5-Star Hotels in Shanxi, China

I did not want to leave. That is the most honest thing I can say about Xihe Academy. ”Guest house” is a label that does not prepare you for what this place actually is. If you are American and hearing that term for the first time, forget whatever image just came to mind. This is not a MIL suite tucked behind someone's garage. This is a fully realized, deeply considered experience wrapped inside one of the most stunning environments I have ever walked into. The courtyard alone stopped me mid-step. The surrounding area looks like an active film set -- you keep half-expecting to hear ”action” called from somewhere just off camera. And then you step inside and somehow it gets even better. I genuinely lost my words. The room is the kind of space where you realize someone has actually thought of everything. Included minibar. Fresh fruit and snacks. Loose-leaf tea so you can brew a proper cup. Bathrooms fully stocked down to the shower shoes. You can arrive with nothing but your clothes and be completely at ease. They have handled the rest. The staff made all of it feel personal. When a language barrier created a small miscommunication, they were patient and gracious without a flicker of frustration. When I joked that I had gone a little crazy shopping and could not close my suitcase, they immediately offered suggestions to help. That warmth is not a policy -- it lives in the people. They coordinate meals as well, and mine was delivered to my room and genuinely delicious. One thing I will say without hesitation: use their driver. This is a private, gated area and you cannot simply grab a random car or rideshare. Arrange your pickup from the train station or airport in advance -- it is seamless, affordable, and completely worth it. Do not skip this step. This was my first guesthouse experience, and Xihe Academy has set a bar I was not expecting to clear so soon. If you stay here, you will not regret it. Five stars is not enough.

This hotel boasts an excellent location right next to Datong Ancient City. Huayan Temple, Daiwang Mansion, Nine Dragon Wall, and the Ancient City Wall are all within walking distance, saving you the hassle of constantly taking taxis to get around – making sightseeing incredibly convenient. The room was clean and tidy, the bedding was soft, and there was plenty of hot water. The front desk staff were warm and attentive. There are numerous snack shops nearby, making transportation, dining, and sightseeing all incredibly convenient. It's definitely the top choice for a trip to Datong.

Before checking into the Kempinski Hotel this time, I had some reservations, thinking it might be a bit old. But to my surprise, I was absolutely delighted after my stay! It truly validated other guests' reviews – a Ferrari, even when old, is still a Ferrari. The service staff were excellent, helping me with my luggage from the car all the way to placing it on the luggage rack! The front desk lady was patient and helpful. The room was clean and tidy, and the air conditioning was incredibly quiet and comfortable. I even discovered a garment steamer and a lint roller, which was such a thoughtful touch! They also granted a late checkout. Next time, Kempinski Hotel will definitely be my first choice!

The room was spacious and bright, and the bedding was soft and comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep. The front desk staff were warm and attentive, making both check-in and check-out very efficient. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area, with plenty of hot water, showing great attention to detail. The breakfast selection was rich and varied, offering both Chinese and Western options, and I was especially pleased with the made-to-order noodle station. The location is convenient, with plenty of dining and shopping options nearby. Overall, the experience exceeded my expectations. I would definitely choose to stay here again and recommend it to my friends.

An old five-star hotel with very high cost performance. In particular, the front office service is very good, and the lobby manager Wang Jue is attentive.

Stayed at the Yungang Hotel, which is part of the Wyndham Grand family, split into two buildings, A and B. One of our rooms was upgraded to a Wyndham room. The rooms are quite similar, both very spacious. The Wyndham room felt a bit more luxurious in terms of decor, and the toiletries were L'Occitane. Breakfast was served in a shared restaurant, with a decent variety of options. The hotel is large and grand, and the location is convenient for getting around. The staff were attentive and helpful. Definitely a good choice for a trip to Datong.

The hotel's location is superb; it's the perfect choice for exploring the old city, with all the sights and great food nearby. The hotel is very clean, the restaurant food is delicious, and the staff provide excellent service. As I was traveling alone and wanted to try local specialties, the staff kindly reduced the portion sizes, which was great – tasty and no waste! The room facilities are new, but there's a minor issue: the sink and shower are in separate areas, and the bath towels are kept under the sink. This makes it inconvenient to grab a towel after showering. If you take it into the shower beforehand, there's nowhere to hang it. Perhaps a hook could be added?

Check-in was smooth and convenient. Our room faced the cultural tourism town, so we could enjoy the animation show for free in the evenings. Breakfast offered a good variety. There's also a Chinese restaurant for dinner; it's not managed by the hotel but the food is quite good. We didn't try the buffet, but the dining options close at 2 PM, which feels a bit too early. So, dining was a minor drawback. However, the environment is truly beautiful, surrounded by pine trees, green grass, and flowers. The tranquility is especially appealing for city dwellers. This will be my top choice for accommodation on my next trip to Wutai Mountain.

A very cozy and comfortable B&B, located right in the ancient town's pedestrian street, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling area. The courtyard is spacious, the rooms are clean, and all amenities are of high quality. Breakfast is plentiful, and the staff are friendly. The location is excellent, with all of the ancient town's attractions within walking distance, which is great when traveling with kids as it saves a lot of hassle. Plus, many popular restaurants often have long queues, but because this place is so close, you can easily grab takeout and enjoy your meal back at the hotel, saving a lot of waiting time. I'll definitely stay here again next time I visit Datong.

For accommodation in Pingyao Ancient City, seriously, just book Chengfu JinYuan! It's a courtyard transformed from an old Jin merchant's mansion, full of ancient charm yet not outdated. The courtyard scenery is absolutely picturesque, offering tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle, guaranteeing a super peaceful night's sleep. The location is truly unbeatable – very close to the main street, making it easy to go out and explore, yet far enough from the noise when you return to the courtyard. The rooms are spotless, the bedding is soft, and the bathroom facilities are clean and functional, ensuring maximum comfort. I have to specifically praise the service; it was attentive and considerate throughout, without being intrusive. When guests were dining, they would proactively offer appropriate utensils and even brought warm millet porridge – these small details truly warmed my heart. They also provided travel routes for outings and offered pickup/drop-off services upon arrival. It's not overly commercialized, full of human warmth. Staying here in Pingyao is an absolute no-brainer; I'll definitely choose this place for my next trip! The beef noodles are incredibly delicious.