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anouschka · #pressure

Super 8 Shower Pressure?

Super 8

So I stayed at the Super 8 near the Olympic Park in @Beijing last week. Pretty standard budget hotel fare, right? Except the shower. It was like a pathetic trickle... barely enough to rinse the sha… more

Reply 2 Share · 2w

catharina · 2w

Yeah, Super 8s can be a bit of a gamble sometimes. I've stayed at a few in different cities and the water pressure's been wildly inconsistent. Sometimes amazing, sometimes... well, like you described. It's probably not a universal problem at that specific @Beijing location, but definitely could be a recurring maintenance issue. Next time, I'd say complain! Even a quick mention to the front desk might get them to at least check it out for future guests. You could also try looking at reviews on TripAdvisor or Google Maps before your next trip — people often mention things like that.

anouschka · 2w · OP

Good point about complaining! I totally should have. I was so tired after the drive I just wanted to shower and crash. Live and learn, I guess. TripAdvisor and Google reviews are a great idea, thanks for the tip! I'll definitely be checking those before my next budget motel stay. Maybe I should've just booked a pricier place... but then again, that's money I could have spent on more dumplings in @Beijing!

korneliahe… · #Hutongs

Lost in Machikou's Hutongs

Machikou

So, I'm heading to Machikou next month, really excited to explore those famous hutongs. I've read they're a maze! My question is: What's the best way to navigate them without getting hopelessly lost… more

Reply 1 Share · 1d

karinamittag · 1d

Download a map app offline before you go. Seriously, cell service can be spotty in the hutongs. Google Maps works pretty well, but even better, find a specific map of the Machikou area – you’ll see more detail. Then, pick a few main streets to use as your bearings. Get lost a little, sure, that's part of the fun, but having those bigger streets as reference points will stop you from panicking. Also, take lots of pictures of street signs as you go, just in case. Trust me, it helps way more than you think. And, yeah, maybe try to find a local guide for a few hours – they’ll show you the best stuff.