The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an

I love it.

Tout

Super nice hotel, beautiful rooms and very nice staff!

My wife and I decided to treat ourselves to a dinner buffet at the Ritz, something we never experienced. Whilst the food was not all bad for sure, and the area was clean and tidy, it is a shame to say that is where it ended. To begin, the first issue to arise was with the Boston lobster, or lack of. Whilst I understand that each guest is to get one as a starter during the buffet, my wife had never received Her’s. Next to follow was the confusing labelling system where labels and food did not seem to match, and when no local you do rely on these more so than normal. From pork labelled as fish to prawn labelled as chicken, was certainly confusing at times. I myself even took something thinking it was tofu rather than mean till I found out after eating it wasn’t, luckily I am not vegetarian. This was further compounded with incorrect translation over foods, one case I was able to spot was “Guava” labelled as “Bale”, for an international hotel, one would normally assume an English translation would be accurate, especially it being an English brand. Furthermore, a made to order item was a European style steak, for which it took my interest and I ordered. It was originally cooked medium; however, I don’t eat less than ‘well done’ due to dietary reasons. I did try to commute this across with a member of staff to ask for well done, but unfortunately no staff spoke English even though it is an international hotel. Did the best to communicate this over a translation app. However, after a new one arrived, it seemed to be even more under cooked since the last one, arriving pretty much rare. Seems all the chef did was flash cook one quickly, it being quite burnt on the outside but red on the inside, for which after this I gave up. I understand this can happen on very busy nights, but the night and atmosphere was very quiet and not many people around at all, so I thought the service would certainly have been better. The food options were good but not great, great if you love hot pot and shellfish but that is about it, that makes up around 40%-50% of the dinner buffet. I have been to a couple of buffets in Xi’An, and whilst the cost per head was the highest here, it also left me with the highest disappointment. I have gone to some at nearly half the price but twice the enjoyment and for the Ritz I did expect more. I did make my feelings known to a manager on duty at the time, not to ameliorate the situation but just to make them aware, especially mislabelled foods can be an issue with anyone with dietary or religious restrictions and to give her credit, she certainly did try and help and offer what she could to make up for it. So, for that reason and the food offerings still being not too bad, I feel I cannot offer more than 2 stars.

Obviously one has a certain level of expectation when staying at one of Marriott's premier brands and this was largely delivered by the RC in Xi'an. The approach to the hotel is somewhat understated, coming upon it as one does from a busy street into and efficient but somewhat compact entry courtyard where one is efficiently greeted by many staff.

Upon registration one is quickly on one's way to the rooms via an efficient elevator system and the common areas of this relatively small hotel I would say, are tastefully furnished and very peaceful. Our room was extremely comfortable with a pretty good view over some open land. The location of the hotel itself doesn't necessarily provide the best vistas over Xi'an but that's OK.

The bed was extremely comfortable and the linen of extremely high quality. The hotel is also quiet, at least on our visit with no noticeable sound bleed from surrounding rooms. You will sleep well here. The bathroom is extremely well appointed with a generous soaking tub which is a delight, in addition to the walk in shower. I wish more hotels around the world, especially the US, would use this arrangement since being able to soak in a tub at the end of a busy day is wonderful.

There is a generous breakfast buffet with plenty of varied choice both western and chinese that will satisfy any palette. There really was a great selection and we were helpfully shown to our table most days we were there. When the dining room was quieter, one can find one's own seating. As one would expect from a premium brand, a very nice place to stay. The location is pretty good too - easy to walk to the pagoda and the main evening perambulation street in Xi'an which we enjoyed one evening.

Traveled to Xi'an with family to visit the city and Terracotta Warriors.

Booked my travel thru Amex FHR which included breakfast. Arrived into Xi'an via HSR and took car to the hotel. Hotel is outside of the old city in a fairly new part of town right next to a new mall.

Upon arrival, folks to help us with our bags and directed us to check-in in the lobby. Check-in was quick and we were sent to our rooms. We had a small upgrade to a larger guest room. Room itself was beautifully designed and spacious. AC was fantastic (Xi'an was hot). Plenty of electric plugs by the bed for our electronics. Bed was very comfortable. Great water pressure. Hotel and amenities looked brand new.

Did not use the gym but did try the pool and spa which were very nice. Pool is large enough to do laps and the spa treatments were relaxing.

Huge buffet breakfast with many options for western and Chinese cuisine.

Location wise, the hotel is maybe 20 mins by car to the old city. The metro stops right outside the hotel and takes you directly into the old city by the Drum Tower which is really convenient but didi is so cheap. The mall next door actually had some really good food options (all locals eating there) and was very clean.

Check out was quick, folio was accurate. Very pleased with this stay and this hotel, would highly recommend. This is a great value compared to any RC in the US or rest of the world (cheapest hotel for my stay in China). Service was solid.

The room was faultless, everything worked perfectly. Breakfast was superb and staff all exceptional. Roof top bar and live music great place to finish up the day.

Absolutely fabulous hotel in all respects! In fact, this is probably the nicest hotel (in terms of room quality/comfort, service, and meal quality) that we have ever stayed in. I simply cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. We loved everything about it, from the service, to the breakfast buffet, to virtually everything else. If this fits your budget, you don't need to consider any other hotel in Xi'an.

All is fine!

Everything was perfect

Tous étaient vraiment très bien, et le restaurant japonais est incroyablement bon