Sleeping in a Cliffside Mineral Valley, Soaking in Cloud-Top Hot Springs

Banyan Tree Nanjing Garden Expo The moment you step into Banyan Tree Nanjing Garden Expo, the hustle and bustle of the city instantly fades away. This is no ordinary hotel—it nestles between the rugged cliffs of an abandoned quarry, perfectly blending the raw industrial heritage with the delicate charm of Jiangnan gardens. Every glance feels like flipping through a three-dimensional picture book woven with nature and culture. **🌌 Hotel Design** * **Cloud-Top Sanctuary:** The main building appears to "grow" from the quarry cliffs. The lobby sits high above, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking panoramic views of the deep pit. When mist swirls, it truly feels like a celestial paradise in the clouds. * **Mineral Valley Hot Springs:** The most awe-inspiring feature is the public hot spring area at the bottom of the quarry! Multiple pools of varying temperatures are nestled among the raw, rugged rock walls, with a sliver of blue sky peeking through the cliffs above and steam rising around you. At night, the illuminated cliffs and starry sky create an unforgettable experience as you soak in the warm waters. * **Private Soaking Pool:** The **Dream Valley King Room** we stayed in came with a private soaking pool on the balcony, offering a direct view of the majestic quarry cliffs. Mornings were spent watching mist rise, and evenings under the stars—pure bliss. **🛏️ Rooms** * The room design continues the natural quarry theme, with earthy tones creating a calm and comfortable ambiance, accented by mineral elements and Chinese elegance. * The bedding was exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night. The toiletries were Banyan Tree’s signature aromatherapy series, with unique herbal scents that melted away stress. * The highlight was the massive floor-to-ceiling window and private balcony, framing the quarry’s wild beauty as a stunning backdrop, rain or shine. **🍽️ Dining** * **White Cloud Chinese Restaurant:** Specializing in refined Huaiyang and Cantonese cuisine, the dishes were fresh and creative. While the food was excellent, the service during our holiday stay was disappointingly poor. Despite being told no reservation was needed, we were turned away due to lack of seating, and the staff refused to call us when tables opened up. Many empty tables were left uncleared—suggesting the F&B team needs better training for peak seasons. * **Moonlight Western Restaurant:** Breakfast here was lavish, with a wide selection of Chinese and Western options. The freshly made wontons and local snacks stood out. * **Afternoon Tea:** The lobby lounge’s afternoon tea was as visually stunning as it was delicious. Sipping tea by the floor-to-ceiling windows with the quarry view was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. **🌟 Service & Experience** * Banyan Tree’s signature **warm hospitality** was consistently impeccable, from the welcome garland and tea upon arrival to the attentive room service—all delivered with genuine smiles. * The **Banyan Tree Spa**, set in a uniquely transformed quarry cave, is a must-try for deep relaxation with expert treatments. * The hotel is part of the **Garden Expo Park**, though located at the far end. To visit attractions like the Jiangsu Thirteen Cities Garden Exhibits, Pioneer Bookstore, or the Underwater Plant Garden, guests must first take the hotel shuttle, then transfer to a paid park shuttle. * **Pricing:** As a luxury hotel, it’s on the higher end, but the unparalleled quarry hot springs and views make it worth the splurge—especially for anniversaries or as a self-reward getaway.