A year ago, on my first visit here, I was amazed that Chongqing could produce a hotel with such character. At the time, I genuinely admired the owner's vision and ambition. Although there were minor flaws in that experience, it still warranted a score of eight out of ten.
Returning a year later, I've discovered that the decline over the past year is so severe that 'barely satisfactory' doesn't even begin to cover it; it's a complete collapse across the board. Looking at it now, apart from the guest room hardware and layout retaining a semblance of its former decency, everything else has fallen apart.
In the lobby, once upon a time, when the lobby manager, Xiao Tan, was still there, her sincerity and enthusiasm were enough to uphold the hotel's image. Now, the old team has dispersed, and the entire staff has been replaced. High staff turnover is common in the hotel industry, but a complete loss of an entire unit with zero retention is the loudest alarm bell for management. The new staff aren't insincere, but there's an air of disorganization and nonchalance. From check-in to check-out, the procedures are there, but the soul is gone.
As for the dining and public space planning, it reveals a startling sense of disjointedness.
Breakfast and afternoon tea are located in a Western-style bar on the basement level, which is completely open to the public. This physical separation directly severs the last bit of privacy for guests. Yesterday afternoon, I lost my afternoon tea voucher and explained to the male staff at the counter that I would get a replacement signature later. However, he rigidly adhered to the 'rules' like a machine, refusing to allow it even when I offered to pay upfront. During the stalemate, thankfully, a female employee showed some empathy and helped me out. This 'rigid internally, open externally' logic creates rigid barriers between different hotel departments, displaying sheer arrogance.
Even more absurd is the circulation design of the Chinese restaurant. Outside diners have to pass through the lobby to enter and exit. This inverted arrangement directly leads to a bustling, noisy lobby every evening. Various 'beauties' in heavy makeup pose and take photos everywhere, and hotel guests become the exhibited background. I pointed out this problem last year, but not only was it not rectified, it has worsened. I later learned that because dining revenue accounts for a significant portion, they are willing to sacrifice the guest experience. This kind of shortsightedness, completely getting things backward, can only be described as 'penny-wise and pound-foolish.'
Breakfast is even more abysmal. Last year's relatively generous semi-buffet has this year become the worst among hotels of similar caliber. When I asked for scrambled eggs, the kitchen aunt three times emphasized, 'We only have fried eggs,' in a brusque manner and a loud voice, as if I were in a bustling market. To ensure quick turnover for the Chinese restaurant at lunchtime, breakfast was moved from the elegant Chinese restaurant to the bar. This is not only a downgrade in location but a complete collapse of style and dignity—it has become utterly unremarkable.
Chongqing and Chengdu aren't that big. I've heard from various sources that the hotel owner is a powerful and beautiful businesswoman. As a Chongqing native, even my elders have connections with hers. Because of this, I'm even more perplexed: how can a hotel under such an excellent owner go backward instead of forward? From the mass exodus of the front desk team to the completely misguided decisions, it's truly astonishing.
Xiao Wang at the front desk who checked me in, that unnamed male staff, the two ladies on duty last night, Li Huan at the breakfast restaurant, and the outspoken female attendant at the bar yesterday afternoon—though their professionalism may still be lacking, their sincerity shines through. This review is not directed at them, but rather a sigh of lament and regret for this hotel's 'strong start and poor finish.'
The new general manager has just been transferred from another hotel. I wonder if they are aware of these issues and if they can turn the tide. We shall wait and see. After all, true luxury is never about extravagant decor but about respecting boundaries and propriety. If one only values the clamor of dining revenue and disregards the tranquility essential for guests, no amount of beautiful filters can hide the emptiness and shabbiness within.
I write this review because I still have hope and wish for the hotel to improve, despite this stay being filled with nothing but regret and disappointment.
Original TextTranslation provided by AI
