Banyan Tree Nanjing Garden Expo

The bedding feels luxurious, and the views and architecture are the real draw at Banyan Nanjing. Set against an old quarry wall, the resort is about 30 minutes from the city center and 40 from the airport. My taxi cost a reasonable $20 USD. The grounds and buildings are beautiful, and housekeeping and facilities were clean. I also got two complimentary beers and fruit once during my stay. Restaurant meals ran $30-50 USD per person, pricey by China standards but reasonable compared with prices in the States. Service was mixed. Around 80% of the staff, by my estimate, didn't speak English well, and the activity guides and spa menus were mostly in Chinese. At check-in I was taken straight to my room with little explanation of the facilities. Once I found an English-speaking staff member, I got a much better idea of what was available. I had a service problem too, made harder to sort out by the language barrier, but management responded quickly and fixed it. The English-speaking staff I met were thoughtful and welcoming. One remembered my coffee order. The crowd made it hard to find the peaceful retreat I expected. Many guests seemed to be local tourists, and loud speakerphone conversations and running children interrupted guided meditation in the all-glass yoga studio. The hot springs were also full of splashing kids, though they became beautiful and peaceful once the children left. The hotel can't control every guest, but the noise affected the meditation areas and dining experience. The nearby Garden Expo park was difficult to navigate since nothing was in English or pinyin, and staff there had little to say when I asked what was worth seeing. It's all man-made, so I'd only go if I were bored with the hotel. Banyan Nanjing opened in 2021 and looks stunning, but at $500 I wouldn't expect service and luxury on par with a similar Western mindfulness resort such as Mirival or Allila. I wonder whether the Autograph Collection or Westin might offer a better stay for 60% less, although their views from inside the park aren't as nice. I'd choose Banyan for its architecture and setting, but not for a quiet, mindful weekend away from families.

The food is quite expensive, but the stay had some real highlights. The architecture is extraordinary, the service was amazing, and the staff upgraded me to a suite on the 9th floor when I arrived. The view from there was magnificent.

A relaxed, comfortable stay, with friendly service from the staff.

The hot spring water was excellent, and the scenery was incredible. This is the best hotel in Nanjing to me. I'd recommend taking time to relax here instead of staying only in the city.