Howard Jahnson TianXi Plaza Chongqing

As a Chengdu resident who frequently visits the areas surrounding Chongqing, the experience at the Howard Johnson Tongliang Hotel exceeded my expectations. Unlike city hotels, it wasn't cramped; instead, it offered a relaxed, "high-end" feel, perfect for a trip to Anju Ancient Town and Xuantian Lake. The receptionist, Ms. Ma, was gentle and sweet. The room was spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views, and all amenities were provided. The location was excellent, a 10-minute drive from Tongliang North Railway Station and only 15 minutes by car to Xuantian Lake Scenic Area—much more convenient than staying in the old city. The hotel lobby was grand, check-in was quick, and the staff proactively helped with luggage—a thoughtful touch compared to some hotels in the same price range in Chengdu. The lake-view room I booked had a stunning view; opening the curtains revealed the shimmering waters of Xuantian Lake. Waking up to birdsong in the morning was a hundred times more pleasant than the traffic noise of city hotels. The hardware details were excellent: the mattress had just the right firmness, more relaxing than typical business hotel beds; the bathroom had a separate shower and toilet, hot water was readily available and at a stable temperature, and the toiletries had a subtle cedar scent—the quality was comparable to a five-star hotel. The breakfast selection is quite extensive, including regular meals, as well as Tongliang specialties like Chongchonggao (a type of rice cake) and Youcha (a type of tea). The freshly cooked noodles with minced meat sauce are incredibly fragrant and very appealing to those with a spicy Chengdu palate. Minor drawbacks include some outdated facilities, such as the slightly worn elevator buttons. Also, the hotel restaurant offers limited dinner options; I recommend trying the roasted rabbit at the nearby "Sanhuochun" restaurant, which is just a 5-minute drive away. It's a 2.5-hour drive from Chengdu, making it a perfect weekend getaway for a family stay of two nights. Whether you're in Tongliang for business or leisure, this hotel provides comfortable accommodation and offers excellent value for money in the area.

The room was new and very clean! The front desk staff, Xiao Yang and Xiao Zhang, were also incredibly helpful!