Days Henglong

This is my default hotel when visiting changshu. Just a little more expensive than some of the other mid-range chinese ones like sifeng, but nearly matching the quality of the massively overpriced western ones. The location is perfect: next to little back streets, the main drag, the new kinda trendy area with all the new bars & coffee shops, starbucks, shopping, and tons of restaurants. I do worry that it is showing its age, and needs to be cleaned a little bit (especially the common areas), but it's still holding up well. 5 years ago I would have said it was the equal to the kinggrace except for the pomp and circumstance, but it's fallen a notch since then, so 4 of 5. Still, I will be staying there again when I go next week. - Tell the drive "fang ta jie, mei hao jiu dian" or "parkson". No one knows the place is called "Mandarin" hotel. I think it's on the sign, but thats it. - Front desk staff doesn't really speak english, but they know their job and they do try - Don't bother with breakfast, its bad. I never eat hotel breakfasts, so no problem there - Internet is good - They have rooms with a separated living room / bedroom. Same price - Some street noise if you are on the road side, but thats gone by 9pm or so

Right in the city centre. Easy drive to Mt. Yu and Lake Shang, and the shopping areas. A pleasant stay overall. The room is clean and new, yet not quite up to 4-star standard. I was travelling with a big family group and we booked 6 rooms. All the rooms were different, and there's one with a Mahjong table! Breakfast is average. There's big variety of Chinese style food, not much choice for western. Breakfast area is so small and crowded and humid.Parking is free.