Holiday Inn Chongqing University Town By IHG China

Holiday Inn Chongqing: Uni Town's BEST Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)

Okay, buckle up, because we're diving DEEP into the Holiday Inn Chongqing: Uni Town. Forget pristine, forget robotic, this is real talk. Is it the "BEST Hotel?" Well, hold my beer… or, you know, a complimentary bottle of water from the free Wi-Fi-enabled room.

Holiday Inn Chongqing: Uni Town - The Real Deal (And Sometimes, the Surreal)

First, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a hotel that gets it. And this one… well, it’s… mostly there. The elevator? Check. Ramps? Present. But remember, China. Things can get a little… creatively interpreted. I saw signs, I saw accessibility features, and I saw a very helpful staff member navigate a potentially tricky spot with grace. So, thumbs up for effort, and a gentle reminder to double-check your specific needs if you require high-level accessibility.

The Stuff That Makes You Stay Put (Or Wanna Run Screaming)

Let's get to the fun stuff. "BEST Hotel?" We'll see.

Cleanliness and Safety: A COVID Era Reality Show. Okay, so they're trying. Daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays… They're definitely taking it seriously. I even saw a staff member in full PPE, and honestly, it made me feel kinda safe? The hand sanitizer stations? Plentiful. And the individually wrapped food options? A lifesaver when you're just, you know, wanting a quick nibble. Now, did I actually see them sterilizing the… everything? No. Did I trust they were? Yes. Enough. The anti-viral cleaning products are a nice touch, too.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Adventure Begins (and Sometimes Ends in Tears). Sigh. Okay, the Asian breakfast is… an experience. Think savory porridges, mystery meats, and a bewildering array of pickles. The Western breakfast is… well, it's there. You've got your scrambled eggs (okay), your toast (bland, but acceptable), and your… um… strange sausages. Let me just say, a good cup of coffee is a lifeline. There's a coffee shop on-site, thank god. And the restaurants? Mixed bag. The Asian cuisine is probably your safest bet. The international cuisine? Proceed with caution. I once ordered a “salad” that was… well, let’s just say it had me questioning the very definition of "salad." But hey, the room service [24-hour] is a godsend when you're feeling adventurous (or, like me, too lazy to leave your room). The poolside bar? I'm a big fan, honestly.
Rooms: Your Personal Oasis (Sometimes, a Tiny One). Listen, the Wi-Fi [free] is a major win. Seriously, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a luxury. The Air conditioning works. The Blackout curtains are your best friend for beating jet lag. My room had a bathtub, which was a genuinely welcome treat. The additional toilet was a plus. The slippers? Always appreciated. The mini-bar? Well-stocked with the usual suspects. But the space… well, it’s not exactly palatial. It's functional, clean, and comfortable enough. My room also had a weird smell at one point which was quickly dealt with.
Things to do, Ways to Relax (Mostly, Ways to Relax). The Swimming pool [outdoor] is… a pool. With a view. A decent view. The Fitness center is actually pretty decent, with the standard equipment. Didn’t see a Body scrub. The Spa is there. The Sauna? Yes. The Steamroom? Also yes and a nice option. I opted for a quick massage, which was… adequate. You can also get lost in the shrine.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Help. The 24-hour front desk is essential. Daily housekeeping? Appreciated. The concierge was helpful. The laundry service was efficient. They even offer contactless check-in/out, which is a nice touch in these COVID times. There are even some meeting/banquet facilities.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Shenanigans (Maybe?). They've got babysitting if you need it, which could be a lifesaver. The hotel is certainly family/child friendly.

The Deep Dive: My Weekend With the Uni Town Holiday Inn

Okay, the real litmus test. My biggest, weirdest, and most memorable single experience at the Hotel was the outdoor pool.

The Pool Party (or Lack Thereof)

Here's where things got truly "interesting." The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a highlight. It's a good-sized pool, clean (I think?), and the view of the university campus is… well, it's a view.

But it was the scene that got me.

I arrived at the pool to find… nothing. Literally. No one. I had the entire pool to myself. Which was amazing (if a little lonely). I spent a good hour just… floating. The water, while a little cold, was refreshing. The sun was shining. I was perfectly content.

Then, around 4 PM, a small group appeared. A family. Three generations, judging by appearances. They were… loud. Okay, not just loud. Enthusiastically loud. Think high-pitched shrieks of laughter, splashing, and a general sense of joyful chaos.

This isn't some profound story. But the juxtaposition of the quiet solitude and the sudden explosion of family fun encapsulated the bizarre beauty of travel. And it's one of the best memories of the vacation.

The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Let's Be Real)

The Language Barrier: This is China. English isn't always readily spoken. Be prepared for a little charades.
The "Service" Factor: Service can be a little… inconsistent. Sometimes, impeccable. Other times, a bit slow. Patience, my friend, is key.
The Location: Uni Town is… well, it's a university town. It's a little out there. You'll need to factor in travel time to the city center.
The Overall Vibe: It’s not a luxury resort. It's a clean, functional, and comfortable hotel.

So, is it the "BEST Hotel?" The Verdict

Look, the Holiday Inn Chongqing: Uni Town is a solid choice. It's clean, safe (ish), and offers some decent amenities. The FREE Wi-Fi is a huge plus. The pool, when empty, is sublime. The staff tries hard. It’s not perfect, and, if I am being honest, there is room for improvement. But it's a good option for a traveler who appreciates a functional hotel, while also wanting a little adventure, with a pool and a great Wi-Fi.

Holiday Inn Chongqing: Uni Town – The BEST Hotel? Maybe Not. But a Good Time? Possibly. Get your hotel room!

SEO Keywords (Because We Have To):

Holiday Inn Chongqing
Uni Town Hotel
Chongqing Hotel Review
Chongqing Accommodation
China Travel
Free Wi-Fi Hotel
Chongqing Swimming Pool
Accessibility in Chongqing
Family-Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel Chongqing
Chongqing Hotel Deals

P.S. Don't skip the pool, even if you have to share it. And try the dumplings. Just… try them.

Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: No. 31 Maple Inn Malaysia - Your Dream Getaway!

Book Now

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Chongqing adventure. Specifically, the Holiday Inn Chongqing University Town by IHG China. Don't get me wrong, I love a good holiday, but let's be honest, sometimes it's more "holiday panic" than "holiday bliss." This itinerary? More of a suggestion, a loose guideline, a collection of potential train wrecks and unexpected triumphs.

Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Sichuan Spice (and Sanity)

14:00 - Arrival at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG): Okay, so the flight was bumpy. REALLY bumpy. Like, I'm pretty sure my stomach is now in a permanent state of freefall. And the jet lag is already starting to hit.
15:00 - Transfer to Holiday Inn Chongqing University Town: The airport shuttle? A chaotic symphony of honking horns and questionable driving. My Mandarin is practically non-existent, so I spent a good chunk of the ride clutching my bag like it contained the Holy Grail. The hotel itself looks… fine. Actually, it looks pretty dang nice. Lobby’s grand, lots of polished surfaces reflecting back the overwhelmed expression on my face.
16:00 - Check-in & Room Reconnaissance: Found the room! It's spacious, clean, and the view… well, it's of a brick wall. Ah, the romance! Actually, it's the silence that’s bliss. Finally, a moment to breathe. I’m also slightly horrified by the sheer number of pillows on the bed. Who needs THAT many pillows?? And why do they always make the soap so small?? (I swear, it's a conspiracy).
17:00 - The Sichuan Food Hunt (aka "Operation: Burn My Taste Buds"): Right, so I'm determined to experience authentic Sichuan cuisine. I asked the concierge, "Where do the locals go?" He gave me a blank stare. "Spicy?" I clarified, making motions of flames erupting from my mouth. Got the vague directions and ventured out.
- The "Spicy" Restaurant Revelation: Found a place that looked promising… and completely overwhelming. The menu was a cryptic scroll filled with characters I couldn't decipher. Took pictures of the "recommended" dishes. The first bite of the Mapo Tofu? My face went numb. Tears welled up, not from sadness, but from the sheer, glorious fire. I survived. I think. The waiter, watching me with amusement (and a hint of pity), brought me a complimentary ice-cold, sugar-laden drink which I gulped down with gusto. Worth it though. Absolutely worth it.
19:00 - Stumbling Back to the Hotel: Walked back in a daze. The city lights seemed to shimmer, the air smelled of… well, I'm not entirely sure, but it was definitely spicy. Feeling a strange mix of exhilaration and imminent digestive distress.
20:00 - Attempted Relaxation in Hotel Room: Managed to peel myself off the bed. Watched some terrible Chinese TV (no subtitles, of course). Felt a pang of homesickness. Started writing this, so clearly, I’m avoiding unpacking.

Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Total Tourist Confusion

08:00 - Wake Up (or What Passes for It): Jet lag. It's a beast. Woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a bus. But hey, breakfast!
09:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel: Okay, the breakfast buffet did impress. Even if I don’t know what half of the things are. There was some sort of savory pancake that was particularly addictive, and I may or may not have eaten three. (Don't judge.)
10:00 - Ciqikou Ancient Town Exploration: Ah, the crowds. The sheer volume of people! Ciqikou is beautiful but overwhelming. Found a delightful tea shop and spent an hour sipping tea, taking in the sights, and eavesdropping on conversations I couldn’t understand, but which seemed incredibly dramatic. Definitely bought too many souvenirs. More for my family, some stuff were for me too.
13:00 - Lunch Debacle: Decided to try a street food stall. BIG MISTAKE. Ordered something I thought was noodles. It wasn't noodles. It was… something else. Chewy, gelatinous, and vaguely fishy. I politely choked it down. Mostly.
14:00 - Hongya Cave Views (Maybe?): "Famous" Hongya Cave! Looked AMAZING in the photos… but in reality, it was PACKED. Managed to catch a glimpse of the buildings through the sea of tourists. The views (what I could see of them) were pretty spectacular. The photo opportunities were less so. Had an ice cream and watched the boats on the river, which was, admittedly, very soothing.
16:00 - Back to the Hotel, Bed, and the Sweet Embrace of Regret: Just kidding! I tried. I truly did. But even the most seasoned traveller has their limits.
19:00 - Dinner and the Unexpected Karaoke: Dinner at the hotel. Safe. Boring. Then, a disastrous karaoke session with some of the hotel staff. Bad singing, worse dancing. I'm pretty sure I lost all sense of dignity. But hey, we’re now friends. Hopefully the pictures will be deleted.

Day 3: Farewell (or at least, a Pause)

09:00 - Last Bites of Breakfast: Back to the buffet. This time, I'm trying the strange black rice porridge. It's actually quite good!
10:00 - Pack, Check Out, and Contemplate Life Choices: Did I buy too much? Yes. Do I regret it? Maybe. Am I glad I came? Absolutely.
11:00 - Departure: Onto the next leg of my adventure! Chongqing, you were a sensory overload, a spicy paradise, and a source of endless amusement. I'll be back. Eventually. After a long nap.

Final Thoughts: Being in Chongqing is a whole different experience because you're there, it's happening, and you're living it. It's not always glamorous. It's not always smooth. But it's real. And sometimes, the imperfections are what make the memories last.

So, there you have it. My Chongqing chaos, in all its gloriously messy glory. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe a very large glass of water.

Coventry's BEST Hotel? 😱 DoubleTree by Hilton Arena Review!

Book Now

Okay, Is Holiday Inn Uni Town REALLY the "BEST" Hotel in Chongqing? Come ON!

Look, let's be real. "Best" is subjective, alright? I mean, what does "best" *even* mean? Free wi-fi that doesn't make you want to throw your laptop out the window? Actually comfy beds? Because my back is older than I want to admit. Honestly, is it the *best*? Maybe. Is it the *best* *for* *me*? Possibly! It’s definitely up there. I've stayed in some dumps, let me tell you. Places where the only view was a brick wall and the only sound was… well, let’s just say it involved plumbing and a lot of questionable gurgling. This place? It's a step up. A big one. But "best"? Give me a minute to process. And maybe another stay, just to be *absolutely* sure. You know, for science.

What's the Deal with the Location? Uni Town Sounds... Out There.

Uni Town... yeah. It sounds like some futuristic dystopian thing, doesn't it? Actually, it's a university district, meaning: lots of students, lots of cheap eats (THANK GOD), and... well, it's a bit further out. Getting there and back involved more "uhms" and frantic waving than I'd like to admit. Google Maps is your friend. But here's the thing: the hotel itself is… surprisingly peaceful. Away from the city hustle, you've got fresh air (relatively speaking, it’s Chongqing!), and a more relaxed vibe. Plus, the walk around the Uni Town is great for stretching your legs. Just watch out for the scooter traffic, those kids are fearless! They weave in and out like they’re in some kind of video game.

Alright, Spill the Beans: The Rooms! Are They Actually Nice? (I'm a Princess, Okay?)

Look, I’m not a *literal* princess. My life is more "sweatpants and questionable reality TV" than "silk robes and demands." But the rooms? Yeah, they’re pretty darn nice. Clean. Modern. Comfortable bed. I’ve been in places where the sheets felt like sandpaper. These? They were… dare I say… luxurious? Okay, maybe not "luxurious" in a five-star, gold-plated bathtub kind of way. But they were definitely a step up from, you know, the "motel-chic" I've unfortunately experienced. Great view(potentially), decent space, and a bathroom that didn't make me hold my breath the whole time. Major win. I'm a sucker for good lighting in the bathroom and this hotel delivered!

What About Food? Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner? (Seriously, I get hangry.)

Breakfast. Is. Key. I swear, if a hotel doesn't have a decent breakfast buffet, I'm out. And this one... it was decent. Eggs-station, check. Bacon (crispy is a must!), check. Seriously, I once went to a place where they served bacon that was basically… raw. Trauma. They also had a pretty good selection of Western and Chinese options. I might have, on multiple occasions, loaded up on the pastries. And the coffee? Not the watery brown sludge you get at some places. It was actually drinkable! Lunch and dinner you'll need to go out. Again, Uni Town has a bunch of cheap eats, or you could spend more on a proper restaurant. The food at the hotel is decent, but the prices are high.

Speaking of Hangry: The Gym! How's the Fitness Setup?

Okay, full disclosure: I'm a "try-to-be-good-but-mostly-fail" gym-goer. But I did peek inside. Looked to be a decent selection of equipment. Treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. Didn’t use it. I'm on vacation! However, I imagine if you *are* a gym person, it’s adequate. Clean, fairly spacious. It’s definitely there if you want it. I opted for more... "research" in the pastry department. No regrets.

Is the Staff Helpful? (Because I'm Clumsy and Get Lost a Lot.)

Generally, yes. The staff were polite and did their best. I think I lost my keycard twice, and they were completely unfazed. I'm not sure if it was because they were used to it or just incredibly patient. English skills varied a bit, but they were always willing to try. And that's what matters, right? I definitely had a situation where I needed assistance with the laundry and it was a bit of a language barrier, but the staff found a way to help me. Maybe a translation app would have helped, but honestly, it was quite a sight to behold.

Any Major Downsides? (Be Honest, Please!)

Okay, here's where I get real. The location, while peaceful, *is* a bit of a trek to the main city attractions. Factor in travel time if you're planning on sightseeing. The pool, I never had the opportunity to use it(it had to be booked). It *looked* nice, though! Also, sometimes, the internet speed wasn’t the greatest – which, honestly, is a pet peeve of mine. And, I hate to say it, the elevator situation could be a little… *chaotic* at peak times. I swear, one time I was squashed in there tighter than a sardine in a can. But honestly, these are minor quibbles.

What Was the BEST Part of Your Stay? (Spill!)

Okay, this is going to sound silly, but the *bed*. Honestly. I have this chronic back thing, and finding a hotel bed that doesn't turn me into a hunchback is a constant struggle. Their bed? Heaven. The pillows were fluffy but supportive. The mattress was the perfect blend of firm and giving. I slept so well, I actually woke up feeling… refreshed. For the first time in ages. And honestly? That's worth a small fortune. I’d go back just for the bed, honestly. It's that good. I'm getting sleepy just thinking about it. The most memorable moment was waking up, pulling back the curtains, and seeing the early morning fog over the mountains. I had my favorite cup of coffee, and felt like a new man.

So... Would You Recommend It?

Find Hotel Now