Aurum International Hotel — Hotel in Xi'an

I am taking 3 boys with me for a two days family trip in Xi'an. The hotel is in a prime location, walking distance to local tourism attractions in walking distance. It's next to the Shanxi province government building. The square in front of the government building has a music fountain which will blow water more then 10 stories tall. This is fantastic. The rooms are big and clean, breakfast has both eastern and western styled food which was rated the best breakfast they had in China by the 3 boys. We were trying to eat at the famous muslin street but find it too hard to enjoy due to the huge crowd even during the rain. We found a local chain food store next to the hotel is our favorite, it is called 秦晋味道. We visited the Terracotta Army and Shanxi history Museum. They are so famous that there are huge crowd. It's like trying to get on the subway during rash hours in Tokyo. But there is a hidden treasure that is much worth than the Terracotta Army. It is called Mausoleum Museum of Bronze Chariots and Horses. This one is included with the purchased tickets of Terracotta Army. Not many people go there due it is 1 KM away and there is a long walking to reach the exhibit as well. The level of technologies used are amazing. It's a shock for us. The hotel is required by the government to collect both the passport and VISA information. So be prepared. I will use this hotel again for...

I will start with the 1 positive. 1 of the ladies at reception was helpful and actually smiled once. The hotel is a 15-20 minute walk to the bell tower. I like walking so it was ok for me, but I recommend a hotel closer to the Bell tower. ||The negatives are many. Firstly I fell for the 4star SELF rating (which it is far from) and the 9+ customer star rating from thousands of reviewers, which are all fake as there are no reviews when I clicked the link in Agoda. The entrance foyer is ok, average, then it goes down from there. The carpet in one the lift sticks up and could be tripped on if not careful. My room had a window facing a brick wall next door. The bath and shower curtain were left over from the 70s, the mattress was hard, the pillows looked ok till your head rested on them for 2 minutes, then they just went flat. The the air-conditioner was not cold, even when turned down to 15 degrees. When I told the reception, they sent me a fan. After being on a tour all day in 36 degrees, I came to my room, and the a/c was working with cold air. I was very happy until I stepped out and came back only to find I could not turn the a/c back on. I gave up and used the fan. All TV stations are in Chinese. They don't cater for foreigners in China. Or maybe only in expensive hotels.||However, the worst was the carpet stains. Not just 1 or 2,...

When I checked in I was given free room upgrade for my eight days stay. The staff were very friendly and helpful, especially the house keeping staff,they have a great smile all the while . When the FREE laundry was occupied and I can’t wait there, the staff volunteered to help me to wash and dry the clothing out and even iron the cloth for me. It was really surprising me. Sanitizing wipes and disposable bath towel, a map ,fruits and cookies as a free gift from the Hotel Manager together with a welcoming note. The hotel location is great, bus stop just in front the hotel and you can take the bus to many tourist attractions for 2RMB only. The subway station also near by abt 5 minutes walk for me. There is a musical fountain performance just opposite the hotel starting from 6.15pm to 6.45pm(abt that time). Besides that many restaurant just next to hotel and the food is delicious with reasonable price. The swimming pool and gym are closed for maintainance during my stay until 31 of Oct. That was a little disappointment but the staff suggest to exercise at the park opposite the hotel as an alternative. All the amenities was provided except hair conditioner. It was a great experience to staying here, Definitely I will stay again in this hotel for my next visit and I will recommend it to my...