RRobsterNot knowing Suzhou at all, I thought I had chosen a hotel to suit my needs for exploring the history whilst still being near the modern. This hotel is ideal for both. With a metro station (line 3) Shajinqiao, within a 10 minute walk, literally, just round the corner, and a taxi ride to either end of where I wanted to be costing me under 30RMB, this was an absolute gem of a find.
On arrival, the staff were very good and extremely helpful. I was checked in without any fuss, with the usual pandemic checks, travel codes, health codes and I showed both 48hr and 24hr covid tests.
The room was cosy, with excellent air-conditioning, a very comfortable bed and very clean. The toilet was intelligent, electronic and quite a novelty. It even warmed my posterior whilst sitting on it!
The hotel provides a kettle and 2 free bottles of water daily though there may at one time have been a mini fridge, it was not there on this visit. Breakfast is served at reasonable times with the last orders being done 10:30am. (11 am at weekends). It is a decent spread, predominantly Chinese food, rice, vegetables, meats with cooked-to-order eggs, porridge (Chinese rice style) and a cold buffet. There are delicious pastries, toast and fruit. Tea and coffee are available along with a varied selection of fruit juices. The restaurant is airy, bright and clean. Plenty of seating is available.
Room lighting was bright and cheerful but could be set to 'mood' which dimmed and made for a more intimate atmosphere.
On Didi App, the hotel does not come under Atour Hotel. You will need to search for Yi He Cha Can Yin Guan Li You Xian Gong Si.
At the time of writing, Suzhou was low risk. However, the recommendation was for Suzhou citizens not to travel and if they had to, to show a 48hr covid test. I had a bit of trouble with getting the app to work and thanks very much, eternal gratitude, to the wonderfully patient and supportive reception staff who all contributed, made phone calls and tried their best to get the app to work. Eventually, we succeeded. That is service and that was fantastic.
Highly recommend this hotel.
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