GGreat Traveller💯The lady who checked us in on Day 1 was very good, but the staff did not wear any name tag so I can’t remember her name. We found that she is the only one who was prompt and alert to guests needs. She helped upgrade us to a room that is more handicap friendly, as my husband was on crutches. She also helped us order takeaway using her private mobile phone when the restaurant on site was closed for lunch as we had no china mobile phone number to order take away.
💯The location is great by the lake and near the Tianmu Lake scenic park.
💯Outdoor hot spring staff on duty are attentive and polite. She even instructed the buggy driver to the nearest point to pick us when she noticed that my husband had difficulty walking. However the buggy driver did not pick us from the recommended point as she gave the excuse that her buggy driving skills are not good enough. Therefore we had to walk a longer way to be picked up, which puzzled everyone as there was more than enough space and a road for buggy entry….
❌ Not enough staff, especially at dinner and breakfast. Food is slow to come at dinner even though we pre-ordered. Waited 30 mins and more. Staff are loud clearing the crockery, and had no sense of regard for those still dinning.
❌tour groups arrive in the evening by the bus load. The hotel did not feel premium with the crowd who were very loud.
❌the private hot spring in the room only had a fixed temperature of more than 40 degrees which made it very uncomfortable when the external temperature is more than 30 degrees. The solution was to mix it with cold water via tap, which was very slow and impractical. The hot water needs to be filled up by the staff, and you have to call them.
❌not suitable for those with difficulty walking or elderly. ideal to have your own car.
🤔Overall, I did not feel that I made a good choice with this booking. There are others private hot spring room near Yu Shui hot spring / Bamboo sea area for a better value and premium feel.
🫥I would also caution against the 100 yuan fish coupon - it is a discount coupon to offset about a third of the price of the dish, not a complimentary coupon for a fish head casserole.
I did not receive the welcome gift so I can’t comment. The public hot springs has 4 pools.
CC. P. LeeI found this hotel by chance after learning that the one where I was originally wanting to book was sold out for my dates. I guess it was luck, because this place is so beautiful and calming. The pictures do not lie! I booked one of their top floor rooms, but I didn't realize that I would be navigating a short but steep step of winding stairs to access it. (Elevators are between the 1st and 2nd floor guest rooms only.) Even as a relatively able person, I still took my time going up and down the steps. The room itself is nothing short of amazing; in addition to the outdoor private tub on the patio, there's also a tea ”alcove,” and also a king-sized bed in a sparsely- but chicly furnished main room. It's a pity I stayed for only two days, and I didn't have the chance to explore their offerings of a sound bath, etc. The staff also brought up some kind of soup concoction on the first night, which was very kind! Breakfast is included, but guest have to go to the building across the path, and take the elevator to the 2nd floor. I tried only the Western breakfast; maybe the Chinese breakfast is more hearty.
Tip #1: When ordering a DiDi or taxi, drop your pin at the hotel's precise location, and not just at the security check at the main entrance. From reading other reviews, I thought that cars not belonging to guest couldn't get in, so I ended up walking with heavy luggage to get to the entrance of the hotel. Fortunately, when I left, I was able to get the DiDi to the hotel parking lot.
Tip #2: Staff possess varying degrees of English levels, but I'd still recommend this place if (like me) you don't speak any Chinese. Make sure to add WeChat and add the hotel's account as a friend; this is the fastest way to contact them during your stay. Staff and I communicated via this method, as well as interpretation apps (Google Translate on my end).
Tip #3: Humble Administrator's Garden is about a 20-25 mn walk south. The closest ”scenic area” is along the Grand Canal, which just over the wall north of the hotel. You'll likely need to take the bus (download Amap) and/or take a DiDi to get to different places.