Explore honest ratings and real traveler reviews to help you find the perfect stay
Posted on May 8, 2026
Valarie474I did not want to leave. That is the most honest thing I can say about Xihe Academy.
”Guest house” is a label that does not prepare you for what this place actually is. If you are American and hearing that term for the first time, forget whatever image just came to mind. This is not a MIL suite tucked behind someone's garage. This is a fully realized, deeply considered experience wrapped inside one of the most stunning environments I have ever walked into. The courtyard alone stopped me mid-step. The surrounding area looks like an active film set -- you keep half-expecting to hear ”action” called from somewhere just off camera. And then you step inside and somehow it gets even better. I genuinely lost my words.
The room is the kind of space where you realize someone has actually thought of everything. Included minibar. Fresh fruit and snacks. Loose-leaf tea so you can brew a proper cup. Bathrooms fully stocked down to the shower shoes. You can arrive with nothing but your clothes and be completely at ease. They have handled the rest.
The staff made all of it feel personal. When a language barrier created a small miscommunication, they were patient and gracious without a flicker of frustration. When I joked that I had gone a little crazy shopping and could not close my suitcase, they immediately offered suggestions to help. That warmth is not a policy -- it lives in the people.
They coordinate meals as well, and mine was delivered to my room and genuinely delicious.
One thing I will say without hesitation: use their driver. This is a private, gated area and you cannot simply grab a random car or rideshare. Arrange your pickup from the train station or airport in advance -- it is seamless, affordable, and completely worth it. Do not skip this step.
This was my first guesthouse experience, and Xihe Academy has set a bar I was not expecting to clear so soon. If you stay here, you will not regret it. Five stars is not enough.
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Price per night from:US$122
Posted on Apr 3, 2026
Anonymous User
The owner, Brother Wang, was incredibly enthusiastic, providing exceptional service. He contacted us a day in advance to arrange pick-up and shared travel tips. What really stood out was when we decided to check out early and head to our next destination without prior notice; Brother Wang still got up early to drive us to the high-speed rail station. Considering it would have been hard to hail a taxi that early and how chilly Pingyao was in the morning, Brother Wang made us feel as warm as spring! He even upgraded our room for free. The inn's location is excellent, right on Yamen Street, very close to the City Tower, yet it's very quiet at night. The bedding was soft and comfortable, giving us the best sleep of our trip! PS: Staying here also includes free trials of Jin merchant traditional clothing for some beautiful photos!
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Price per night from:US$34
Posted on Apr 7, 2026|Guestroom (Ondol)
Guest UserIt was just an absolutely amazing experience from the very beginning and until the very end of our stay, not even just in the hotel, but in the city of Pingyao itself in general. Me and my friend are traveling very light and without guides, and in Pingyao we had only one day: from evening to evening of the next day. Huge huge thanks to everyone who made this day unforgettable and ultimately comfortable for tired us: Alice, Helen, Fenny, Hana, and all others who was there for us.
The hotel service is simply excellent: as soon as they learned about our late arrival, they immediately offered to meet us at the railway station, which was absolutely the sweetest thing. They brought us to the city gate, met us there, and walked us to the hotel. There they gave us a map, on which they explained in great detail where everything is, what is worth paying attention to, how it is better to build the route, and what opening hours different sights have. They also helped us organize a private transfer to Shaolin Temple the next morning. It was just perfect: we got there in 15 minutes instead of one and a half hours by foot, and after our walk in the temple they met us and brought us back. Also on the evening of arrival they helped us immediately buy the ticket for visiting all attractions of the city, valid for three days. And also they advised us where to eat, and gave us a hotel discount in both places. We did not regret it even once, the food was amazingly delicious in both places!
The hotel itself is just wonderful: it really looks exactly like in the photos. You want to photograph every corner and record how the sparrows are chirping on the roof, and how two wonderful cats are meowing. The room also matches and even exceeds expectations. A huge kang bed, very comfortable. Excellent shower with everything needed. Breakfast is included in the stay: the traditional Chinese one was very tasty! Unfortunately, we did not manage to eat the egg, it was freshly boiled and still hot, but we were hurrying to Shaolin Temple by opening time. Also the hotel has a laundry service, and special thanks for that too! Washing and drying were very fast, and we got our nicely smelling clothes back already after four hours, which was critical for us, because we were leaving the same day.
We felt like we really were honored guests, and we really appreciated it, even if only for one day.
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Price per night from:US$22
Posted on Jul 4, 2026
Guest UserThe location is excellent, right in the heart of the old town. It's close to the main street and all the attractions. The place is super clean, the bedding is brand new, and all the facilities are perfect – not a single issue. I highly recommend staying here; I absolutely love the style. You should definitely check it out!
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Price per night from:US$11
Posted on May 16, 2026
Guest UserMy experience staying at this hotel as below.
1. They provide pickup and drop off from the train station. The day before the Inn contacted me to make arrangement for the pickup. Then they arranged to drive me back to station on the day I leave. Service was efficient and prompt. Much appreciated.
2. I was able to use the washing machine to wash come clothes which was much needed. Comb and toiletries were provided. So grateful for these little necessities as I left mine at the previous hotel.
3. The boss upgraded me to a bigger and better room because it was the low season. The kang bed was so comfortable and firm. I had the best sleep so far at this Inn. I'm so happy.
4. The Inn is inside the old city and practically next to one of the city gates. Very convenient for sightseeing old Pingyao city.
5. Everyone very friendly and helpful. Boss also gave me a bottle of vinegar. Wish I could take it back to UK with me.
6. The price of this Inn is also very reasonable and affordable.
7. Pingyao is a beautiful, ancient old city. Worth coming.
I highly recommend staying here. I will be uploading photos and videos of the Inn and my travel experience of China on my YouTube channel TheTravelDiary and goody2shoos once I'm back in the UK so look up my channel for full information and experience.
Happy travels everyone.
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Price per night from:US$15
Posted on Apr 4, 2025
Guest User
Very good experience. The owners are friendly and provide pick up at the gate entrance. Pretty courtyard and the owners shared a lot of information on where to eat / shop at. Would definitely recommend this guesthouse to those wanting to visit Pingyao.
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Price per night from:US$24
Posted on Jun 5, 2026
Guest UserThis charming, old-fashioned courtyard is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the old city, yet still very close to the bustling pedestrian street. The owner is incredibly genuine and offers fantastic service. They even arranged car transfers to and from the high-speed train station, which was a huge plus. It was a wonderful stay! I'll definitely choose to stay here again next time I visit and will recommend it to my friends.
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Price per night from:US$34
Posted on Feb 27, 2025
Guest User
I was very fortunate to choose Glory Homestay for my trip to Pingyao. Although it's outside the ancient city, it's incredibly convenient for getting around, just a 5-6 minute walk to the entrance, avoiding the hassle of traffic control within the ancient city. The room was clean and cozy, the bedding was so soft I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow. The owner is a 20-year veteran who was incredibly welcoming. He not only helped plan the route but also recommended many local favorites. The prices were very reasonable, only a few dozen yuan – truly excellent value for money. I highly recommend everyone stay here!
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Price per night from:US$18
Posted on Oct 5, 2025
Huotouyu
A wonderful inn nestled in a tranquil location amidst the bustle of the city. From the initial pick-up and parking arrangements to the final departure, there was not a single unpleasant experience; they were incredibly attentive, helpful, and meticulous. The inn is elegant, clean, and tidy. The staff are friendly, patient, and responsive. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air daily, and the Chinese and Western breakfasts are cooked to order. While the variety isn't extensive, every bite is satisfying, especially the bowl of beef noodles, which is incredibly good! The room's simple and elegant decor perfectly reflects the ancient city's style. No matter how exhausted you are from exploring, returning to the courtyard provides a truly relaxing and tranquil experience. Overall, it was a truly wonderful two-day stay. I'd especially like to thank Ms. Dong Yanxia (I think that's her name) for her patient, meticulous, and attentive service, which has left me and my family with wonderful memories of this holiday!
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Price per night from:US$219
Posted on Jul 12, 2024|Double Room
Anonymous User
The overall environment is very comfortable, elegant and cozy. The room is quiet, you can't even hear the sound from next door.
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Price per night from:US$20