**The Pearl Hotel**
As a shining pearl within the Xijindu Scenic Area, The Pearl Hotel serves as a tranquil sanctuary for travelers to rest and rejuvenate during their journeys. Steeped in a nostalgic Republican-era ambiance, the hotel revives the early 20th-century aesthetic fusion of Eastern and Western styles. The grand lobby, themed around the Western concept of symmetrical design, harmoniously blends a study and café atmosphere. Here, you’ll find deep-toned, elegant European-style solid wood furniture, Italian-inspired ceilings and fountains, and British-style lighting fixtures that exude sophistication and luxury. The unique gramophone and vintage key display at the front desk evoke iconic scenes from the beloved film *The Grand Budapest Hotel*.
Above the wooden staircase leading to the second floor, a church-like dome ceiling complements the retro mirrored decorations adorning the solid wood walls, creating an Instagram-worthy hotspot for guests. On the second floor, the hotel transitions to traditional Chinese landscaping. Around corridor corners, you’ll stumble upon serene vignettes of gray bricks, black tiles, white walls, and lush green bamboo. This purely Chinese-inspired design in public areas contrasts yet harmonizes beautifully with the richly Western-themed guest rooms, creating a striking East-meets-West synergy. In the northeast corner of the corridor, the "Pearl S. Buck Cultural Corner" displays original English works by the Nobel laureate, including *The Good Earth*, which earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938.
The Pearl Hotel offers complimentary breakfast, allowing guests to savor Zhenjiang’s famed "Three Delicacies" in one sitting. From the delicate crab roe soup dumplings (best enjoyed by "gently lifting, slowly moving, opening the wrapper, then sipping the broth") to the translucent crystal pork trotters, every dish is a culinary delight. These local specialties attract countless visitors who flock here just for a taste.
"This is our first time to Zhenjiang. This hotel is within 10 minutes taxi ride from Zhenjiang railway station. On 27 Dec 2023, we arrived late at night and all the shops nearby the hotel have already closed. So, no dinner. The reception staff, Fang Rong and 张师傅, took good care of us by offering snacks and carried our luggage into the room. The hotel’s location and environment are fantastic! It is located at Xijindu ancient street where you can stroll along the ancient street. The museum and old British consulate are within walking distance from the hotel, through the ancient street, past a 观音 cave. Another tourist spot, Jinshan 金山 is also within 20 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel’s breakfast is delicious and good value for money. The hotel’s room is very clean, very comfortable and very nice. The hotel’s staff Steven is friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the area. Upon check out, we got a small trinket as souvenir. I had a pleasant stay and will definitely choose this hotel again. Thank you all for the outstanding service and warm hospitality during our stay."