Pan Pacific Suzhou is our splurge pick and the most resort-like stay in the city. It stands at 259 Xin Shi Road in the Gusu district, right next to the Panmen Scenic Area with its old city gate, ancient pagoda and bridges, in a landscaped setting of traditional gardens that echo the Wu kingdom era. With around 300 rooms and suites that look onto greenery, it offers more space and facilities than most hotels in the old town, including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, indoor golf, outdoor tennis, a Hanfu clothing experience hall and a children’s playground. The setting is calm and green rather than busy, yet the Suzhou city moat is a short walk away and metro lines are close. It suits travellers who want comfort and room to relax between days of sightseeing.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on the south-west side of the old city, about a one-minute walk from the Panmen Scenic Area and roughly five minutes from the city moat. Metro Lines 4 and 5 are about a five-minute walk away, and the Master of the Nets Garden is a short drive.
The classical gardens in the north of the old city are farther, so plan to use the metro or taxis for a day around the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Pingjiang Road. Suzhou railway station is about ten to thirteen minutes by car.
Rooms and dining
Rooms are spacious with garden views, and the hotel has four places to eat, including Garden Brasserie for all-day dining and afternoon tea, Hai Tien Lo for Chinese fine dining in Suzhou and Huaiyang styles, and Rui Noodles for casual Suzhou-style noodles, plus a garden lounge. Breakfast may be charged separately depending on the rate, so check when you book.
Who it suits
Couples looking for a calm, comfortable base, families who want a pool and a playground, and business travellers who like a full-service hotel. It is less convenient for visitors who want to step out of the door into Pingjiang Road at night, and that is better served by hotels in the north of the old town.
Good to know
Parking is limited, with height restrictions in the garage, so confirm if you arrive by car. The outdoor pool is a summer feature, so do not count on it outside summer.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor swimming pool (seasonal)
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Indoor golf
- ✓Outdoor tennis court
- ✓Four restaurants and a lounge
- ✓Hanfu experience hall
- ✓Children’s playground
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Where is Pan Pacific Suzhou?+
It is at 259 Xin Shi Road in the south-west of the old city, next to the Panmen Scenic Area. The city moat is about a five-minute walk away.
Is it close to the main gardens?+
The Master of the Nets Garden is a short drive, but the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Pingjiang Road are farther north. Use the metro or a taxi for those.
Does the hotel have a pool and restaurants?+
It has an outdoor pool that is seasonal, plus four restaurants and a lounge. Check pool dates if you visit outside summer.
