GGuest UserBeautiful property with Michelin quality.
Love Sunyata Ren-aiâs modern architecture and interior designed around its history. The rooms are thoughtfully appointed yet highly functional - a rarity for heritage hotels. For instance, the standalone mid-century wood wardrobe reminds you of what a priest would have in his room yet it opens up with plenty of storage and is lit internally. There are no awkward corners on the property, and space is strategically used and designed with a gorgeous mix of textures and colours.Â
Extremely hospitable service - hotel staff are wonderfully helpful and reach out ahead of your stay to follow up on details. That was how they found out my luggage had burst from a faulty zip and way too many books - immediately arranged for additional person to be on standby with a box for the books. During the stay, they worried about whether i needed extra binding for the luggage and then also had 3 colleagues on standby on checkout to help me bring my stuff out (xiaofan, ningning and xiaogan) who waited by the street with me to see me off. Honestly they were more worried than i was! And this is the pinnacle of hospitality where hotel takes greater ownership on addressing and pre-empting your concerns.Â
Room inclusions are great:Â
1. Breakfast is set in a beautiful restaurant in a stone basement. Selection is small but competently executed. The noodles are perfectly seasoned, fruits are fresh, coffee strong.
2. Afternoon tea - i had thought they would casually bring out the usual scones and sandwiches the kitchen was going to make on the fly, but it came instead with a choice of coffee and their desserts on display for sale. This means you get an intricate dessert - for free!
3. Supper - given my work and flight itinerary, i ordered in their complimentary supper, delivered at 9pm. again, not a matter of leftovers. They brought in beautifully plated 4 dishes for both nights, balanced in terms of staples, taste, texture, which is sufficient to satiate you without overfilling you for the nightâs rest.
4. Photography - we all know the prowess of Chinese photography. i was apprehensive as iâm usually behind the camera and i wasnât dressed for the occasion nor had professional makeup - the 3 weeks of non-stop work commitments showed! However, the energy and kindness of the photographers made the session really enjoyable, and not to mention the hotel provided an unmatched background for phototaking. They also edited the photos within an hour for you to choose from - you get the first 5 free, but youâd be tempted (AND PLS DO) to choose more.
In terms of location, this is a destination hotel, blending beautifully in Mountain City Alley, with all the modern creature comforts. You wake up in the morning to empty walkways, interrupted only by birds and curious cats. The street livens up to little shops selling trinkets, vintage pieces, coffee (many of them), clothes and snacks. In the evenings, the light warms to an orange hue and you watch the sunset over the city in the quiet of your room. Mountain City Alley is not (yet)as commercialised as other ancient towns (each selling the same suite of souvenirs and mala soup base) and each shop had its own personality. Hotel is perched near the peak of the mountain city alley. if travelling by car, youâd need to drop off at Jiashi Old Folksâ Home and take the stairs (5min) down to the hotel which has a discreet corridor next to the church. Hence those with mobility issues - consider yourself warned.Â
Sunyata is one brand to watch and Iâll be back!
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