GGuest UserI stayed at the Nanfang Hotel's Building 8, 'Yingjie,' in Suzhou over the weekend. It was just renovated late last year with a new 'Neo-Chinese' decor. As you enter, to your left is a long, open wardrobe and a luggage rack, which were very convenient. Then there's a separate wet and dry vanity area and a bathtub, with a sliding glass door separating the room from the washroom. The room itself was quite spacious, with a round table and a sofa by the window. Outside, lush rockeries and greenery provided a refreshing view, and being able to open the window for ventilation was especially pleasant this time of year.
The toiletries were L'Occitane, and there was even a Pantene hair essence capsule with the hairdryer. As for the bedding, the mattress was on the firmer side, so comfort will vary for different people.
What was hard to understand were some of the renovation details. The grout lines in the tiles were sloppily done, a clear departure from what you'd expect in a five-star hotel. This was even more noticeable under the sink drain. I'd suggest the hotel add a trash can there; it would both hide the flaw and be convenient for women to discard small items when using the sink.
The breakfast overall was good. I recommend the 'red soup noodles with braised pork,' which had an authentic flavor. The fresh pork pan-fried buns were also surprisingly delicious – slightly sweet and very juicy.
The hotel's location truly lives up to its five-star reputation. Situated on Shiquan Street, it's incredibly convenient for getting around. Wangshi Garden is right across from the hotel entrance on Chengqiao Road, so you can visit early to avoid the crowds. Plus, many popular eateries on Shiquan Street don't have queues before noon. The surrounding streets like Fenghuang Street, Wuqueqiao Street, Cuku Alley, Chaiyuan, and the small alleys behind Shiquan Street are also perfect for a city walk.
Shiquan Street is bustling, but as soon as you enter the hotel, it becomes wonderfully quiet. If you're tired from exploring, you can return to the hotel to stroll around Jiang Weiguo's former residence or other ancient buildings and rock gardens, and enjoy the peaceful, serene atmosphere.
If you want to explore the urban area of Suzhou in a short time, Nanfang Hotel is a five-star recommendation.
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