Royal Hot Spring Boutique Hotel

The room was fantastic! Super spacious, two people could play hide-and-seek in there. The tatami mat was really comfortable, soft and roomy. The rooftop onsen was also incredibly luxurious, easily the best in the ancient town (no exaggeration).

As a Black Diamond member who almost never writes reviews 🤣, I'm making an exception to post some pictures because I was genuinely blown away! The value for money here is exceptional. The breakfast, afternoon tea, and Teppanyaki dinner were all incredibly refined. The room cleanliness was top-notch; my friend, who was wearing white socks, even complimented that they didn't get dirty at all. The room was surprisingly spacious, with two private hot springs, and plenty of space for the restroom and dressing table 😂. The service was very attentive; everyone was polite and had a good sense of boundaries. The entire Gubei Water Town check-in arrangement was very well-organized. If you're not feigning ignorance, you'll understand how rare and precious this level of service is in China 🥹. I really regret not extending my stay for a second night and instead going to the Commune by the Great Wall, which was such poor value for money 🫣. This time I was with some friends visiting Beijing, but I'll definitely bring my kids back here if I get the chance! 🤗

Pros: 1. The hotel is conveniently located near the entrance to Simatai Great Wall. It's easy to access the Wall for hiking, and you can also enjoy views of it from the second floor of the room. The Wall is visible in the distance from the window, making it a secluded retreat away from the hustle and bustle. 2. The hotel offers excellent service. Housekeeping is prompt, and the staff are attentive and welcoming. 3. The duplex suite A is very spacious, perfect for families with elderly members and children. Kids, especially, will love rolling and crawling on the tatami mat. 4. Slippers and bath towels are replaced daily, and complimentary fruit is provided every day. 5. After checking out, I left my headphones in the room. The hotel proactively contacted me and arranged for them to be couriered to me, which I truly appreciate. Cons: 1. The room is very inconvenient for elderly guests with mobility issues. The main bed is on the second floor, making it difficult for them to go up and down. The first floor has a tatami mat, which makes it hard for elderly guests to get up and lie down. If they need to get up at night, they would definitely need assistance. 2. While the room is large, whether the Japanese wabi-sabi style truly suits Chinese guests, especially for a hotel charging 5,000 yuan per night, is a question that needs consideration. The wabi-sabi aesthetic often translates to very sparse furnishings: no comfortable sofas, no bedside tables, no bedside lamps, and certainly no central control panel for all lights and appliances. The tatami mat essentially means sleeping on the floor with a low table, making it very inconvenient and challenging to get up, sit down, or place and retrieve items, which clashes with Chinese living habits. 3. The private hot spring bath in the room only has one switch for hot water, making it impossible to adjust the temperature. Its size is also awkward; it's fine for one person, but feels cramped for two. For a room type designed for six people, such a small bath is quite inconvenient. Furthermore, the inner wall of the bath is made of solid wood, raising concerns about hygiene. 4. The smart toilet was broken and remained unrepaired even after reporting it. 5. The two bedrooms on the second floor, designed to accommodate at least four people, share a single small bathroom, which is a very impractical design. Additionally, the entire Gubei Water Town is not suitable for elderly visitors with mobility issues, especially those in wheelchairs. The flagstone paths are very uneven, and there are many steps, which would make a wheelchair ride extremely bumpy and uncomfortable.

The hotel staff were incredibly responsive. I did notice some minor wear and tear, like the wallpaper peeling in a few spots. Overall, it's a great hotel that makes you want to return.

Every time I visit Wuzhen, I stay at Yushe. I'm quite familiar with it, which makes things easier. The room facilities and hygiene are generally good. The food and service haven't changed much over time; they're consistently decent. Regarding the wooden stool in the private hot spring tub, I'd suggest that housekeeping remove it during cleaning to drain and dry it. Every time I stay, I have to take it out and rinse it myself to wash off the black fibrous material that accumulates on the legs. This time, I felt that some of the staff in the restaurant, at the front desk, and in housekeeping might be new (both male and female). Their communication was a bit stiff – like they were unfamiliar with the situation, easily startled, and nervous. While understandable, it was noticeable to have several such instances. Wuzhen is beautiful in all seasons. Coming during off-peak times for a relaxing stay is very stress-relieving.

This hotel is quiet and private, featuring a Japanese garden perfect for a stroll or a moment of relaxation. The rooms are designed in the style of a traditional Japanese onsen hotel, with meticulous attention to detail. Travelers seeking an authentic Japanese hot spring experience will not be disappointed. The breakfast is delicious and showcases Japanese specialties. Guests can also enjoy teppanyaki and sukiyaki, available à la carte or as part of a set menu, with fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. There's also an exquisite afternoon tea and a mini bar, making the tea room a delightful spot for chatting and gatherings without even leaving the hotel.

Facilities: The decor features beautiful Japanese-style wallpaper, and the room itself is spacious, bright, and tidy. Cleanliness: Spotlessly clean. Environment: The courtyard is lovely, the corridors are wide and neat, and the overall design is very stylish. Service: Both the front desk and restaurant staff are always smiling, incredibly warm and friendly, and especially kind to children. Sukiyaki for three: A classic flavor, served with unique tableware in a very comfortable dining setting. The tables by the French windows even offer a view of the Great Wall. Complimentary afternoon tea: The pastries are delicious, and the kids absolutely loved them. After a soak in the hot spring, enjoying some snacks and watching TV – pure bliss!

I visited Gubei Water Town again to experience the Chinese New Year atmosphere, and this time I chose Yu She. The facilities are top-notch, truly a premier hot spring resort in Beijing. What really stood out was the warm and considerate service! My elderly family member has mobility issues and found the low榻榻米 uncomfortable. First, the hotel staff added two layers of duvets to the榻榻米, but when that still wasn't high enough, they proactively coordinated with other hotels in the scenic area to borrow a wooden frame bed, ensuring my elder could rest comfortably. This thoughtful service significantly enhanced our stay! Yu She's pricing is well justified by such excellent service. The Chinese New Year atmosphere in Gubei Water Town is very rich. Although it's not as crowded as in previous years, the festive decorations throughout the scenic area are still very elaborate. I highly recommend coming here to experience the New Year vibe. I've now tried both five-star private hot spring hotels in the scenic area: Shisanmei, which has a Chinese style, and Yu She, which is Japanese-inspired. Both are excellent and definitely worth experiencing.

This hotel is absolutely fantastic! We arrived just as it started snowing, which was a lovely touch. The hotel itself is very clean and chic, and the rooms have a really stylish design. The best part is its proximity to Simatai Great Wall; you can just walk there. It would be perfect if they added PC charging cables in the rooms!