This was my first time visiting Xitang Ancient Town, and I'd been quite hesitant about whether to stay within the scenic area itself. After choosing this hotel, I realized I made an excellent decision.
1/ The hotel is perfectly nestled within Xitang Ancient Town, just a few steps from the Xitang Ferry Bridge ticket gate. It's incredibly convenient: if you get tired from exploring the town in the morning, you can easily pop back to the hotel for a rest before continuing your tour in the afternoon. (The scenic area ticket allows re-entry for two days, which is ample time to explore the entire ancient town.)
2/ The hotel's design beautifully embodies the classic Jiangnan garden style; walking through it truly feels like being in a traditional Jiangnan courtyard, with its elegant grey bricks, black tiles, white walls, and lush foliage. The rooms are simple yet full of ancient charm, with extensive use of wood, bamboo, and natural fibers. The low-saturation color scheme, combined with white walls and dark tiles, creates a very sophisticated ambiance. Nestled right by the river, it offers a tranquil 'waterfront living' experience. I was especially grateful for the room upgrade! Sitting on the terrace, with sunlight dappling through the leaves, brewing a pot of oolong tea, quietly watching the flowing water and listening to the birdsong – it offered a unique sense of refined pleasure.
3/ The hotel's facilities are quite comprehensive; whether you need laundry services or a gym, they cater to various needs. The hotel is very new, and the young, energetic staff members are just as vibrant as the hotel itself. They are always happy to answer any questions you have in detail.
4/ The hotel's breakfast quality is excellent, with a wide variety of options. I especially recommend the small wontons. The evening sweet soup and fruits were also delicious. But I *have* to give a special shout-out to the hotel's mung bean soup – it's absolutely fantastic and could easily be their signature item! After a long day of exploring, a bowl of it just made all my fatigue melt away.
5/ The scenic area itself can get quite crowded and noisy. The more I explored, the more I appreciated my wise decision to stay here. Instead of being amidst the hustle and bustle within the town, this hotel allowed me to truly immerse myself in the quiet, ethereal beauty of Jiangnan. This is a truly thoughtful hotel, and I will definitely stay here again on my next visit to the ancient town.