Hotele Boutique w: Yunnan, China

Staying in the Jacuzzi Villa was an absolute delight! The Naxi-style courtyard was elegant and peaceful, and the private, temperature-controlled Jacuzzi was clean and comfortable. Soaking under the stars at night melted away all my travel fatigue. I must commend Elin, our butler, for her outstanding service. From coordinating before our arrival to her attentive care during our stay, she was always quick to respond to any needs. She was thoughtful and professional, never intrusive, which truly enhanced the relaxing vacation vibe. The facilities were excellent, and the service was an added bonus – a perfect Lijiang getaway! Highly recommended!

I stayed at this hotel for 5 nights. I was quite hesitant before choosing it, especially after reading about the negative elevator incident, which made me really worry about safety. So, every time I took the elevator during my stay, I was on edge. The main reason I decided to stay was for the hot springs and swimming pool, as it's been raining a lot in Kunming recently, and I figured we'd just enjoy the hotel. Honestly, I wasn't particularly impressed with the service, and the facilities are quite old, very old. If it weren't for the constant rain and traveling with a child, I probably wouldn't have chosen this hotel. Especially after visiting Fuxian Lake, the comparison really highlighted its shortcomings.

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'.

Bringing my parents to Lijiang, the Banyan Tree Lijiang was an unexpected and delightful surprise. This is a remarkably distinctive Chinese courtyard-style hotel, and staying here truly made me understand what it means to “live among bamboo, in fragrant rooms, with a tranquil heart.” We stayed in the standalone villa 2130, and from the bed, we could gaze upon the bamboo shadows and Japanese maple leaves in the courtyard. When the wind blew, the dappled tree shadows danced on the wall, like a living ink wash painting. The wooden tones of the room and the subtle sandalwood fragrance complemented each other perfectly. It wasn't just superficial oriental symbols, but a profound and substantial Chinese aesthetic. Even behind the vanity, there was a reflection of swaying bamboo shadows, and at that moment, I truly understood the meaning of “one cannot live without bamboo.” What touched me most was the long-lost, absolute quiet of the private space. For every meal, we chose to dine in our own courtyard. The outdoor breeze, the light in the yard, the warm food, and each other's company made for a relaxation that felt almost luxurious. The service completely overturned my imagination of “hotel service.” A shuttle bus was always available right outside, arriving within three minutes of a call. We ordered takeout five or six times a day, including small items like oxygen tanks, and they were delivered to our room within five or six minutes. Efficient, thoughtful, and unobtrusive – this kind of subtle care was incredibly reassuring. Honestly, I don't understand why there are so many negative reviews; at least during our stay, everything exceeded our expectations. For our last meal, we had yak hotpot at Xi Restaurant. The portions were generous, and the tableware was exquisite and elegant. Enjoying the steaming hotpot, with the hotel's signature woody sandalwood scent in the air, and even bamboo still visible in the bathroom – it was refined to the very end. From the first glance to the last bite, Banyan Tree Lijiang perfectly captured all my imaginings of a “Chinese resort experience.” It wasn't superficial luxury, but a profound and sophisticated sense of elegance that lingers.

Our stay at Hotel Indigo Lijiang was truly wonderful. The location is super convenient, just a short walk to the Old Town, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle. The quiet courtyard and traditional Naxi architectural style, with thoughtful touches reflecting the Ancient Tea Horse Road, were charming. The staff were gentle and attentive, check-in was smooth, and the room was clean and comfortable. Coming back to the hotel after exploring the Old Town was incredibly relaxing. Breakfast offered a great variety of choices, making for a truly pleasant and effortless stay. It made our trip to Lijiang so much easier, and I would definitely consider staying here again on my next visit.

This has been the most satisfying B&B I've ever stayed in. The facilities are excellent, the service is attentive, and responses are quick. They offer free high-speed rail pickup, luggage transfer, welcome afternoon tea, and bedtime milk. When we found a drain odor in our room, the staff checked it out and upgraded us immediately, resolving the issue promptly. The toiletries are also high-end, and you can even take home the slippers, bath towels, and regular towels. Aside from the slight noise issue and a limited breakfast selection, everything else was perfect. I would definitely choose Po Xin Yun She again next time.

Extremely, extremely satisfied! So much so that I extended my stay for a few more days in the same room! The view is absolutely amazing! Both the balcony and the master bedroom offer breathtaking sea views, and the clouds change every day, which is incredibly relaxing to watch. Breakfast is a buffet on the top floor; the selection isn't huge, but there's a good variety within each category, and it all tastes great! The room is fully equipped, meticulously clean, and full of thoughtful details! When I arrived, they picked me up from the train station, and hotel staff were already waiting in the basement. Besides breakfast, they also offer afternoon tea and fruit daily. If you miss breakfast (which goes until noon) and get hungry, you can tell the staff, and they'll bring noodles or rice vermicelli to your room. The service is incredibly attentive, and the staff are always ready to help. Highly recommend!

I checked into the Mengjing Wangyue Courtyard Hotel on August 21st, and my experience was absolutely amazing! This Chinese-style courtyard hotel, tucked away next to the Jinma Biji Archway on Kunming's Nanping Pedestrian Street, makes you feel relaxed the moment you step in. With its two courtyards, arhat pine bonsai, ancient well, and fish pond, even the air carries the scent of Pu'er tea – it perfectly balances tranquility with its bustling surroundings. The room features a black and white new Chinese style. The bedding was clean and soft, with yellow throw pillows and a bed runner adding just the right touch. The bathroom has a wet and dry separation, and all the fixtures have a brass finish – a detail-lover's dream! The biggest surprise was breakfast: freshly cooked Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles with a rich broth and a wide variety of toppings. The front desk staff, a few young ladies, were incredibly warm and helpful. They not only assisted with luggage and recommended local delicacies but also thoughtfully suggested old-fashioned snack shops nearby, giving clear directions. The hotel's public area also offers free refreshments and various experiences. Spending an evening in the courtyard, sipping Dianhong tea and watching the fish swim, felt like traveling back to the slow pace of old Kunming. The location is also unbeatable. It's a 6-minute walk to the Jinma Biji Archway, and Ri Jin Lou is right across the street, making it a one-stop shop for exploring, eating, and taking photos. Next time I'm in Kunming, I'll definitely stay here again – it's not that other hotels are struggling, it's just that this one perfectly balances ”local culture” and ”comfortable 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.

I've been to Lijiang several times this year for both leisure and business, and I've always stayed at this hotel. This time, it was cloudy with occasional rain, but the room thoughtfully provided an umbrella, which was a nice touch. The front desk staff were very clear with their instructions, and all the employees were incredibly attentive. I even noticed a new addition this time: a ping-pong table, which was great. The common area for tea and chatting is truly elegant and pleasant. It's so relaxing to come back to the quiet hotel after a tiring day out, catch some sleep, and then enjoy a pot of tea in the courtyard. There's also a market nearby with fresh and affordable seasonal fruits. Overall, this was a fantastic experience.