There’s a hotel in Hongqiao with a grounds of 200 acres surrounded by lush greenery. Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and the Emperor of Japan have all stayed there.
It’s called Xijiao State Guest Hotel. And you’ve probably never heard of it.
About Xijiao State Guest Hotel
Xijiao Hotel has hosted world leaders and royalty, but has always been publicity shy. Well, that’s changing.
I stayed there a couple weeks ago. To summarize my experience, Xijiao is a wonder to behold. Its seemingly unending property of rolling landscapes and gardens, rooms and villas (118 of them), and monolithical facilities are as impressive as it is bewildering. Not to mention its curious history and the Rolodex of dignitaries who have graced the property, including even Mao Zedong.
I know “transports you to an oasis” comes off slight, but really, the winding drive from the street entrance is far away enough from traffic to prove thus. It’s really peaceful here.
Xijiao has plenty of gardens where you can walk through, passing by ponds and lakes, a duck feeding platform, pagodas, and army barracks. Very few people (expats) have heard of this place, but to those in the know, it’s the official port of call for government officials, hence, the precautions.
The best thing about Xijiao is the serene grounds. It is absolutely quiet here, save for the sounds emitted from the property’s feathered friends.
House No.7 is the main hotel and reception area. The building has 187 guest rooms and dining outlets Peony restaurant for International, Chinese and Asian buffet, Magnolia Chinese restaurant and a modest bar. This is where you check in.
There is also 1921 Western Restaurant, located in a different building.
On-site is also XSports Center, a state-of-the-art sports complex. It has a 390sqm indoor heated swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, indoor badminton courts, squash, and even a two-lane bowling alley.
Xijiao State Guest Hotel
Address: 1921 Hongqiao Lu, near Hongxu Lu 虹桥路1921号, 近虹许路
Tel: 62198800
Website: www.xijiao-hotel.com
