Trying to find the most value worth Lijiang lodging is really difficult. Afterall, most Lijang accommodation gets a ranking of 4.3/5 and above just like Dali.
We have one most important requirement in our stay – sunrise.
This time, it’s not any common sunrise that we see everyday. The sunlight illuminates the snow mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain) upon sunrise, making the mountain “gold”. This is one of the must-see view when you visit Lijiang. The “golden” mountain view only last early in the morning.
A number of hotels can view such sunrise and the price is also a lot cheaper than Dali. VENTO · Sunlit Golden Peak Lake View Vacation Hotel is one of the best accommodations strongly recommended for your stay in the Lijiang.
Location of the hotel
VENTO hotel located at the North East of the city. It avoids crowded place near the Lijiang ancient town, and near to Lijiang attractions. Most of the time you need to travel to the North for visiting places. The road will get crowded and traffic jam at 9am during travel peak period.
Hotel offers free transport for pick up and return to high speed railway station. Reservation is required.
Rooms
All rooms got a floor-to-ceiling glass window facing towards the Yulong Snow Mountain and park. The one that I booked is the cheapest one of all that can view the mountain. Although it is a single queen bed, it got a sofa bed near the window that can sleep for two kids or one adult.
Unlimited water bottles supply in the corridor.
Washing machine and drying machine located on second floor.
The park is outside is famous for visitors to view sunrise. Check the video out at my Facebook / IG to see more of it.
Breakfast and Tea Included
A set of tea set, fruit and waffle can be provided everyday. Though you can only enjoy it on the first day as the rest of the days you will probably out for touring.
Breakfast needs to be reserved. Only two kinds of breakfast available: mee xian (rice noodles) or waffles. Coffee machine, bread, milk, fruits are also available at the breakfast place.
Cafe is available at the counter for more different types of coffee.
Nearby Convenient Store
The hotel does not provide oxygen machine. If you need oxygen bottle in case of emergency, you can head to this convenient store for purchase.
There are two types of oxygen bottles available. RMB10 and RMB15 for the same size but different brand. I tried the RMB10 one but I am unsure the effect after sucking in. Afterall, I don’t have the altitude sickness. Some said that getting the RMB15 is better.
Nearby Restaurants
1. Lijiang Clay Stove Cooking (丽江土灶王生态农家乐(古城区蓉海农家乐))
5 minutes walk from the hotel. The restaurant decoration makes it look like you are entering a old village. The restaurant uses charcoal to cook and keep the food hot even on your table.
The food considered quite expensive compared to ShenZhen. At least the food is quite good and the environment makes it special to dine in.
The more people to have dinner, the cheaper it is to order food over there. At least a group of 10 people may worth going to the place. But if you wanted to try out the dinner environment, it still worth the place. From what I heard, people normally need to call for reservation. We happened to be early and get a room for dinner.
2. Beef Steamboat (潘茴香•茴香牛肉云南火锅)
The restaurant located at a very crowded street. There are many other restaurants available along the street so we anyhow choose one to have dinner.
It’s a semi-buffet. All vegetables and noodles are free of charge, except beef and mushrooms. It’s my first time seeing yellow color mushroom, have to try it out. It’s important to follow the staff order to wait for the mushroom to be cooked for 25 minutes. A countdown timer will be given when the mushroom is put to the steamboat for boiling by the staff.
3. Strongly Recommended – Yongchang beef restaurant (永昌牛肉小吃店)
The BEST food I had in the journey. I have never eaten such a good taste of mushroom before.
The food is so good that I went there twice for dinner. Almost the third time but someone wanted more meat in the dinner. Otherwise, I will go there for the third time.
In Yunnan, mushroom is a must-order food in the trip especially during rainy season in July to August. There are 24 types (including toxic) mushrooms that you can try out in Yunnan.
In this small shop, we tried out two types of mushrooms recommended by the shop owner.
Matsutake (松茸)
In Hong Kong, a very small packet of Matsutake, just one small piece of it cost around HK$130. It’s very expensive not just because the delivery fee, but also, it is unable to grow by humankind for the exact same type. This mushroom can only be found in nature. Matsutake has lots of nutrients and it tastes VERY good. It is known as the king of mushrooms.
A dish of Matsutake selling price (according to shop owner) is based on Lijiang market price(just like seafood price). We get it for RMB120 a dish. If you are getting the same dish at Lijiang ancient town, it can cost RMB2xx, a double of the pricing here.
Agaricus subrufescens (姬松茸)
Our next day meal wanted to order the same Matsutake dish but it is out of stock. The chef recommended us to get the other mushroom. The taste is different from Matsutake. It’s still a good dish. But in my opinion, Matsutake is still the best. Even until this moment I can still reminisce about the taste.
Car Park
There is a very small places to park the vehicle (probably can park about four to five). Travelling in a peak season, there is only two (including mine) vehicles in the park.
As the location of the hotel is inside a small village, the road is very narrow to ride inside. If you rent a very large-size vehicle (bigger than a Toyota alphard), it will be difficult to drive in and out.
Conclusion
There might be other hotels that can offer a great view. It might be more expensive. But this one is more value worth to me. As far as I heard, one of the staffs can speak fluent English. There are a number of English speakers stay at this hotel as well. This one will not disappoint your stay in Lijiang.
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Other related articles:
-> Yunnan 9 days tour guide – Lijiang part i
-> Yunnan 9 days tour guide – Kunming
-> Yunnan 9 days tour guide – Dali
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