Water Hotel Pingyao

The rooms sit around a courtyard, and the hotel has made a real effort to preserve the traditional Chinese architecture. Inside, the rooms are modern and contemporary. The staff went above and beyond for my wife's birthday, and we had an amazing stay. We highly recommend it.

The Chinese breakfast was a great, energizing start to the day, and the complimentary tea in the rooms was unusually good. This is a comfortable little hotel with nice decor, right by the main walking street. The staff were very friendly, and translation software helped us communicate. They also provide free pickup and drop-off.

The shower was the weak point: water pressure was low, and a curtain was the only thing separating it from the rest of the bathroom, so the floor flooded easily. Otherwise, we found the rooms pleasant and well kept. The futon bed on the floor was comfortable for us, though it might not suit everyone. The hotel is at the start of the main street, with the city walls right nearby. If you have time, the park outside the southern wall is a nice place for a morning walk and to watch locals exercise. There are Eastern and Western breakfast choices, and we thought the Western one was quite good. Mobile data worked well throughout the hotel, and the free train station shuttle was very convenient. Good value for the money, with helpful, hospitable service and decent facilities.

It's hard to believe how beautifully preserved so many of the original wooden buildings, some over 500 years old, are. This lovely hotel is right on the main street of an incredible place. Organized tours from Spain don't include this destination, but if you're traveling on your own, don't hesitate to come. Stay here!