Sofitel Chengdu Taihe

I only stayed two nights at this Sofitel (previously the Sofitel Wanda Chengdu). After some initial hiccups the stay turned out to be pretty decent.

While this Sofitel has a lounge the check in for Le Club members takes place at the main reception (reason being that the lounge cannot be reached directly with the elevator, you have to walk up a set uf stairs).

Check in was swift, but again nothing was pre-prepared (annoying). I received a one category upgrade to a suite but unfortunately upon entering it was clear that this room had not been used in a while. It smelled and looked dusty and in the bathtub were a number of dead fruit flies.

Visibly annoyed I went to the lounge and demanded another room. Once the staff understood what my problem was (language issues) a manager was dispatched to show me a new room. Satisfied I accepted the new digs. Luggage was transferred by the staff.

The new room (Opera suite) was comfortable if a bit old fashioned (which is true for the entire hotel). It could do with an upgrade but was entirely serviceable. The room featured: a large living room with sofa and desk and a guest toilet and walk in closet, a bedroom with the super comfy Sofitel bed and a large mirrored bathroom with tub and shower.

Service was ok, not great but ok. The staff were trying but all too often language proved to be a barrier. That said the lounge staff were going out of their way to call me by my name.

I only had room service at the hotel (and breakfast in the lounge, see below).

Room service was decent and well priced and offered French and Sichuan fare.

The welcome gift was sweets and fruit.

The drinks voucher could be used for spirits (I had a G&T in the hotel bar) with no problems.

The lounge at the top floor (strangely not accessible with the evelator) serves evening drinks and breakfast. The staff were friendly and service was decent. At breakfast they offer a full buffet and eggs to order. The evening selection included a hot and cold buffet with plenty of Sichuan choices. The highlight however was the desert area (yum).

For whatever reason it was impossible to get a G&T in the hotel with a slice of lime....

The hotel is centrally located and approximately 20 minutes from the airport. Taxis and DiDi cars are easily available.

Overall this was a decent stay, once I got over the initial bad welcome. While this should not have happened service recovery was acceptable. The rate was incredibly low so taking this into account it was good value for money. This Sofitel is by no stretch of the imagination at the top end and could do with an upgrade but it was a pleasant stay in the end.

I would consider this hotel again.