PACE HOTEL Suzhou Guanqian Branch

The room was clean, and the lobby had free coffee, a useful map of tourist spots, and distinctive decor. It's also close to the metro, walking streets, and restaurants. Our only issue was the bathroom: its glass is blurred, but there's no curtain.

For a mid-range place, this was the best hotel I’ve stayed at in China. The minimalist design is unusual and I liked it, and LEQIAO metro station is only a three-minute walk away. Staff were kind and helpful, though just one man spoke English. They also provide a handy map of the main sights. Cleaning was good but not perfect, and the price was fair. Breakfast is included and decent, just don’t expect Italian-style food. My room was cramped, and the mattress felt too hard for my preference for something medium or soft. The blackout curtains also let in too much light, which was a problem since I like sleeping late.

They let me into my room before check-in when I arrived just after 9 AM to leave my luggage, which helped a lot. The hotel is near the station, with clean facilities and rooms that are spacious enough for a comfortable stay. The sheets and towels felt lovely and fluffy, and most essentials were provided.

The heating was very warm, and the staff gave good service. But this is an old hotel with poor soundproofing. You can hear people talking next door, though not make out their words. Earplugs were provided, and I had brought my own too. The facilities are dated. The washbasins, for instance, have separate hot and cold taps. Lecheng MRT station is nearby, but you still need to walk one stop to find anything to buy. I’d suggest staying around Guanqian Street instead.