JJiangmiyeyeI was looking for a hotel that would be comfortable for introverts – a place where I could relax, enjoy the scenery, people-watch, observe the wind, birds, and insects, with minimal interaction but genuine service, and quick responses when needed. serendipitously, I found it this time.
A few days before check-in, the housekeeper set up a WeChat group to inquire about our arrival method and dining reservations. After check-in, we received reminders and activity notifications. Before bed, we got a night reminder and the on-duty staff's phone number. Throughout, there was no unnecessary chatter or disturbance, and face-to-face interactions were warm and sincere.
Upon entering the manor, the May grapevines were still slowly growing, and all I saw was a vast expanse of loess. However, stepping into the lobby, the contrast was striking – an indoor tropical garden! Staghorn ferns, banana trees, vines, orchids, and other plants thrived beautifully; some banana trees even bore fruit. The restaurant on the second floor offered a panoramic view of the Helan Mountains, with the side profile of the Reclining Buddha clearly visible. If the weather was good, we could enjoy the sunset from the restaurant, watching the sun slowly disappear behind the mountains, painting the sky with brilliant hues.
While the accommodation already met my expectations, the restaurant's delicious food was truly a pleasant surprise. Perhaps it's my stereotype, but I've always felt that guesthouse restaurants tend to be a bit pricey and the food generally mediocre. Who would have thought that the dinner was so good that my family and I decided to book lunch for the next day before we even finished eating? For dinner, we ordered stewed lamb from Yanchi, scrambled eggs with sand onion, and 'tangmian youxiang' (half portion). For lunch the next day: 'chuanzui' carp, fragrant goji berry shoots, and lamb buns or dumplings? Oh, I forgot… The taste was on par with, or even surpassed, well-known old restaurants in the city. (Two dishes and one staple were more than enough for two people – I was stuffed! Order moderately, don't be as gluttonous as me!)
Finally, a big thank you to our housekeeper Niu Niu, store manager Li Yang, and the other staff members. Niu Niu was always enthusiastic and polite in all our interactions, always greeting us with a smile. Store manager Li Yang provided detailed explanations during the evening wine tasting, ensuring everyone felt included (even us in the corner, hahaha!). And to the other young people whose names I can't recall but whose brief encounters left an impression: the girl who led us on the cellar tour; the clear-eyed young man who diligently used a lint roller to pick up stray hairs in each room; and the curly-haired guy who effortlessly lifted our luggage when we got out of the car. Also, the sisters in the restaurant – every single person made me feel genuinely welcome, polite, and never intrusive. I'm already looking forward to my next visit with friends for a longer stay!
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