A polished stay with generous space but lacking genuine hospitality
The Wyndham Ruijingmanshan Hotel makes a bold first impression. The lobby is striking—high ceilings, expansive glass, glossy marble floors and eye-catching lighting give it the presence of a modern five-star property. In terms of design and build quality, the hotel unquestionably delivers.
My room was a highlight: impressively large, immaculately clean and tastefully furnished. Warm lighting, elegant surfaces and a calm, neutral palette created a welcoming atmosphere. A generously sized daybed by the window, a sleek desk, and ample storage made the space feel both luxurious and practical. Modern conveniences such as USB charging ports at the bedside and a capsule coffee machine were appreciated touches. It’s the kind of room that invites you to stay in.
The bathroom continued this polished aesthetic—finished in glossy grey marble, with a spacious walk-in shower and high-quality fittings. That said, the absence of a rain shower was disappointing in a hotel this contemporary. Also curiously missing was an in-room safe, which felt like a surprising oversight at this category. On a more positive note, the Japanese-style toilet with integrated bidet function was a welcome and modern feature.
My room also opened directly onto a small, semi-private terrace, framed by hedges and furnished with rattan chairs and a table. From here, one steps straight onto the pool deck—a charming and practical feature that gave the stay a lightly resort-like flair. The outdoor space is tastefully landscaped and includes a chic circular pool bar, which sadly remained unmanned during my visit.
However, the check-in experience left a deeply negative first impression—one I cannot overlook. Despite standing at the reception desk in full view, I was neither greeted nor acknowledged. The staff addressed my Chinese guide exclusively, without so much as a glance in my direction. Not being greeted, not even being looked at, is not simply impersonal—it is entirely out of line in any hotel, let alone one positioning itself at the five-star level. Guests deserve basic courtesy and recognition. It was a disappointing and frankly jarring start. To the hotel’s credit, service improved somewhat later on, particularly with a kind gentleman who handled my breakfast box request the evening before departure. But the damage had already been done—first impressions matter.
Breakfast the next morning helped to restore some goodwill. The buffet was among the better ones I’ve encountered in similar hotels across the region. It offered a pleasing variety of hot and cold items, including yoghurt, cereals (with one sugar-free wholegrain option), fresh salads, fruits like dragon fruit, and a live station for eggs and omelettes. There was toast and several soft breads available—none of them truly good quality, but that came as no surprise in this part of the world. What was lacking, once again, were nuts or seeds, which are increasingly common in international breakfast offerings. Still, the selection felt thoughtful, and I appreciated the effort to cater to both local and international preferences.
In sum, the Wyndham Ruijingmanshan is a beautifully executed hotel in terms of architecture, cleanliness, and room comfort. Its main shortcomings lie not in hardware, but in human touch. If the hotel could elevate its service culture to match its physical offering—starting with something as simple and vital as acknowledging its guests—it could truly achieve excellence. Until then, it remains a polished but emotionally...
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