I spent nearly a week at Datong Milan/Magnolia Hotel (Dai Residence branch) and it was a very pleasant and enjoyable stay
Location:
- Nestled a quieter part of the ancient city, that provided a peaceful retreat after each day of exploring.
- 10 minutes to some of the attractions of the old town
- 15-20 minute walk to the popular restaurants and more attractions
- 30 minute walk to Huayan Temple and its nearby street markets.
I'm always happy to walk but if needed, I could always use DiDi to take me around.
Falling asleep without street noise is something I like. There is a bit of building work going nearby, which is happening all over Datong Ancient City, but nothing too major.
Nearby is the Ancient City's wall, but walk past that and you can see the locals dance in the morning in the park or walk along the canal/moat in the evening.
Room:
The room was surprisingly spacious, offering plenty of room to spread out and relax, a welcome change from cramped city accommodations. The staircase is a bit narrow, so those with lots of big luggage might struggle (no lift)
Importantly, it was very clean and well equipped. I especially liked the Chinese tea ceremony set!
Service:
- Despite a noticeable language barrier, everyone went above and beyond with smiles, helpful gestures, and clear efforts to communicate.
- Especially the manager, who told me about local food to try, things to do and asked if I needed anything. She noticed that I was bringing back leftovers from the restaurant, and bottled drinks from the shops, and said I could use the fridge.
- I can't speak Chinese so when the delivery driver came to drop off my order, the staff will take it from the reception and bring it to me.
- Unfortunately, breakfast isn't available here
- Drinking water topped up. Humidifier and mosquito repellent were provided when needed.
I will not hesitate to book here again on my next visit and I highly recommend this hotel for anyone seeking comfort and genuine warmth in Datong!
ゲゲストWe stayed at thos lovely hotel. Lovingly restored by the current owner Mr Wang. He is the 6th generation owner of the property.
Until 10 years ago it was a derelict and dilapidated building. He poured money, time, blood, sweat and tears to restore it
And it does feel and look like a traditional house.
You feel you are going back in time.
Firstly the customer service is way beyond the call of duty. Its so good, i would recommend staying with mr Wang at whatever hotel he runs.
He picked us at the Lower East Gate, and brought us to the hotel, then took nearly half an hour to explain in great detail where we need to visit, whether the sights be in the city or outside the city.
Some of his suggestions, not on the tour books were very good . For example he suggested 3 restaurants, and we avoided them thinking he was getting a kickback.on our 4th and last day we tried restaurant no 2 of his. And it was good , the food and service were good. The prices were average with other restaurants and we got a 10% discount being the hotel's guests. And remember we had eaten 10 meals by the time we came to his suggestions.
Another suggestion of Mr Wang was Ma family home - also a very good tip from him.
Everytime we had a request or question he always responded with enthusiasm.
On our last day we checked out at 4am and he still took us to the pick up point at that ungodly hour.
Yep Mr and Mrs Wang's customer service is just first class.
The room was large, queen deluxe double, and the furnishings were traditional chinese furniture made of Rosewood. Very Expensive furniture for a hotel room. Shower worked well and was hot. However be aware its chinese style wet floor system ie there is no shower curtain between the shower and a small part of the bathroom does get wet if youare not careful. MR Wang said it will be one his improvement on his priority list. Hopefully by the time you booked the problem will have been resolved
The hotel is very close to the main streets. About 5 min walk.
The city of pingyao is worth visiting, it is one of the very walled cities left in China, with its old buildings intact and people still living it. All the city walls are also intact. Magnificent at night.
MMethilanI spent nearly a week at Datong Milan/Magnolia Hotel (Dai Residence branch) and it was a very pleasant and enjoyable stay
Location:
- Nestled a quieter part of the ancient city, that provided a peaceful retreat after each day of exploring.
- 10 minutes to some of the attractions of the old town
- 15-20 minute walk to the popular restaurants and more attractions
- 30 minute walk to Huayan Temple and its nearby street markets.
I'm always happy to walk but if needed, I could always use DiDi to take me around.
Falling asleep without street noise is something I like. There is a bit of building work going nearby, which is happening all over Datong Ancient City, but nothing too major.
Nearby is the Ancient City's wall, but walk past that and you can see the locals dance in the morning in the park or walk along the canal/moat in the evening.
Room:
The room was surprisingly spacious, offering plenty of room to spread out and relax, a welcome change from cramped city accommodations. The staircase is a bit narrow, so those with lots of big luggage might struggle (no lift)
Importantly, it was very clean and well equipped. I especially liked the Chinese tea ceremony set!
Service:
- Despite a noticeable language barrier, everyone went above and beyond with smiles, helpful gestures, and clear efforts to communicate.
- Especially the manager, who told me about local food to try, things to do and asked if I needed anything. She noticed that I was bringing back leftovers from the restaurant, and bottled drinks from the shops, and said I could use the fridge.
- I can't speak Chinese so when the delivery driver came to drop off my order, the staff will take it from the reception and bring it to me.
- Unfortunately, breakfast isn't available here
- Drinking water topped up. Humidifier and mosquito repellent were provided when needed.
I will not hesitate to book here again on my next visit and I highly recommend this hotel for anyone seeking comfort and genuine warmth in Datong!
ゲゲストThe hotel is in a commercial building where many tenants have moved out. It feels deserted. Except for its neighbour Han Ting hotel and the minimart beside, there does not seem to have any activity.
The staff are friendly enough. There is no public toilet for the hotel guests. Guests could only use the toilets in their hotel rooms or use the public toilet on the first floor which is disgustingly dirty. It is a hassle for guests whose flight or train is in the evening after checking out in the daytime. I had to use another hotel's toilet in the evening.
The hotel room's shower curtains have frayed at the edge, are a little mouldy and need to be replaced. I suspect that as it is a budget hotel, the management don't care. But the room and its toilet are clean.
On food, the hotel is small so they work with an eatery outside to provide breakfast if you have breakfast included in your stay. The breakfast options are limited so it is better to go out and buy breakfast. To my surprise, there are no breakfast eateries nearby! One has to walk until the cross junction where one sees the Datong Railway Station before there are some eateries. Or, one can walk in the direction towards the Datong Ancient City and along the way, there are some restaurants and eateries. EatWheat 东方削面 is authentic in its local flavour.
The hotel location is near the Datong Ancient City. If you are up for a bit of walk, it is possible to walk there.
If there is an emergency, please go to 三医院 The Third Hospital which is the nearest public hospital with all facilities available. The rest of the hospitals nearby may not be fully equipped.