InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort

The InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its blend of luxurious modern amenities and traditional Naxi architecture, offering guests a unique and memorable stay within the historic Lijiang Ancient Town.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their experiences as "exceptional," "wonderful," "brilliant," and even the "best hotel in Lijiang." It holds an impressive overall rating, with scores like 9.6/10 from over 8,277 reviews and 9.0 from Agoda, indicating a high level of guest satisfaction.

2. Key Highlights

Guests particularly love the hotel's prime location with direct, private access to Lijiang Ancient Town, providing a peaceful retreat while being steps away from cultural attractions. The resort's stunning traditional Naxi courtyard architecture, lush greenery, and impressive views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the lobby are frequently highlighted. Exceptional service, spacious and comfortable rooms, and a delicious, varied breakfast are also consistently mentioned as key strengths. The presence of a heated indoor pool and a pampering spa further enhance the resort experience.

3. Room Quality

The 267 rooms and suites are celebrated for their spaciousness, elegance, and comfort. They are designed as a contemporary tribute to the Old Town setting, featuring warm colors, wood-beam ceilings, and local elements. Modern luxuries include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. The large bathrooms are well-appointed with both a bathtub and separate rain showers, and guests appreciate the availability of a pillow menu for enhanced comfort.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience is a significant draw, especially the breakfast, which offers a vast selection of delicious options, including local specialties, and is served by enthusiastic staff. The resort features two restaurants, including the flagship "7 Colors Chinese Restaurant," which serves authentic Yunnan and Sichuan dishes in an atmospheric setting. A Western restaurant and a lobby bar are also available for diverse culinary preferences.

5. Service & Staff

The staff and service at InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort are generally described as exceptional, friendly, helpful, proactive, and professional. Guests frequently praise individuals by name, such as Jocelyn for thoughtful pre-arrival communication, Julie for outstanding responsiveness and going "beyond the call of duty," Bella for making stays excellent, Nancy for tour assistance, and Leo Mu for small gifts at check-out. While most service is exemplary, some guests have noted occasional inflexibility or stiffness from front desk staff and unfriendliness from parking and luggage personnel.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort boasts an excellent and highly convenient location, situated within Lijiang Ancient Town with multiple private gates that offer direct access, complete with security guards. This allows guests to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site easily while providing a quiet and lovely environment within the resort grounds, free from the bustling crowds. It also offers easy access from the main street, which is convenient for guests traveling with luggage. Nearby attractions include Lijiang Old Town, Mu Family Mansion (0.5 miles), and Wangu Pavilion (0.7 miles). Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

7. Value & Pricing

The InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort is considered a luxurious property offering exceptional value for its cost. While prices can vary, the average price for a room is around $212, with rates observed from approximately $149 to $314. Guests generally feel that the unparalleled experience and amenities justify the pricing, especially when compared to the average hotel room price in Lijiang.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues and criticisms have been mentioned. These include some rooms being a bit dark, and the bathroom lighting, particularly the makeup mirror, being insufficient or dim. A few guests expressed a desire for "smart" toilets (with heated seats or bidets), especially during colder months. There have also been instances where wall lamp controls were problematic, leading to difficulty in turning them off without a main switch. Additionally, some guests reported that the gym and heated pool were closed for maintenance without prior notification, and a few encountered less friendly or rigid service from specific front desk or luggage handling staff.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. trip.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. agoda.com
6. christravelblog.com
7. michelin.com
8. hotels.com
9. reserving.com
10. trip.com
11. expedia.com
12. kayak.com