China Old Story Inns Dali Elite Garden China

Dali's Hidden Gem: Uncover China's Most Exquisite Old Story Inn!

Dali's Hidden Gem: Uncover China's Most Exquisite Old Story Inn! – (A Totally Uncensored Review)

Alright, folks, buckle up. This ain't your standard glossy hotel review. This is real. I’ve just gotten back from a whirlwind trip to Dali, China, and let me tell you, a place called "Dali's Hidden Gem: Uncover China's Most Exquisite Old Story Inn!" is… well, it's something. Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a wild ride!

(First, the accessibility stuff. Gotta be practical, right?)

Accessibility – Yeah, it's a mixed bag…

Accessibility: Okay, real talk. This place isn't exactly Disneyland for wheelchairs. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I didn't see a ton of obvious adaptations. Be sure to call ahead and get the nitty-gritty details if you need them.
Elevator: Yes, there's an elevator, which is a HUGE win, given the age and style of the building.
Check-in/out [express]: They did have a speedy check-in/out [express] option and also a very discrete Check-in/out [private] option which was great to unwind after a long flight.

(Alright, now we get to the good stuff! The things that will make you want to book right NOW!)

The Vibe and the Views – (Oh. My. God.)

This isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's like stepping back in time, into a gorgeously preserved, traditional Chinese courtyard. The architecture is stunning – think weathered wood, intricate carvings, and those classic upturned eaves. It's postcard-perfect, seriously. The terrace? Forget about it. My jaw actually dropped. The pool with a view? Yep, it's as good as it sounds. You can drink coffee while watching the gorgeous mountains, and it is one of the best experiences of my life.

Rooms – Cozy Charm Meets High-Tech (Weird Combo, But It Works!)

The room was pretty nice, nothing too opulent but the charm of the room was high ranking. The soundproofing was impressive - those cobblestone streets get busy! The blackout curtains? Genius. Every room had a window that opens, which is crucial for fresh air (and sneaking a peek at the view, let's be honest). Even though it was a very old hotel, it had modern amenities like Air conditioning, Wi-Fi [free], Coffee/tea maker. I didn't have time to check out the mini bar or the bathtub. Additional toilet and separate shower/bathtub were nice additions to make you comfortable.

Internet & Tech – Surprisingly Good!

Internet access: They had Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Praise be! It was surprisingly reliable, which is always a relief when you're trying to navigate using Google maps or do some work.
Internet services: They had everything I needed. I didn't even need to bother with my laptop workspace.
Wi-Fi for special events: They even had wifi setup if you wanted to host a seminar, according to their pamphlet.

*(Speaking of Work… The Business Side…)

For the Serious Folks (or Those Who Pretend to Be)

If you have to work while you're there, well, they've got you covered. Business facilities are available, there's a business center, and meeting spaces. Seemed kinda formal, tbh, but it's there if you need it.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure

Okay, LET'S TALK FOOD. This is where things get REALLY interesting.

Restaurants: They have multiple restaurants. One is an International cuisine in restaurant, one is Asian cuisine in restaurant and also offer Vegetarian restaurant options.
Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast [buffet] was pretty epic. I mean, seriously. Loads of options, from the standard Western fare to a full-on authentic Asian breakfast.
Buffet in restaurant
Asian breakfast
Western breakfast
Coffee/tea in restaurant
Bar
Poolside bar
Snack bar
Room service [24-hour]: Room service was solid, just what you need to recover from a long trip.
A la carte in restaurant
Desserts in restaurant
Salad in restaurant
Soup in restaurant
Bottle of water
Happy hour

A Few Food Shenanigans

One night, I ordered room service – a massive bowl of noodles (after too much baijiu, admittedly). It arrived quickly, beautifully presented, and tasted… heavenly. It was one of those moments where you just feel pure, unadulterated happiness.

Ways to Relax – Spoil Yourself!

Okay, so the place is amazing, but the Spa/sauna is what everyone's talking about.

Spa: Oh, it lived up to the hype. Seriously, the Spa was divine. I opted for a traditional Chinese massage.
Pool with view
Sauna
Steamroom
Gym/fitness
Foot bath
Body scrub
Body wrap
Massage

I tried all the things. ALL OF THEM. Trust me on this one: the massage is non-negotiable. The masseuse worked out knots I didn't even know I had. The sauna was hot (in a good way), and the feeling of pure relaxation after was incredible.

(The Nitty-Gritty – Cleanliness and Safety)

Cleanliness and safety: I felt very safe!
Rooms sanitized between stays
Daily disinfection in common areas
Anti-viral cleaning products
Hand sanitizer
Staff trained in safety protocol
Hygiene certification

(Extra Perks – Because Why Not?)

Services and conveniences: They thought of everything.
Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
Concierge: Super helpful.
Laundry service: Perfect for travel-weary clothes.
Luggage storage: Convenient for before and after my stay.
Safe dining setup
Cashless payment service
Doorman
Car park [free of charge]
Car park [on-site]
Facilities for disabled guests

(For the Kids – (Let's Be Honest, I Didn't Try This))

Family/child friendly
Babysitting service
Kids meal
Kids facilities

(Getting Around – Easy Peasy)

Airport transfer
Taxi service
Bicycle parking
Car power charging station
Car park [on-site]

(Room Details – What to Expect)

Available in all rooms:
Air conditioning - Huge win
Complimentary tea
Complimentary tea
Free bottled water
Internet access – wireless
Ironing facilities
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Satellite/cable channels
Separate shower/bathtub
Shower
Soundproofing
Wake-up service
Wi-Fi [free]
Additional toilet
Alarm clock
Bathrobes
Bathroom phone
Bathtub
Blackout curtains
Carpeting
Closet
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
Extra long bed
Hair dryer
High floor
In-room safe box
Interconnecting room(s) available
Ironing facilities
Linens
Mini bar
Mirror
Non-smoking
On-demand movies
Private bathroom
Reading light
Refrigerator
Safety/security feature
Scale
Seating area
Separate shower/bathtub
Shower
Slippers
Smoke detector
Socket near the bed
Sofa
**Soundproofing

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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a chaotic love affair with the Dali Elite Garden in China. This ain't your grandma's perfectly-pruned travelogue. This is real life, people. With questionable decisions, questionable food (maybe), and a whole lotta heart.

The Dali Drama: A Messy, Yet Magical, Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Utter Bewilderment (And Possibly Jet Lag)

Sunrise (ish): Land in Dali. Or, well, try to. My flight decided to "fashionably late" it, so I'm already cranky and clutching my neck pillow like a lifeline. The airport? Smells vaguely of instant noodles and ambition. Always a combo.
10:00 AM (give or take): Taxi to the Dali Elite Garden. The driver barely speaks English, I barely speak Mandarin. We communicate mostly through frantic hand gestures and the shared language of existential dread about traffic.
11:00 AM: Check-in. Oh. My. GOD. The courtyard. The architecture. Like stepping into a goddamn watercolor painting! I'm immediately smitten. The room? Traditional, gorgeous, with a bed calling my name. (Jet lag, you win. For now.)
12:00 PM: Lunch. I wander out, starving, and follow my nose to some tiny restaurant. "Authentic" is the only word the menu seems to use. I point at something that looks vaguely like noodles. It arrives. I tentatively slurp. Okay, it's actually pretty damn good. Maybe this trip won't kill me. (Emphasis on maybe.)
2:00 PM: Nap. The most important part of any itinerary. Thank you, jet lag. You are a fickle friend.
4:00 PM: Wandering the Old Town. This place… it's like stepping into a movie set. Cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, the scent of incense and who-knows-what-else wafting through the air. I’m a sucker for a good lantern, and this place is drowning in them. Seriously, I think I’ve taken 50 pictures of them already. Trying to find a good cup of coffee. The search continues.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Back at the hotel, for now. They said they have dinner, and as I'm still a bit nervous, I think it's the best and safest thing to do. It's a traditional tasting menu. The presentation is beautiful, almost… too beautiful. I’m pretty sure I just ate something that looked suspiciously like a flower. The flavours are… interesting. (Translation: some things I loved, some I’m not sure I ever need to try again.)

Day 2: The Lake, the Tea, and a Near-Disaster (and a Really Good Dumpling)

9:00 AM: Wake up refreshed (ish). Coffee situation still unresolved. Sigh.
10:00 AM: Walking around Erhai Lake. The lake is huge and looks very still, and very peaceful, and very pretty. I've seen people take photos, I'm taking photos. There are windsurfers, so I'm taking photos. Suddenly it's not that peaceful, thanks to a gaggle of tourists. I escape by taking a walk, and the path winds in and out of the trees and bushes, and the world is at peace again.
12:00 PM: The Great Tea Adventure. The Dali region is famous for Pu'er tea, so, obviously, I hit a tea house. The ceremony is beautifully ritualistic, the tea is… strong. Like, "can't feel my toes" strong. One of my favourite moments.
2:00 PM: Lunch! Back in the Old Town, and I FINALLY FIND IT! A tiny little dumpling shop. The dumplings are the size of my fist, the broth is pure magic, and the lady making the dumplings is the grandmother of my heart. I eat three plates. No regrets. Zero.
4:00 PM: Lost. Again. This time, hopelessly and wonderfully lost in the alleyways around the Three Pagodas. The architecture makes my brain happy. The endless shops selling… everything… keeps my credit card on high alert. I buy something completely impractical (a tiny jade pendant). Then I realize I’m low on cash.
6:00 PM: Panic sets in. I've lost my wallet. No credit cards, no cash, no ID! Cue absolute, mind-numbing panic. I retrace my steps. I re-ask for help. I go to the police station and speak to them even as they look at me and don't understand. I'm about to burst into tears.
7:00 PM: Miraculous discovery! At the dumpling shop, near the counter. The grandmother, bless her heart, is waving my wallet at me. Tears of relief. The best dumplings EVER. I am indebted.
8:00 PM: Dinner. My wallet is found. I find myself at some restaurant where I had to get a taxi there. It's busy. It's noisy. It's delicious. I eat. I drink. I laugh. I feel like I'm back to Earth again.

Day 3: A Bit of Peace, a Bit of Chaos, and a Very Important Realization

9:00 AM: Finally, coffee! Okay, it’s instant, but the balcony of my room at the Dali Elite Garden. I sit, the light in my face, and I swear I don't think of anything. I'm at peace.
11:00 AM: The Elite Garden gives me a tour and I'm in love all over again. It is like a dream. They show me secret gardens, hidden courtyards, and places where I can just breathe.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Now, I'm feeling a little more confident, I decide to experiment a little. I order something that’s (apparently) a local specialty. It arrives. It's… colorful. It's… spicy. Halfway through, I start to sweat, I think it's ok, but my eyes are tearing up. I think about if I go to the bathroom now I might lose my place…
3:00 PM: Trying to journal. I sit, trying to take notes, trying to be a proper travel writer. But the words just won’t come. They’re all caught up in the beauty of this place, the sheer, untamed chaos of the experience.
5:00 PM: Shopping. I go back to shopping, but not in the way that I was getting. I buy a little painting of the lake, a small book of poetry, a few things that I will cherish. I'm starting to understand.
7:00 PM: Farewell dinner. Back at the Dali Elite Garden, eating at the restaurant. I think I have found my place and it's the best dining experience I've ever, ever had, I'll tell you! A final toast to Dali, to the chaos, and to the unexpected beauty that’s been woven through everything.

The Biggest Takeaway: This trip, like life, is messy. There are good days and bad days. There are moments of pure, unadulterated awe and moments when you want to crawl under a rock. But through it all, there's magic. If you let it in. And the Dali Elite Garden? Well, it just might be the perfect place to let it happen. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I need another dumpling.

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Dali's Hidden Gem: Uncover China's Most Exquisite Old Story Inn! - FAQs (Because Let's Face It, You Have Questions!)

Q: Okay, seriously… is this place REALLY as magical as the pictures?

Alright, let's get real. Yes. And no. The pictures? They're gorgeous, don't get me wrong. Sun-drenched courtyards filled with flowers, that perfectly Instagrammable balcony overlooking the cobblestone streets… it's all there. BUT! The photos *can't* capture the feeling of waking up to the gentle clanging of bells in the courtyard, or the scent of jasmine that hangs heavy in the air at dusk. They can't convey the slightly chaotic charm of the lady who runs the place, bless her heart, and her broken Mandarin/English, or the sheer, unadulterated *peace* that descends when you finally put down your phone, and just… *breathe*. So, yes. It’s magical, in an intensely imperfect, wonderfully human sort of way. Oh, and that balcony? Prepare to fight for it with the other guests! (Kidding… mostly.)

Q: How do I even GET there? The website uses the word "remote" a lot...

"Remote"… yeah, they're not kidding. Getting to the Old Story Inn is part of the adventure (and a bit of a test of your patience, let's be honest). You'll likely fly into Dali Airport (it's… well, it's an airport), then it’s a taxi, or maybe a *very* scenic bus ride. The last leg is usually on foot (or a rickshaw, if you're feeling fancy and have negotiated a decent price) through the narrow, winding alleys of the old town. Be prepared for a bit of a maze! Pack light. Seriously. My first trip? I lugged a suitcase the size of a small car. Regret. Pure, unadulterated regret. And wear comfortable shoes, those cobblestones are no joke.

Q: What's the food situation like? Are we talking instant noodles or gourmet feasts?

The food. Ah, the food! It's… a glorious spectrum. Breakfast is included, and it's a simple but delicious affair – fresh fruit, congee (rice porridge – get used to it!), and maybe some baozi (steamed buns). Lunch and Dinner? You have options. The Inn itself offers some traditional dishes, and honestly, they’re pretty darn good. The lady even makes a mean… well, you get her version of a mean anything, remember the Mandarin/English thing? It's delicious, I'm sure, but its ingredients and methods are never fully clear. But the *real* fun is exploring the local restaurants in the nearby streets. Expect noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries galore. Warning: the spice level in Dali is NOT for the faint of heart. Ask for "xia la" (less spicy) unless you *really* like your mouth to feel like it's on fire. I speak from experience. My trip to the bathroom after a particularly adventurous meal was… memorable. Let's just say I befriended the local fire department.

Q: What about the rooms? Are they… clean?

Okay, let’s be honest, this is a big one. Are they "clean" in the sterile, Western-hotel sense? Maybe not. But are they *clean* in a cozy, lived-in, grandma’s-house kind of way? Absolutely. The rooms are charmingly decorated with antique furniture, traditional artwork, and those gorgeous wooden window frames that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. (And yes, they DO occasionally creak.) The bedding is clean, the bathrooms are functional, and the overall vibe is one of comfortable authenticity. There might be a dust bunny or two hiding in a corner, but frankly, you'll be too busy soaking up the atmosphere to care. I once spent an entire afternoon reading on a window seat, watching the rain fall, and I swear, I didn’t notice a single speck of dust. It was perfect. Except, maybe, for the occasional mosquito... pack spray!

Q: Are the staff helpful / do they speak English?

The staff… oh, the staff. They are the heart and soul of the Old Story Inn. Their English is… variable. But their hearts? Pure gold. They will go out of their way to help you, even if it involves a lot of pointing, miming, and the occasional frantic phone call to a friend who speaks English. Seriously, I needed a sewing kit one time, and they practically tore the place apart to find one for me. And they somehow managed to understand my attempts at Mandarin better than anyone else I encountered in China. Their smiles are genuine, their warmth is infectious, and you feel like you're staying with family rather than at a hotel. Just... be patient, bring a phrasebook, and download a translation app. It's all part of the fun! Oh, and tip generously. They deserve it.

Q: What's there to DO in Dali? Beyond the inn, obviously…

Dali is… a feast for the senses. First of all, the old town itself is a treasure trove. Wandering the narrow streets, getting lost in the maze of shops and stalls, is a must. There's the Three Pagodas temple, a stunning display of ancient architecture (and a great spot for photos, duh). You can rent a bike and cycle along Erhai Lake (stunning, I tell you!), or take a boat trip. The surrounding mountains offer breathtaking hiking opportunities, if you’re feeling adventurous, (I, personally, am not the adventurous type… I prefer the aforementioned balcony). There are tea ceremonies, traditional Bai minority villages to explore, and a vibrant art scene. Seriously, you won't be bored. Just… leaveSerene Getaways