GOLDEN SPRING

I've stayed here many times over the past ten years or so, with the last visit before this one being about a year ago. As I've said before in other reviews, this is a dependable hotel, nothing flashy but well managed. This time (last weekend) I discovered a big remodeling was underway. This currently involves the lower floors, 6 through 12 is what one of the staff told me. As you might expect, this is causing noise. I stayed on the 18th floor and it was still pretty loud. One day it was still going on at about 9 p.m. at night. Was pleased to see, however, that staff still phones a little after nine asking if I would like a complimentary glass of hot milk. Very nice touch. As might be expected, occupancy has dropped off. This means the restaurants are pretty dead, even for breakfast. It's understandable that they can't lay out a big spread when they only have a few guests. I was told the remodeling would be over at the end of June or beginning of July. Better go somewhere else until then. I look forward to checking out the finished product next fall.

Though it is not a new hotel, I think it is reasonable with adequate, well-maintained facilities. Sheets and towels clean, shower has hot and stable temperature, wide selection of breakfast dishes (I like the classic Kunming noodle soup the best), peking duck at lunch buffet tastes fabulous, and dinner at the 1st floor restaurant was memorable. There's a convenience store 5 min walk away, and malls 10-15 walk away. Metro station 8-10min walk. Bus station 69 is nearby as well.

I stayed at the Kunming Golden Spring hotel for 2 nights this week while in Kunming for some business activities in the nearby area. The hotel is tired and dated. All areas smell of cigarette smoke. The walls are paper thin and I was kept awake for much of the night by the very enthusiastic amorous activities in the adjacent room. The breakfast (included) was a good Chinese selection, I can recommend the noodles. The wifi throughout the hotel is fast and free. Check in and check out was reasonably quick, and the hotel takes western credit cards (Visa/MasterCard etc) without any issues. Overall it was an OK stay, but I would probably try a different hotel next time in Kunming to see what else is available.