Beyond its simple and elegant charm, the quality is excellent, and the service is impeccable.
An Yu, a sanctuary for body and mind. This time in Lijiang, An Yu Hotel gave me a big surprise. As a boutique hotel brand established only four years ago, An Yu has a great online reputation. An Yu Hotel has two locations in Lijiang Old Town, An Yu Hotel Lijiang and An Yu Hotel Lijiang Old Town, with a total of 37 rooms. The two locations are very close to each other, only a two- or three-minute walk apart.
The hotel's architecture features the unique style and rituals of the Naxi people, with a traditional charm. Despite the limited architectural layout and space, the designer has still managed to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Although the rooms are not large, the hotel's impeccable service, excellent quality, and prime location make up for the lack of space.
In the common areas and guest rooms, you can see carefully selected artifacts, fabrics, and decorative ornaments from around the world, presenting a simple and elegant atmosphere. It's worth mentioning that the hotel team sourced furnishings from neighboring countries based on the hotel's style. Every piece is perfectly placed where it should be. Upon entering the lobby, you'll notice a faint fragrance, a custom scent created for An Yu.
The hotel's in-room amenities are outstanding, on par with five-star hotels. The wooden furniture is all custom-made, the mattresses are by King Koil, the bedside is equipped with a Bose Bluetooth speaker, the welcome drink is Evian, and the toiletries are by LE LABO or L'Occitane (your choice). The rooms also have An Yu canvas bags thoughtfully stocked with tissues, wet wipes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a power bank, and an umbrella, so you can head out to explore the old town. There are also pillow menus and selection cards for toothpaste, shower gel, soap, and shampoo, allowing you to choose your preferred items. The biggest highlight of the rooms is the central humidifier and oxygenator, which is quite innovative.
Despite its small size, the hotel provides a variety of comfortable public spaces and convenient amenities for guests. For example, you can relax in the 24-hour book bar and tea bar with a cup of coffee or tea; there are also plenty of sofas and seats in the courtyard for guests to rest at any time. The restaurant offers all-day fresh fruit, and guests can enjoy complimentary afternoon tea daily. The afternoon tea is buffet-style, with unlimited refills of coffee and tea, a variety of desserts, and great taste. It's truly the most relaxing space for guests during their stay.
Breakfast is set menu style, both rich and healthy, with rice noodles, whole grains, eight small plates of snacks and fruit, yogurt, coffee, three types of healthy fruit and vegetable juices, and two bottles of Pura water. It's impossible not to feel full. For lunch and dinner, customized meals are available upon request. In addition, both An Yu locations in Lijiang offer a private kitchen, where guests can buy groceries at Zhongyi Market and prepare their own meals. Every service at An Yu is as warm as family, offering not just accommodation, but a lifestyle.
Staying here, I was delighted not only by the hotel's style and atmosphere but also by its commendable service. The hotel butler calls every guest before arrival to inquire about the number of guests and arrival time, and then arranges for someone to greet them at the south gate. For guests with a lot of luggage, the butler will provide pick-up and drop-off service upon check-in and check out. During breakfast or afternoon tea, the staff will attentively ask if you need more tea or a fresh cup of coffee, always proactive and enthusiastic. Every cleaning lady greets guests with a friendly smile or a soft hello. Beyond the cozy accommodations, there's a genuine warmth and hospitality.
Personally, my first encounter with An Yu was very pleasant. Staying here makes it easy to stroll around the old town, with top-notch convenience. Just as its name suggests, An Yu offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.