Gangjian Hotel

The location is excellent, near the Jokhang and Barkhor, with the Potala within easy reach and plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. Breakfast is plentiful, with a reasonable range of basic food. The rooms have the basics like a kettle, TV, AC, hot shower, and door lock, but they’re dated and grubby. The carpets have cigarette burns, the wallpaper is ripped, and the bathrooms are dirty. This was probably a nice hotel once, but now everything feels basic, worn out, and tired.

The location is decent, but the maintenance is really poor. Most furniture is old and has peeling paint, some electrical sockets look like fire hazards, and one room was extremely stuffy with no air conditioning. Calling this a four-star hotel is a stretch. Even two stars would be pushing it.

I expected the worst after hearing that a three-star hotel in Lhasa might not match a three-star place elsewhere. I’ve stayed in hostels plenty of times, though, and this turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The hotel was clean, well maintained, and had good facilities. My large room was clean and furnished with a writing desk, couch, easy chair, bedside tables, a big cupboard, coffee table, and stylish lamps. Towels, flannels, a gown, slippers, and cosmetics were included at no extra cost. The bed was firm but large and comfortable for my taste. There was also the usual kettle and mini fridge, plus snacks and drinks at very reasonable individual prices. The air con worked fine, and the shower had three outlet options with plenty of hot water. I’m very pleased.

The corridors are dark, with the lights only coming on when you walk close, so watch your step on the way to your room. The rooms only have heaters, no air conditioning. In summer or when it’s above 20 degrees Celsius, you can ask reception for a fan at no charge. The free Wi-Fi hardly worked for me. Bottled water in the room costs a little less than buying it outside. They offer luggage storage, and the receptionists can speak and understand English. Breakfast in the morning tasted good.