Loong Wai Ting
Surprises await Loong Wai Ting at the Renaissance Xi’an Hotel
THE Renaissance Xi’an Hotel celebrates the city’s rich cultural history by blending classic contemporary with modern couture.
The hotel’s rich oriental charm can be seen as soon as I arrive at its long driveway.
Escaping the cold wintry wind outside, I quickly step into the warm lobby, where more surprises await me.
The first thing that captures my attention is the smell. That’s right, the hotel smells really nice.It’s a combination of something fresh and calming, making weary travellers feel instantly relaxed.
Breathing in the scent, I look around the expansive lobby with its polished marble floor and wood work.
Sensing that I may need help with check-in, a helpful staff comes over and offers her assistance.
As she checks me in, I feast my eyes on the hotel’s graceful entryway all the way to the overhead fixtures and its minimalist decoration.
Opened last year, the hotel is located in Xi’an Qujiang New District, about 45 minutes from the Xianyang International Airport.
As it is located quite centrally, getting to the nearest shopping district is quite easy - just hop intoataxi and it’ll take you to its doorstep. Or, you can download and use DiDi, an e-hailing service similar to Uber and Grab.
When it comes to attention to details, the hotel scores big. From the attentive service all the way down to the way the hotel is presented to guests, there’s just so much to take in.
Before heading to my room, I take a little tour of its lobby. I let my eyes wander before settling on the walls, just above the concierge area.
There are slices of grey-coloured materials stuck on the walls, which to me look out of place.
On closer look, these ‘materials’ turn out to be roof tiles that are typically found in local courtyard homes.
The way the property combines local architecture with modernity seems effortless.
Indeed, every where I turn to, the entire property seems to exude warmth and oriental charm.
Even the arts on the wall - one being a picture of a Chinese lady with her back facing us and a number of real hairpins set on
her hair- are done in a tasteful manner and nothing seems to be out of place.
THE ROOM
After receiving my room key, I head up to my Deluxe King room on the 22nd floor.
With a quick swipe on the electronic panel, the door clicks open and I step into a threshold that will be my home for the next two nights.
My room conveniently faces the city. The buildings are not packed closely together, so you won’t feel claustrophobic. In the morning, I get to enjoy sunrise from one side of the room and later sets on the other side.
The floor-to-ceiling window is spotless.
The city views during the day and night are very contrasting.
During daytime, the street below throngs with people. But at night, when all the lights on the streets and nearby buildings are lit up, the city is calm and quiet, as if offering its audience a time to reflect.
The plush bed is a great welcoming sight — so much so that at first sight, I know that when it’s time to sleep, I will fall asleep instantly.
GOOD EATS
The next morning, I wake up fresh and ready to conquer Xi’an’s shopping district.
But before that, I need to make a quick stop at its all-day dining restaurant, Food Studio.
A quick grab has turned into an hour of full spread breakfast, starting with fresh juices from the juice counter.
In Xi’an, always eat like the locals do, even when you’re eating at the hotel.
The restaurant makes you feel right at home by offering you a little taste from home. I have noodle with soup and all the condiments such as dried shrimps, chillis, fried shallots, coriander and more.
There’s also a wide range of Western dishes to choose from.
Before heading out for the day, I make a quick stop for coffee-on-the-go, which is available everymorning near the entrance of the restaurant.
At night, just before I head back to my room, I drop by Si, a specialty restaurant that’s famous for its Xi’an and Xinjiang cuisine. Every bite of the dishes is flavourful.
The night is still young and with a bit of time left before sleep, I head down to R Bar to experience its bar ritual known as Evenings At Renaissance.
This stylish bar (a tea house of sorts during the day) appeals to those seeking anafter-work drink or a place to relax with your friends. Spirits from around the world are highlighted in its specialty cocktails like Tang Dynasty,alychee-based drink with the equally floral taste of Bombay Sapphire Gin.
FAST FACTS
RENAISSANCE XI’AN HOTEL
No 355 Huixin Road,
Qujiang New District
Xi’an, Shaanxi 710065 China
TEL +86 29 6563 3333
FAX +86 29 6563 5333
WEBSITE https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/xiybrrenaissance-xian-hotel/
STAY 396 contemporary guest rooms and suites combining modern and minimalist style. Each room is painted in warm colour palette, incorporating lifestyle elements and functional spaces.
EAT Fill your tummy at the all-day dining restaurant, Food Studio. There are wide selections of yummy local and Western dishes. There are two Chinese restaurants at the hotel: Wan Li and Si. Go for their authentic Xi’an and Xinjiang tastes. At night, head over to R Bar at the lobby for some signature cocktails.
DO Swim at its indoor pool, which is connected to the bath and changing rooms.
GO The Qujiang International Exhibition Hall is just next door. Or, head over to the Terracotta Army Museum to marvel at the iconic clay soldiers. The Muslim Quarter in Xi’an is also a mustvisit for some local food.
HIGHS Attentive service and comfortable setting.
LOWS Although the hotel is centrally-located most of the action is in the downtown area.