Chongqing's Davids Deer Hotel: China's Most Unexpected Luxury Getaway?
Chongqing's Davids Deer Hotel: A Luxury Getaway That’s Actually… Unexpected? Let’s Dive In.
Alright, so you’re thinking about Chongqing’s Davids Deer Hotel. And you're thinking "luxury," "getaway," all that jazz. Look, I get it. I've been there. And after a week of navigating Chongqing's glorious chaos (and, let's be honest, sometimes questionable smells), a little slice of pampered perfection sounds… well, practically mandatory.
So, is Davids Deer the answer? Buckle up, buttercups. It's complicated. My review? Less a perfectly polished travel brochure, more a rambling, honest assessment from someone who actually stayed there.
First Impressions & Getting There: A Bit Off-Road, But Okay (Accessibility & Getting Around - Let’s Get Those Wheels Turning!)
Okay, let's rip the band-aid off. Accessibility? It claims to be accessible, and mostly is. The common areas seem okay. The elevators are decent – but Chongqing’s geography is… a beast. Expect hills, expect stairs (even with elevators), and be prepared for some serious leg work, especially if using a wheelchair. While Facilities for disabled guests are listed the execution sometimes felt… a little less than seamless.
Getting Around: The car park [free of charge] is a godsend. Valet parking is, thankfully, also available. I’d recommend it. Finding the hotel initially involved some serious head-scratching, navigating narrow streets and a fair bit of honking. Airport transfer is a must, especially after a long flight and a potentially bewildering arrival in this sprawling city. Taxi service is an option, but honestly, the Davids Deer arrangements are probably the best (and safest) bet.
The Welcome Wagon: Services & Conveniences, a Mixed Bag.
The Concierge? Generally helpful, but sometimes a little… overwhelmed. I tried to book a last-minute cooking class and it took about an hour of back-and-forth to finally get it sorted. Doorman? Efficient. Check-in/out [express]? Yes, but the system felt a tad clunky. Check-in/out [private] is available, which is a nice touch.
Services and conveniences like Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Dry cleaning are all present and accounted for. No complaints there. They even offer Invoice provided. Cash withdrawal is easy to access. Meeting/banquet facilities are there if you need ‘em. I didn't use them.
The Room: (Available in all rooms!) A Sanctuary, Mostly. (And Internet, Thank Goodness)
Okay, the rooms. This is where Davids Deer really tries to shine. My room, which was non-smoking (thank you!), was… substantial. Spacious. Air conditioning worked like a charm, which is essential in Chongqing’s humid climate. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver. The extra long bed was gloriously comfortable.
My room also had things like Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service and of course, Window that opens. Phew!
But let's be real: they're trying for perfection, but it's not quite there. My Internet access – wireless (i.e., Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was spotty at times. And, no, I couldn't get the Internet access – LAN to work. Still, the Internet in general was better than some other places I've stayed in China.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Weird) Food.
Alright, the food. This is where things get really interesting. There are Restaurants (plural!) and a Poolside bar. Breakfast [buffet] is available, with Asian breakfast options alongside Western breakfast fare. The Asian cuisine in restaurant is worth your time. The Buffet in restaurant is a decent option. There's also Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Snack bar.
But here's the real scoop: The Happy hour is… well, happy. And worth the time in my opinion. The Desserts in restaurant are fantastic. But, and this is a big but, the menu is a bit… eclectic. One night I tried the Soup in restaurant; it was… unforgettable. (In a not-always-good way.) The food was generally of a good quality and they had Alternative meal arrangement options for a vegetarian friend of mine. I like the Bottle of water in every room. They also have Room service [24-hour] which is convenient, though I didn't try it.
The Spa & Relaxation: Pool with View, Sauna, Yes Yes Yes!
This is where Davids Deer really redeems itself. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning, with that Pool with view I mentioned. Seriously, sinking into that pool with a cocktail after a day of exploring is… pure bliss. The Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom are all excellent.
I went all-in. Body scrub, Body wrap, the whole shebang. The quality was top-notch. The masseuse was amazing, kneading away all the tension. This is what you come here for!
But… and I’m going to be honest here… I kind of got lost trying to find the Fitness center. It's in the basement and it took me like, five minutes of wandering around to actually spot it. It could be better signposted!
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Era Concerns?
So, Cleanliness and safety are obviously paramount these days. Davids Deer takes this seriously. They list a bunch of things. Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, and even the Room sanitization opt-out available.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: A Bit of Both!
Davids Deer offers a mix of options. You can explore the area, but honestly, you're probably going to spend a lot of time in the hotel. Good thing there's so much to do there, as I've said before, and there are Ways to relax.
For the Kids: Family/child friendly? Yes, but it's not really its focus. There's a Babysitting service if you need it, and some Kids facilities like high chairs in the restaurant.
The Quirks and the Quirks:
- The Lobby Decor: Let's just say it's… distinctive. Think a blend of modern Chinese and slightly over-the-top Western. It either charming or totally bewildering. I found it a little confusing.
- The Name: Davids Deer. I still haven't figured that one out. Seriously, what does that mean? Is there a David? Are there deer? I saw neither.
- The Staff: Generally friendly, but English proficiency varies. Be prepared for some enthusiastic charades.
The Bottom Line: Is Davids Deer Worth It?
Okay, after all that rambling, the big question: Should you stay at Chongqing's Davids Deer Hotel?
It’s a mixed bag, but yes.
The rooms are generally excellent. The spa is a dream. The pool is sheer perfection. The food is… well, an adventure. The staff tries their best, though the English might cause some confusion.
It's not perfect. It's not the flawless ultra-luxury experience you might be expecting. But it is a unique and memorable one. It's a solid option if you're looking for a Chongqing getaway.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, glorious depths of Chongqing – specifically, the Davids Deer Hotel, bless its quirky little heart. Forget your meticulously crafted plans; this is real life, people. And trust me, it’s going to be… something.
Chongqing: Davids Deer Hotel - A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (with a Heavy Dose of Reality)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Hunt (and the Sudden Realization I Left My Phone Charger)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM, roughly): Ugh, the flight. Let me tell you, I'm not a morning person. Woke up feeling like a crumpled piece of paper that someone forgot to recycle. Landed in Chongqing. The airport was… functional. That's the nicest thing I can say about it. Found a guy with a remarkably confident mustache and a sign for the Davids Deer Hotel (praise be!). Taxi ride: a rollercoaster of near misses and aggressive honking. Apparently, the locals have a special relationship with the horn.
- Arrival at Davids Deer Hotel (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Checked in. The lobby… well, it had character. Let’s say that. Think “vintage, slightly faded, and possibly haunted.” The staff were adorable. They actually seemed genuinely happy to see me, which is a rare and beautiful thing. My room? Okay, maybe the pictures online slightly exaggerated the view, but the bed was comfy. Crucially, there was a working air conditioner, which is a non-negotiable in Chongqing humidity.
- The Great Noodle Hunt (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Now, the real emergency. I had to find noodles. Chongqing is practically synonymous with noodles. So I ventured out, armed with a phrasebook and a desperate desire for carbs. It was… a challenge. Lost several times, asked for directions using a combination of charades and increasingly frantic pointing. Eventually, stumbled upon a tiny, smoky noodle shop. The noodles were… heavenly. Spicy, slithery, life-affirming. Okay, maybe I cried a little from the deliciousness. And then I realized I'd left my phone charger on the aircraft. SOS.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Spent a good hour trying to explain my charger problem to the hotel staff. They, bless their hearts, understood some English, but mostly it was a lot of gesturing. Managed to get a loaner charger, which, let’s be honest, probably came from a museum of ancient technology. Took a nap. The jet lag was a beast.
- Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Dinner! Back to eating: I think I'll be eating until I'm too fat to move.
Day 2: Exploring the City (and Maybe Actually Seeing Something Besides Noodles)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, plan: See the sights. Not that I'm expecting much. (I'm a terrible planner). Took the subway (an experience in itself - super crowded but surprisingly efficient). Went to Ciqikou Ancient Town : touristy, definitely, but also kinda charming. The vibrant architecture in that part of the town was to die for. Got lost in the maze of narrow streets, surrounded by the smells of roasting chestnuts and something suspiciously involving duck. The food tasted great (and a bit spicy)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The hot pot experience (a MUST in Chongqing). Found a place recommended by the hotel. It was an explosion of spice and flavour, a culinary baptism by fire (literally). The staff was friendly - and laughed when I tried to do my best. My face was red, my mouth was on fire, and I loved every single, sweating second of it.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - onwards): Exhausted. Back to the hotel (which, by this point, felt like a cozy, chaotic home). Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was a mixed bag, but the company of my own thoughts was sublime (or, at least, not entirely dreadful). Early night. My body needed to be fully functional.
Day 3: The Yangtze River Cruise and Existential Dread
- Morning (9:00 AM -12:00 PM): The Yangtze River cruise! Supposed to be majestic, or so the brochures promised. The good news: the river is indeed vast. The bad news: the weather resembled a damp, grey sock. Tried to take moody photos. They looked like blurry, grey socks. Stood on the deck, contemplating life, the universe, and why I can't take a decent landscape shot.
- Afternoon/Evening (12:00 PM - late): Post-cruise blues. Back at the hotel. Started to feel lonely. Called a friend (long distance calls aren't cheap, but oh well).
- Dinner: Noodles. Because, you know, tradition. And because I needed comfort food. Walked around the neighbourhood.
Day 4: Goodbye, Chongqing (and Hello, the Unknown)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Packing. A mixture of relief (going home!) and melancholy (leaving such a unique city). Said goodbye to the staff at the Davids Deer – they were all really lovely. Did a last lap around the hotel, just soaking it all in.
- Departure: Headed to the airport. Reflecting on the trip. It had been a rollercoaster of food, culture shock, and questionable navigation skills. Chongqing, you were… an experience. I'll never forget the noodles, the humidity, the friendly faces, the slightly creepy hotel. And somehow, even with the missing charger and the muddy photos, it was perfect. Or perfectly imperfect. Whatever. It was mine.
- Post-Trip Thoughts (Months Later): Still dreaming of those noodles. Still missing the friendly faces. Still smiling whenever I remember the Davids Deer Hotel. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And that’s all that matters, right?
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on mood swings, noodle availability, and the general whims of fate. Expect the unexpected. Embrace the chaos. And for the love of all that is holy, pack a phone charger. You'll thank me later.
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Chongqing's Davids Deer Hotel: Frequently (and Occasionally Frustratedly) Asked Questions
Okay, seriously...Davids Deer? What's the deal with the name? Is there a real deer situation?
Is this place *really* luxurious? Because "luxury" in China can sometimes mean "questionable thread count and a malfunctioning air conditioner."
But…and there's always a but, isn’t there? My first impression? **Overwhelmed**. Like, genuinely. It felt…excessive. The plush robes, the complimentary fruit baskets that looked like still-life paintings, the personalized welcome note in calligraphy… it’s a lot to take in. And, and this is just me, I’m a bit of a mess (as you can probably tell), and I briefly considered hiding in my room and ordering room service for the whole duration of my stay.
Chonqging?! Is this hotel even *in* a good location? What's there to *do* here?
But what to do? Oh, my God. Chongqing is a food paradise, a city built on mountains (and the delicious noodles!), and a whirlwind of activity. You absolutely *must* try the hot pot (prepare for your mouth to go numb!), take a river cruise, explore the Ciqikou ancient town, and visit the Three Gorges Museum. It's a sensory overload, in the best way possible. Prepare to get lost (and maybe a little sweaty - the humidity!), but trust me, it's worth it.
What about the food? I'm a foodie, so this is crucial. Does it live up to the hype?
My favourite moment? Ordering a dish, the waiter explaining it should be eaten gently and it turned out to be so hot, I practically inhaled ice in between bites and I still enjoyed it. It was a battle between pain and pleasure and an experience I'll never forget. Also, the breakfast buffet is a work of art. Seriously. They had everything. And I mean *everything*.
The Spa?! Is it worth the splurge?
Look, I'm not usually a spa person. I'm more "throw-my-hair-up-and-grab-a-coffee" kind of person. But after a few days of exploring Chongqing, my muscles were screaming. The spa treatment was a life-saver and I felt reborn. Consider it an investment in your sanity. You'll thank me later. (or at least, email me and tell me).
What's the catch? There *has* to be a catch, right? Every "perfect" hotel has its flaws.
Also (and this is a minor quibble), sometimes the sheer level of service is… a bit much. I felt self-conscious about leaving a crumpled tissue on the desk! The staff are *that* attentive. It’s not a *bad* thing, it’s just…intense.
Is Davids Deer Hotel worth the hype and the price? Would you go back?
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I'm already mentally planning my return. I need another helping of that Sichuan cuisine, I need another massage, and I need to see if I can finally master the art of elegantly accepting a complimentary fruit basket without spilling juice everywhere. Davids Deer is worth saving up for, worth the travel, and worth every moment. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable luxury experience in Chongqing, look no further. Go, and let me know what you think (and send me pictures of the hot pot!).
