A tranquil retreat in the bustling city, the Suzhou homestay, Youjian, is a great choice

Finding a peaceful or undisturbed accommodation during weekends and holidays is not easy, especially for those of us who dare to take off on a whim. Compared to other cities where a mid-range chain hotel might cost 3-4 hundred, in Suzhou, it's 7-8 hundred. This designer homestay, costing only 500+ on Saturdays, caught my attention. From the online pictures, it's apparent that the overall room layout isn't too spacious. It might feel a bit cramped for a family trip, but for a couple, it's perfectly sufficient. Location: The homestay is located inside Pingjiang Road. Just walk through a small alley, and you're there. You can park your car at a nearby building, and a few hundred meters' walk will do. From the homestay to Pingjiang Road, to Guanqian snack street, it's only a few minutes' walk. Most importantly, the homestay is nestled in an alley, turning into which, the hustle and bustle of the surroundings are instantly shut out, achieving a true sense of tranquility amidst the noise. Amenities: The homestay has its own cafe and restaurant. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try it out due to being busy exploring outside, but I definitely will next time. Chinese meals require a reservation a day in advance, while Western meals don't. According to the hostess, their pasta and steak are quite good. If you're staying long enough, in addition to tasting Suzhou's local snacks, you can also try the food in the homestay for a change of taste. Style: The overall design style of the homestay is very photogenic, a miniature of a Jiangnan town. What surprised me the most was that the paintings displayed in the homestay are works by elementary school students, which are very beautiful. The homestay's signs are made of hand-painted tiles, which I liked. The roads outside the homestay are also adorned with artistic wall paintings, great for taking photos. Room: The rooms are individual small courtyards, equipped with basic amenities, including a washing machine and laundry detergent, suitable for friends traveling for several days. I made a small suggestion to the housekeeper, as the mirror is quite far from the basin, and girls might have a higher demand for a makeup mirror, so it might be good to install a wall-mounted one. Service: The housekeeper is very responsive and enthusiastic.