Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Ciqikou Ancient Town by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Ciqikou Ancient Town by IHG Overview

First Impressions

Walking into the Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Ciqikou Ancient Town by IHG, you immediately sense this isn’t your typical chain hotel experience. The lobby feels fresh and modern, but there’s something thoughtful about how they’ve positioned this four-star property — it’s clearly designed for travelers who want reliable comfort without the fuss. What struck me right away was how the staff seemed genuinely prepared for international guests, which honestly makes a huge difference when you’re navigating a new city. The whole vibe is polished but approachable, exactly what you’d hope for after a long day exploring.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s the thing about this location — you’re literally steps away from Ciqikou Ancient Town, which is one of those rare tourist spots that actually lives up to the hype. I mean, you can walk out the hotel door and be wandering through Ming and Qing dynasty streets within minutes, browsing local crafts and sampling street food. The Shapingba District setting gives you that authentic Chongqing neighborhood feel, but you’re not stuck in the middle of nowhere. There’s free private parking (which is honestly a godsend in this city), and couples seem to particularly love this spot — the rating of 8.6 for location from recent guests makes total sense once you experience it yourself.

The Room Experience

The rooms deliver exactly what Holiday Inn Express promises — clean, comfortable, and smartly designed without any unnecessary frills. You know what I appreciated most? The beds are actually comfortable (not always a given), and the air conditioning works properly, which matters more than you’d think in Chongqing’s humid climate. The bathrooms are compact but well-planned, with decent water pressure and toiletries that don’t feel cheap. Everything feels purposeful rather than fancy, and honestly, that’s refreshing when you just want a good night’s sleep after exploring the ancient town all day.

Breakfast & Dining

The breakfast buffet here is where they really show they understand their guests — it’s a solid mix of Asian options alongside some Western basics. You’ll find congee, steamed buns, and local Chongqing specialties, but also eggs, toast, and coffee that doesn’t taste like an afterthought. I actually found myself looking forward to breakfast, which doesn’t always happen at chain hotels. The dining area gets busy around 8 AM (fair warning), but the staff keeps everything well-stocked and the space feels comfortable even when it’s full.

Why Guests Love It

What makes this place work is how it balances convenience with character — you get the reliability of an international brand but with genuine access to one of Chongqing’s most charming historic areas. The 8.7 overall rating reflects what I experienced: solid service, thoughtful amenities, and a location that lets you dive into local culture without sacrificing comfort. It’s particularly great for couples who want to explore together but also have a peaceful retreat to return to. You’re not paying for unnecessary bells and whistles, just quality basics done right in a spot that puts you exactly where you want to be.

To book a hotel in Chongqing during Three Gorges cruise season, guests plan ahead to link pier departures with cable car sunsets.

Reviews of Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Ciqikou Ancient Town by IHG

• Donghao from China – 10 April 2025 (6/10)

  房间设施还不错，宽敞
  
  What could be improved: 临近大马路，房间多个窗户，隔音较差。
  作为最贵的房间，只有一些基础用品提供。
  装修一般。
  水压不算大，沐浴体验一般。
  房间如果不通风，进门会微微有种木制品气味。

• Jia from Mexico – 17 March 2025 (9/10)

  智能马桶🚽太赞了 自助早餐也很好吃

• James from Canada – 13 March 2025 (9/10)

  The staff, whether front desk employees, kitchen staff or the cleaning staff, they were all very friendly and extremely helpful to make my stay a success. Top notch hospitality.
  
  What could be improved: Needs a bar! 🤣🤣🤣

Surroundings

Facilities