5-star hotel
naera Hotel Xitang
Forget the faux-historical pastiche that usually plagues ancient town accommodations. naera Hotel Xitang acts less like a hotel and more like a piece of immersive theater. Located just meters from the bustling Xitang scenic area, this property is a startlingly modern counterpoint to the cobblestones outside. The drama centers on the 'Naliang' water courtyard, a floating stage where minimalist pavilions drift on a dark, reflective pool—a scene that turns spectacularly cinematic at night with custom lighting design. Inside, the commitment to 'lived-in art' is aggressive. The indoor pool, 'Leisure Swimming,' isn't just a place to do laps; it’s a swim-through installation featuring pixel art by Ding Yi tiling the floor. Rooms are vast, starting at 65sqm, and shun generic beige for warm woods and bespoke furniture, kitted out with the requisite Dyson dryers and premium teas. Dining at 'Liang Shan' is a highlight, serving organic Jiangnan cuisine sourced directly from their own 3,000-mu farm—order the Seasonal Organic Vegetarian Set for a masterclass in local terroir. Verdict? visually flawless. However, be patient with the service; while well-intentioned, the polish hasn't quite caught up to the hardware, with response times sometimes lagging behind the speed of the visuals.
