Mark Pafumi
May 11, 2025
The hotel may have just opened in 2024, but the building looks about 10 years old and is part of a large, struggling retail complex, which is only about 30% occupied. It's adjacent to a replica of the Forbidden City that's built into the side of a mountain and must have cost $500M USD to construct - it was nearly completed and is now abandoned. Hence the location is not good - there are a few look-alike restaurants that serve BBQ or Hot Pot and you can't walk to the CBD. The only Western food option in the area is a McDonald's. The room itself was simple and functional, but the furniture was vinyl - like you'd find in a hospital. At least it was clean, unlike the carpet in the corridors which was atrociously dirty. The Chinese breakfast had a rotating menu and was fine despite the kitchen getting a "C" rating from the Department of Health. The best amenity was the laundry room - it's free and well designed with a counter for folding, a waiting area, laundry baskets, etc. The staff will even notify you when your load is finished - or you can set up the appliances to ping you. One day I made the mistake of using the stairs to get down to the car parking area. Don't do it - the conditions deteriorate rapidly and it looks post-apocalyptic the further you descend. I had to turn back. Overall it was great value for the price, but the location and proximity to many abandoned structures was off-putting.
