FlyerTalk Forums - Grand Mercure Xi'an Renmin Square: a Review

Introduction We stayed at this hotel two separate times within a week. On both occasions, we were given an upgrade to the same room type (actually the exact same room), so this review will cover both stays. Location There are four Accor hotels within the Renmin Square complex: Mercure, Grand Mercure, Sofitel and Sofitel Legend. The hotels are well located for access to the central train station and the city wall. The nearest metro station is a one block walk. Check In Check in was efficient both times and drink vouchers were given without prompt. We were informed we were upgraded to a suite and sent on our way. Room The hotel is designed as a long, thin building, so the rooms are wider than they are deep. The room is furnished in an older style, but the furnishings are in pretty good condition. We received upgrades to what I believe was a Deluxe Suite (two-category upgrade for the first stay and a one category upgrade for the second stay). It has a bedroom and separate living room at either side of the suite, with two bathrooms in the middle.The welcome gift was waiting for us on each occassion and they were pretty much identical. Good to see consistency.The living room features a sofa, two chairs, coffee table, TV with easy access to inputs and a working desk with chair. The main bathroom has a separate bath and shower, though they are within the same enclosure. This room was quite cold, as it shares a long wall with the external wall and has no heating. Standard Grand Mercure amenities are provided, but these are larger bottles compared to the Grand Mercure Jinan Sunshine, which was great. The bars of soap are also larger than standard. The shower had a strange control system, where one dial controlled the temperature and the other dial controlled the water pressure. There is not a ceiling-mounted rain shower, but the height of the wall-mounted shower can be adjusted all the way up to the ceiling. The second bathroom only has a toilet and sink. The bedroom has a very comfortable bed, chair, closet, TV with access to inputs and a working desk with chair. The lighting is controlled with a bedside display that is a little difficult to get to work. A number of hangers are provided in the closet. The lighting is quite dark. Bedside power points are not available for charging devices. There were slippers in the closet but they we already on our feet by the time photos were taken Our room had a view towards the Sofitel Legend hotel, which sits in the middle of the Renmin Square area.The Wi-Fi in the room was OK; not fast but not too sluggish. The annoying thing was that the connection dropped when moving between the bedroom and living room, presumably moving between routers. Service Front office staff were very friendly and efficient. Food and beverage service at breakfast was a bit robotic, but the chefs were good. Dining Drink vouchers are valid for use in the Sofitel lobby bar and can be redeemed for soft drink, juice, tea and a couple of mocktails. The menu does state that while it does not include champagne and spirits that they are open to other requests. This hotel does not have a lounge, so the breakfast is provided in the restaurant, which starts at 5:30am. Breakfast was OK but nothing to write home about. Out of the three occasions we had breakfast, we were only offered tea and coffee service once. There is a noodle station and egg station for to-order food. There was eight chafers of hot foods, mixed of Western and Chinese options. Breads, cold dishes and fruits are available. Overall With a good location for seeing the city, the Accor hotels in the Renmin Square precinct are well worth considering. The Grand Mercure is a comfortable hotel if you are looking to save a few dollars by not staying at the Sofitel or Sofitel Legend properties.