Hotele Boutique w: Yunnan, China

A Thank You Letter to All Staff at Banyan Tree Lijiang Dear esteemed colleagues at Banyan Tree Lijiang, Greetings! Our recent trip to Lijiang was made truly exceptional by the Banyan Tree. From the moment we arrived, we received attentive care that far exceeded our expectations. Every subtle yet thoughtful detail deeply touched us, allowing us to truly experience what defines exquisite and heartfelt luxury service. Upon checking in, we were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary room upgrade. This kind gesture right at the beginning set a wonderfully comfortable tone for our entire stay. What surprised us even more was the meticulous consideration shown by our butler, Elin. Without us ever mentioning it, you noticed our preference for pillow comfort and proactively made adjustments and provided care. This level of personalized attention, embedded in the smallest details, is far more touching than standardized service. I particularly want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the entire concierge team. During a heavy rain shower, you had already arranged a parking area for us in advance when we returned. You even drove a shuttle bus to the entrance to pick us up and take us back to our room. Despite the intense rain, your staff consistently braved the weather to assist us, even thoughtfully retrieving seat cushions from our car while getting soaked themselves. This dedication, coupled with such warm human touch, will always remain in our hearts. What moved us the most was the birthday surprise for my mother. We never proactively mentioned her birthday, yet the hotel meticulously noted it and discreetly arranged birthday decorations and a cake in our room. This unexpected romance and thoughtfulness not only brought immense joy to my mother but also made our family feel at home in a foreign land, becoming the most cherished memory of our Lijiang trip. From check-in to check-out, from the seamless coordination by Guest Relations to the detailed care from the housekeeping department, and the steadfast dedication of the concierge team in all weather conditions, every staff member in every role demonstrated the essence of Banyan Tree's service with their professionalism and genuine care. The snow-capped mountains and courtyards of Lijiang are beautiful, but even more captivating than the scenery is your unparalleled and meticulous service. Once again, I sincerely thank every staff member who assisted us and wholeheartedly commend the service quality of Banyan Tree Lijiang. We will certainly visit again and will share this wonderful stay experience with our friends and family. Please convey my joy and gratitude to everyone at Banyan Tree Lijiang. Absolutely First Class!

I spent a long time choosing a hotel for our trip to Kunming because I wanted somewhere that would keep the kids entertained, but also be suitable for celebrating our wedding anniversary and a birthday. I chose this place primarily for the bathtub in this room type and its convenient location. However, once we arrived, I was truly impressed by how comprehensive the amenities are. From meals to entertainment, and catering to both children and adults, everything is taken care of. The staff were also incredibly friendly and attentive. The biggest surprise was the handwritten birthday card – in this digital age, a handwritten card really warms the heart. We booked two nights, and we didn't even leave the hotel for one of them; we spent the entire day there with the kids and never got bored. My children are already talking about coming back again.

1. **Check-in Area:** The check-in counter, or front desk, was quite shabby. The computer keyboard was practically caked in grime, and don't even get me started on the sofa next to it – it looked very unhygienic. 2. **Dining:** The breakfast area was a bit cramped, with just four small tables by the street. If you're a party of more than two, you'd have to sit separately, or you might even have to stand and wait for a table. The coffee, however, was good. I only had breakfast once: a cold quinoa salad (see Photo 6) served with bread that had an overpowering artificial creamer flavor. I had been looking forward to the rice noodles for the next day, but serving didn't start until 8:30 AM, which was far too late for my rumbling stomach. Early risers and those who prefer hot meals should seriously consider other options or make alternative arrangements. 3. **Room (2nd floor) - Noise Issues:** Don't even think about getting any sleep at night. After 11 PM, there was still noise along the street, along with the clanging of the garbage truck. (Seriously, I'd strongly advise against staying in the Old Town.) The next day, it started pouring before dawn, and the sound of the heavy rain kept me awake as well. 4. **Room - Facility Issues:** The room I stayed in was supposedly the quietest in the entire hotel. It featured a large bathtub and a bathroom where the toilet and shower area lacked wet/dry separation. Unable to deal with the wet floor, I decided to shower in the bathtub. That's when I discovered Problem #1: the glass partition was completely transparent, with no curtain or frosted glass. The staff member claimed this was 'design.' Then came Fatal Problem #2: the bathtub had no running water, haha! 😄 5. **Room - Odor Issues:** Upon entering, there was a strong musty smell. The staff claimed it was due to 'raw wood,' but it's been 8 years and it still smells like that? Quite amusing. 6. **Staff (Pre-Check-in):** Before I even checked in, they asked me to cancel my booking on the platform and pay them privately for a discounted rate. I have this in writing. This is definitely a huge red flag, and I'm surprised they even dared to suggest it. 7. **Staff (General):** The individuals themselves were nice enough, but I was surprised to find that all the 'Jixiashan' staff were quite young, without uniforms, and seemingly without direct supervision, which gave a very disorganized and casual impression. 8. **Housekeeping:** I was quite satisfied with the housekeeping. Seeing the clean duvet and towels gave me peace of mind (P.S. the pillows were also comfortable). The hotel's facilities are very old; no matter how clean the bathroom tiles were, they still looked run-down, compounded by the dim lighting. Therefore, I feel the housekeeping staff here really have a tough job. 9. **Building Structure:** One morning, during a heavy downpour, when I opened my 2nd-floor room door, the entrance was essentially flooded up to my heels. It was quite a feat that the water didn't spread into the room. At night, there were no lights, so I had to grope my way back to the room along the dark corridor. It would be quite difficult for someone who doesn't remember their way (see Photos 1-2). 10. **Hotel Amenities:** One night, I heard the guest next door return, unable to open their door with the key, and had to call a staff member for help. They chatted for a bit outside the door before the staff member finally told the guest a 'trick': 'The key needs to be inserted a certain way, and the lock has a particular mechanism...' That's quite a struggle – needing a special technique just to get back to your room! 11. **Minor Details:** The room key had a very large, bulky leather tag attached to it. Absolutely no consideration for travelers on long journeys with limited luggage space. Who would want to carry such a bulky thing around? I originally had high hopes for the 'Jixiashan' brand. When I was in Shangri-La, I heard their Meili store had a collaboration with Kolon, which made me think they had good taste. This Dali Ancient City location is their first store, but it turned out to be such a low standard. Given the daily rate, I guess I understand why. This particular store cannot be found on 'Jixiashan's' mini-program; it's categorized under 'Wang Shenme Chuan Qu Le'.

I used to think InterContinental had great service, but Pullman surprisingly surpassed it. I was torn between Jinmao and Pullman this time, and I'm so glad I chose Pullman. It was unexpectedly good, with every request met. The male front desk staff who attended to me was especially patient and understanding, really taking care of guests. I experienced two downpours in Lijiang, and thanks to the Pullman front desk staff, I confidently extended my stay. (The hotel is truly lucky to have such an attendant; he deserves recognition.) P.S.: There's one thing, though. The prices on the Trip.com platform fluctuate wildly. Hotel prices naturally rise during the summer, but the same room would be 1200+ today and then 2500+ the next. This led me to book another standard room at a higher price, only for the deluxe room I was staying in to drop in price later. I don't understand this pricing strategy, which made it impossible to simply extend my stay. As a decades-long customer, I suggest you really pay attention to this, as some guests, like me, dislike changing rooms, and this really dampens the mood. It practically forces customers to switch hotels. I hope the platform takes this seriously. In the current economic climate, considering things from the consumer's perspective is crucial for long-term success. Finally, I wish the hotel continued success, and that all staff continue to be so well-trained. Highly recommended.

This hotel is perfectly situated at the entrance to Qiyi Street, south gate of Dayan Ancient Town. It's ideally located at the historical Tea Horse Road gateway into the city, yet far enough from the hustle and bustle of Sifang Street. My biggest impression is 'small yet beautiful'. Being small, it's a courtyard-style building nestled within the ancient town, avoiding the impersonal feel of larger hotels and allowing for more focus on the guest experience. Because it's integrated into the fabric of the old town, stepping out means encountering flagstone streets and Naxi life, while stepping in offers the privacy of a quiet courtyard. It's not some cold, mass-produced product; its unique character is something I really appreciate. Indigo and the InterContinental across the street belong to the same group, so all facilities and resources are shared. You can freely access the InterContinental. If you get tired of Indigo's set breakfast, you can go to the InterContinental for their buffet, or even visit their lobby to see the 'Sunlight on Golden Mountain' view. I've stayed in both the deluxe boutique room with a courtyard and the suite at Indigo, and I loved them both. The decor beautifully reflects Naxi and Tea Horse cultures, making them truly worth experiencing. Last but not least, I must commend Manager Pu. He was incredibly responsive to every request, from helping with luggage to coordinating details, making us feel truly at home. You couldn't ask for more. I look forward to returning 'home' again someday.

Booked a three-room private courtyard for our family. The view from the rooms is absolutely stunning. This hotel truly lives up to its 'mini-Aman' reputation, boasting a charming antique style and top-tier room amenities. There are also plenty of free DIY activities for kids to enjoy. I highly, highly, highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a beautiful environment. The staff's service is also exceptional. Just a heads-up, the hotel is located inside the ancient town, so cars can't pull directly up to the entrance. However, the hotel staff will come out to help with luggage, and it's only a 5-6 minute walk, which isn't a problem at all. The hotel is just a two or three-minute walk from the Mu Family Mansion, truly in the heart of the ancient town. Thumbs up!

This was my first time in Dali, and I booked the 'Lisha Seaview Suite' near Xiaguan Dali Port. The butler service was incredibly attentive. After confirming my arrival, a private car picked me up when I reached Dali. Upon arrival, the room was very comfortable, offering a breathtaking 180-degree view of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain. The mini-bar was complimentary. Xingsheng Bridge was also visible from the room. Both bedrooms had en-suite bathrooms, and the study even had a mattress, so it could accommodate an extra person. Breakfast was served until 12 PM on the 29th floor. Even at 11 PM, we could still order rice noodles. If breakfast wasn't available on the 29th floor, the butler would arrange for room service. My stay was extremely comfortable. When going out, it was also very convenient to catch a taxi right outside the complex.

The hotel is located in the old city, within walking distance of Old Street and Shuncheng Shopping Center. There are bars, coffee shops, and art galleries nearby. The room is spacious and well-equipped, and there's a self-service laundry room with washers and dryers on the 7th floor, which is very convenient. The breakfast selection was limited and the taste was average. The front desk staff were very friendly and helpful when answering questions, but when I checked out with a lot of luggage, no one offered any assistance.

We had a wonderful stay at Moonlight Courtyard Hotel during our trip to Kunming. The hotel boasts a truly unique ambiance with its beautiful and tranquil courtyard design. The moment we stepped in, we immediately felt a sense of relaxation. Our room was clean and comfortable, and the staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring, making us feel right at home. The hotel also offers a fantastic array of complimentary services, including breakfast, afternoon tea, sweet soup before bedtime, free laundry service, Chinese tea tasting, and even a Hanfu experience. While the room rate isn't the cheapest, I believe it's absolutely worth it, as they provide far more than just a place to sleep – it's a complete and thoughtfully curated experience. During our stay, I wasn't feeling very well, so having such a quiet and comfortable environment to rest in was incredibly important to me. The staff's concern and care truly made me feel comforted and supported. The hotel's location is also very convenient, being close to Nanping Pedestrian Street, Jinma Biji Archway, and Kunming Old Street, making it easy to get around and find places to eat. Thank you to the entire hotel team for your care these past few days. I would gladly stay here again on my next visit to Kunming and would highly recommend it to friends who appreciate a charming courtyard style and a thoughtful accommodation experience.

One day in Haidong, as if living in a picture frame I stayed in Kunming for two days on the weekend to escape from work Originally, I planned to stay in Haixi for two nights. By coincidence, I had dinner with an old friend at this hotel. I was shocked by the sunset in the restaurant. The key is that such a beautiful restaurant tastes good, so I decisively checked out of the room in Haixi and decided to stay immediately I booked a family room. The room is very large and the bed is super comfortable. The room is in a single-family villa with a large and beautiful terrace garden for taking pictures and watching the sea. There is also a function area downstairs where you can cook and play mahjong. It is very suitable for families or sisters to travel together The afternoon tea served in the sea view restaurant is also very exquisite. Sitting in the restaurant, you can overlook the 19 peaks and 18 streams of Cangshan Mountain. The unpredictable clouds cover the top of the mountain like snow. After a while, they slowly roll over and coil between the mountains like jade belts. Columns of light pass through the sky like crystals. I sat and watched the clouds for an afternoon, and I felt that I couldn’t see enough.