This is a pleasantly situated hotel that feels like it is in a fairly tranquil spot, considering Xuzhou is really a fairly industrial town. The lobby of this hotel looks a fair bit like one of the Asian Hyatts, the rooms are quite similar to one of the newer Westins in terms of design (largish room, modern design, window between bedroom and bathroom). The bed was very firm, very low to the ground, and I did not initially have high expectations, but in the event it turned out to be extremely comfortable and I had a great night's sleep.

The hardware and fit-out of the hotel overall was modern, attractive and actually rather plush. The breakfast in the morning was also very good, a broad spread with a good selection of items, especially of the Chinese variety. The room rate I paid, well under RMB 700 inclusive of breakfast, was also really very reasonable.

My only observation that systems and staff training need to be improved. We had a group of 13 come to the lobby to check in, and with no other guests there, and 4 staff on-hand, it took them 30 minutes to sort everything out. It seemed to all be done by one of the staff, with the other three looking bored. The whole thing felt, to use a geeky analogy, like trying to run Windows Vista on your 5-year old PC. I suppose it feels like China in miniature - plenty of money spent on a lavish facility, but perhaps relatively low occupancy rates for a lot of the year not justifying strong investment in staff training and software (literally and figuratively).

Beautiful 5 star hotel in Xuzhou. I have stayed 3 times in 2 years, I think there is a slight deterioration in the hotel. Could be the financial times. There may be an AC control in the room, but it is NOT controlled in the room. Only on and off works. Still beautiful rooms, well appointed and generous space. Staff are professioanl and attentive. The bathroom in the fitness center/pool house is not up to par with the rest of the hotel. The fitness room has a stinky carpet on the floor, not a gym floor, not so good. Only CNN and BBC, no English movie/sports channels. The Coffee shop on the 2nd floor is overpriced, rather go to DIO Coffee in town (10RMB taxi ride AND free internet at every table)
120RMB taxi ride to the airport (about 1 hour) vs 300RMB with the hotel car!!

Was much better than anticipated from the trip in from the airport.

The hotel is almost a 5 star with a few small service problems. Rooms are spacious and I had no problem with the internet or watching TV.

I found the food to be good and most important, safe.

Trip from the airport in a taxi will set you back around 150-170 yuan.