Blade.around.the.world
After a pleasant stay at the Green Tree Eastern in Kashgar, I decided to try the Green Tree Eastern in Urumqi. First impressions were mixed: while the exterior and lobby are fairly underwhelming, the rooms themselves are noticeably better presented.
Check-in was quick and efficient, and both the receptionist and security staff were friendly and welcoming. My Ctrip booking included a complimentary upgrade from a standard room to a superior room; however, this upgrade was neither provided nor acknowledged at check-in.
The hotel’s location is one of its stronger points. It is situated next to a Chinese shopping district and close to a metro station with direct airport access. That said, the hotel name is misleading—despite implying proximity to the Urumqi Grand Bazaar, the bazaar is actually one metro stop away or about a 30-minute walk.
The room itself was acceptable at first glance, but closer inspection revealed significant mold and holes near the bathroom wall. The room temperature remained uncomfortably cold at around 16°C, and the heating system did not appear to be functioning properly. The most serious issue occurred after taking a shower, when all of the drainage water leaked through the wall and completely flooded the room.
I immediately informed the front desk about the flooding and also mentioned the missing complimentary upgrade. Unfortunately, there was a translation misunderstanding, and the receptionist believed I was requesting an upgrade to a suite. Together with the security agent, we inspected the room, and they acknowledged both the flooding and the lack of heating. I was then upgraded to a suite, for which I am grateful—though I want to be clear that I never intended to demand a suite upgrade.
What truly surprised me was discovering that the same defective room was cleaned and reassigned to another guest that very evening, apparently without any repairs. It is difficult to understand how a hotel would reissue a room with such serious issues.
On a positive note, housekeeping staff were extremely kind and friendly. However, during our five-night stay, the bedsheets were never changed.
Overall, the Green Tree Eastern Urumqi is not a terrible hotel, but the experience was far from smooth and did not meet the standard set by the Green Tree Eastern property in Kashgar. With better maintenance, clearer communication, and improved housekeeping practices, this hotel could be much better.
