As a senior member of IHG, Accor, and Shangri-La, I stay in many hotels every year, but this was the first time a hotel called me before check-in to explain the pros and cons of different room types based on my booking request – truly astonishing! Upon arrival, a dedicated staff member showed me various rooms, clearly detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each. When the reserved room type had less than ideal availability in terms of floor and orientation, they generously upgraded my room.
Although the hotel is over ten years old, it's still well-maintained. The lobby's decor and design are excellent, with a distinctive charm. The materials used in the room's decoration and the quality of the linens are also good, showing that they spared no expense back in the day. Some room types feature a separate toilet room, which is a fantastic design as it keeps showering and using the toilet separate and reduces odors in the room. The shower water pressure is also very strong, which I really appreciated.
The hotel clearly pays great attention to operational details. For example, light switches are tied to the lamps with zip ties, making them easy to find and operate without fumbling along the wires. Air conditioner vents have deflectors to prevent direct drafts, something many hotels ten times more expensive don't offer. Plus, every evening, a special herbal tea is delivered to the room, and after check-in, they send recommendations for good nearby restaurants via WeChat.
The hotel's location isn't in the absolute core of the tourist area, but it's not far either. You can walk to Seven Star Crags, and while it might take a bit longer, it helps avoid the dense holiday crowds. Two large shopping malls and Shijiayuan Food Street are within walking distance, making dining and shopping very convenient. A small, unassuming steakhouse near the hotel is a hidden gem for meat lovers. However, close to the hotel, in Jiatiashang Square, residents sing until past 10 PM, which can be a bit disruptive, though acceptable. Higher floors facing east and south offer better views.
The view from the rooftop infinity pool is excellent; I only looked at it this time and didn't get a chance to swim. The breakfast has a strong local flavor, and the oil tea and rice noodles are just as good as those from old street stalls. Western options could be improved, and the table and chair arrangement feels a bit cramped and could be optimized. I'd suggest either removing or lowering the elevator's arrival chime, as it can be a bit disturbing for rooms located near the elevators.
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