Suzhou Marriott Hotel is a large, comfortable full-service hotel on the western side of the old city. It stands at 1296 Ganjiang Road West in the Gusu district and is connected to a shopping centre, which is handy for evening meals, supplies and wet-weather browsing. With around 300 rooms, including executive rooms and one-bedroom executive suites with a king bed, it has the space and the facilities of a big international hotel, including an indoor pool, a hot tub, a spa, a 24-hour health club and four restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and local cuisine. The rooms are practical and comfortable, with separate tubs and showers, sound-insulated walls and electric kettles, and many have city views. It is a sensible choice for families, business travellers and groups, and for anyone who wants reliable facilities and a good location for the western sights without paying luxury-hotel prices. Free self-parking and free Wi-Fi add to the value, and the shopping centre next door means you are never short of food options.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in an excellent position for the western half of the old city. West Garden Temple is a two-minute drive away, and the UNESCO classical gardens, including the Lingering Garden, are about three minutes by car. Suzhou Canal Park is a similar distance, and the Humble Administrator’s Garden is about seven minutes by car.
Tiger Hill, Shantang Street and the Lingering Garden are within about three miles. The nearest metro station, Tongjingbei Lu, is about an eight-minute walk, and Suzhou railway station is around fourteen minutes by car. Jinji Lake is about thirteen minutes away by car for those who want to see the modern side of the city.
Rooms
Expect a good standard of rooms, with executive rooms and suites offering more space and, in some cases, club-style benefits. Standard rooms come with a king bed or two double beds, and many look over the city. Suites with a separate bedroom are a good choice for families or for guests who plan to stay several nights.
Facilities and dining
The indoor pool and hot tub are a pleasant way to relax after a day on your feet, and the spa and health club are open to guests. Four restaurants cover most tastes, and breakfast is available as a buffet for an extra charge on many rates, so check what is included when you book. The attached shopping centre has more places to eat, plus convenience stores and shops.
Who it suits
Families, groups, business travellers and visitors who want to base themselves near the Lingering Garden and Tiger Hill, with easy taxi access to the north-eastern sights. It suits those who value facilities and convenience over atmosphere, and it is a useful alternative to the luxury options when rates are high.
Good to know
The hotel is large and busy during holidays, so allow time for check-in and breakfast, and book early for spring and autumn. Parking is free for guests, and a car-hire and limousine service is available at the desk if you want help with transfers to the water towns.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor swimming pool
- ✓Hot tub
- ✓Spa
- ✓24-hour health club
- ✓Four restaurants
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Connected shopping centre
Good questions
Where is Suzhou Marriott Hotel?+
It is at 1296 Ganjiang Road West in the Gusu district, connected to a shopping centre.
Is it close to the gardens?+
West Garden Temple is about two minutes by car and the Lingering Garden area about three. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is roughly seven minutes by car.
How far is the metro and railway station?+
Tongjingbei Lu metro station is about an eight-minute walk, and Suzhou railway station is around fourteen minutes by car.
