Tongli 1917: Suzhou's BEST Hidden Inn? (You HAVE to See This!)
Tongli 1917: Suzhou's BEST Hidden Inn? (You HAVE to See This!) - A Rambling, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Tongli 1917. This isn't some polished travel brochure – this is me, unfiltered, after a stay that was… well, an experience. Was it the "BEST hidden inn" as the hype suggests? We’ll get there. Let’s just say, my expectations were high, fueled by a Pinterest board dedicated to Suzhou’s canals and enough #authenticChineseInn hashtags to make Instagram blush.
SEO & Metadata First (Ugh, Gotta Play the Game):
- Keywords: Tongli 1917, Suzhou, China, Inn, Hotel Review, Luxury, Spa, Pool, Accessibility, Romantic Getaway, Family Friendly, Chinese Culture, Travel, Hidden Gem, Food Review, Best Hotels Suzhou, Wheelchair Accessible Suzhou
- Meta Description: Honest review of Tongli 1917, a hidden inn in Suzhou, China. Explore accessibility, food, amenities (spa, pool, etc.), and the overall experience. Find out if it lives up to the hype!
- Categories: Hotels & Resorts, Travel, China, Suzhou, Reviews, Luxury Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Spa Hotels, Romantic Hotels
Accessibility & Getting There: A Bit of a Wobbly Start (And I Hate Wobbly!):
Finding Tongli 1917 itself was an adventure – a slightly stressful one, truth be told. The ancient town of Tongli is a maze of canals and narrow streets, and while charming, it’s not designed for modern vehicles. Airport transfer was thankfully arranged, but the final leg involved a rather… compact taxi ride with a driver who seemed to have a fondness for near misses. Thank goodness for the valet parking when we finally arrived. Phew! (And, a big plus right out the gate: Facilities for disabled guests were prominently noted. I didn't need them, but it's a reassuring sign.)
The elevator was a godsend once inside, because I’m not getting any younger, and those traditional Chinese inns often have a lot of stairs. Accessibility within the inn varied. Some of the paths were a bit cobblestone-y, and a fully wheelchair accessible experience might require some pre-planning. But overall, they tried, which is more than I can say for some places.
The Room… My Little Oasis (Mostly):
We snagged a suite – and thankfully, it was a good one. The non-smoking rooms were a must, and honestly, the blackout curtains were divine. Sleep is precious! The air conditioning was strong (essential in Suzhou summers), and the free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. And yes, I did immediately check to see if the Internet access – wireless worked, it did! The complimentary tea was a nice touch, and I loved the bathrobes and slippers. They also had extra long beds, which, being a tall human, is a gift. The in-room safe box was standard, but always appreciated.
Now, the imperfections: the satellite/cable channels were a bit limited. And, the desk felt a bit cramped. The mirror was a bit… off. And the hair dryer? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t the most powerful. And the Internet access – LAN, who even uses that anymore? Still, the separate shower/bathtub was glorious. Oh, and the additional toilet was a nice touch, especially after that long journey. Overall though, I give it a solid A- in the room department.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster (Mostly Upwards!)
Okay, the food. This is where things got really interesting. We were starving after our travels! The restaurants offered both Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, which was fantastic for catering to different palates.
The breakfast [buffet]? Solid. The Asian breakfast offered a delightful array of dim sum and congee, while the Western breakfast catered to my usual craving (scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, the works). The coffee/tea in restaurant was good. The a la carte in restaurant menu was a bit pricier.
The poolside bar was a total win. The Happy hour was… well, very happy. The cocktails were surprisingly good, and the atmosphere was perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. However a late night snack, which was ordered via the room service [24-hour], took almost an hour and when it arrived a little over 24-hours later, well, lets just say it wasn't worth the wait! (Should have gone to the convenience store!)
The Snack bar was a lifesaver. The Bottle of water was free, which is always a good thing.
Relaxing and Revitalizing: Spa Day Bliss… Then a Bit of a Fizzle:
The spa facilities were a major draw. And boy, did I need a massage after that taxi ride! I indulged in a Body scrub, a Foot bath, and, of course, a massage. Pure. Bliss. The Spa/sauna and Steamroom were also top-notch. The Pool with view, was picture perfect as well, I had a good time.
The Fitness center was well-equipped.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was beautiful, with panoramic views (the Pool with view). I really mean the pool itself was stunning, the water crisp and inviting.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (Mostly, Again):
In the shadow of Covid, I appreciate the effort. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocol, were welcomed. The Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. The room sanitization opt-out was a nice option to have. Everything looked sparkling. Well done.
Things To Do and See:
Okay, I'll be honest, I spent a lot of time at the spa and the pool. I am on vacation! I did venture out, though. The shrine was beautiful. The Terrace was perfect for a glass of wine.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag:
The front desk [24-hour] was helpful, although the English of some staff members was a little shaky at times. The concierge was excellent, arranging tours and giving great recommendations. Daily housekeeping was on point! The dry cleaning service was a lifesaver.
The gift/souvenir shop was full of beautiful things, but also quite expensive. The cash withdrawal service came in handy; having a local bank account helps with that. The car park [free of charge] was a bonus.
The Meeting/banquet facilities looked impressive, but I didn't attend any. The elevator was a must (again!).
The Verdict: Is It Suzhou's Best Hidden Inn?
Hmm. That’s tough. The good: the location is magical, especially at night when the canals twinkle. The rooms are lovely, the spa is phenomenal, and the service is, for the most part, attentive. The staff trained in safety protocol was a big relief.
The not-so-good: The food could be more consistent. There were some quirks in accessibility. And, honestly, the "hidden" part isn't that hidden anymore.
Overall… Yes. I definitely enjoyed it. It's not perfect, but it's charming, luxurious, and a truly unique experience. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just manage your expectations slightly and be prepared to embrace the imperfections. Because, let’s face it, the imperfections are what make life interesting, right? And, in the end, that’s what makes a stay memorable.
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Tongli Tango & Tears: An Utterly Unrealistic Itinerary (1917 Edition, Sort Of)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned sightseeing tour. This is life, or at least, a slightly deranged simulation of life, in beautiful Tongli. We're going for authentic chaos, people! And maybe a little homesickness.
Day 1: Arrival of Awkwardness & A River Run Through It (Hopefully Not Literally)
Morning (ish): Dragged myself out of bed at some ungodly hour (blame the jet lag, or maybe the sheer anticipation of this "charming" ancient water town). Arrived at the 1917 Best South Inn in Suzhou. Wow. Just… wow. The place is beautiful, I'll give it that. Like, jaw-droppingly, postcard-worthy beautiful. The kind of beautiful that makes you feel simultaneously serene and wildly inadequate in your travel attire. I’m pretty sure I look like a bewildered tourist in a mismatched outfit. And I immediately spilled my (terrible) instant coffee on the pristine wooden floor. Sigh. This is going well. The innkeeper, a very patient woman named Mei (and bless her soul), just smiled kindly and handed me a cloth. She speaks some English. Good enough.
Mid-Morning: After a brief, desperate attempt at unpacking (and discovering that my travel-sized shampoo exploded in my suitcase…yay!), it’s off to explore the canals. The thought of the place is so alluring, I started by trying to get acquainted with the ancient town, then the best thing to start with is Retreat Garden, but I am distracted. I stumble upon a group of giggling schoolgirls practicing their calligraphy. They beckon me over, and after a brief moment of “deer in headlights” panic, I join them. One of them even tries to teach me how to write my name in Chinese characters. It looks like a series of squiggles and then a mess I am going to give up it. The girls found my squiggles hysterical. I found it comforting.
Lunch: Found a tiny noodle shop, practically overflowing with locals. I pointed randomly at something on the menu, praying it wasn't too spicy. It was. My mouth is on fire, I am secretly crying a little, but the noodles are actually fantastic. And the tiny, wizened old woman running the place keeps refilling my tea, which is a small mercy. I think she understands my silent suffering.
Afternoon: Attempted a boat ride. The boatman, a weathered old chap with a twinkle in his eye, sang some mournful Chinese folk songs. The scenery is stunning and for the first ten minutes I was in a bliss. I had to pay attention to how the boat was gliding through the water, I quickly grew bored of the scenery. I had a small talk with the boatman. Then, mid-song, a sudden downpour. We were soaked to the bone in seconds. Laughter and the sound of rain combined somehow. I felt I am gonna have a cold.
Evening: Back at the inn. Trying (and failing) to figure out how the ancient lock on my door works. Successfully navigated the world's most complicated toilet. Victory! Dinner at the inn. Delicious, but a bit lonely. Missing my cat terribly (I know, I know, I'm a sap). The inn is dark, with the flicker of candles. The food is the best I've tasted in years, but I am a simpleton so my rating may not apply.
Day 2: The Double-Down Day: Gardens, And Grief.
Morning: The rain from yesterday still lingering, dampening everything. Starting in what is supposed to be an early start. Instead, I woke up late, with a slightly grumpy hangover from last night's celebratory (and solitary) rice wine. The only way I got out of the comfy bed is the thought I would miss the most important thing. So I headed back for more. I wandered aimlessly around the Tuisi Garden. Its beauty is overwhelming. This is a masterpiece. I could easily spend a whole day there. The architecture, the landscaping, the way the light filters through the bamboo… It's profoundly peaceful, and also, strangely, isolating. I find myself wanting to share it with someone. That someone is not here.
Mid-Morning: Strolled through the old streets, trying to soak up the atmosphere. Got hopelessly lost. Found a little stall selling dumplings, but the vendor didn't speak English. I resorted to pointing, nodding, and making hungry noises. It worked. The dumplings were heavenly. I ate at least a dozen. No regrets. My belly is so round.
Afternoon: The best part about being lost is stumbling onto places. Found a quiet lane, the kind of place where one can have a moment of meditation to reflect. And that is exactly what I did. I sat and had my moment. And I had an unexpected emotional meltdown. Realized I hadn't really processed a whole load of stuff (let's just say a recent “life event”) and the ancient beauty of the garden just triggered it. Tears flowed. Uncontrollably. Probably looked like a complete nutcase to anyone walking by. Mortifying. But also… kinda cathartic? Like a good, epic cry can be after a horrible hangover.
Evening: Back to the inn. Tried to read, but my mind keeps wandering. I'm restless. I decided to face the music with the lock again. I am now an expert to open the damn thing. Mei left me a pot of tea and a plate of cookies in my room. It felt like a small act of kindness. So grateful.
Day 3: A Final Fling, and the Flight of Thoughts
Morning: Woke up feeling slightly less like a crumpled tissue. Breakfast with a view of the canal. The sun is shining again. Decided to revisit the Retreat Garden, because you can never have too much beauty in your life. Or maybe I am just delaying the inevitable: leaving.
Mid-Morning: Went out to the marketplace, bought a silk scarf as a souvenir (because clearly I need more stuff). Had a final conversation with Mei, learning a few more words. She taught me the Chinese word for "beautiful."
Lunch: One last bowl of those heavenly noodles. Managed to not set myself on fire this time. Small victories, people!
Afternoon: Said goodbye to the water town. Standing at the train station, filled with a weird mix of relief, sadness, and anticipation. I'll miss it. I truly will. I'll miss the quiet canals, the kind people, the delicious noodles. I'll miss the chaos. But I know that, ultimately, this trip was more than just a vacation. It was a starting point. A point of reflection. A place to cry a lot. An act of self-discovery.
Evening: On the train back, watching the landscape flash by. My mind is racing, trying to piece together the fragments of the three days. This place is going to be etched into my memory. I might cry again. It's okay. We all fall apart somewhere. And sometimes, that somewhere is a beautiful, ancient water town.
Final Thoughts:
- Rating of 1917 Best South Inn: Undeniably beautiful place. A solid 9/10
- Food Rating: Noodles: 10/10; Dumplings: 10/10; My self-control: 2/10
- Overall Mood: A delightful blend of wonder, melancholy, and mild indigestion. Would recommend. (But maybe bring tissues.)
Tongli 1917: Your Burning Questions (and My Rambling Answers)
Is Tongli 1917 REALLY as good as everyone says? Or is it all hype?
Alright, deep breaths. The hype? Yeah, it's there. And honestly? It's earned. But let's be real, "good" is subjective, right? For me? Absolutely. For you? Depends.
Look, I've stayed in places that promised "luxury" and delivered… well, let's just say cold showers and a view of the dumpster. This? Tongli 1917? It's different. It's got a soul. It's lived in, in the best way possible.
But here's the truth: my first impression? A little...overwhelming. I walked in, fresh off a train from Shanghai (let's just say the journey wasn't glamorous), and it hit me: the scent of old wood, the quiet clack of mahjong tiles in the courtyard, the ornate carving everywhere... it was a sensory overload. I thought, "Oh dear God, have I accidentally stumbled into a theme park?" Thankfully, nope.
So, hype? Yes. Deserved? Definitely. Prepare to be… transported. But also, prepare to feel a tiny bit lost at first. It's part of the charm. Embrace the confusion!
What's actually *in* the hotel – like, what can you DO?
Okay, so imagine a traditional Chinese courtyard house, HUGE, and then stuffed with stuff. That's your starting point. There's a main building and then a series of smaller courtyards and rooms branching out.
Here’s the stuff you’ll definitely do:
- Wander around. Seriously. Get lost. The rooms are like mini-museums, each with its own character. I spent a good hour just staring at an antique wooden bed frame in one room. Seriously, I got weirdly emotional.
- Have tea in the courtyard. They'll offer you tea even without you asking! That's standard.
- Eat breakfast. It's a feast. And yes, there's something for Western palates, but lean into the local options. You'll be glad you did. I still dream of their congee.
- Get a massage. Treat yourself! The spa is tucked away, and it's a total sanctuary.
- Read. Bring a book. Or, like I did, just sit and stare. The atmosphere begs for reflection.
- Take photos, take photos, take photos. You'll want to document every nook and cranny. It's that beautiful. Even my *terrible* photography skills somehow managed to capture some of the magic.
Beyond that? You can arrange tours of the surrounding area, which is the charming water town of Tongli. You can play mahjong (I tried, failed miserably), and you can definitely just… be. Disconnect, relax, and soak it all in. The hotel is the experience.
Oh, and be prepared for some language barriers. English isn't widely spoken outside the front desk, but the staff are incredibly helpful (and patient!).
Is it *really* romantic? Like, would it be a good place for a couple?
Romantic? Honey, it's practically dripping with romance. Low lighting, flowing water, the scent of incense... It's the kind of place that makes you want to hold hands and whisper sweet nothings (even if you're more of a "Netflix and chill" type, like myself).
I actually saw a couple there getting engaged! Right in the courtyard, under the lanterns. Cue the waterworks. (Okay, *I* cried. I'm a sucker for that stuff.) So yes, very romantic.
Just… be prepared for PDA. I mean, it's China. You'll see it. It's a thing. Embrace it.
Also! My advice for couples? Splurge on a room with a private courtyard. Seriously. Worth. Every. Penny. Trust me.
Is it expensive? And is it worth the price?
Okay, let's be honest. It's not a budget backpacker hostel. It's an investment in experience. The prices are higher than your average chain hotel, but when you consider the location, the history, and the level of service… I'd say it's 100% worth it.
I’ll lay it bare: I probably spent a *little* more than I originally intended. I fell in love with the place the moment I arrived. You're paying for an experience, an escape. Not just a room with a bed.
Consider too, that you're likely to buy a lot less cheap souvenirs, because your *hotel* feels like the souvenir.
Look at what you're getting. The impeccable service? The breakfast that's a culinary masterpiece? The sheer beauty of the place? It adds up.
My verdict: it's not *cheap*, but it's a worthwhile splurge. If you're the kind of traveler who appreciates a unique experience, you'll find it's worth every penny. Just… maybe save up a little first.
What was the *worst* part about staying there? (Be honest!)
Okay, buckle up, because here's where I get real.
The absolute *worst* part? Knowing it was going to end. Truly. That feeling of dread that creeps in the night before checkout... "Oh God, I don't want to leave this haven."
Beyond that? The Wi-Fi could be a little patchy in my room. (First world problem, I know.) Also, I wish I'd brushed up on my Mandarin before I went. I got by, but I could've had a richer experience if I could've chatted more with the staff.
And, I got lost. Multiple times. The layout is a maze! But honestly? Even that was kind of charming. Got me looking into places, people, and art I'd never have noticed otherwise.
Those are nitpicks! Honestly, there wasn’t a single major thing that made me think "I wouldn't recommend this place".
Tell me *one* specific thing that stuck with you? A memory, a feeling...
Okay, this is hard. There were so many.
But… there's one. It was early one morning. I was wandering around the grounds, still half-asleep, and I stumbled upon an elderly woman sweeping the cobbled courtyard. The light was coming through the intricate lattice work, creating these dancing shadows on the ground. She was humming a quiet melody, and the airComfort Zone Inn
