THinking about Suzhou for a night trip, on our own. If we're going to stay in Sheraton Suzhou, is it close enough to walk around the vicinity? At least use public transportation? Or do we need to hire tour guide/car?

Why don't you plan on using taxis?

The Sofitel has the best location for sightseeing by far. Otherwise just use taxis as moondog mentioned. Suzhou cabbies are a whole lot friendlier and more trustworthy than the Shanghai bunch.

I would not recommend to use public buses in Suzhou. The migrant workers riding them can be pretty rough in behaviour and they burst at the seams during rush hour. I still do on occasion but only certain lines where I know the clientele is more civil and there is room to sit.

And, like in most places in China, cabs are very cheap in Suzhou. I don't think it's possible to spend US$5 for a cab ride in town.

As some may know, the Sheraton Suzhou becomes a Pan Pacific on Jan. 1 -- much to the dismay of Starwood Preferred Guest members (like myself!) who have had a sweet deal there (great rates, easy-to-get exec. lounge privileges) for many years. So I need to find a new hotel. The Pan Pacific hasn't posted rates yet, but the Sofitel is astonishingly cheap -- before additional discounts, it's like $62 a night.

But it's "room only" at the Sofitel, and extras like breakfast seem to be ridiculously expensive ($20+ per person for breakfast). I know the Sofitel is new and nice, the location is good and the rates are great, but I'm wondering if I should hold out for something better. I like my luxury hotels to throw in "extras," because the prices you usually have to pay for "a la carte" services are ridiculous -- especially in China.

Concur with all prior posts. Get a cab, cheap and easy. Few months back, taxi ride from Suzhou train station to the then Sheraton Suzhou was less than 30 RMB. Use the cab to go from sight to sight also. The so called Tourist Buses (1 or 2 RMB) are extremely crowded, but cheap! Many Chinese tourists use them.

I also lament the loss of Sheraton Suzhou.

The cabs are sooo cheap, and sooo easy. The door guys at the Sheraton will tell the cab drivers wherever you want to go.

The Sheraton is AMAZING - one of the best I've ever been to. Sad to see it go.

Thanks all! Cab it is. I'll try to print out all the names in Chinese ahead of time. Looking forward to stay at the Sheraton.

Yeah, I always try to get my hotel name and address printed out in Chinese before I travel. It helps at the taxi stand. Unfortunately, the major booking services don't do it, but you can usually track it down on one of the smaller travel websites.

While at the Sheraton Suzhou Hotel & Towers, don't pass up the chance to check out the Pan'men Scenic Area (a large garden with lakes, pagodas & pavilions...). Spectacular ^, and its free for guests of Sheraton (just show your key & give your room # at entry). Worth a good 2 hour tour (morning or evening best).

Do get in an evening boat ride too.