Tiangui International Hotel

I stayed here for two weeks in September. My room faced east, with great views from the 7th floor across rooftops to the mountains. Unfortunately this meant the room also got quite warm in the morning because the air conditioning did not work - it just blew room temperature air right back at me. However, with the window open at night, it was a very pleasant temperature and I slept well. If you are a light sleeper, I recommend earplugs, as the streets are noisy all night (and day). Big, cool foyer, and attached restaurant. People do smoke in one area of the foyer, which is unfortunate, but then people smoke pretty much everywhere in China (I'm not used to this anymore, as smoking is so restricted here in Australia). The restaurant has a wide selection of food for breakfast and dinner. It doesn't change much though, so if you are staying for a while you are likely to get bored. If you are an English speaker you will no doubt find the food labels amusing as the translations are "interesting". I recommend the hotpot for dinner, where you can cook your own fresh ingredients in a little boiling bowl of stock, right at your table. You can ask for fresh meat for this (it's not kept out on the buffet) and also bowls of rice (as there is no rice out either). Beds are very hard, but surprisingly I still slept well. THe bathroom was large and more than adequate. You may find that your room is without a fridge - if this is the case, ask for one at the front desk. I did, and one was brought to my room that day. Same with iron and ironing board. I found that a few claims on their website were not quite true: front desk staff spoke no English; no fridges in rooms; no laundry service. If you need a laundry, turn left out of the hotel door and walk about 2 blocks, there is one on the left. Western prices though. Many small "supermarkets" in the area where you can get snacks and drinks. Local bus to Yungang Grottoes departs from nearby - cost at time of writing was only 3 Yuan. Overall, comfortable stay. Rooms are a bit tatty but large. Ask for one on a high floor for maximum airflow and views.

Extraordinary hotel staff - all concierge personnel speak fluent English - and they bend over backwards to make you feel welcome. Ample buffet breakfast with some very different items available. The hotel is 1/2 block from the bus to the Yungang Grottoes. No need to take a tour and the bus only costs 30 cents US. Was charged about $13 US more than my online booking price, but received and absolutely HUGE room with a 180 degree view of Datong.

The entry hall is clean,but people smoke there, really unacceptable. Room size is OK and clean, but also full of smoking smell even though I asked non-smoking room. There is an ash tray in the room too.. Towels are really run down. Sink is leaking, called and said they will fix it after we leave. Breakfast is very good, service is wonderful. You get daily free fruit, bottled water and snacks. I gave three stars because of the smoking situation which really bothered me.