A Suzhou-style courtyard hotel is the right way to experience Suzhou.

This is my second check in at the Kimpton. It's located in Gusu District, with the subway nearby, making it very convenient. It's only about 15 minutes from the hotel to various scenic spots and the Humble Administrator's Garden. The hotel's style presents traditional Suzhou architecture in a modern way. The room I stayed in this time also has a private courtyard, which is a huge plus for a smoker like me. All the staff, including the cleaning ladies, greet guests with great enthusiasm, very casually, like friends they haven't seen in a long time. In the room, I noticed that the bathroom has been upgraded with a Dyson hairdryer. The Aozao noodles for breakfast are a true Suzhou specialty, allowing you to enjoy local flavors without leaving the hotel. The hotel has a very cute dog named Kelly, who can often be seen walking around the hotel and interacting with guests. The hotel is pet-friendly, which is also very attractive to guests with pets. The hotel's recent afternoon tea is a collaboration with NIO, featuring tire-shaped chocolate mousse and scones. Although the heavy rain knocked down many crabapple blossoms in the courtyard, some winter jasmine flowers still bring a sense of spring. For me, the most appealing aspect is still the Zhuquxuan Restaurant, which won a Black Pearl award last year. I must try their new spring dishes.