**The Pearl Hotel**
As a shining pearl within the Xijindu Scenic Area, The Pearl Hotel serves as a tranquil sanctuary for travelers to rest and rejuvenate during their journeys. Steeped in a nostalgic Republican-era ambiance, the hotel revives the early 20th-century aesthetic fusion of Eastern and Western styles. The grand lobby, themed around the Western concept of symmetrical design, harmoniously blends a study and café atmosphere. Here, you’ll find deep-toned, elegant European-style solid wood furniture, Italian-inspired ceilings and fountains, and British-style lighting fixtures that exude sophistication and luxury. The unique gramophone and vintage key display at the front desk evoke iconic scenes from the beloved film *The Grand Budapest Hotel*.
Above the wooden staircase leading to the second floor, a church-like dome ceiling complements the retro mirrored decorations adorning the solid wood walls, creating an Instagram-worthy hotspot for guests. On the second floor, the hotel transitions to traditional Chinese landscaping. Around corridor corners, you’ll stumble upon serene vignettes of gray bricks, black tiles, white walls, and lush green bamboo. This purely Chinese-inspired design in public areas contrasts yet harmonizes beautifully with the richly Western-themed guest rooms, creating a striking East-meets-West synergy. In the northeast corner of the corridor, the "Pearl S. Buck Cultural Corner" displays original English works by the Nobel laureate, including *The Good Earth*, which earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938.
The Pearl Hotel offers complimentary breakfast, allowing guests to savor Zhenjiang’s famed "Three Delicacies" in one sitting. From the delicate crab roe soup dumplings (best enjoyed by "gently lifting, slowly moving, opening the wrapper, then sipping the broth") to the translucent crystal pork trotters, every dish is a culinary delight. These local specialties attract countless visitors who flock here just for a taste.
"Our family and I had a truly amazing experience staying at the Pearl Pearl Hotel during our trip to Xijindu! Tucked away in the heart of the scenic area, the hotel offers a glimpse into the ancient streets and alleyways, with its blue bricks and black tiles. Stepping out the door, we can stroll along the ancient ferry crossing, taking in the breathtaking scenery. Even more surprising, the hotel's convenient transportation is incredibly convenient. Buses are nearby, and taxis are easily accessible, making it easy to reach Jinshan Temple or the downtown shopping district.
We originally booked a king-size room, but upon learning we were traveling as a family of three, the front desk staff enthusiastically upgraded us to a twin room free of charge. The spacious room, with its two beds strategically placed, accommodated our children comfortably, while the bedding was soft and comfortable, and the bathroom was spotless and tidy. Every detail was meticulously thought out."