Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an
A 71-room hotel in a 1953 former state guesthouse on Renmin Square, within Xi'an's city walls.
- Neighbourhood
- Renmin Square, inside the city walls
- Status
- Open
Why we recommend it
This is a hotel with a past. It was built in 1953 as a state guesthouse, in a monumental manner that recalls the Soviet palaces of the period, and it has kept its scale: high ceilings, original classical features and a garden setting on Renmin Square.
With 71 rooms it is also small, and it is run accordingly, with a butler assigned to each room from arrival. It suits travellers who want to stay within the walls, in the historic centre, and who value a building with a history. Within the same collection, OKYTO also covers Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
Rooms & Suites
The 71 rooms and suites are notably spacious, with the high ceilings and classical features of the original building retained and the decoration kept elegant rather than ornate. Every room comes with 24-hour butler service; a personal butler meets guests on arrival and looks after the stay.
Dining
Dolce Vita is the hotel’s Italian restaurant and also serves breakfast. The 1953 Lobby Lounge recreates the look of the building as it was when it opened and is the place for afternoon tea and cocktails. The smaller Louis XIII Bar specialises in rare cognacs and other fine spirits.
Design
The building opened in 1953 as a state guesthouse and remains an imposing presence on Renmin Square. Its style mixes French and Russian elements, recalling the Soviet palaces of the era, and the interiors keep the high moulded ceilings and Art Deco details, hung with Chinese artworks. The interiors have been thoroughly refurbished.
Wellness & Spa
The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a gym and a sauna, and spa treatments are available.
Location
The hotel stands on Renmin Square, in the centre of Xi’an and inside the ancient city walls, surrounded by its own gardens. The Bell Tower, the Muslim Quarter and the walls themselves are within reach.
In the old city, OKYTO lists DeFaChang Dumpling Restaurant, on Bell and Drum Tower Square, and Lou Beilou Fan Zhuang, on Beiyuanmen. For the Terracotta Army, see OKYTO’s guide to the First Emperor’s buried soldiers; more on the city is on the Xi’an destination page.
- Address
- 319 Dong Xin Street, Xi'an, China