Hoi Tak

This was described as the only 5-star hotel in the city in the past. Location good, opposite to the People's Square and one metro station away from the International Grand Bazzar. I chose this hotel because of the vista. My room is high at 30th with open views. Room is spacious, well equipped with everything one needs, toiletries, kettle, hair dryer, slippers. Cozy. But the pillows are too high so I asked for a lower one. I didn't switch the air conditioning on but the room was surprisingly warm although I kept my windows open and it's 0 degree outside at night. TV channels plenty but didn't have international ones which I am fine. Breakfast at extra cost about RMB 65. So so. There are some smaller shopping arcades nearby. Security seems strict (as it is overall in Xiangzhan) with scan at the entrance for any luggage. Service ok. The lady cleaning the rooms is nice and polite. Every room is offered a fruit platter which is a nice touch. Overall I have a 4-night pleasant stay here.

We spent two nights in Urumqi on the Silk Road Tour. The hotel is located in the center of Urumqi and is not bad, although it is impossible to judge whether the hotel itself is good or bad as it is a sightseeing trip in Urumqi during the day and a meal at the city restaurant at night. Facing the park (People's Square), there is also a shopping building with Muji and McDonald's restaurants nearby. I used a double room with a calm atmosphere. The average size, cleanliness, and amenities are all there. Wi-Fi was available without any problems and there was no particular inconvenience. We also had a delicious buffet breakfast. From my room window, I could see the groves of skyscrapers, but I felt the dynamic energy of the developing Urumqi, far removed from the image of Xinjiang.

I stayed here as part of a tour. One member had a room with such poor drainage that they had to change rooms, and one room had hot water in the shower at night but only cold water in the morning. There is a convenience store and a 24-hour restaurant nearby, so the environment is not bad. There is a park nearby, and in the morning you could see locals gathering there doing exercises and such. In the elevator you touch your card to go to your room floor.