Xincheng Hotel

Our family—two adults and one child—chose this hotel while transiting through Hohhot, deceived by the pictures online. Upon arrival by taxi, the entrance was so confusing that even the driver had to ask the staff for directions. But, surprise! The staff didn’t speak a word of English. We had to drag our luggage quite a distance until a kind Inner Mongolian guy helped us. Yet, no one even attempted to assist with our bags—so much for hospitality. TRIP.COM advertised a "limited-time discount," but judging by the experience, the original price must have been an absolute joke. At check-in, a young man with glasses at reception greeted us—not with warmth, but with a cold, arrogant demeanor. He took my passport and refused to return it on the spot, insisting he’d bring it later. Sure enough, when it was finally returned, the outer cover was torn. Did anyone apologize? Of course not. The room? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly impressive. It had an old, formal look, with a wardrobe fit for business attire, but overall, it felt outdated and dusty. The curtains hadn’t been washed, making the air inside unbearably dry and uncomfortable. On the bright side, the amenities were well thought out for light travelers—comb, razor, foam, toothbrush, and so on. At least they got that right. Sleeping conditions? Not the worst. The mattress, pillow, and blanket didn’t feel awful, but let’s talk about the real issue—smoking. Instead of fresh air at night, cigarette smoke poured in through the window, turning the room into an ashtray. Perfect for a family with a child, right? Now, onto breakfast—this was the one redeeming part of the experience. The staff at the entrance still couldn’t be bothered to smile, but at least the breakfast service was well-organized. The chefs, wearing proper hats, looked professional and responsible. The serving staff actually introduced the food, and the head chef moved around, personally checking the food quality and adjusting portions. The coffee was surprisingly good, and I liked being able to customize my soup. I had tomato soup with tripe and intestines—delicious! Finally, check-out. A different receptionist and the manager actually asked about my stay. I attempted to explain, but judging by their reaction, I highly doubt they understood me.