Yixing Hotel

Pros: location, size of room, views from hotel Cons: no one speaks English The hotel is conveniently located across from the Drum Tower, an easy 10 minute walk on the main street from the train station. Very walkable area of the city, with lots of shops, restaurants, a large covered market. Gao Temple is between train station and hotel. Despite its central location, our room was quiet. None of the front desk clerks spoke English and at least one was very unhelpful. Zhongwei has a small town feel, is easy and interesting to walk around, which is good because, again, no one speaks English, although people are very friendly. Based on the stares and attention I got, blue-eyed, blond-haired tourists are rare. The hotel itself is fine, a little dated. They let us check-in early. Rooms are large, with 2 chairs by the window, as well as a desk and chair. Shower head in bathroom hard to maneuver. Skimpy on towels and pillows. Good views from our room and the hallway. Windows actually open. Wi-fi in lobby only. There is a popular cafeteria-style restaurant visible through a glass wall, but it cannot be accessed from the hotel, so I believe it's a completely separate business. Could not figure that out for sure, but it was busy with locals all day and we bought breakfast there.