Ξενοδοχεία Romantic σε Gansu, China

"The butler service was excellent and very responsive. We stayed in both the RV and the tent. My family in the tent said the wind was so strong at night they felt like they were going to be blown away, haha, but the tent was beautiful and still worth experiencing. The breakfast buffet was very good. It's truly impressive to have so many fresh vegetables available in the desert. When we visited, there was a bonfire party and folk music performance, though the butler mentioned it's not held every night. I came here last year and thought this hotel, deep in the desert, was amazing. Unlike other tent hotels that put up a bunch of haphazard things just to attract guests, this one was just a large expanse of clean, simple desert. The environment was elegant and refined, and the experience far exceeded my expectations. I raved about it to my family when I got back. To be honest, this year was a bit disappointing because I noticed they seemed to be setting up amusement rides like carousels. The grounds looked messy and it wasn't as serene as last year. And a carousel in the middle of the desert really feels superfluous... The kids were all busy digging, sandboarding, and socializing. I really hope it doesn't turn into a messy tent hotel. However, the butlers were all very dedicated and provided excellent service, which is something I can't fault."

"Upon check-in, the hotel kindly upgraded us to a spacious and comfortable triple room, which was fully equipped. We found a welcome card and a bouquet on the bed, along with complimentary snacks and a Chinese knot on the nightstand. There were even thinly sliced cucumber pieces provided for ladies to use for skincare and hydration. The service was incredibly thoughtful and attentive. The hotel's breakfast offered a wide variety of dishes, including local specialties such as Ganzhou Xiaofan, Youcha with Mahua (fried dough twists), and Milk Egg Laozzao. We could also get complimentary coffee and drinks to go. The staff were very warm and enthusiastic. When we checked out, they specifically asked about our stay experience and gave us some sweet and crispy date slices as a gift."

"This hotel/guesthouse is absolutely fantastic! It's very close to Mingsha Mountain, and the Mogao Grottoes are just a 15-minute drive away. The lovely guesthouse owners prepared welcome apricot tea, and they do an excellent job maintaining the place. Our room was spacious and clean, and the triple room had a balcony, though we didn't use it much. The common areas, both on the rooftop and the ground floor, are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the breeze in the evening – very comfortable."

"I absolutely have to give this a 5-star review! Front Desk: The service was incredibly thoughtful. Due to an external issue, the hotel was scheduled for a midnight power outage. The front desk started informing us a day before our check-in, confirming if we had any plans late at night and if we still wanted to stay. My mother loves visiting local markets everywhere we go, and the front desk staff patiently and professionally directed us to a nearby market where we bought seasonal crisp and sweet Gala apples and fresh walnuts. My mother was very pleased. Room: It was spacious, clean, and the bedding was super comfortable – all standard excellent quality for Atour. The key highlight, though, was the stunning view of the Yellow River. It's a shame it was raining; otherwise, the Yellow River sunset would have been even more beautiful. Breakfast: Everything you'd expect was there, plus some pleasant surprises, like beef noodles and fresh tofu pudding. Our whole family left with big smiles. I'll attach a few photos of the Yellow River taken from the room."

"I stayed one night at Dunhuang Villa before leaving, and it was truly amazing. The breakfast was absolutely impressive, and the location is excellent; I doubt even the newer, more expensive hotels can compare. For dinner, I was too tired from visiting the Yulin Grottoes, so I ate directly at the hotel, and it was delicious. The front desk staff and lobby attendant were all very friendly, professional, and warm. Although the room was a bit small, all the necessary details were well taken care of. The charm of an established hotel is definitely present, making for a comfortable stay. The shuttle driver was also very polite and provided great service. Next time I come to Dunhuang, I'll definitely stay for more days."

"This stay was a truly pleasant surprise! From the moment we walked in, the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful with our luggage. The room was larger than expected, with a cozy layout, and the cleanliness was impeccable – not a speck of dust even in the corners. The mattress was just right, not too soft and not too firm, and the soundproofing was excellent, so I had a wonderful night's sleep. Breakfast offered a wide variety of choices, including some delicious local specialties. They even gave us a thoughtful little gift when we checked out. Fantastic value for money, I've already recommended it to my friends!"

"I highly recommend this hotel. The room was very comfortable and quiet at night. The hotel is surrounded by lush greenery. They called ahead of time to confirm the reservation and give parking directions, which was very thoughtful. They even sent a guide with local food recommendations! There are a lot of fun things to do nearby. I'll definitely come back next time! 👍👍👍"

"If you're coming to Jiayuguan, I'd recommend staying at this hotel. It's not a hotel that aims for luxury. There are no grand crystal chandeliers or deliberate attempts to evoke a 'Northwest China' style. Instead, it's understated, almost serene. You'll find natural wood, rough stone, a lot of blank space, and very little color. The moment you open the door, you'll feel like it's not trying to imitate the Northwest, but rather as if the winds of the Hexi Corridor have been brought inside the building. I've always believed that a hotel in a particular place shouldn't just be a place to sleep. It should belong to that land. Jiayuguan doesn't feel like the beginning of a story. It feels more like its end. The Hexi Corridor gradually narrows here, the snowline of the Qilian Mountains recedes into the distance, and looking west, the Gobi Desert unfolds like a map; beyond that lies a different world. So, when I met a mother and son from Poland at the hotel's front desk, I was a little surprised. It was their first time in China. Due to the language barrier, they had a bit of trouble checking in. I helped them translate a few sentences. After things were settled, I couldn't help but ask: ”Why Jiayuguan?” To be honest, for their first trip to China, most foreigners would choose Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, or even Chengdu. Jiayuguan isn't typically on that list. The older lady didn't answer with ”because of the Great Wall” or ”because of Dunhuang.” She said it was because of a book. *Shadow of the Silk Road*. Many years ago, when she was a young girl, she read about the British travel writer Colin Thubron's journey along the Silk Road. Since then, the Silk Road has remained with her throughout her life. Not a plan, not a wish, but more like something that was bound to happen eventually. Decades passed, and she retired. So, she brought her twenty-eight-year-old son from Poland to China, to Jiayuguan. Afterwards, they would continue to Xi'an, Urumqi, Kashgar, and then travel all the way back to Europe. I suddenly realized that sometimes, people can be slowly changed by a book. Not in a week, not in a year, but over decades. The old lady's name was Margarita, and she was an English teacher. This was quickly confirmed. During our chat, I mentioned that a dish was a bit 'salty,' and she paused, then earnestly told me that 'savory' would be more accurate. I used an inappropriate tense, and she casually corrected me. I smiled and said: ”You're such a picky old lady.” She immediately shook her head. ”No. Not picky. We should use the correct English.” Later, I felt that she wasn't being picky. It's just that for a teacher, there probably isn't a retirement age. We met again at breakfast the next day. She proudly introduced her son to me. Her twenty-eight-year-old son was a young neurologist, and her older son and daughter were also doing very well in their respective fields. Mothers around the world are probably all the same. Whether from Poland or China, when they talk about their children, their eyes light up. At breakfast, she mentioned she liked red wine but was hesitant to try the unfamiliar brands on the hotel's wine list, eventually asking me to order a large bottle of beer for her. I twisted open the cap for her. She didn't pour it into a glass but instead took a direct sip from the bottle. In that moment, I suddenly thought she was very cool. Later, our conversation slowly drifted away from travel. We talked about life, and about those questions everyone encounters but for which it's hard to find standard answers. Travel always seems to have a strange power; it allows two people who wouldn't normally meet to exchange things in a strange city that they wouldn't easily say in everyday life. When I left, she invited me to visit Poland someday. I agreed. I don't know if that day will truly come in the future. But later, I kept thinking about something else. These days, we've become increasingly accustomed to letting algorithms decide our next trip. We open our phones, and trending lists, ratings, and guides tell us where to go and where to stay. But Margarita made me believe that there are still people who, because of a book they read decades ago, will cross half the globe to come to Jiayuguan. A book doesn't just change a person's mind. It can truly stay in a person's heart for decades. And then, in the winds of the Hexi Corridor, slowly come true."

"I visited Maiji Mountain Hot Spring Hotel during an off-peak period, and overall, I was very satisfied 👍👍. The hot spring bath was incredibly relaxing. Although there were still quite a few people, it was much quieter than during public holidays, making for a great experience ☺. The staff were diligent and responsible, and their service was very attentive. The biggest bonus points go to the shuttle service and the hotel-wide Wi-Fi coverage. The Wi-Fi signal was excellent, so I could browse on my phone and post on social media effortlessly while soaking in the springs. I highly recommend purchasing the hotel package deals; they're much more cost-effective than buying individual hot spring tickets. Coming during off-peak times for a hot spring stay is both relaxing and enjoyable – highly recommended! Highly recommended!"

"If there was a 10-point scale, I'd give it a 10! The hotel's location is excellent, right in the old town. Vanleer Mei Hotel is one of the best hotels I've stayed at. Check-in was fast, and the staff were warm and attentive, making me feel right at home, almost like family. There was never any awkwardness or discomfort. Every time I passed through the lobby, the staff would greet me like good friends. The room was very cozy, and my child and I were very comfortable. The mattress wasn't too soft, so my back didn't ache after sleeping, which is a huge plus. The hotel is within the old town scenic area, so there are tons of restaurants right outside. The coffee was delicious, and the staff thoughtfully recommended some very authentic Lanzhou eateries. When checking out, they even gave my child a souvenir filled with snacks – a really thoughtful gift! I'll definitely stay here again next time."