Is the Hefei Swan Lake Hotel Worth Staying At? A Comprehensive Review

Highlight Features: City Center Lake View + Five-Star Service for Double the Relaxation As a landmark five-star hotel in Hefei's government and business district, what impressed me most about the Swan Lake Hotel is the seamless integration of its prime lakefront location and urban oasis. The hotel directly faces the sprawling Swan Lake, and opening the window reveals a view of the sparkling lake and the city skyline. Sitting on the balcony in the evening, watching the sunset dye the lake surface, is incredibly soothing. Even more surprising is the hotel's private garden, where winding paths lead to pavilions and waterside gazebos. Strolling through it feels like stepping into a secret Jiangnan garden, making it hard to believe you're in the heart of a bustling city. The service details are also exemplary. Upon check-in, we were thoughtfully presented with a welcome fruit platter and a handwritten card. The butler-style service was available at a moment's notice, and even families with children could enjoy exclusive amenities such as children's slippers and toothbrushes. Recommended For: An All-Arounder Suitable for Both Business and Leisure Whether you're traveling for business or with your kids, this hotel can precisely meet your needs. Business travelers will appreciate the efficiency and convenience – it's within a 10-minute walk of the municipal government and financial center, and the hotel has multiple conference rooms and a business center, even offering detailed services such as printing and binding. Families can unlock a dual experience of lake views and fun, with the hotel providing a children's playground and family-friendly pool, as well as the Swan Lake Beach and other kid-friendly spots nearby, truly achieving "adults can work without interruption, and kids can play without getting bored." The value for money is also very competitive among hotels of the same level. During peak season, you can get a lake-view room for an average of CNY 600+, which is a steal compared to hotels of the same standard in first-tier cities. Hotel Environment: An Aesthetic Space Where Elegance and Rustic Charm Coexist Stepping into the lobby, the 8-meter-high space paired with a huge ink painting instantly sets the tone for a blend of Anhui-style elegance and modern luxury. The public areas are full of thoughtful touches: the green plant wall next to the spiral staircase is full of life, the floor-to-ceiling windows of the afternoon tea bar overlook the garden, and even the elevator halls are decorated with warm-toned wood to create a sense of home. The most amazing part is the outdoor area – going through the back door of the lobby leads directly to the Swan Lake waterfront platform. A morning jog along the lake offers the chance to see egrets skimming the water, while the koi pond and rockery waterfall in the garden are perfect for photo opportunities, with every shot creating a stylish vibe. Room Amenities: A Quality Choice That Will Delight Detail-Oriented Guests The lake-view deluxe room I stayed in was a "mobile viewing platform," with 270° corner floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the lake. Paired with light-colored fabric sofas and wooden coffee tables, it creates a truly "natural healing" atmosphere. The bedding is made of 600-thread-count pure cotton, and lying down feels like sinking into a cloud. Even the pillows come in a variety of options, such as down and latex. Smart toilets, rainforest showers, and B&O Bluetooth speakers add a touch of technology, while the mini-bar offers complimentary soft drinks and snacks. The turndown service even includes steam eye masks and sleep-aiding aromatherapy, which detail-oriented guests will find irresistible. Top Recommendation: The Ultimate Combination of Lake-View Room + Family Perks Must-Experience TOP1: Sunrise Moment in the Lake-View Room I recommend setting an alarm to watch the sunrise over the lake at least once. When the golden sunlight floods the lake surface and streams into the room, brew a cup of coffee and sit by the window in a daze – this is the kind of relaxation a trip should offer. A Must-Choose for Families: Executive Floor Family Suite The suite has a separate children's bed, tent, and reading corner. The hotel also offers free childcare services, so parents can sneak away to experience the gym or spa. Nearby Attractions: Citywalk Routes Within Walking Distance ✅ Swan Lake Park (5-minute walk): Lakeside trails, musical fountain (open on weekend evenings at 8pm), and a sandy area perfect for kids to play in the sand ✅ Anhui Museum New Hall (8-minute drive): Free admission, with a collection of over 220,000 cultural relics, perfect for taking kids to learn ✅ Hefei Grand Theater (15-minute walk): A landmark "Swan Egg" building that often hosts plays and concerts Dining Recommendations: From Local Flavors to International Cuisine 🍴 Inside the hotel: Wan Yun Chinese Restaurant Must-try dishes include stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu, classic Anhui dishes made with ingredients sourced from local farms. The stinky mandarin fish is marinated in a secret sauce for 7 days, resulting in firm and flavorful meat. 🍴 Inside the hotel: All-Day Dining Western Restaurant The breakfast buffet is a "nightmare for those with decision fatigue." In addition to standard Western dishes, there are also local Hefei breakfast specialties such as spicy thick soup and sha tang (a type of savory soup), and the freshly made wontons are so delicious you'll want to drink two bowls. 🍴 Nearby Takeout: Zhan Ji Peach Cakes (Government and Business District Branch) A local favorite with long lines, the peach cakes are so flaky they crumble in your mouth, and the mung bean cakes are refreshing and not too sweet. The physical store is a 10-minute walk away. Detailed Address: 888 Dongliu Road, Government and Business District, Hefei Transportation Guide: ✈️ From the airport: About a 50-minute taxi ride from Xinqiao Airport (approx. CNY 90), or take Airport Bus Line 3 directly to the Swan Lake Hotel station 🚄 From Hefei South Railway Station: 15-minute taxi ride (approx. CNY 20), or take Metro Line 1 and transfer to Line 3 to the Municipal Government Affairs Center Station, Exit C, and walk for 8 minutes 🚗 Self-driving parking: The hotel offers free underground parking, with the entrance located on the east side of the intersection of South 2nd Ring Road and Huaining Road Useful Tips: 1. Lake-view rooms need to be booked 3 days in advance. Guests on the executive floor can enjoy free afternoon tea 2. The hotel has a parent-child craft class (pottery/painting) every Saturday afternoon, which needs to be booked in advance at the front desk 3. There are many mosquitoes by the lake in summer. Mosquito repellent is provided in the rooms, but you can also bring your own mosquito repellent patches If you want to experience a "quiet oasis in the city" in Hefei, this hotel, which embraces nature without sacrificing urban convenience, is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Whether it's the efficient needs of business travel or the relaxed atmosphere of a family vacation, it can deliver excellent results. I've personally tested it and highly recommend it! 🌟