I Lai Hotel

The room was great in all aspects – clean and the service was good. However, there were some bugs on the floor, some dead and some barely alive.

The family suite is perfect, and the price is very reasonable. It's also really close to the ancient town nearby. The hotel environment is elegant and clean, the staff are attentive and friendly, and they even offer freshly ground coffee. A really great experience!

This stay would have been absolutely perfect if it weren't for the 3.5x price hike during Golden Week. Of course, setting aside peak tourist season and my own bad luck, I was genuinely thrilled with this hotel. First off, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We received a welcome gift upon arrival and a small souvenir when we checked out. They also offered coffee and a late-night snack service, and even included access to the 4th-floor gym (unfortunately, we had to leave too early on our last day to try it out). Basically, they thought of everything a guest might need. The coffee shop on the ground floor has a really charming ambiance; I even saw a foreign guest enthusiastically typing away on their laptop, which really conveyed the comfortable atmosphere. The staff's recommendations for nearby shops and eateries also showed their love and pride for the local area. And indeed, turning right outside the hotel revealed a plethora of fruit and breakfast shops. Of course, if you're willing to venture to Sunji Baozi near Taiyangcheng, that's also a great option! Back to the room: it was incredibly spacious and newly renovated! The pillows and mattress were firm enough for a very comfortable rest, and the bed was huge! The shower had a thoughtful curtain, the water pressure was strong, and the hairdryer was super powerful. I particularly loved the scent in the bathroom; it smelled very natural, not artificial at all! Could I buy some of that scent, by any chance? The reusable slippers provided were excellent. The rubber sole design clearly considered the hotel environment – no wonder the packaging said you could take them if you liked them! I was genuinely tempted! The only minor flaw was the lack of a refrigerator in the room, perhaps because Datong's weather doesn't really require one… In terms of location, it's right by the ancient city. It's walking distance to both the tourist shuttle and the ancient city itself, though it might be a bit much if you're tired and feel like taking a taxi. For dining, it's very close to several popular restaurants, though we didn't get to experience any during Golden Week. All in all, this is definitely a hotel I would recommend to friends!

The location is very convenient, not far from Datong Ancient City, especially close to the departure point for tourist shuttle buses. It's about a 20-minute walk (at a leisurely pace). The surrounding area is very practical, with convenience stores, morning markets, and dining options. The service is excellent, offering free coffee, late-night snacks, and a gym.

The room size was decent. The millet cold cake at breakfast was excellent. The hotel also provided two coffee vouchers, and the coffee tasted great. The hotel is conveniently located near Datong Ancient City, making most areas of the old city accessible on foot from the hotel.

I've been to several provinces and cities, but my trip to Datong, Shanxi this time was truly exceptional. It was during the Dragon Boat Festival, and the hotel gave us a complimentary souvenir. They even offered late-night snacks. The gym, however, was inaccessible even with the room card; I'm not sure what was going on there. The front desk had fruit and candies, and the service was genuinely great. If any friends are coming to Datong, Shanxi, I highly recommend staying at the Ailai Hotel. Even the name is well-chosen – it truly makes you 'love to come' (ài lái)!

A very satisfying stay! They gave us zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival, and the front desk staff and security guard were all incredibly welcoming. After checking in, they also provided a local guide, which was a thoughtful touch! Hygiene: Clean and tidy. Environment: Quiet.