The Sofitel hotel has just opened their Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel in the heart of Xi’an.  Located inside a landmark building that started as one of the city’s state guest houses for visiting dignitaries, the Sofitel group has pared down a 400+ room hotel to one with just 71 rooms and suites.  The décor is old world luxury, with the smallest room starting at 45 sqm.  Views from the breakfast room and the pool are lovely, looking out onto dozens of trees, each of a different variety and some as old as 500 years.

The General Managers of both the Sofitel People’s Grand and the larger complex (housing several different Sofitel brands) both hale from Maldivian resorts and are bringing the charm of the small hotel feel to the Grand.  This includes butler service for all rooms and a sense of intimacy that is a welcome addition to the city.