Hotele Family w: Jiangsu, China

I arrived in pouring rain. I thought I could walk to my hotel but it was impossible in the downpour. I didn’t want to bother any hotel owner.   I didn’t and still don’t  have an eSIM that can make local  call but thanks to Trip.com, there is a link that I could call the owner for free.  I didn’t advise the owners my arrival time so they were off running errands.  I called the owner to pick me up and thankfully he answered. He was busy but gracious enough to turn around and picked me up. It knew Zhouhuang requires a ticket but I didn’t know that no cars, nor motorcycles, nor bicycles are allowed. Without him I would have arrived the hotel easily.  I always like to meet the owners instead of employees . They were very helpful and answered all my questions. They are honest people who dedicate their  blood and sweat to their business. The owner even offered to walk me to the bus stop  to Suzhou which was my next destination.  This  operates two hotels with 9 in one and 6 in the other. The one that I stayed in with 9 rooms is in a  lively and busy area . Just outside the hotel is a restaurant and there are plenty of places to eat. Inside the hotel is a peaceful oasis where you won’t hear any noise. The location is the best. The other hotel is in a quieter neighborhood a few minutes away. Each of the 15 rooms has it’s own personality, is different and has its distinctive decoration. The owners said they decorated them themselves. I love the decoration and especially the lighting.  After you reserve a room, be sure to contact the owner for the exact address in case you want to arrive on your own. I think it is best to request the owner to take you there because he/she will lead you to the ticket booth to buy tickets. There are a number of bridges so heavy big luggages can be a bit of a challenge .  If you arrive after 5 pm, you can enter free of charge as no one is there to check your ticket. . But once you are inside, and if you choose to leave the area after 8 or 9 am until 5 pm, you have to pay to come back in. You can buy a one day or in my case 3 days pass.  Do check with the owner for up to date information.  The room was quite clean. There were hot water all the time. There were other guests during my stay but they were not noisy at all. I barely heard them. I slept very well during my 3 nights there.  Zhouhuang is really beautiful. There are many canals, bridges, boat rides, good food of all kinds. I had some of the best meals there. In fact , I ate in the same restaurant that serves dumpling twice. One night I had grill (BBQ) meat just outside the entrance for 4 yuans. .  There is decent size supermarket just outside the turnstile and not too far away is a much bigger supermarket. It was there where I bought half a Peking duck for only 32 yuans . The seller sliced the meat and separated the meat from  the bones. The bones he fried so it was crunchy.  It was delicious. There is a theater that offers performances. The night view is great. If you step out your room, you will be overwhelmed in a good sense by the exciting surroundings.  This hotel definitely is one of the best that I have ever stayed in. Look at the beautiful pictures and find one that you like.  I stayed only 3 nights and one of those days I went to Tongli. In my opinion, one should spend at least 2 to 3 full days in  Zhouhuang (and especially this hotel ) savor the ambience. I don’t think Tongli is worth the time because it was twice as expensive and there are not that many canals and boat rides. It is much quieter and has fewer things to see. . The worst is that the sightseeing places require you to show your ticket. After 2 places, I lost mine ticket and I  couldn’t get in the rest of the places. It is unnecessary to require proof of entrance because you can’t enter the area without a ticket. 

Great location,easy to get around it’s walking distance to the best food street ,all well known Nanjing cuisine can be found here Walking distance to wudingmen metro station to and from Nanjing station ,just few steps away we can position ourselves for didi /taxi The hotel is located in the area maintaining Traditional Chinese architecture , decoration and greenery ,great for photography we got the room with a beautiful backyard full of plants and blossoms of flowers and a tray of welcome tea after checked in, the bed and pillows are comfortable ,showers is nice and warm Light Chinese breakfast served is good enough to start a day and not too much for the delicious Nanjing lunch later on:-) The girls at front desk are very friendly and sweet they were always ready to help The owners I guess who were on night shift were polite and respectful Overall we had a great time here thank you

Choosing the right hotel truly enhanced our trip to Suzhou! Our stay at the Liuxiang Hotel Guanqian Street branch was absolutely fantastic. The hotel's location is superb, right next to Guanqian Street and Pingjiang Road. It's just a few minutes' walk to the subway station, making it incredibly convenient for visiting attractions like the Humble Administrator's Garden and museums. The hotel boasts an elegant Chinese garden style with a tranquil environment. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. What stood out the most was the service; from check-in to check-out, the staff were incredibly warm and attentive, even proactively offering sightseeing recommendations. I highly recommend this hotel for both couples and families traveling to Suzhou!

Hotel Indigo Suzhou Jinji Lake was absolutely amazing. A special thank you to **Raffael** and another gentleman whose name I unfortunately forgot—I’m pretty sure I read his name on his name tag! In any case, all the clerks were wonderful, friendly, and genuinely helpful. The room service was fast and very good, and I absolutely loved the breakfast. And forget the ordinary little “welcome drink” you usually get at hotels—this place takes welcome drinks seriously! 😂 The drink was so generous that I actually had to share one cup with my driver. This was my first time in Suzhou, which may sound quite ordinary, but for me, it was actually a big deal. It was the **first time in my life that I traveled somewhere completely alone**. All my partners were worried about me, and honestly, I had some hesitation too. But the wonderful atmosphere and hospitality of the hotel staff quickly made me feel comfortable and at ease. After a worldwide business trip, I made a last-minute decision to change my destination from Shanghai to Suzhou. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, especially since I didn’t find as many reviews from my foreign travelers friends about Suzhou as I expected. Somehow, though, I trusted Indigo—and I’m very glad I did. There are four things that really stood out to me: **1. The location** The location was perfect. It made exploring the area very convenient and was one of the reasons I immediately felt I had made the right decision. **2. The service** The service was sublime. Every interaction with the staff made me feel welcomed and well taken care of. Their hospitality really helped take away my hesitation about traveling alone. **3. The room** I honestly felt like I could spend the entire day in that bathtub! 😂 Everything in the room was thoughtfully prepared and very comfortable—the sofa, table, armchair, bathroom, tea corner, and even the little shelf for reading. It felt like a place where I could actually stay and enjoy the room rather than simply use it as somewhere to sleep. I even started wondering whether I should cancel my day tour and just stay at the hotel longer! **4. The food and coffee** The hotel food is definitely a must-try. I ordered room service this time, but next time I will make sure to go to the restaurant and experience it properly. And as someone who is very much a **coffee-first person**, I have to mention the coffee. I’ve been disappointed by coffee in many places during my travels, but not here. Coffee lovers can relax—you’re in good hands at this hotel. ☕️ And the **pastries and cakes are amazing too**. I honestly wasn’t expecting to be this impressed by the bakery selection. Everything was so good that I could easily make another trip just for breakfast, coffee, pastries, and cake. 😂 I will probably come back and stay here again. And honestly, it’s not only because of Suzhou itself. **Hotel Indigo Suzhou Jinji Lake made me want to come back to Suzhou.** Thank you for the sublime hospitality and for making my first solo experience in Suzhou such a wonderful one. ❤️

We had a lovely two-night stay at Wenlv Gusu Yard Hotel Donghuali and were very satisfied overall. The hotel has great facilities, a wonderful location, and extremely kind staff. We were also generously upgraded, which made the stay even nicer. The location is excellent - right in the middle of Suzhou old town, on the main pedestrian street, close to key shops, restaurants, and tea places. Since cars cannot enter this part of the old town, the nearest drop-off point is about a 3-minute walk away. Despite being so central, the room was very quiet because the windows faced the side/back areas and the courtyard walls helped create a calm atmosphere. Communication before arrival was very clear. We received a helpful message with all the details on how to get there, including the best DiDi drop-off point, check-in information, stay details, and Wi-Fi instructions. Our room was clean, modern, and very cozy, with a thoughtful mix of traditional character and contemporary comfort. While the room was on the smaller side compared with a standard chain hotel, it never felt cramped. The layout was well designed, the natural light made the space feel open, and the overall atmosphere was warm, calm, and intimate - very much in line with the feeling of a boutique stay in a restored old-town building. The room had windows on each side, allowing for good natural light and airflow, as well as blackout curtains. The bed was very comfortable - on the softer side, which we appreciated, but still supportive. The bathroom came with all necessary amenities and products, and, importantly, did not have any stale water smell, which can sometimes be an issue in hotels in China. The bathroom does not have a traditional door, but there is a non-see-through privacy curtain with magnets on the sides, which worked well and was not a problem for us. The room was also very practical: it included complimentary drinks, including soft drinks, tea, and water, a small refrigerator, and international electricity sockets, which was very convenient for foreign travellers. One especially lovely detail was the climbing jasmine just outside the window - when there was a breeze, the scent came into the room, which was beautiful. The hotel also has two small balconies with seating, offering lovely views over the Suzhou skyline and Gusu rooftops - a nice spot for morning coffee or doing some work. The stairs are quite narrow and there is no elevator, but the staff kindly helped us with our suitcases. The pond and terrace area outside was also lovely, although because of some construction work we could not fully enjoy it during our stay. This was not a problem for us. Breakfast was served as a breakfast box with nine small dishes. The staff also kindly made us coffee and provided milk upon request. There was yogurt as well, which was appreciated. Most of all, the staff were extremely kind, friendly, and helpful throughout our stay. They helped with luggage, accommodated our breakfast requests, and made us feel very welcome. Overall, this is a lovely boutique hotel for families, friend groups, or solo travellers who enjoy peace and calmness, while still wanting a modern yet traditional stay right in the centre of Suzhou old town. We would happily recommend it!

The hotel environment is decent, but the check-in experience was just so-so. Besides the room phone, it was difficult to find someone to ask questions, and a certain front desk staff member wasn't clear in their communication. I booked a Lijing Twin Room, and it was very inconvenient traveling with a child. First: Upon arrival, there were no directions on how to get to the lobby. I had to park in the parking lot and then carry my luggage to the lobby. The room assigned and the lobby were in two different buildings, requiring me to lug my bags up and down. With no directions or map, it felt like a maze trying to find my way around. Second: I extended my stay for one night, but I still had to go to the front desk to reactivate my room card. The first time, they were busy, and I said I'd go back to my room and they could process it over the phone. They said that was fine, and didn't mention I absolutely had to come to the front desk. Later, when I called, they said it wasn't possible and I *had* to come in person or add them on WeChat. Even by check-out, my WeChat friend request hadn't been accepted! To get to the front desk, I had to take two elevators or walk outside in the rain. The corridors were also very winding and long, making it inconvenient to get to the lobby and restaurant. There were many self-service aspects, and they didn't explain the parking rules, which resulted in me being charged when I drove out. In short, they only answer if you ask; otherwise, you get no information. All the so-called 'special features' or 'unique activities' were chargeable, and the travel photography was just a joke.

This hotel was a hidden gem for my short trip – such a pleasant surprise! It's incredibly conveniently located near tourist attractions. The hotel itself is elegant, quiet, and peaceful. The rooms are cozy, comfortable, and impeccably clean. The bed was very comfortable, and the toiletries and storage facilities were all complete. The staff, Mango, Orange, and Apple, were warm, friendly, and efficient in processing my check-in. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I've already recommended it to my friends!

Haha, I found a bargain. The check-in experience was great! The front desk staff is warm and thoughtful, the room is clean and tidy, the bedding is comfortable, the breakfast is rich in variety, and the location is very convenient. Highly recommended!

I was pleasantly surprised to discover this unique, niche hotel. The space is incredibly well-designed. The room had a cozy, enveloping feel that made me feel very secure. As for the public areas, they were absolutely stunning – every corner was picture-perfect and exuded a relaxed vibe. The breakfast was semi-buffet style, and the variety catered to everyone, from children to seniors, and even those with diabetes (they had steamed sweet potatoes and corn). Both Western and Chinese options were available. My favorites were the curry with naan and the Eggs Benedict – truly delicious! The tableware was also exquisite, making it easy to snap great photos. The coffee was better than what you'd find at many five-star hotels. The only slight downside was that the baristas didn't seem to do latte art (but that's not a big deal). There was an ample supply of tissues in the room, and their quality was excellent, comparable to high-end brands like Tempo. (+1 point) The bath amenities had a pleasant scent, almost like a subtle, youthful body fragrance. (+2 points) The lighting was set to be very warm and inviting, neither harsh nor too dim. (+3 points) The bedding was excellent, and the pillows were soft. It was very quiet at night. (+4 points) They provided a Laifen hairdryer, and the toilet seat was heated, with disposable toilet seat covers provided daily. (+5 points) There were four bottles of water in the room, two of which were Voss. (+6, +7, +8 points) The hotel has its own laundry room with two washers and two dryers, accessible from the coffee shop. The drinks at this coffee shop were delicious and Instagram-worthy. I didn't try the cakes, but they all looked incredibly tempting. The staff uniforms were very stylish. They weren't obsequious but full of vitality and youthful energy, which naturally uplifted my mood. There's also a free parking lot within a 5-minute walk to the hotel. Upon checkout, they gave us bread as a gift. The highlight was that this bread was incredibly tasty, and even the packaging was beautiful, demonstrating great attention to emotional value. My only minor complaint is that the staff training wasn't entirely polished. They were very cautious and eager to please guests, but they still lacked some practical experience. However, given their pleasant appearances, I'm willing to be understanding.

Five-Day Stay in Nanjing Check-in Experience We arrived early at around 6 AM due to the difficulty of booking train tickets during the holiday season. Although check-in was at 3 PM, the staff kindly accommodated us with an early check-in for an additional fee. Accommodation We stayed in two types of rooms during our visit: Single Room - Spacious and located in a peaceful, quiet area of the property. RV Room - Situated near the camping area where families and friends gather around a large bonfire for singing, BBQ, and games. **Ratings** Staff: 8/10 - Friendly and accommodating throughout our stay. Shuttle Service: 10/10 - The driver was exceptionally pleasant and always smiling. Since my daughter has asthma and walking long distances is difficult for her, we frequently requested shuttle service between locations. This was especially helpful as ride-share drivers typically drop off at the entrance, which is quite a walk from the rooms and facilities. Breakfast: 10/10 - Excellent variety of traditional Chinese dishes. They were accommodating when my husband requested takeout. Cleanliness: 10/10 - Both rooms were clean, including the beds, towels, and bathrooms. As my daughter’s asthma is triggered by dust, I was pleased that the rooms were clean enough that she didn’t experience any sneezing or symptoms. We all slept well for the entire five days. **Things to Consider** It’s highly recommended to have your own car, as the property is quite far from the city center. If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, this place is ideal. Activities include: - ATV rides - Fishing area - Playground (note: adults are charged rather than children, so it’s more economical for only one adult to enter) - Small animal area featuring rabbits, ostriches, and llamas (15 RMB entry) - Train ride (30 RMB) The coffee shop has a wonderful atmosphere and aesthetic appeal, making it popular for photos. The property itself is spacious and perfect for leisurely walks. There’s also a temple nearby, approximately 20 minutes away by car. **Challenges We Faced** My daughter developed a fever and experienced diarrhea during our stay. When I called the front desk for help, the staff member wasn’t very accommodating and suggested my husband go buy medicine. This was difficult for us as foreigners who don’t speak the language well. I felt sad and helpless, especially when we couldn’t get any taxis or cabs to pick us up. We wanted to take her to the hospital, but no cabs were available. However, the next morning, a staff member spoke with me who was extremely kind and accommodating. They even offered to drive my daughter to the hospital, which I declined because we needed to catch our train and she was feeling better after taking medicine. They drove us to the South Railway Station and thoughtfully gave my daughter bags and drinks. It was a very kind gesture that we truly appreciated.