索菲特传奇酒店 — Hotel in Xi'an

My biggest complaint is that when I checked out, there was nobody there to actually check me out at 6 a.m. Because they had taken a significant deposit against my Visa and didn't provide me with a breakdown of my charges when I departed, I had no way of knowing whether things were accounted for properly. Worse, because China restricts access to much of the internet, I had no way of checking it out online except maybe to log on to my bank account, but travelers are wise to be wary of that while in China. This story has a happy ending----all charges were correct, which I learned two weeks later when I left China.

There are certainly some nice things I could say about the hotel and the service, along with some things not so great, but if they can't figure out a way to communicate with customers about accounting for deposits, even though they have my email and my phone, that's a pretty serious shortcoming.

Nice things about the hotel: location is great. 1950's architecture is impressive. Grounds are expansive (rare in Chinese cities except for government installations) and beautifully maintained, as is the hotel itself. Breakfast was good, as was our dinner at their one onsite restaurant which is Italian. And there are lots of other restaurants close by. Staff was good natured and made every effort to be helpful, which we appreciated.

Nitpicking? Our suite, being designed in the 50's, must've been impressive for a decade or perhaps far longer, but the design, as with most vintage hotels, hasn't aged as well as the hotel itself. That's a tough problem to remedy. Some spaces are too cramped, some too large, so the suite felt much smaller than it actually was. Sometimes no staff could be found that spoke any English. Over our time in China, this was frequently a problem but far less so in top tier hotels. People's lags behind a bit in this area.

Would we stay here again? Doubtful we will return to Xian now that we've seen the terra cotta warriors and other noteworthy sites, but my advice to travelers would be this: there is a brand new Ritz Carlton which I'm sure would be outstanding, though not as well located I am told. For those wanting to experience a hotel of more historic interest and willing to accept the compromises frequently inherent with aging luxury properties, People's is clearly the best choice. Since initially writing this review, management has written to me twice to assure me that they appreciate this feedback and are taking steps to address the issues raised in...

During my extensive global travels, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing numerous luxury hotels, and I must say, the Sofitel Legend Hotel in Xi’an stands out as a truly remarkable gem. Its enchanting façade, reminiscent of a meticulously crafted petit château, transports guests to a world of mystique and elegance. The ambiance created by the hotel is nothing short of a sensory delight, gracing each moment with a unique touch of beauty and indulgence.The meticulously designed garden, a picturesque masterpiece, feels like stepping into a fragrant dream. Meandering through lush green lawns, I found solace in the tranquility of nature, as if time itself stood still for my enjoyment. This distinctive environment allowed me to rediscover a sense of inner serenity during my brief stay.The culinary experiences at the hotel are undoubtedly a highlight, with a sumptuous and diverse breakfast selection as well as exquisite afternoon tea offerings. Whether indulging in French classics or savoring local delights, each dish is a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate. While the service, on occasion, may not have been flawless, I commend the hotel’s proactive approach in swiftly addressing feedback, demonstrating a genuine commitment to continuous improvement and guest satisfaction.The presence of a well-stocked Mini Bar in the room further elevated my stay, providing a range of snacks and beverages that added convenience and comfort to my leisure moments.I must take this opportunity to commend the three dedicated butlers, Eric, Mandy, and Flora. Their professionalism and warm hospitality redefine the concept of “home away from home.” Always greeted with a smile, they patiently attended to my inquiries, even offering invaluable travel insights that enriched my exploration of the city.In summary, the Sofitel Legend Hotel in Xi’an has left an indelible mark on my memory, crafting an unforgettable experience. As a seasoned connoisseur of luxury accommodations, I confidently place this hotel among the finest I’ve encountered. Its charming French-inspired façade, harmonious garden landscape, and unforgettable culinary journey have etched a profound impression in my heart. This is a journey I will cherish for...

Exemplary stay, completely satisfied, worth every penny. Inexpensive internationally for the quality of what you receive. Decor is refined and service is polite, professional, and discreet. Housekeeping deserves a mention, particularly the evening turn-down service which includes a gorgeous postcard highlighting some aspect of the property (an ancient tree in the courtyard, for example) and frequently a sweet treat left bedside.

If you book a room or suite with lounge access, the lounge area itself is truly breathtaking; I literally gasped aloud when the elevator doors opened. They feature sushi rolls from the Japanese restaurant in the “other” Sofitel next door, and the sweet patisserie products are also worthy of praise.

The attached Chinese restaurant, Les Chinoise, tops every list we could locate as to fine dining in Xi’an, and the meal we enjoyed here was exquisite and truly the culinary highlight of our visit to China. Again, dishes were not expensive internationally speaking, and we both commented how we wish we had eaten there earlier in our visit, as we would have returned nightly or for a truly special lunch.

The real highlight of our stay, however, was meeting and interacting with Chief Butler Farsave. He was wam, gracious, patient, and kind in our dealings and seemed sincerely interested in getting to know us and helping us plan our days. He always had a smile on his face. He is a tremendous asset to the Legend and larger Accor group, and he should be utilized to train other butlers in new properties or recognized with additional duties. He was simply a joy to meet and interact with, and our trip was far better as a result of him helping us.

We would return, in fact, just to see Farsave again and have him help us explore more of Xi’an; we ran out of time for a legendary mountain hike which he mentioned, just an hour from the Legend, so we would like nothing more than to return and further explore the hot springs and mountainous areas around the city.

In short, we ate incredibly well, slept amazingly well, and were looked after with heartfelt gratitude, kindness, and sincerity by Farsave and his team.

Recommended in the strongest of terms,...