Changsha has a special place in my heart. I’ve performed there over 10 times as a DJ. It’s a lesser-known city than cities like Shanghai, Beijing or Guangzhou. But it is huge! It’s an enormous booming city, yet not many people have heard of it.
Niccolo Changsha Review
One of the highlights of the city is this incredible hotel, and if I had to choose the best hotel I’ve ever been in terms of luxury, room, and view, it’s this Niccolo Hotel in Changsha.
Changsha is the provincial capital and major transportation center of China’s Hunan Province. The city consists of an epic combination of historical buildings, old temples, and modern, crazy, over-the-top buildings like you can only see in China.
To spend the night after one of my shows, the club booked a room for me at the Niccolo Hotel in Changsha. It’s a new 5-star hotel that is 452m-tall…
The View
The hotel is so high that they put a small couch in the elevator because it takes quite some time to get to the lobby from the ground floor.
I had a room on the 92nd floor! I don’t know if it’s the tallest hotel in China but it sure is extremely tall.
This was the view from my shower…
During the day, it resembles any massive Chinese city – busy, concrete, and kind of overwhelming. But when those lights start flickering on, everything changes. The old temples get subtle lighting that makes them glow. The modern skyscrapers go full LED display mode with colors and patterns.
By 8 PM, you’re looking at a completely different city. All lit up, buzzing with energy, ready for the night. It’s precisely the kind of view that makes you understand why this place has such incredible nightlife energy.
The Room
The rooms are modern, very clean, and quite big. Some are bigger than others and have a view of the front and left side of the room.
Getting Around in Changsha
So here’s the deal with getting around Changsha: it’s actually way easier than you’d think for a city this size. The metro system is super convenient like in most big cities in China, especially since the Niccolo is right by the underground system. You can basically get anywhere you need to go without much hassle.
The subway is clean, cheap, and pretty straightforward to navigate, even if you don’t speak Chinese. Download a transit app before you go, it’ll save you so much time. Taxis are everywhere and pretty affordable, though traffic can get crazy during rush hours.
If you’re staying at Niccolo, you’re already in the perfect spot since you’re connected to the IFS complex. You can walk to tons of places without even needing transport. The hotel staff can help arrange rides or give you directions; they were very helpful when I was there.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are absolutely perfect. The weather’s comfortable, not too hot, not too cold, and you can actually walk around without melting or freezing.
Summer (June to August) gets pretty intense with the heat and humidity, plus it’s the rainy season. I mean, if you don’t mind sweating and carrying an umbrella everywhere, go for it. But personally, I’d skip summer unless you have to be there for work or something.
Winter (December to February) is okay if you’re cool with colder weather, but some outdoor attractions might not be as fun. The good news is hotel rates are usually lower in winter.
Visit Changsha in April or October. Perfect weather, clear skies, and you’ll actually want to explore the city instead of hiding in your hotel room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niccolo Changsha worth it?
Yes, for sure. The view alone makes it worth it, you’re literally in the middle of everything. Just book early if you can, prices can go up during peak times.
How long does it take to get to the airport from the hotel?
About 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. The hotel can arrange transport, or you can take the subway; the metro line connects to the airport. Give yourself extra time during rush hours, traffic in Changsha can be unpredictable.
Do I need to speak Chinese to stay here?
Nope, the staff speaks English pretty well, and they’re used to international guests, although not many. Download a translation app such as WeChat or pre-download Chinese on Google Translate just in case, but you’ll be fine.
Can I see the Xiang River from my room?
Most rooms have city views and many can see the river, but it depends on which side of the building you’re on. If river views are super important to you, mention it when booking or at check in. The higher floors definitely have better chances of river views.
Is the area around the hotel safe at night?
Totally safe. Changsha is generally a safe city, and the IFS area is well-lit and busy even at night. You’ve got security, lots of people around from the shopping complex, and it’s a major business district. I felt completely comfortable walking around after dark, after my performance.
My recommended Hotels in Changsha 🛏️
Hotel Niccolo Changsha
Changsha, China
$$$ – Expensive
The most amazing view I’ve ever witnessed from a hotel room- Incredible food at the restaurant
- Best hotel I’ve stayed at in China, hands down.
The most amazing view I’ve ever witnessed from a hotel room
