Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall

Staying at The Brickyard Retreat at the Great Wall made visiting the Wall such a relaxing, wonderful experience. The rooms were really comfortable, and everyone on staff was so kind and helpful. I'd recommend it to all my friends and family, and would love to return in another season if I can.

The service and food were disappointing, especially for the high prices. The food was only average, and after we finished our water, the waiters didn't come to refill it. Things got worse when we moved our outdoor table out of the strong sun to a shadier spot. We lifted and carried it rather than dragging it, but the manager accused us of damaging a table leg and kept arguing with a sour expression. His staff checked and found a loose screw that was easy to tighten. The fuss over such a small issue had already affected our mood and meal. More seriously, several relatives and I became very ill after eating the Squid Ink Pasta at the restaurant. We suspect the shellfish may not have been cooked thoroughly. Only those who ate that pasta got sick; relatives who ordered other dishes did not. I had severe diarrhea and vomiting, went to the toilet more than 15 times in 24 hours, and needed to go to hospital. An elderly relative had stomach cramps and vomiting and was sick for a week. I'd avoid ordering seafood here.

The best part of our stay at brickyard was the massage with Luci. She was kind and attentive, and gave both of us one of the best massages we've had, using a combination of Chinese and oil techniques. She seemed to naturally understand where we were aching. The hotel itself is beautifully designed around the remains of an old brickyard factory, with comfortable, fun rooms. It's in a small village, within walking distance of the wall, a cool coffee shop, and fun restaurants. The staff were super friendly.

The location made visiting the Great Wall easy. Mutianyu entrance is just a short walk away, so we could get there before the crowds and enjoy the wall peacefully. The room was incredibly comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and had breathtaking mountain views. The staff were warm, attentive, and always ready to help. My stay at the Brickyard Hotel near the Great Wall at Mutianyu was unforgettable. I'd highly recommend the Brickyard for a unique, relaxing stay near such an iconic landmark.