Is this better than The Ritz-Carlton? Nanjing Ming Courtyard Hotel, MGallery

My friend checked into the newly opened Ming Courtyard Hotel, MGallery in Nanjing a day before me and described it in three words: "Beats Nanjing Ritz." This left me confused. I didn't think the two were comparable, and I'm tired of all the comparisons and arguments. Even with good reviews, it seemed too good to be true. Driven by curiosity, I received a pre-arrival call from the hotel informing me of a suite upgrade. Having stayed at Accor hotels for five years, this was the first time I'd received such a proactive upgrade. After my stay, I partially agree with my friend. It truly exceeded my expectations for the MGallery brand. This is a full-service hotel, easily worthy of the Sofitel brand. It boasts a prime location in downtown Nanjing, right across from The Ritz-Carlton. The facilities are comprehensive, including a rooftop terrace, a large fitness center, a (currently unopened) indoor pool, two restaurants, and an executive lounge. Welcome drinks include specialty cocktails at the lobby bar. Upon check-in, I received a personalized room key and full turndown service with complimentary Meiling porridge. The interior design follows the minimalist style of EDITION and JI Hotel, while the amenities resemble those of Ascott serviced apartments. The living room is spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides. There's a practical six-person dining table, a separate kitchen with full appliances and a water dispenser, all from reputable brands. The refrigerator is stocked with a variety of complimentary drinks. Both bathrooms have electric toilets and showers, and there's a washing machine in the closet. The overall setup is perfect for families traveling with children and elderly relatives to enjoy a vacation in Nanjing. Any lingering odors have dissipated, so no need to worry about being a formaldehyde absorber. However, there are some drawbacks: the limited outdoor view and the food quality. Due to the building's height, the windows mainly face other buildings, raising privacy concerns. The executive lounge is windowless and cramped. The evening happy hour offerings were basic, with barbecued pork ribs as the main course, accompanied by potatoes, cheese, cold cuts, bread, and cake – a typical Western-style meal. The breakfast restaurant is visually stunning, with a captivating gradient from gold and copper to brick red, reminiscent of Jingdezhen's Taoxichuan. It offers a combination of à la carte and buffet options, featuring fresh juices, local specialties, and even member-exclusive dorayaki. Given its stylish design, comprehensive facilities, excellent service, and new status, this hotel is more than just a pretty face. The price is also incredibly reasonable, under a thousand RMB. There's even a hidden perk: free parking near Deji Plaza. Overall, it's a strong contender against The Ritz-Carlton Nanjing. Reaching for the moon? Let's first land on it ourselves. Room Details: Room Number: 605 Official Name: Jingzhi Suite Size: 70 sq m Mattress: Airland Bedding, Linens, and Bathrobes: Nature Home Living Room TV: Sharp Bedroom TV: Sharp Shower and Metal Fixtures: Villeroy & Boch Sinks and Bathtub: Kohler Main Bathroom Toilet: Electric Villeroy & Boch Guest Bathroom Toilet: Electric Villeroy & Boch Hair Dryer: Laifen Toiletries: Malin + Goetz (large bottles) Instant Hot Water Dispenser: Culligan Coffee Machine: Nespresso Coffee Capsules: Nespresso (3 capsules) Tea Bags: TWG Bottled Water: Elix (carton) Minibar: Free