The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing

Hilton-level quality at Ritz-Carlton prices. This was easily the most disappointing Ritz-Carlton I've ever stayed at. The hotel entrance was barely larger than that of a budget hotel, making it easy to miss if you weren't looking carefully. The lobby was messy and cramped, and most of the service staff were perfunctory, aloof, and seemed completely unaware of guest details. On the second morning, a server actually approached me at breakfast to say my room rate didn't include it. Even after I confirmed it did, they repeatedly questioned my certainty, which was both frustrating and laughable. The breakfast experience was utterly chaotic, feeling more like a public market, and the variety of food was extremely limited. During peak hours, staff were shouting out room numbers in the lobby, and they even cleared food without notifying guests who were still dining. As for the in-room amenities, the comb was so sharp it felt like a weapon and scratched my scalp painfully. The toiletries were also subpar. It makes me question if Ritz-Carltons in other cities are simply exceptional, or if this Nanjing location actually represents the brand's normal standard.

For a one-day layover in Nanjing, I chose The Ritz-Carlton Xinjiekou. My decision was based on two factors: my positive experiences with the brand in Beijing and Shanghai, and the hotel's central location, which was perfect for a short visit. While checking reviews on Ctrip, I did notice some negative comments, which made me a bit hesitant. However, my family suggested that everyone has different expectations, so I decided to trust my own judgment. The day before our arrival in Nanjing, the hotel called us to inquire about our estimated check-in time, stating they wanted to make advance arrangements. Upon arriving at the hotel on August 2nd, I found all the staff members to be very friendly and polite. As I had a 5 PM high-speed train the following day, I asked the front desk if a late check-out until 2 PM was possible. To my surprise and delight, they graciously offered to extend it until 3 PM. This gesture was both unexpected and incredibly thoughtful, truly showcasing the hotel's customer-centric service. Shortly after entering the room, a staff member brought bathrobes and unwrapped them in front of me, assuring me they were fresh and clean for my peace of mind. The room's decor and layout were consistent with other Ritz-Carlton properties I've stayed at, featuring a warm and comfortable style that I particularly like. The breakfast spread was certainly impressive; compared to the somewhat limited options at Amandayan Lijiang, The Ritz-Carlton offered a much wider and richer selection. Upon departure, a petite female staff member insisted on taking our luggage down to the first floor. I was quite touched by her helpfulness, almost feeling a bit bad for the trouble. In summary, despite the scorching heat outside during our one-day stay, the hotel's interior remained consistently comfortable and pleasant. It was a truly satisfying experience. I did note previous guest comments about the bathroom amenities being somewhat basic and suggesting an upgrade. For instance, during a stay at a Ramada in Strasbourg, the bathroom was equipped with HR brand fixtures, which instantly elevated the overall mood and experience.