I checked into the Holiday Inn Youlian in Suzhou on 19 May and stayed for six nights. Got upgraded to an Executive Suite due to the unavailability of the room type booked. It was truly a very pleasant surprise as I had not expected the level of comfort experienced in a four-star hotel as I had always been used to staying in Five-Star hotels. The quality of the bed was superb and I had great sleep every night. Besides, the room was well-appointed and had all the necessary amenities for convenience. However, breakfast spread could be improved though the normal breakfast food items can be found. A special thanks to the General Manager, Ms Lily Zhou and her staff Mr Peter Pan, Director of Sales & Marketing for their professional assistance whenever needed. Highly recommended for travelers who need a reasonable, no fuss yet comfortable accommodation for business or leisure. I will surely stay in this hotel should I visit Suzhou again.

rubbish between the bed and the bedstand, carpet that I would not dare step on barefoot.
not in Holiday inn standard. poor isolation from outside noise during the night. noone to help catch a cab in the morning.

Pleasant and cosy hotel in the City of Gardens, Suzhou. I spent there two nights and I highly recommend this place. Rooms there are spacy with very comfortable beds. Air-condition is silent, so you can be sure you will sleep tight. Bathrooms are impeccable with large showers and allthe stuff like soaps, shampoos, shower gels and a set of towels. There is also a hair dryer. They have also very nice restaurant at the ground floor, serving delicious breakfasts, dinners and suppers.
I find this hotel really good choice.

The Holiday Inn Youlian Suzhou is located just outside the old city walls- or should I say moat. It is still quite a long walk to any of the sights of Suzhou, which are quite spread out anyway.

It is next door to a large supermarket, wihch may be helpful for self-caterers. Like much of Eastern China, the Holiday Inn is shiny and new. However, to an extent, the devil is in the detail. The level of English of the staff is not up to international standards and confusion and misunderstandings were common from check-in to check-out. The worst example was an extremely confusing episode about the shoe-shine service. Despite being prominently advertised, no one had heard of the service and instead thought we wanted ice, an iron and a new pair of sandals!

The executive lounge was average but not exceptional. The only 'cocktails' available were red wine or beer, though the spicy kebabs were tasty. Our room itself was smart and stylish and included free internet, though the view was more Eastern Bloc housing-estate than Suzhou classic garden.