Nanning's BEST Hotel? Borrman Hotel Beihu Bei Road Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Borrman Hotel Beihu Bei Road, supposedly Nanning's BEST, and honey, I've got opinions. Forget those dry, corporate reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all, because let's be honest, nobody's perfect, and that includes hotels.
First, let's tackle the big stuff: Accessibility. This is important, people! The website says accessible, but what does that MEAN? Well, getting there, the Airport Transfer was smooth, which is a GREAT start. The hotel has a Car Park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], which is handy. They also have Facilities for disabled guests, which usually means elevators, ramps, and…well, you get the idea. Elevator is present, yay! More on the actual room accessibility later. This category deserves a thumbs up, from what I’ve seen.
Now, let's get into the heart of the matter: the ROOMS! Okay, so here's where we get real. The Air conditioning WORKS. Thank. The. Gods. That’s the absolute most important thing when you've spent a day in Nanning's humidity, and it actually works, and is reasonably quiet, which is a win. The Blackout curtains are a GODSEND, trust me. You will want to sleep. Bathrobes are fluffy, always a bonus. Free bottled water, check. And the Wi-Fi [free] works, which is…well, it's a necessity these days, isn't it?
But now for the nitpicky bits, the tiny cracks that reveal the real person. The Bathroom? Spotless. The Shower was powerful, and the Toiletries were actually decent. No cheap, cloying soap here, thank goodness! HOWEVER, and this is a minor grumble, but…the additional toilet I was promised…wasn't. And, the mirror and its positioning was a bit strange.
Cleanliness and Safety & Pandemic-Related Considerations:
This is the new normal, right? And the Borrman seems to take it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere… okay, maybe a little overkill, but hey, I’m not complaining. Rooms sanitized between stays, and I think they meant it. Staff trained in safety protocol and Safe dining setup, which is comforting.
The Food, Glorious, Messy Food!
Oh, the food. This is where things get…interesting. The Asian breakfast, that was an experience. Let's just say, let's just say it wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but hey, it's authentic, right? The Breakfast [buffet] was…extensive. The Restaurants themselves offer Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant, so you've got options. A little much to be honest, feels like the menu is trying too hard. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was, well, it was coffee and tea. The Poolside bar seemed nice, but again I felt more comfortable avoiding it.
The pool itself? Swimming pool [outdoor] is nice and all, but…the view? Okay, technically, it's a pool with view, but with the building right there, it wasn't as spectacular as i'd imagined. So…meh. The Poolside bar. I enjoyed it, but it felt like I was the only customer at times.
Things to do and ways to relax:
Now, this is where the Borrman really shines. Fitness center, yes please! Gym/fitness, check! Massage? Oh, and you know what? Forget talking about it, I'm going to talk about my massage.
I had one of those “I need to be kneaded” days, and I went for it. The spa itself? Clean, calm, all the usual calming music and scents. The therapist? Top-notch. I felt like a pile of goo afterward, in the best possible way. Like I’d been wrung out and reassembled into a slightly less stressed version of myself. Now, that is what I call a way to relax.
Internet Access (The Boring Bits, But Necessary):
They've got it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless works. Internet access – LAN, also available. They also have Wi-Fi in public areas, useful for the lobby.
Services and Conveniences: (Who Doesn't Love These?)
The Concierge was helpful. Daily housekeeping was efficient, always a plus. The Convenience store in the lobby? Okay, it's a little overpriced, but hey, sometimes you just NEED a snack at midnight. Laundry service and Dry cleaning is handy. Luggage storage, also fantastic.
For the Kids & Additional Stuff:
Even though I don't have kids, It says they have Babysitting service, which could be handy for some. They also have Family/child friendly facilities.
The Messy, Human Imperfections:
Now, a few quibbles. The Room decorations were…well, it was as if someone's grandmother got a whole house of stuff, it was not that bad, not that good, it was average. The Smoke alarms freaked me out a bit. I'm a nervous person. The Soundproof rooms? Not entirely soundproof, let's just say. I heard some…interesting things…coming from the hallway, so I will not go deeply into that.
The Offer - Book Now, Before I Change My Mind!
Alright, all the gripes, the triumphs, the honest truth: If you're looking for a decent hotel in Nanning that’s safe, generally clean, and has some solid amenities, then the Borrman Hotel Beihu Bei Road is probably worth a look. Book now because, honestly, I'm fickle.
Here's the Deal, Folks:
- Unbeatable Value: Get a comfortable stay with reliable service and modern amenities without breaking the bank.
- Relax and Rejuvenate: Enjoy the spa and/or the Fitness Center.
- Convenience Guaranteed: Take advantage of on-site dining, on-site parking and all the services you need.
- Peace of Mind: Feel safe and secure with our enhanced safety protocols and 24-hour security.
- Act Fast! This deal might change!
- Book NOW, for a special room rate and you might get me to get you my recommendations. Don't be a stranger. Because, why not.
Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experiences and opinions, which, let's be honest, are probably weird.
Escape to Paradise: 5-Min Walk to SKA Mal! Stunning Abode Homes Cluster #12B
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is a trip to Nanning, specifically focusing on the wonderfully practical (and slightly soul-crushing, let's be honest) Borrman Hotel near Beihu Bei Road Metro Station. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-edited itinerary. This is the real deal, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and the Quest for Decent Noodles
- 14:00 - Arrival at Nanning Wuxu International Airport: Okay, first hurdle: navigating the airport. Let me tell you, Chinese airports are a beast. You’re basically a bewildered goldfish in a swirling current of luggage carts and hurried conversations you can’t understand. My internal monologue, already buzzing with pre-trip anxiety, peaked at about 100 decibels. Found the shuttle bus. Score. A sweaty, cramped, but efficient score.
- 15:30 - Check-in at Borrman Hotel: Ah, the Borrman. Bless its air-conditioned soul. This hotel is…functional. Cleanish. The staff speaks some English, which is a godsend after the airport. Room: Adequate. Bed: Surprisingly comfortable. The REAL test? The bathroom situation. Wish me luck.
- 16:00 - The Great Tea Crisis: My first cup of tea in China! Except, they had no English tea. No problem, I thought – I’m adventurous! I ended up with a cup of something that tasted suspiciously like grass clippings. Cue existential crisis #1: “Am I doomed to a week of weird tea and linguistic isolation?”
- 17:30 - Metro Adventures (and the Search for Food): The Beihu Bei Road Metro Station is RIGHT THERE, which is a massive win. First time on the Nanning metro! Surprisingly clean and efficient. I tried to decipher the maps, which are a beautiful mess of Mandarin characters. Took a wild guess and hopped on a train. Destination: Anywhere that serves edible noodles.
- 18:30 - Noodle Nirvana (or Maybe Not): Found a tiny noodle shop near… somewhere? The language barrier was epic. Pointed at a picture and prayed. The noodles arrived. They were…interesting. Kind of bland. But! I was hungry, so I ate them. This whole experience taught me two crucial things:
- 1. Never underestimate the power of a basic, slurpable noodle.
- 2. Carry a phrasebook. (Note to self: Buy one. Now.)
- 20:00 - Hotel Room Doom Scroll and Self-Doubt: Back in the room. Exhausted. A bit homesick. Started doom-scrolling through Instagram, marvelling at everyone else's perfect travel photos. Am I doing this right? Am I even capable of travel? Why did I pack so many…socks? The answers remain elusive. But at least the AC works.
Day 2: Exploring the City (and Fighting My Inner Snob)
- 08:00 - Breakfast Debacle: The hotel breakfast. Free! But… let's just say it wasn't the gourmet experience I'd dreamt of. A congealed buffet of mystery meats and rice porridge. I went for the sad, lukewarm eggs and toast. Fuel. It's fuel, dammit!
- 09:00 - To the Park! (And My Crumbling Resolve): Supposed to go to Nanning Park. Decided to stroll, feeling that I was being a snob. I mean, I am a writer, and my books are not exactly selling. I am not better than these people.
- 11:00 - The Wet Market: A complete sensory overload. Live chickens, squawking and fluttering. Fish flopping in buckets. Vendors loudly haggling. The smell? Intense. It's both beautiful and slightly horrifying, a reminder of the raw, unfiltered reality of life. I tried to be brave and snap a few photos, but the sheer aliveness of the place almost made me faint.
- 12:00 - Lunch (Round Two): Found a tiny dumpling shop, this time thanks to some helpful pointing and hand gestures. These dumplings? Perfection. Silky skins, juicy filling. I devoured them with gusto. Food is love, food is life. My faith in Nanning was restored.
- 14:00 - More Park and a Minor Meltdown: Back to the park. Gorgeous, green spaces, and an explosion of weird sculptures. But the heat! And the humidity! And the sudden, overwhelming feeling that I’d forgotten everything I knew about life. Almost passed out. Sat on a bench. Regained composure. Took deep breaths.
- 16:00 - Metro Mishap (and the Power of a Smiling Stranger): Got lost on the metro. Again. Panicked. Started muttering to myself. Suddenly, a kind woman with a beaming smile offered to help. She spoke very basic English, but enough to guide me. The simple act of kindness brought tears to my eyes. Humanity, people! It's still out there.
- 18:00 - Dinner with a View (Kinda): Dinner at restaurant close to the hotel. I'm not sure, but I think I managed to order some vegetables. Feeling like I'm slowly adapting.
- 20:00 - Room Service and Reflection: Back at the hotel. Exhausted but strangely exhilarated. Wrote in my journal, trying to untangle the day's emotional rollercoaster. This is it. This is traveling. The highs, the lows, the moments of pure terror and unexpected joy. And tomorrow? More adventures, more mistakes, and hopefully, more delicious dumplings.
Day 3: The Deep Dive (and the Question of Why?)
- 09:00 - Breakfast (The Lesser of Two Evils): I'm starting to think the hotel breakfast is my own personal test of fortitude. Today, I bravely tackled the rice porridge. It was… edible. Barely.
- 10:00 - The Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Area (The Real Deal!): Decided to go big. The Scenic Area! (It was recommended). The whole thing is absolutely stunning. Huge buddhas, temples, vibrant parks and gardens. The views stretched for miles. I was genuinely awestruck. This is what I came for. The “wow” moments. The realization that the world is huge and amazing and I am ridiculously small.
- 13:00 - Lunch (No Drama, Just Food): Ate lunch at a restaurant near the scenic area. This time, no language barriers or existential crises. Just good food and the quiet satisfaction of knowing I’d navigated a day without a complete meltdown.
- 15:00 - Lost and Found (Again?): Somehow, I managed to get slightly lost on the way back to the hotel. The metro system's a beautiful beast, easy to get lost on. Panicked, I pulled out my phone and frantically googled directions. Managed to make it back. I really need to start learning some basic Mandarin.
- 17:00 - Tea and Contemplation: Back at the Borrman. This time, I brave the tea. Still tasted a little strange, but I was developing a taste for it. Thinking about all I'd seen, the journey, and if there's even a point to any of it.
- 19:00 - Solo Dinner and Self-Reflection: Back at the hotel. Feeling mellow. Thinking of where I can go tomorrow, and how I can start putting together a coherent sentence in Chinese.
Day 4 & onwards:
- To be continued! Each day will be different, but hopefully, as I do this, I will evolve (like a Pokemon). The rest of the journey is still up in the air, I'd need an actual itinerary to work with. But the theme will remain the same: Expect the unexpected, embrace the chaos, and never, ever underestimate the power of a good dumpling.
Borrman Hotel Beihu Bei Road: My Honest (and Messy) Guide
Okay, seriously, is the Borrman Hotel Beihu Bei Road any good? Like, is it *actually* the "BEST"?
Alright, alright, let's cut the crap. "BEST" is subjective, right? What's awesome for one person is a beige brick to another. But... for a certain type of traveler – the one who values a clean, centrally located hotel that won't bankrupt you – the Borrman is REALLY darn good. I've stayed there twice now, and both times... mixed bag. But the good more than compensates. It’s a solid contender. Don't expect the Four Seasons, but don’t assume a roach motel either. Think... reliable. Maybe even... *pleasant*. (There, I said it!).
Consider the price. Then consider the location. THEN you decide if it's best for you. I’d say it’s Best *value* given its pros.
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around?
The location is a *massive* win. Seriously. It’s smack-dab in the middle of things. Beihu Bei Road is pretty darn central. You can walk to the Beihu Park (a delightful escape from the city bustle), and it’s a short taxi ride to pretty much everything you NEED to see (or eat!). The metro is an easy walk away.
I remember one time, fresh off the plane after a 10-hour flight, I was practically delirious with sleep deprivation, and it was still easy to find the hotel. That right there, is worth its weight in gold after a long-haul flight. Taxis are everywhere. Didi (Chinese Uber) is your friend. Getting around? Cake. (Unless, you know, you're me, and somehow manage to get lost in a shopping mall... true story...).
What's the room like? Is it clean? What about noise?
Okay, the rooms are… well, they’re rooms. They’re clean! Which is a HUGE plus. Spotlessly clean. Cleanliness is a major thing for me, and I'm happy to report the Borrman delivers. The decor is... functional. Think "modern minimalist," which is code for "not terribly exciting, but not offensive". The bathrooms are decent. The shower pressure is GREAT. Always a win in my book.
Noise... ah, the noise. It *can* be an issue. My first stay, I was on a lower floor, and the street noise was, let’s say, *vibrant*. Traffic, conversations, and the occasional karaoke session blasting from a nearby establishment. (seriously, I need earplugs for that). The second time, I requested a higher floor, and it was much better. So, my advice: request a higher floor, and possibly bring earplugs. Just in case.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
The staff are generally pleasant, even if English isn't their strongest suit. I wouldn't expect fluent English from everyone, but they try! They're helpful with basic things, like ordering a taxi or pointing you in the right direction. However, don't expect them to be your personal tour guides.
I remember one time (yes, I have a lot of "times"), I was trying to figure out how to get to the Guangxi Museum of Nationalities. The poor receptionist, bless her heart, looked utterly bewildered. (I, in my limited Mandarin, was probably also completely confusing her). But she *tried*. She called someone who spoke better English and got me sorted. Now *that* is going above and beyond. So, a big thumbs up to the staff for the effort. Just have Google Translate handy if you need something complex.
Is there a restaurant? And is the breakfast any good?
Yep, there's a restaurant. I had breakfast there both times. It's… a buffet. The word "buffet" can inspire love or fear. Borrman's breakfast buffet is… reasonable. I have to be honest - It's mostly Chinese options... noodles, dim sum, stir-fries and that sort of thing. Sometimes there's eggs. There is also toast and jam. But, there is always something to eat. The fruit selection is usually decent (which is a crucial breakfast factor for me!).
The coffee isn't amazing, But hey, for the price, you can't expect a Michelin-starred breakfast. I'm more a person who likes to skip breakfast and grab a street snack, so the restaurant breakfast does not really impress me much. The cafe, although, is a nice place to chill.
What about other amenities, like a gym or a pool?
No gym, no pool. (If you're a gym rat, you should consider staying at the Hilton instead). Borrman is all about the basics. Which, to be fair, is exactly what I needed. If you want those kinds of extras, you'll need a different hotel. But hey, I'm not there to swim laps – I’m there to explore Nanning!
Okay, but the *real* question: Is it a good value for money? Should I stay there?
Alright, the moment of truth. *Definitely* good value.
IF you’re happy with a comfortable, clean, well-located hotel that doesn’t break the bank.
IF you don't need a gym or a pool.
IF you don't mind (potentially) some street noise.
IF you're not expecting the Ritz Carlton.
Then, YES. Stay there! I’d say it's an excellent choice for the budget-conscious traveler or someone who spends most of their time out and about. I know I would stay again. Just book a higher floor, bring earplugs, and get ready to explore Nanning! And enjoy!
