Hotel Baotou

---

From its position on the lush banks of China's Yellow River, the city of Baotou entices travelers from all four corners of the Earth with its unique blend of the old with the new. This is a place of contrasts: both historic and forward-thinking, ancient yet modern, enigmatic but warmhearted and friendly. Over the last two decades as China has opened itself up to the rest of the world this part of Inner Mongolia has become an increasingly-important stop on the trail that increasing numbers of adventurous visitors make through this unique and enchanting country. In a manner that has been synchronous with the explosive economic development of the country at large this part of China has risen to the challenge of catering for the legions of pilgrims who arrive every year, visiting either on vacation or for business and who all require a place to stay. If you're planning a trip to this beautiful part of China and are looking to book a hotel Baotou now has a superb range from which to choose, ranging from ultra-affordable backpackers' hostels to more opulent premises that represent the very pinnacle of modern luxury.

Baotou and the greater Mongolia region is part of modern China but has a history that goes back to the times typified by Genghis Khan and the nomadic Mongol tribes of the 13th century. Despite widespread upgrading this part of China is still steeped in antiquity, with many ancient temples and statues existing to this day. It's largely because of this timelessness that once you check in to your hotel Baotou becomes a gateway to the past, allowing a view of a culture that was for centuries hidden from Western eyes. Many visitors to Mongolia take in this city as part of a wider trek through Eastern China facilitated by the outstanding Trans-Mongolian Railway that originates in Beijing then takes in Shanxi province and the Inner Mongolian city of Jining before stopping at Baotou, continuing through Ulaanbaatar and terminating in Siberia. No other rail journey in the world encapsulates so many different environments and cultures and is widely (and justifiably) regarded as being one of the most epic journeys that one could make.

If you undertake such a trek you'll discover the superb hospitality that is a characteristic of this part of the world, with the innate welcoming nature and friendliness of its people exemplified by those who provide your lodgings, regardless of how much you wish to spend. And what a range of hostelries there are, both here and in the outlying regions of Mongolia. For those that have not previously visited a local hotel Baotou could be incorrectly imagined as a rather agrarian backwater but nothing could be further from the truth. Eager to capture on a tourist market that has become exponentially lucrative over the last decade, many international hoteliers have set up shop both here and in other Chinese provinces throughout the historical region of Mongolia. As a result you can expect to find many establishments that provide service which exceeds anything you're likely to experience elsewhere with everyone from reception staff to hotel management willing to do their utmost in insuring your comfort.

This dedication to service is deep-rooted in the culture of China: where Western manners dictate that a guest should integrate into the practices of the host, the Chinese tradition is the reverse where those being catered for are encouraged to act as they would at home. This obviously has impressive ramifications for those who stay in one of the country's lodgings where by merely booking a room in a hotel Baotou becomes literally a home from home! Whether you reserve a luxury suite in one of the city's 5-star hostelries or stay with a local family in a Mongolian yurt you can therefore expect the kind of reception that simply doesn't occur in other parts of the world. As well as a superb welcome that is quintessentially-Chinese many of the hotels and motels in the city have incorporated the best aspects of Western hospitality with a number of 4- and 5-star hotels that provide all the comforts today's visitors have come to expect from modern luxury hotels. While some places to stay in the city will offer more facilities than others the same high standards of cleanliness and comfort that derive from a personal pride in service will be evident throughout.

As well as the in-room attractions and comforts you'll find in your hotel Baotou is also home to some of the very best in Cantonese and traditional Mongolian cuisine with many of the lodgings in the city allied to the region's best restaurants. With the local languages spoken being Mongolian and Mandarin Chinese many hoteliers are also skilled English-speakers and will be happy to assist you in finding your way around town as well as organizing local transportation for excursions into the Mongolian countryside. While China continues to be a country regarded by many westerners as mysterious to the point of impenetrability the true nature of it and its people will surprise and delight even the most jaded world visitors. With guesthouses, motels and resorts that are the equal of anywhere else in the world, the warm reception you'll receive is only equaled by such premises' outstanding value for money. Regardless of the kind of accommodation you reserve, from the moment you check into your hotel Baotou will confound your expectations and keep you enchanted throughout the duration of your stay.

---