Shanshuizhai Forest Tavern

We were made to feel at home by the friendly, attentive staff from check-in to check-out. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and very clean, with big windows looking out over the mountains. Breakfast had a great range of Chinese and Western food. The hotel is right by Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and from our room the mountains and misty peaks looked like a traditional Chinese painting. The sunrises and sunsets felt magical. We also made good use of the facilities. The outdoor pool surrounded by Wulingyuan's stone peaks was one of my favorite experiences of the trip. The poolside BBQ at night had to be booked in advance, but it was worth it: the food was fresh and delicious, and the staff took great care preparing everything. The modern, well-equipped gym was handy for keeping up with workouts while traveling. The bar had a relaxed, cozy atmosphere for an evening drink after exploring, and the laundry service was convenient for a longer stay. The hotel combines comfortable luxury and good facilities with the natural scenery. I'd highly recommend it to anyone visiting Zhangjiajie for both relaxing and exploring.

The room was the strongest part of my stay: huge, spotless, and nicely furnished, with warm lighting and a calm neutral look. There was a large daybed by the window, a sleek desk, plenty of storage, bedside USB ports, and a capsule coffee machine. The bathroom matched the polished style, with glossy grey marble, a roomy walk-in shower, and quality fittings. I did miss having a rain shower, and an in-room safe was oddly absent for a hotel in this category. The Japanese-style toilet with its bidet function was a welcome feature. My room opened onto a small semi-private terrace with hedges, rattan chairs, and a table, then directly onto the pool deck. It gave the place a bit of a resort feel. The landscaped outdoor area had a stylish circular pool bar, but it wasn't staffed while I was there. The lobby also makes a strong impression, with high ceilings, big glass expanses, glossy marble floors, and striking lights. The building and design are clearly well done. Service was where the stay fell short. At check-in, I stood right in front of reception and wasn't greeted or acknowledged. Staff spoke only to my Chinese guide and didn't even look my way. That felt completely out of line for any hotel, especially one presenting itself as five-star, and it was a jarring start. Things improved somewhat later, particularly when a kind gentleman handled my request for a breakfast box the evening before I left, but the first impression had already been made. Breakfast helped restore some goodwill. It was one of the better hotel buffets I've had in the region, with a good mix of hot and cold options: yoghurt, cereals including one sugar-free wholegrain choice, salads, dragon fruit and other fruit, plus a live egg and omelette station. There was toast and some soft breads, though none were very good quality, which wasn't surprising for this part of the world. Nuts and seeds were missing, even though they're increasingly common at international breakfasts. Still, the selection seemed thoughtful and catered to local and international tastes. The hotel is beautifully built, clean, and comfortable, but the human touch doesn't match the surroundings. A simple acknowledgment of guests would make a real difference.

Lily the concierge was the standout. She gave us restaurant suggestions, helped us get a taxi, and showed us the laundry, gym, and foot massage place. The other staff were basically useless when we had questions and struggled to solve problems. We stayed in mid-June 2025. The room was clean and new, but the air conditioning didn't cool it well. The bed wasn't very comfortable, the sheets felt scratchy, and one window didn't close all the way, so we heard traffic. Breakfast was mostly inedible, the worst food we had during our time in China. The location is okay, though you'll need a taxi or DiDi to get to the East Gate of the park.

It's in a good spot near the park entrance, and the rooms are new and clean. Breakfast is included with a wide choice of food. The website mentions a hotel restaurant and dry cleaning, but lunch and dinner are only available to pre-booked tour groups, and the only laundry option is self-service.