ELseWhere-LeiFu Hotel

The location is great.

Nearby, there are old shops with low prices, without the tourist markups. I got to try traditional Chinese foods like vinegar for very little. This was the most satisfying hotel of my trip to China. Highly recommend it.

The staff were so welcoming and helpful, especially Alice. We were greeted with a cup of hot tea, and Alice showed us how to get around the old city, marked all the places to visit on a map, and bought our tickets to the historic sites. The hotel itself is a unique experience in Pingyao. It’s a historic residence that used to be a bank, furnished with striking old Chinese furniture that gives it an almost surreal atmosphere. The rooms are spacious, clean, unusually decorated, and have every comfort. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay, and regretted booking just one night. Thanks again to Elsewhere hotel.

The friendly receptionists were a plus. This is a standard hotel without any luxury, but staying here can make a visit to Pingyao feel like living in another era. There are drawbacks: rooms aren’t cleaned during the day, laundry doesn’t include ironing, and breakfast is rather weak. It’s also quite far from the city center, so you’ll need local transport to reach the sights. If you’re staying in town for more than a day, I’d look at other places closer to the center.