Pingyao Zhonghuixuan Inn (Gucheng South Street Shilou Branch)

We stayed at thos lovely hotel. Lovingly restored by the current owner Mr Wang. He is the 6th generation owner of the property. Until 10 years ago it was a derelict and dilapidated building. He poured money, time, blood, sweat and tears to restore it And it does feel and look like a traditional house. You feel you are going back in time. Firstly the customer service is way beyond the call of duty. Its so good, i would recommend staying with mr Wang at whatever hotel he runs. He picked us at the Lower East Gate, and brought us to the hotel, then took nearly half an hour to explain in great detail where we need to visit, whether the sights be in the city or outside the city. Some of his suggestions, not on the tour books were very good . For example he suggested 3 restaurants, and we avoided them thinking he was getting a kickback.on our 4th and last day we tried restaurant no 2 of his. And it was good , the food and service were good. The prices were average with other restaurants and we got a 10% discount being the hotel's guests. And remember we had eaten 10 meals by the time we came to his suggestions. Another suggestion of Mr Wang was Ma family home - also a very good tip from him. Everytime we had a request or question he always responded with enthusiasm. On our last day we checked out at 4am and he still took us to the pick up point at that ungodly hour. Yep Mr and Mrs Wang's customer service is just first class. The room was large, queen deluxe double, and the furnishings were traditional chinese furniture made of Rosewood. Very Expensive furniture for a hotel room. Shower worked well and was hot. However be aware its chinese style wet floor system ie there is no shower curtain between the shower and a small part of the bathroom does get wet if youare not careful. MR Wang said it will be one his improvement on his priority list. Hopefully by the time you booked the problem will have been resolved The hotel is very close to the main streets. About 5 min walk. The city of pingyao is worth visiting, it is one of the very walled cities left in China, with its old buildings intact and people still living it. All the city walls are also intact. Magnificent at night.

Really nice place, but as for most hotels, you cannot expect the staff to speak English (not a problem for me, but if you don't speak any Chinese be prepared). Location is great as it is around 2 minutes walk from 南大街/South Street and all the main museums and courtyards. The owners were very friendly and helpful, making time to explain all the places to see and were to eat. They can even help with good discounts, e.g. for the historical-themed performance '又见平遥'/Encore Pingyao as well as for restaurants. The hotel is in a beautiful traditional courtyard, very quiet area so you will sleep well at night. The room has traditional furniture, adding to the atmosphere, and while small (but good value for the price) was comfortable. The bed is a so-called 'kang' with heating - it was so comfortable in the cold winter that it was hard to get out of bed in the morning! Part of the floor has heating too. The cleanliness is good too. I would really recommend this place, very good atmosphere and with everything you need to be comfortable.