GGuest UserThis is the third time my family and I have visited Datong. The first two times we stayed in hotels, but this time we wanted to try a guesthouse. After checking reviews on Dazhong Dianping, we chose Bo.Yuan Guesthouse (Huayan Temple Branch) because of the traveler comments and its 4.9 high rating. The experience was excellent, so I wanted to share my review.
The day before our trip, the guesthouse manager proactively called us to discuss our itinerary in Datong and our mode of transportation. She also offered a pick-up service, so we provided our travel details. Before we arrived at Datong South Station, a lady called to confirm the pick-up time and location, and informed us of her arrival time. When we got to the waiting area, we waited for about two minutes. The guesthouse lady called again, repeatedly apologizing for being two minutes late. She reconfirmed our waiting spot and described what she was wearing so we wouldn't miss her. When we met her, she didn't look like a typical pick-up driver, but rather a very elegant and young lady. She greeted my family and me warmly, saying, ”I'm so sorry for being two minutes late. The hotel is quite busy today, and the regular pick-up driver couldn't make it. After they told me, I rushed over to pick you up myself. Our hotel values integrity, and since we promised a pick-up service, even if there was no available car, I couldn't use a ride-hailing app. So, I truly apologize for being a few minutes late.” From this conversation, we learned that she was the female owner of the guesthouse. Throughout the journey, she was very talkative and friendly, making us feel completely at ease. She introduced us to the guesthouse and the unique features of Datong, and soon we arrived at the guesthouse. We chatted a lot with her during the short half-hour drive—perhaps it was fate.
**1. Guesthouse Environment and Service:**
Upon arriving at the guesthouse courtyard, we found it to be a very distinctive Siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard). The staff were all very enthusiastic, proactively helping us with our luggage and offering us tea. Since we arrived before check-in time, our room was still being cleaned. To minimize our waiting time, the owner personally urged the cleaning staff to finish quickly. She also used the waiting time to introduce us to the guesthouse's room features and restaurant. Once the room was ready, our room was on the second floor. The staff proactively helped us take our luggage up and turned on the air conditioning. Inside the room, it felt wonderful. Although the room retained the ancient charm of a Siheyuan, the infrastructure was very modern and high-tech, featuring central air conditioning, button-controlled panels, a projector instead of a TV, and an electric toilet. The hotel amenities also catered thoughtfully to modern women, such as essential oils in the toiletries, and provided toilet seat covers, disinfectant wipes, and wet wipes. Additionally, the welcome fruit quality was excellent; the owner mentioned she personally selected and purchased everything herself. The room was very quiet. I usually have trouble sleeping, but this time, I didn't experience insomnia due to changing locations. Instead, I slept exceptionally well because of the tranquil courtyard.
**2. Guesthouse Breakfast:**
From the room to the restaurant, every staff member we encountered greeted us warmly. In the restaurant, the staff proactively introduced the breakfast options and asked if we needed any help. The breakfast selection was very rich, combining Western and Chinese dishes to satisfy every guest's palate. There was vegetable salad, fruit platters, coffee, milk, yogurt, sausages, grilled chicken wings, stir-fried baby cabbage, bread, sweet potatoes, corn, purple rice paste, knife-cut noodles, wontons, and dumplings. The ingredients for these dishes were all personally selected and purchased by the owner, ensuring their freshness. All dishes were freshly prepared by the chef and tasted excellent. Although the restaurant might not be as large or offer as many varieties as four or five-star hotels, the quality of ingredients and taste were certainly on par with their culinary standards.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of the big city for a weekend in Datong, our short two-day trip is coming to an end. The cultural heritage of Datong, its unique cuisine, and our stay at Bo.Yuan Guesthouse have all left a wonderful impression on me. Next time I visit Datong, I will definitely choose Bo.Yuan Guesthouse again. I wish the owner great success in her business! See you next time, Datong!
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