InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort by IHG

Good location

Facilities are slightly rundown

Location

Pricy

I was particularly impressed with the staff and their professional nature and how went out of their way to help me. Firstly, Julie at the front desk, not only helped me get the room I desired, but she stayed late to help me personally. I asked if anyone that spoke English could help me and she said she would be happy to help me with my issue after she finished her work. I lost my debit card and realized I probably forgot to get it out of an ATM machine back in Kunming. First she called the ICBC bank and got the number of the bank that I lost my card at. Then, the next day, she called and confrimed that they had my card and she found out the bank address and working hours, so I could go back and get it. She also guided me to how I could get snacks for my big Tiger Leaping Gorge hike. She was amazing. Secondly, Deft, one of the Concierge staff, helped me find a private taxi driver to stay with me the whole day and drive me from the Intercontinental Hotel in Lijiang to the Tiger Leaping Gorge trailhead, then meet me at Tina's Guesthouse, then drive me to my hotel in Shangri La. Deft formed a WeChat group with him, the criver, and myself after arranging the car date and time and explaining to the driver where I wanted to be dropped off and then picked up. The driver he found was experienced with the Tiger Leaping Gorge trailheads and also spoke English enough to help me all day. Deft also met me the next morning when I met the driver and facilitated an easy pickup. It was amazing service that the hotel provided.

The service is top notch. The front desk and the concierge would do everything to make sure your stay is pleasant and convenient. Special thanks to Nancy who booked wild mushroom peaking experience for us which was the high light of the trip. The location can not be better. You can see the famous snow mountain from the lobby. It’s also situated by the edge of lijiang ancient town, also has 2 gates lead to inside of the ancient town as well, it’s super convenient. It’s like an oasis in the middle of a buzzing city. The whole resort and the rooms are exquisitely designed. The beautiful site itself worth to spend sometime to walk around.

I was told the resort was established in 2019, it feels it stays at 2019. Don’t want to sound like having a third world problem, but I can’t remember the last time I stayed in a hotel where I have to put the room card in to get electricity. There are 3 “master switches” located different part of the room where you have to physically go around to switch off all the lights. The room facilities are way overdue for a modern upgrade. The breakfast is very disappointing for an IHG hotel. It lacked of overall variety, food freshness and the presentation is messy, food sauce leaked everywhere on the table. Also there is no order for getting freshly made food like noodles. People just walk everywhere and no queue. Also the breakfast is not included in the room price feels pity. Even the hotel we stayed in Chengdu airport has more modern room facilities and amazing breakfast. And it was waaaaaaay cheaper.