LLandaorenI hadn't stayed at Sofitel Legend before, but I had twice stayed at the Sofitel and Mercure hotels next door (Mercure has since closed down). However, I've always had an irresistible attraction to hotels with a rich history, especially those converted from former high-level government guesthouses (let's call them 'old money hotels').
While planning where to go for the 2026 Chinese New Year, a short video platform surprisingly pushed this hotel that had always intrigued me. I checked the prices, and compared to other five-star hotels in Xi'an, it was significantly cheaper, so I booked a New Year's Eve stay.
Upon arrival, the doorman promptly opened the car door and helped with our luggage, which goes without saying (though, to be fair, many five-star hotel doormen nowadays lack such proactiveness). The front desk staff efficiently and smoothly handled the check-in process, offering a choice of champagne, coffee, or black tea as a welcome drink. While resting in the lounge area, I happened to see a few young women taking photos in the hotel's coffee corner, adding a lively touch to the atmosphere.
The attendant escorted us to our room, briefly introducing the hotel's history. Built in the 1950s, it served as a provincial guesthouse, combining Soviet, French, and traditional Chinese architectural styles. The complimentary bottled water was also in Tetra Pak packaging, reflecting the hotel's commitment to green practices.
During our stay, the restaurant's host remembered our preferences by the second day. The 'shui盆牛肉' (beef soup) with 'baiji mo' (flatbread) was incredibly fragrant and chewy; I almost wanted to pack some to take home. The butler service was also impeccable, with turn-down service promptly at 7 PM every evening. The local specialty drink, 'Bingfeng' soda, was a delightful taste sensation. On the morning of the first day of Chinese New Year, the hotel arranged a lion dance performance – I never expected to see a Southern Lion dance team in Xi'an.
Although the hotel only has 71 guest rooms, excluding the few business presidential suites that are rarely occupied by ordinary guests, there are about 60 rooms. Based on my observations during our 4-day, 3-night stay over Chinese New Year, there were probably only 8-9 other occupied rooms, so the overall occupancy rate wasn't high. Perhaps most people don't choose this place, as its exterior appears very understated and discreet. However, I highly recommend it, especially when traveling with elderly family members. The location is super convenient for getting around, just a 10-minute walk from Wulukou Station on Metro Line 1 (right next to Minleyuan and Wanda Plaza).
I'd love to stay here again next time I visit Xi'an, haha! 😄
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