3-Star Hotels in Shanxi, China

The owner, Brother Wang, was incredibly enthusiastic, providing exceptional service. He contacted us a day in advance to arrange pick-up and shared travel tips. What really stood out was when we decided to check out early and head to our next destination without prior notice; Brother Wang still got up early to drive us to the high-speed rail station. Considering it would have been hard to hail a taxi that early and how chilly Pingyao was in the morning, Brother Wang made us feel as warm as spring! He even upgraded our room for free. The inn's location is excellent, right on Yamen Street, very close to the City Tower, yet it's very quiet at night. The bedding was soft and comfortable, giving us the best sleep of our trip! PS: Staying here also includes free trials of Jin merchant traditional clothing for some beautiful photos!

It was just an absolutely amazing experience from the very beginning and until the very end of our stay, not even just in the hotel, but in the city of Pingyao itself in general. Me and my friend are traveling very light and without guides, and in Pingyao we had only one day: from evening to evening of the next day. Huge huge thanks to everyone who made this day unforgettable and ultimately comfortable for tired us: Alice, Helen, Fenny, Hana, and all others who was there for us. The hotel service is simply excellent: as soon as they learned about our late arrival, they immediately offered to meet us at the railway station, which was absolutely the sweetest thing. They brought us to the city gate, met us there, and walked us to the hotel. There they gave us a map, on which they explained in great detail where everything is, what is worth paying attention to, how it is better to build the route, and what opening hours different sights have. They also helped us organize a private transfer to Shaolin Temple the next morning. It was just perfect: we got there in 15 minutes instead of one and a half hours by foot, and after our walk in the temple they met us and brought us back. Also on the evening of arrival they helped us immediately buy the ticket for visiting all attractions of the city, valid for three days. And also they advised us where to eat, and gave us a hotel discount in both places. We did not regret it even once, the food was amazingly delicious in both places! The hotel itself is just wonderful: it really looks exactly like in the photos. You want to photograph every corner and record how the sparrows are chirping on the roof, and how two wonderful cats are meowing. The room also matches and even exceeds expectations. A huge kang bed, very comfortable. Excellent shower with everything needed. Breakfast is included in the stay: the traditional Chinese one was very tasty! Unfortunately, we did not manage to eat the egg, it was freshly boiled and still hot, but we were hurrying to Shaolin Temple by opening time. Also the hotel has a laundry service, and special thanks for that too! Washing and drying were very fast, and we got our nicely smelling clothes back already after four hours, which was critical for us, because we were leaving the same day. We felt like we really were honored guests, and we really appreciated it, even if only for one day.

This guesthouse boasts a wonderfully elegant ambiance and a truly superb location. Stepping out, you're right on Gulou East Street, perfect for exploring, and Southeast Yi is just a few minutes' walk away. Despite its bustling street location, the guesthouse's courtyard offers surprising tranquility. We slept soundly through the night and woke up naturally, completely undisturbed. The owner and the housekeeper were incredibly thoughtful and attentive. They were always ready to answer any questions, from before our arrival until our departure, and their responses were always very detailed. Every day, the housekeeper would kindly ask us what time we'd like breakfast the next morning, and at the agreed time, she'd even come to our room door to let us know it was ready. I absolutely adored it!!! If I ever visit again, I would definitely choose Yishui Street.

We stayed at ”Somewhere Else Inn” inside the Ancient City, and the experience exceeded our expectations! The receptionist at the front desk was exceptionally warm and friendly. Not only did she proactively help carry our luggage and open the door, but she also provided a detailed map of the ancient city, complete with must-visit attractions and tips on tourist traps—super friendly for those with no sense of direction! The room is a blend of traditional quadrangle (Siheyuan) architecture and modern design, offering the rustic charm of grey bricks and tiles alongside modern amenities like air conditioning, a Western toilet, and a makeup mirror. The bedding was soft and comfortable, completely shattering the stereotype that ”old houses are dark, cold, and damp.” We especially loved the public courtyard: sipping tea and soaking up the sun by day, and watching the lanterns sway by night, creating an absolute cozy vibe. It’s especially perfect for travelers who want to experience the ambiance of a traditional small courtyard without having rooms that feel overly ”traditional Chinese.” Additionally, the location is fantastic—step right outside and you're on one of the main streets, making it convenient for both dining and sightseeing. Anyone visiting Pingyao should definitely give this inn a try!

I highly recommend this guesthouse! Firstly, the location is excellent. It's right inside the ancient city, very close to Huayan Temple, Nine Dragon Wall, and the ancient city wall, making it incredibly convenient for getting around. Secondly, the room layout is fantastic. In a prime location within the ancient city where every inch is precious, finding a guesthouse with two bedrooms and two bathrooms is quite rare, and it perfectly met our needs. Room hygiene: The room was clean and tidy, with no strange odors, and it was cleaned daily. Disposable bath towels and toilet seat covers were provided. The guesthouse also has parrots 🦜, peacocks 🦚, squirrels 🐿️, and goldfish 🐟, which add a lot of life to the place, and these little animals are all very friendly to people. While there are many guesthouses in the ancient city now, I still recommend this one the most, and the reason is the service! The owner of this guesthouse has an excellent service attitude, answering every question. As soon as we arrived, seeing that we were tired, they immediately brought us iced watermelon 🍉 and peaches 🍑. In the morning, they brought us warm, homegrown old corn 🌽 and local specialties. We were very touched!

The best decision we made for our family trip to Pingyao was booking this guesthouse. The owner was incredibly welcoming; they contacted us the day before our arrival to provide parking information and patiently answered all our questions. They even helped us with our luggage both at check-in and check-out, which was really thoughtful. We also got a discount on tickets for 'See Pingyao' by booking through them, and thanks to the owner, we even got a better discount at Hongwuji restaurant than what was offered on Dianping. The location is perfect, right in the heart of the ancient city, making it super convenient for dining and sightseeing. What truly impressed us were the well-equipped rooms. Watching a movie together on the projector TV in the evening was such a cozy experience. The bedding was so comfortable; it was the best night's sleep we had during our entire Shanxi trip. Unfortunately, our time was too short. Pingyao really deserves a two-night stay, and we'll definitely book here again next time!

Here is a breakdown of what makes this residence a notable choice in Datong: 1. Location & Atmosphere • Prime Setting: It is situated in the Bolan Wulong Lane community, specifically near the Wuding Gate of the Ancient City.  • Convenience: It is within walking distance of major historical sites like Huayan Temple, the Nine Dragon Wall, and the Ancient City Walls.  • Design: The property was designed by a well-known domestic architect. It features a traditional Chinese courtyard layout that provides a quiet, serene escape from the city bustle.  2. ”Light Luxury” Amenities The ”light luxury” (轻奢) label comes from its high-end interior hardware, which stands out among local boutique hotels: • Sleep & Tech: Rooms are equipped with Mousse bedding, solid black walnut furniture, and smart home features like XGIMI (Jimmy) projectors.  • Bath & Grooming: You’ll find Kohler sanitary ware, Dyson hair dryers, and 3M soft water filtration systems for the entire house.  • Appliances: Rooms often include Westinghouse refrigerators and high-quality tea-making facilities.  3. Guest Experience • Smart Features: Most rooms are integrated with whole-house smart controls (lighting, climate, and entertainment).  • Personalized Service: Reviewers frequently praise the ”butler-style” service, which includes custom-prepared breakfasts and helpful local travel advice. • Room Variety: Options range from 23 m^2 tatami rooms to 580 m^2 deluxe courtyard villas for large groups. The bathroom was very small and a little bit smelly but overall we had a good time here and the price was more than reasonable

The hotel's location is absolutely central, right next to the City Tower on Nandajie. You turn off the bustling main street into a quiet alley, and it's just 20 meters to the hotel – truly an oasis of calm amidst the lively area. My biggest fear when staying in traditional courtyards within the ancient city is noise, but this place was surprisingly peaceful. The courtyard was completely quiet in the mornings, and as late sleepers, we weren't disturbed at all. The other guests were also very considerate, speaking in hushed tones. The owner and the young lady at the front desk were incredibly enthusiastic. They smoothly arranged our pick-up and drop-off at the train station, recommended restaurants (the hot pot place next door has a mini version that's delicious and not greasy), helped us book a tour guide, and arranged transportation. I'm writing such a long review because I was genuinely touched by their warmth. When we went to the old Pingyao train station in the morning, which is very close, they personally drove us there. Sitting on the back of their electric scooter felt so freeing – it had been ages since I'd ridden on the back of one! It was a blast!

Traveling solo to Datong, I was looking for a quiet place to stay for a few days, and 'Zhi Fou Zhi Fou Courtyard Designer Inn' perfectly fulfilled all my fantasies of a 'hidden courtyard retreat.' The inn is located inside Wuding Gate, on Ziyun Huacheng Jiuxianli street, right at the doorstep of Daiwangfu, making it convenient to go anywhere. The north gate area is quiet, and it's an easy stroll to the ancient city center. I booked the 'Deep Sleep, Leftover Wine | Zhi Fou No. 2 Courtyard · Listening to Rain Family Suite,' which was more than enough space for one person. The room was clean and tidy with excellent facilities. What impressed me most was the bed – the mattress was just right, not too soft and not too hard; once I lay down, I didn't want to get up. I later learned that the owner truly invests in their bedding. The tea room was my favorite spot every day. Brewing a pot of tea and reading a book, with the silhouette of the ancient city wall outside the window, that sense of tranquil relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle is something I hadn't experienced in a long time. I must particularly praise the service. The owner hadn't eaten after returning from the Hanging Temple late at night, and one of the staff members ran out to buy instant noodles for him. These small details really warm your heart. The free pick-up service was hassle-free, and the owner even helped me book a reservation at Fenglin Pavilion. The welcome fruit and snacks were also perfectly arranged. The inn allows pets without any extra charge. Although I was traveling alone this time, seeing other guests with their dogs sunbathing in the courtyard felt incredibly heartwarming. The biggest fear when traveling alone is staying somewhere desolate, but here, the elegance of the designer courtyard, the warmth of the housekeeper, and the tranquility of the ancient city wall made me feel incredibly well taken care of. Next time I bring my family to Datong, I will definitely choose this place again.

The location of the hotel is perfect. It is the right place to stay when visiting the Hanging Temple and Jin Temple. The room and bed are large, especially suitable for bringing children. It is no problem for a family of three to stay in a big bed. The bathroom is separated into dry and wet areas. The breakfast is also very good. Overall, it is very cost-effective.