Ibis Styles Hotel (Xi'an Bell and Drum Tower Huimin Street)

I loved the location of this hotel. So close to the Drum Tower and Muslim quarter, shops, restaurants and metro. I was a little bit concerned with other reviews about the carpet etc but it was completely fine. Our rooms were tiled. No smoke smells. One of our rooms had an issue with the tv but staff fixed that promptly. They don’t speak English but are well versed in using the translating apps. We were happy the self serve laundry was free to use and had detergent. Bottled water is also there if you ran out but they gave us 2 bottles each day as well. I found my clothes dried faster on the roof than in the dryer - it was very hot in Xi’an! The roof garden is a nice place to relax. You can see the Drum tower and the start of Beiyuanmen St easily. (The photo of the Drum Tower is from the rooftop garden.) Some of the woodboards up there are deteriorating so watch your step, but otherwise it’s lovely. Would be beautiful in spring when the flowers bloom. Our room was on the laneway side and it was surprisingly quiet despite all the horn honking on the streets below. Shower head had good water pressure, beds comfortable. Room clean. The fitness room is in the laundry and does not have much equipment only a treadmill and elliptical/bike so if you want more gym equipment this is not the place for you. The WiFi worked intermittently for us but wasn’t an issue as we had our own data. The hardest part is finding the hotel the first time you arrive. The hotel does send instructions when you book so definitely keep those on hand. The back of the hotel is the easiest entry from the metro and for arrival by car. If you see a boom gate you are in the right place. Walk past the boom gate up the driveway then follow the signs to Ibis Styles. You basically have to go around another building to find it. It is too difficult to come with luggage into the front entrance because that is far from the road and is a pedestrian shopping area and square. Cars cannot stop near there. If you want a budget hotel in a great location, this is definitely worth considering. I was very happy with it.