HanTing Hotel (Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport)

There were a series of problems that began before we even checked in. On the hotel website is information about pick up from the nearby airport or train stations (it turned out that the pickup service is limited to the nearby train station only, not the Gaotie station in the older part of the city called Lanzhou Xi zhan). They required information such as our names and when we would arrive. We called to inform the hotel, but were told this wasn't necessary, just call the hotel when we arrive. So why does the hotel ask for this information if it's not needed? Be consistent! When we arrived, it was after sunset and dark. We called for a ride, but the driver didn't come directly to the front of the train station exit where we were. He wasn't even in the parking lot! He was parked several hundred meters away and told us to come to him! Keep in mind it was dark and his vehicle was hard to find. When we tracked him down, he was not friendly, in fact sullen. Not a good introduction to the hotel! After all this, we got to the hotel and were given a room that had a strong cigarette smoke smell. Thankfully, we were able to get another room. There was still a smoke smell, though not as strong. The hotel does have a laundry facility, but only one washer and dryer. They were in use and we had to wait a couple of hours to get our laundry done. The front desk staff were helpful, but were dealing with a difficult situation. The breakfast we paid for was reasonably priced, but many of the dishes were either just barely warm or cold. A positive point was our driver to the airport was great; a complete contrast to the driver of the previous night. The front desk staff apologized for the problems we encountered and added that among the Hanting hotels, this was a lower level one. However, their rates do not reflect it! There have been attempts at renovation. But problems exist with the elevator, which was badly damaged and worn. Please have better signage was to where the elevator is from our room hallway. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom and shower were good.