Jiaoxi 21 Hotspring Hotel

I booked this room by phone after scrambling online for somewhere to stay the weekend after the typhoon. At $1,500, it was a bargain for that time and place, and I only needed a bed for the night. I got there after dinner, found the area convenient for shopping and walking around, and was lucky to park in front of the shop's porch. Room 301 caught me off guard. I normally look for the escape route first, but the windows were barred and couldn't open. To get out by the route I found, I'd have to pass through two doors and another room. I slept nervously all night. The old equipment was clean and tidy, but the room felt cramped. The double bed was pushed against the wall on the L side, with only a little dressing bench for a seat. The bathroom door and ceiling were both low, which felt oppressive, though thankfully there was a window to the outside. It may have been a side room, since the soundproofing seemed okay, but there was a big gap under the door and I had to put up with other guests staying up late. The toilet tank sat unusually high and flushed with such force that I shut the lid first, worried water might splash out. The toilet paper was in an awkward spot, so I had to move it before using it. There was no night light, and switching everything off left the room pitch dark. I had to leave the bathroom light on, with some noise from the exhaust fan. I hadn't researched enough because the trip was rushed. I took it as part of the travel adventure.

Free parking is provided, and it's easy to pick up local snacks and specialties nearby. The hotel is in the city center, less than a three-minute walk away. Tonight's room has a huge bathtub in the bathroom, so my mom and I can soak at the same time.

The hot spring pool is huge and very clean. This affordable hotel is in the Danhuang area of Jiaoxi, near a hot spring park where you can try the hot spring fish. Seems well suited to families, backpackers, and casual travelers. Drivers and tour leaders recommend it too.

It's an old-fashioned hot spring hotel compared with all the newer ones nearby, and the rooms and facilities look dated. Still, they're clean enough and the price is low. The location works well, with the public hot spring foot bath within walking distance and restaurants, souvenir stores, and convenience shops close by. For accommodation plus a hot spring spa at this price, I think it's fair value.