크라운 플라자 란저우, IHG 제공

This hotel is quite old, but it’s still in great shape! I booked a room with a river view, and it’s absolutely stunning. It’s a bit of a trek from the main shopping areas, but if you’re up for it, you can take the river path to get there. Plus, the hotel is super close to that famous shop that sells Lanzhou beef noodles!

This is my first time staying with the Crowne Plaza producer, as I’m usually more of a Hilton (Waldorf and Conrad), Marriott (St. Regis, Ritz) or Accor (Fairmont, Raffles) fan. Nonetheless, my first experience has proven to be a blissful and wonderful one. From the point of checking in to checking out, the service has been exceptional and exceptionally consistent. The bellboys are always prompt, friendly yet very earnest. Location wise, it is also excellent. You have a panoramic view of the renowned yellow river, its provincial theatre is just next door and that it is nicely situated close to several top rated local beef noddles joints. Even as the hotel is just slightly a decade and more old, the aesthetics are very old money, but really, it’s definitely worth a stay when you’re visiting Lanzhou. Lastly, I need to rave about its absolutely delicious patisseries, which is on par if not better than the much rave about ones in the states and Europe.

Everything, including the room and services provided, was better than what I booked for. I will stay at this hotel again.