W Xi’an
Xi’an is best known for its history. Once the eastern starting point of the Silk Road and the capital of several Chinese dynasties, the city is filled with ancient walls, temples, pagodas and archaeological treasures. W Xi’an offers a striking contrast to that heritage. Set beside Qujiangchi Lake, the hotel brings contemporary design, nightlife-inspired energy and resort-style facilities to one of China’s oldest cities, which I found fascinating. During my visit, I also explored the Terracotta Army and rented a bicycle to discover more of the city.
The scale of the property is immediately noticeable. Covering more than 100,000 square metres, W Xi’an feels more like an urban resort than a conventional city hotel. At its centre is the Living Room, the W brand’s lively interpretation of a traditional hotel lobby. With a ceiling rising 17 metres above the floor, it provides a dramatic introduction to the property and serves as a social space where guests can meet, relax or enjoy a drink.
Throughout the hotel, the design draws inspiration from Xi’an’s past without attempting to recreate it literally. References to the Silk Road, Chinese mythology and the city’s historical importance appear through colours, patterns and sculptural details. The result is theatrical and unmistakably modern. It reflects the W brand’s personality particularly well: passionate, playful and audacious, yet polished enough to maintain a clear sense of refinement.
W Xi’an has 372 rooms and suites spread between the fifth and 26th floors. Every guest room features a spacious private balcony offering panoramic views across Qujiangchi Lake and the city. This is unusual for such a large urban hotel and easily ranks among the property’s most memorable features. The balconies create a stronger connection with the surroundings, whether guests are watching the light change over the lake or taking in Xi’an’s expanding skyline.
Inside, the accommodation continues the hotel’s bold visual style, with curved lines, vivid colours, playful lighting and spacious bathrooms. The interiors are energetic without feeling careless, combining visual drama with the comfort and practical details expected from a high-end international hotel. This balance between audacity and polish is evident throughout the rooms and suites.
Dining is an important part of the experience. WEI is the hotel’s all-day restaurant, serving a broad selection of Chinese and international dishes in a colourful, informal setting. YEN Chinese Restaurant focuses on refined Huaiyang cuisine, known for its careful preparation, delicate flavours and elegant presentation.
WOOBAR provides a more relaxed place for cocktails, music and evening conversations. Its outdoor terrace, The Balcony at WOOBAR, overlooks Qujiang Pond and is particularly appealing when the weather is warm. Like the rest of the hotel, the atmosphere is social and expressive, with enough sophistication to keep the experience polished rather than overwhelming.
The leisure facilities make it easy to spend a substantial part of the day inside the hotel. WET, the brand’s swimming area, includes indoor facilities where guests can exercise or unwind. FIT offers modern workout equipment, while AWAY Spa provides treatments designed to help visitors recover after long flights or busy days exploring the city. Together, these spaces reinforce the resort-like character of the property and offer a welcome change of pace from Xi’an’s crowded attractions.
The location works especially well for travellers interested in the newer side of Xi’an. Qujiang is a modern cultural and entertainment district, with landscaped public spaces and attractions such as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Grand Tang Mall in the wider area. The historic city centre and the Muslim Quarter require a drive, while the Terracotta Army is considerably farther away. Guests should therefore plan on using taxis or ride-hailing services when sightseeing.
W Xi’an will appeal most to travellers who enjoy hotels with a strong personality. It is colourful, expansive and occasionally extravagant, but its playful character is balanced by thoughtful service, refined dining and well-designed accommodation. The spacious balconies and panoramic lake and city views add another dimension to the stay, particularly for guests who value outdoor space.
Against the historic background of Xi’an, the hotel’s futuristic appearance creates an intriguing contrast. Passionate, playful, audacious and polished, W Xi’an offers a lively base for discovering both the ancient and modern sides of the city.
