Yunlang·Xiaoyuan | EARTHGAZES·STARSPANNG | Designer Oxygen Homestay (Dukezong Ancient Town Branch)

The suite on the top floor was small but had everything I needed for my work trip. I didn't try breakfast or dinner, so I can't comment on the food. The people at Arro Khampa Shangri-la were incredibly friendly, and I got to meet the owner, Dakpa, who's something of a celebrity up there and a super cool guy. He told me about his other hotel in Lijiang, and naturally I had to go see it.

What stayed with me most was how the whole team looked after us. Their care felt heartfelt, and they were willing to go the extra mile to make our stay comfortable. The inn is in the old town, with plenty of nearby shops and restaurants, but the area still feels local rather than commercialized. The restored traditional house has an antique feel alongside modern facilities. And I have to mention the friendly in-house dog, Mantou, a very cute and handsome little guy. I'd definitely recommend staying here if you're visiting Shangrila with friends.

I paid for breakfast as part of my room, so being asked if I really wanted a second dish or had only ordered it because it was FREE felt completely unacceptable. The portions for all the dishes were very small, too. I felt humiliated when the staff said this in front of other guests, and someone laughed at me. If the hotel doesn't want to serve the included breakfast, it shouldn't offer it. The service needs to meet the hotel's five-star standard and price.

So many little details have been thought through here. We really enjoyed our stay: the rooms were clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly. The hotel is beautiful.