InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise

The InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise in Jiuzhaigou, China, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious retreat amidst the stunning natural beauty of the region, blending modern architecture with Tibetan and Qiang cultural elements.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise is largely positive, with guests frequently praising its breathtaking location, extensive facilities, and unique ambiance. It holds a strong rating of 9/10 from over 1900 reviews on Trip.com, and an 8.6 from 23 reviews on Booking.com, reflecting a high level of guest satisfaction. Its selection as a Michelin Key property further underscores its recognition for providing exceptional stays and meeting high standards of hospitality, based on criteria such as architecture, design, service quality, personality, value, and contributions to the local community.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make the resort stand out:

• Location & Design: The ultra-modern steel-and-glass structure is immersed in dense forest, offering spectacular mountainous backdrops. The enormous glass-domed lobby, lush with greenery, is often described as feeling like a "natural oxygen bar".
• Amenities: The resort is remarkably self-sufficient, featuring a vast Tianyu Spa with twelve terraced pools under a glass roof, an indoor pool, and a variety of dining options.
• Cultural Integration: The resort beautifully blends Qiang and Tibetan cultural elements into its design and dining experiences, offering unique cultural immersion.
• Tranquil Ambiance: Many guests appreciate the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for a getaway from city life.

3. Room Quality

The resort, with 979 rooms and suites, provides luxurious yet not ostentatious accommodations. Rooms are generally described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with thoughtful amenities. Many rooms and suites feature balconies offering views of snow-capped mountains and forests. In-room amenities typically include satellite TV, a minibar, and tea/coffee makers. Bathrooms often come with a rainforest shower and a large bath. Some suites feature separate living and dining areas, and even electric fireplaces, which can be a welcome addition during colder months. However, some guests have noted that the heating in rooms can be insufficient during very cold weather.

4. Dining Experience

InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise offers a diverse dining experience with no fewer than six restaurants, serving everything from traditional Sichuan and Tibetan cuisines to upscale Western offerings.

• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is extensive, featuring a wide array of international and local dishes, including fresh fruits, pastries, cereals, and made-to-order eggs. However, some recent feedback suggests the breakfast spread can be mundane or that fresh juices are not always refilled promptly.
• Specialty Restaurants: Guests can indulge in authentic Sichuan specialties and Tibetan dishes like hand-pulled roast lamb and sautéed wild mushrooms, often accompanied by traditional Tibetan and Qiang singing and dancing, creating a festive atmosphere. The quality of food is generally rated as very good.
• Room Service: Room service is available, offering a variety of options from light snacks to full-course meals.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is mixed but largely positive. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, warm, attentive, and helpful. Individual staff members are often singled out for excellent service, such as Duty Manager Wang Yufang (Yolanda) and front desk receptionist Wang Lin. The concierge service is also praised for providing personalized assistance with transportation and tours.

However, some common complaints include:

• English Communication: While many staff are helpful, there can be a language barrier, with some guests noting a lack of fluency in English, especially outside the front desk.
• Inconsistent Service: A few guests reported issues such as no one assisting with luggage upon arrival or during check-out, and a lack of proactiveness in service.
• Turn-down Service: Some guests have noted the absence of turn-down service, which might be expected in a 5-star resort.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort is located in Ganhaizi, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou, and is immersed in dense forest, offering a tranquil and luxurious retreat. It is strategically positioned just a few minutes' drive from the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and approximately 35 minutes' drive from Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Airport: The closest airport is Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport (JZH), approximately a 1-hour drive away (67.34 km). Taxis or private transfers are available, and a shuttle bus service operates to Jiuzhaigou Valley.
• Proximity to Attractions: While offering serene isolation, its slight distance from the park entrance means allowing extra travel time, especially during peak seasons.
• Parking: Free public parking is available on site.

7. Value & Pricing

InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise is considered a 5-star property. With an average price of around $162 per room, compared to the average of $148 in Jiuzhaigou, it offers an exceptional experience at a surprisingly affordable rate, providing good value for money. The Michelin Key selection further indicates good value for the price. However, some guests during off-season have received room upgrades, suggesting that peak season prices might be higher and rooms harder to come by.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Heating Issues: In colder months, guests have reported insufficient heating in the lobby and public areas, as well as in some rooms, sometimes requiring extra heaters.
• Spa Facilities: Some guests wished more tubs in the spa were warm enough for soaking.
• Dining Variety: While there are multiple restaurants, some guests mentioned that during the off-season, only a limited number of restaurants might be open at night, which can be restrictive given the isolated location.
• Maintenance: Occasional remarks about minor maintenance issues, such as broken floor sections in some areas, or used/broken in-room amenities, have been noted.
• English Communication Barrier: As mentioned earlier, inconsistent English proficiency among staff beyond the front desk can be a challenge for international travelers.
• Temporary Spa Closure: Note that the Tianyu Center (including the spa) will be temporarily closed for upgrades from January 26, 2026, to April 15, 2026, which is important for prospective guests to consider.

Sources

1. trip.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. michelin.com
5. ihgplc.com
6. ihgplc.com
7. 1000meetings.com
8. agoda.com
9. christravelblog.com
10. trip.com
11. klook.com