Business Treaveler logo

Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

Hotel Check: Grand Hyatt Xi’an, China

Hotel Check: Grand Hyatt Xi’an, China

HOW MANY ROOMS? 396 rooms and suites

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS Housed in a stunning skyscraper in the growing business district of Xi’an, this modern tower includes impressive dining and a relaxing spa. A sky bridge connects the hotel with a nearby office tower providing beautiful views of the surrounding area. The hotel is an ideal base for business travelers with work in the neighborhood and tourists wanting to visit the famous terra cotta warriors.

PRICE Internet rates for a traditional room on the random dates we checked start at $118.

CONTACT Grand Hyatt Xi’an, No. 12, Jinye Road, High Tech Zone, Xi’an, China, 710077. Phone +86-29-8811-1234, https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-xian/xiygh

WHERE IS IT Less than 45 minutes from the airport, this hotel is not in the old town of the city. It is located in the developing central business district and will soon be joined by other luxury hotel brands and corporations. Nearly 200 Fortune 500 companies are located here, and a major convention and exhibition center near the hotel confirms why this property is great for groups. Within walking distance are numerous shops and restaurants, but inexpensive taxis can take guests to many of the famous temples and markets in the city center.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Bright, modern interiors show off the cutting-edge style of designers here.

Grand Hyatt is designed for meeting and group functions, and this hotel does a wonderful job of making each space seem uncrowded and welcoming. Function rooms are some of the most unique in the city and are separated from public areas. Natural light streams in everywhere, and plentiful dining and recreational options keep guests intrigued and entertained.

ROOM FACILITIES Immediately, the floor-to-ceiling windows capture your attention in guest rooms. Electric drapes assure a sound sleep for jet-lagged travelers although a large percentage of the guest list hails from China. Grand Beds, a Hyatt signature, feature cushioned mattresses and soft duvets. Power and USB outlets on either side of the bed are modern conveniences.

Marble bathrooms feature drenching rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs. Dual vanities are stocked with thick terrycloth towels and Acca Kappa toiletries. Wide tables with chairs on either side serve as desks and have additional power and USB outlets. Designers clearly had business travelers in mind when laying out these rooms especially in walk-in closets with ample shelf space and a large luggage rack. Fruit bowls and minibars are replenished regularly, and traditional ceramic Chinese kettles are a lovely touch for preparing coffee or tea. Grand Club category rooms are the most sought after thanks to bonus amenities like clothes pressing, meeting room use, and access to the panoramic Grand Club serving an evening happy hour with made-to-order noodle dishes and an open bar. Save time to explore the outdoor garden and terrace for birds eye views of the city. Breakfast is included in the buffet restaurant. Suites expand the living space significantly with sliding doors that separate it from bedrooms making it ideal for entertaining colleagues.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Grand Café restaurant is wildly popular thanks to its numerous live cooking stations that fire up from sunrise to sunset. Breakfast buffets feature everything from piping hot noodle bowls and egg dishes to sushi and Chinese specialties. Later in the day, international favorites are the highlight. Focusing on Xi’an’s prominence at the start of the Silk Road, dining in the iconic bridge features two restaurants (Chinese and Italian), cuisines that represent either side of the transcontinental trade passage. Chang’an Bridge serves a variety of Shaanxi and Cantonese fare including many famous national dishes like Peking Duck. Allegro is known for Italian dishes including fresh pasta and risotto. Over at Maple House (a favorite thanks to its al fresco seating options), a wide range of Asian barbecue dishes are prepared including Korean, Japanese, and Chinese options.

LEISURE FACILITIES A 24-hour fitness center features modern equipment, and Huan Spa is known for massage and beauty treatments using fragrant June Jacobs products. A beautiful indoor swimming pool provides a spot for aquatic exercise with locker room facilities available. Be sure to bring a swim cap as is often required in China.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Free wireless Internet is available to all guests, many of whom are here to make use of the exceptional meeting facilities. Massive LCD displays curve around many of the meeting areas where sliding walls can adapt to group sizes. Many of the ballrooms are uniquely round or semicircular, and meeting rooms come equipped with the latest audiovisual capabilities and, in many, natural light. Grand Hyatt is designed for meetings and events with glamorous public spaces and high-quality food and beverage options prepared by experienced chefs. An open kitchen provides an entertaining way for groups to dine as well.

VERDICT Luxurious and sophisticated, this hotel caters to all types of travelers with the latest technology and all the amenities that a modern-day traveler requires. World of Hyatt members are well-recognized and will find exceptional treatment awaiting them during a stay here.

(Pictures by Grand Hyatt Xi’an, China)

By Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey is a regular contributor to Business Traveler across all print, digital, web and social channels.  He travels more than 400,000 miles a year criss-crossing the globe to report on hotels, airlines, loyalty programs, and all things travel.

You can find more from Ramsey at http://www.ramseyq.com/, on Twitter – @dailytraveltips and Instagram – @dailytraveltips