WHAT’S IT LIKE? This continues to be the likely address of Chinese government officials and visiting dignitaries despite the presence of a handful of internationally branded properties (Sheraton and Sofitel among others). Its lobby is not ostentatious but a high ceiling and glass facade create a sense of arrival. Two or three roving staff are always on hand to attend to enquiries.
WHERE IS IT? Centrally located in the heart of the CBD and across from the swanky mall Dejiplaza.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 585 newly refurbished guestrooms, including 112 Jinling Deluxe Rooms. Executive Rooms occupy levels 22 to 35 and the lounge is on the ninth floor.
ROOM FACILITIES: Our 30-square-metre Jinling Deluxe Room appeared larger, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling window that looked out to a major thoroughfare and surrounding developments. The layout was straightforward and practical and featured contemporary furnishings. A light control panel was mounted just by the bed, which had a rather hard wooden backing we thought, but otherwise did not stand in the way of a seamless sleep.
Accessing the internet proved to be no trouble at all.
RESTAURANTS: Several but the most famous is Plum Garden that’s known for Huaiyang (delicacies from Nanjing’s Thousand Island Lake) and concoctions by the restaurant’s own chefs.
BARS: The Rain Flower Lounge overlooking the lobby and the Pacific Bar & Grill, which is part of an Italian restaurant.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: The Purple Mountain ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 people, while seven other function rooms can cater to events of varying sizes. Wi-Fi services are available in most public areas.
LEISURE FACILITIES: The indoor heated swimming pool opens at 6am to let in the early birds and closes at 11pm for those who can’t just settle down. It’s the same hours for the gym.
PRICE: A Jinling Deluxe Room usually goes for CNY1,298 (US$198) a night.
VERDICT: The location and service was unbeatable and the menu in Plum Garden innovative.
CONTACT: Xin Jie Kou Square, Nanjing 210005, China, tel 86 25 8471 1888, www.jinlinghotel.com
Margie T Logarta
