trying to explain that my air conditioning had died. "No cold! Make no cold!" I kept repeating, waving my arms. The poor receptionist looked at me with a mixture of confusion and pity. Eventually, we got there. The engineer fixed it (sort of). It still sounded like a dying walrus, but at least it *blew* air. Victory!
The point is, they try. They really do. And their willingness to help, even when communication is challenging,Hotel Radar Map
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