Le Méridien Xi'an Chanba—Discovering a Hidden Gem

As a free-spirited traveler, every journey is a romantic encounter with the unknown. This time, I came to Xi'an and chose Le Méridien Xi'an Chanba. I chose this hotel because I heard it's located in the area with the best natural environment in Xi'an, so I wanted to experience it for myself. 1️⃣ Convenient Transportation The hotel is not far from the airport, and it was a quick taxi ride. The nearest subway station is Chanba Business Center Station on Line 3. However, since I planned an immersive vacation, public transportation wasn't a priority. 2️⃣ Abundant Dining Options During check-in, I inquired about the dining options. The hotel has four restaurants: one serving Yunnan cuisine, a hot pot restaurant, and an outdoor barbecue. Since I was traveling solo, hot pot and barbecue weren't practical options, so I'll save those for next time. After dropping off my luggage, I was starving and headed straight to the Chinese restaurant for some Yunnan food. The restaurant had a lovely ambiance, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the river outside. The server mentioned that this is where the Chan River and Ba River meet, which explains the wide expanse of water. I ordered a small pot of rice noodles and a bowl of Burmese shaved ice dessert (Pao Lu Da). Traveling alone always has its drawbacks when it comes to food; there's so much I wanted to try but couldn't order everything. It's a slight regret. The service at the restaurant was excellent; the staff was enthusiastic and attentive, offering professional recommendations based on my taste preferences. I truly felt well-cared for. 3️⃣ Hotel Scenery The hotel is situated in a secluded area, exceptionally quiet and surrounded by lush greenery. After lunch, I took a stroll, which led me to the riverside. The gentle river breeze was incredibly refreshing. I visited at a good time, as the water in the Chanba River was quite clean, shimmering under the sunlight. Speedboats occasionally glided across the surface, creating ripples that added a touch of dynamic beauty to the tranquil waters. The hotel's interior decor is also quite artistic. There's a Terracotta Warrior riding a motorcycle, which is quite unique. The hotel staff informed me that the artwork displayed in the lobby area is regularly updated, showcasing pieces by talented independent artists. In the afternoon, I went to Latitude 34, the lobby bar, for a cup of coffee. I learned that the bar's name is based on its actual geographical coordinates, making it truly one-of-a-kind in the world. The Le Méridien brand certainly has its own artistic flair. 4️⃣ Cozy Guest Rooms To maximize the view, I booked a panoramic king room. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the bright and spacious layout. The oversized viewing window directly faced the expansive river. The bathroom also featured a floor-to-ceiling window next to the bathtub. Since it faced the river, there were no privacy concerns. As the sun began to set, I enjoyed a relaxing bath while watching the sunset. The bedding was incredibly comfortable, promising a good night's sleep. The room's decor was simple yet elegant, with every detail reflecting quality. At night, I drew the curtains, and the room became instantly quiet. In this cozy atmosphere, I reflected on the day's joys and looked forward to the next day's adventures.