Boutique Hotels in Lijiang

The hospitality and care for the wellness of their guests go beyond expectations and anything I have ever experienced in a hotel. From the first moment of walking through the doors and being greeted by May and HeiMi (the cat), I felt the warmness of stepping foot into Bivou-instantly, I was at a place that felt like home. Right when we stepped through the threshold, we were offered homemade bread (that I could still taste even now) and some delicious apple tea. The ayis (aunties) helped move our heavy luggage into the beautiful room, and spent time introducing the activities in the hotel, activities we could do around Lijiang, and different hikes that we could go on. Our room was so COMFORTABLE - high ceilings, spacious bathroom with a rain shower, clean and woodsy interior, and firm beds with warming mats. The welcome package included lotion, lip balm, and the most comprehensive maps of Lijiang, as well as a binder filled with activities to do. The activities weren't your typical "tourist" activities but they were incredibly curated, local gems like biking to Baishi village and going to see the Naxi orchestra (Nomi helped booked for us! Thank you!). The owner of Bivou is so fun and helpful - she gave us a map for Tiger Leaping Gorge and even helped us arrange a hotel on the trail! For a lot of my stay in Lijiang, I was sick (some food poisoning), but the ayis, especially May, kept me alive - not even exaggerating. They went out of their way to cook porridge for me, recommended and brewed red tea for my stomach ache, delivered homemade soup and dumplings up to the room, and changed the bed sheets at midnight for us. The Bivou cafe was the ONLY place I trusted to eat at because I wasn't feeling well. The food is so healthy, fresh, homecooked with love, and absolutely healing. Bivou is not your typical boutique hotel, not the Banyan, nor the Four Seasons.

This hotel is absolutely splendid. It occupies an area as large as a neighbourhood. It's right within Lijiang Ancient Town, possibly the most beautiful old town in China. There's a main building with the lobby, the restaurants, the cafe and the spa but the rooms are scattered around the property is small pavilions. I got a free upgrade to a Premium Room which was the most beautifully decorated hotel room I've ever had. The room was spacious, very quiet and had everything I needed. I felt that the bed was the most comfortable I've ever slept in. There was a bathtub and a shower in the room. A room of this quality would cost around 1800 € in Europe. The choice at breakfast was huge. Overall this is a luxury hotel, well above the average of the worldwide five-star standards, yet you would need to pay considerably more for this quality almost anywhere in the world.

Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, beautiful courtyard, nice room

Our stay in Lijiang was truly memorable, largely thanks to our amazing host, Julia. She contacted me two months in advance to check if I needed anything and took care of every request. We were warmly welcomed with snacks, and throughout our stay she kept surprising us with thoughtful treats. She shared fantastic recommendations for restaurants, cafés, and photo spots, and even assisted us perfectly when it was time to leave. The room was excellent and the location could n’t have been better, right in the heart of Lijiang Old Town. We felt genuinely cared for. Highly recommended!