Chengdu, the 4th largest city in China and with 21.4 million people living in this vibrant city, is not short of superlatives, from long history to its well preserved culture and heritage that’s brought forward to this very modern day with world-class infrastructures such as two enormous international well facilitated airports, stunning luxury shopping precincts, not forgetting being the epicentre of the popular Sichuan hotpot and vibrant dining culture and so forth.
In the heart of Chengdu’s bustling CBD is a luxury shopping and commercial precinct comprised of two large leading developments, the IFS shopping mall and the open-plan Taikoo Li retail-led mixed-use that offer unique shopping and leisure experience in Jinjiang district and the Niccolo Hotel has a pre-eminent position standing tall on Hongxing road that is right in the middle of this shopping mecca – IFS is attached to the hotel and Taikoo Li is directly across the road.
While the Niccolo Chengdu is not short of amenities on its doorstep, as a brand, the Niccolo aligns itself with culture, art and fashion, so the location is fitting. Unbeknownst to us, the CBD footprint is larger than expected, which turns out to be a voyage of discovery. Should you wish to go more local outside of a star luxury environment, you are also on the footprints of some great and exciting local food as well as local shopping exploration. Needless to say, you can enjoy the ubiquitous Sichuan hotpot anywhere in this locale as they are in abundance everywhere you look and you will be assured of a uniquely local experience. It is simply a foodie and shopping paradise.
The bright, spacious and airy lobby is a beautiful space to be introduced to the brand, as it was flooded with natural light even on a rainy day of our arrival, the light and attractive marble flooring well adorned with graceful floral arrangements together with numerous art installations and artworks juxtaposed with the beautifully chosen furniture to create life in a cathedral-like vestibule.
Stella who checked us in quickly motioned to us to complete the check-in formalities, prompt, precise and with warmth and we were already won over with the brand contact experience. The check-in was brief and we made our own way to the 24th floor and discovered our new abode in Chengdu that has a superb view over the luxury shopping precinct and beyond and we couldn’t have been happier.
Although the hotel is some ten years old, it is very well kept and ticks all the boxes such as the extremely luxurious comfortable king bed with the finest linens; uncomplicated tech-savvy touch controls for the window blinds and light switches; quiet air-conditioning; a large wardrobe and working desk; large sofa and easy chair to relax in; a bright marble bathroom (with the option of opening up the blinds to see into the bedroom) with premium Italian brand Lorenzo Villoresi bathroom amenities and separate toilet and large walk-in shower; and plenty of available floor space to spread out your suitcases and shopping purchases.
While Niccolo Chengdu prides itself in providing personalized, caring service and exciting experiences, after settling in we were given a pleasantly surprise personalised tour of the huge premise that has established its own unique identity.
The swimming pool and fitness centre on the sixth floor exceeded our expectations with a long pool for lap swimming and spacious pool deck with views over Taikoo Li which is beautiful in design especially the wall waterfalls feature.
A spacious and well equipped steam and sauna to follow with high ceilings that create more space than there actually is which is all flooded with natural light through the floor to ceiling windows that is quite pleasing.
STEAK FRITES & BAR
The entire lobby level spaces have the double height floor to ceiling windows overlooking Taikoo Li and the city vista. In addition to STEAK FRITE & BAR and The Tea Lounge on the same lobby level.
Down on level two you have the signature Sichuan and Cantonese restaurant YUE HIN serving classic and celebrated dishes. Across the hallway is the adjacent all-day-dining Niccolo Kitchen which has some very striking and attractive interior design elements that make it look more like an upmarket bistro.
From here you also have direct access to IFS shopping mall, which is handy to have should you wish to have a walk when the weather is not conducive which was the case on most days during our visit. Besides, there were connecting bridges to cross over the adjacent buildings and numerous functions rooms and grand ballrooms to facilitate multi international events, conferences, as well as weddings.
Breakfast at Niccolo Kitchen is a fine repast with western and local specialities, but being in Chengdu we highly recommend you try the local noodles, dumplings, and, in particular, Xiao Long Bao, as you are spoilt for choice together with some other delicious options. The buffet section is huge and chefs are at your disposal to prepare noodles to order a-la-minute for you and they do not disappoint. Overall, we were bowled over by the variety of local options for its great selections and quality.
Hotpot was introduced for lunch and dinner here during our visit, and while it does not have the extensive menu a stand-alone Sichuan hotpot restaurant would offer, there are some classic hotpot options in the comfort of a luxury hotel which is always appealing.
Our stay was not long enough, as Chengdu has so much to offer both within the city and beyond, but we had certainly maxed out our stay in Niccolo Chengdu by exploring and sampling the delicious food as much as possible as well as the luxuriate facilities.
Many team members made our stay much more memorable because of their service, especially the new breed of knowledgeable concierge team called Niccolo City Insiders, Steven and Dandy, Jilly in Niccolo Kitchen and Gloria, Vicky and Nick in YUE HIN for their sincere and honest hospitality. You would be hard pressed to find a luxury hotel with such a top notch location and views to match, both within the hotel and beyond for a new encounter timeless pleasure and an enjoyable staycation experience.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
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