Beijing Wtown Resort

Huge thanks to the hotel for accommodating our request for a family room on such short notice. It's often tough to find suitable rooms when traveling with older children. The hotel staff were incredibly warm and proactive in assisting us, from the initial check-in guidance to room service and even the Thai restaurant on the third floor – all were exceptional. The bathroom area in the room felt a bit cramped, and the layout of the bedroom and bathroom was a little awkward. The bed and pillows were a bit firm, making for an average sleeping experience.

The Gubei Zhiguang Hotel is the most fully equipped hotel in the entire scenic area. Many foreign guests also stay here. The rooms are quite spacious, with separate sofas and armchairs. The bathroom has a wet/dry separation, and the room is clean and tidy.

About ten years ago, I stayed here for one night and had a fantastic experience, leaving me with a great impression. After so many years, I returned with high expectations, only to be met with significant disappointment. The entire hotel, along with its service team, showed an undeniable sense of fatigue. It's understandable that facilities age over time, but the basic room amenities were poorly maintained. The hairdryer and showerhead were both out of order, and the attention to detail in maintenance was completely lacking. The complimentary breakfast also felt neglected; with limited variety and mediocre quality, it was a stark contrast to what it used to be. The frequency of the park's shuttle bus had also slowed down considerably. Chatting with the driver, I learned that customer numbers had dropped significantly since the pandemic. Walking into the ancient town area, I could also feel the quietness. Many shops along the street were closed, a far cry from its former bustling atmosphere. What was once a meticulously maintained and thoughtfully designed water town, brimming with antique charm, now had cluttered and unsightly杂物 piled everywhere, and its refined ambiance had vanished. The contrast between then and now is striking. If you're coming specifically for its former glory, you'll likely be quite disappointed.

I've visited Gubei Water Town before but never stayed overnight, so I specifically chose to this time, and it was definitely worth it. It's beautiful during the day and stunning at night. My only regret is that the Simatai Great Wall night tour was closed due to the weather. The hotel's decor is very stylish. The lobby manager was incredibly enthusiastic and helped me choose a room with a great view, carefully explaining all the activity times and other important details. I definitely have to give them a thumbs up for that!

Luggage check-in was very convenient, especially since I was with family and had a lot of bags. Choosing Gubei Zhiguang was great because it's close to both the hot springs and the Great Wall entrance. We had good weather, which made the trip even better. When it got too hot around noon, the kids spent four hours in the hotel pool and didn't want to leave!

I had a memorable trip! Before I even left, Ben Lin, the hotel manager, called me to explain the whole process, including parking, shuttle bus location, and luggage check-in. He even added me on WeChat and sent me their official account. I already felt the service was great. Just before leaving, I twisted my ankle. It wasn't serious enough to affect my driving, so I still drove for over two hours to get there. When I got out of the car, I realized I couldn't walk. I limped through check-in, and Ben Lin was there to greet us. He brought me Yunnan Baiyao (a traditional Chinese medicine for injuries) and even got a wheelchair to push me to my room. Along the way, he told me about the facilities and my itinerary, saying I could call him for anything, and he'd help if he could. It was really heartwarming. He didn't even ask for a deposit for the wheelchair, and I even took it out (though I barely used it; I still ended up limping everywhere because the stone paths were impossible with a wheelchair, haha!). Even with a twisted ankle, it was still a pleasant trip!

Everything was good. The family room was nice for taking pictures, and the kids loved it. We also got breakfast vouchers and water. No complaints, except for the price.