The Somerset: Quality Serviced Residences

Article by Jin and Francis

We arrived at The Somerset Xindicheng Xi’an late on Christmas Eve. Located on the south Second Ring Road, the building itself is an unassuming highrise, but easy to find. To enter the lobby, you actually need to take an elevator up from a first floor foyer. We were promptly and professionally checked in, and made our way to the room. The first things we noticed in the lobby were an espresso machine and an “Aria” – you can get Aria (a robot) to deliver conveniences to your room.

Our apartment was an enormous Two-Bedroom Premier (两房豪华行政套房) on the 12th floor. The first thing we felt (after we swiped our card to press the floor number) was that the large elevators were fast. After the elevators whisked us away, the second thing we felt was the apartment was warm because of the floor heating – we were comfortable walking around in t-shirts. The apartment was huge (about 160 square meters in total). We not only had two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a study, a wall with several meters of clothing rack space (even Kim Kardashian could possibly have been pleased) and additional storage cabinets, a full kitchen with dining room and living room, and high-speed internet but also had views of Gaoxin’s ever-developing skyline.

One of the bathrooms included separate bathtub and shower. The kitchen included both a dining table and a higher counter with bar stools. Full of appliances and completely stocked with everything needed to cook, it also had full a full-size fridge and freezer, a real oven that was mounted into the counter, toaster, clothes washing machine, water boiler, and microwave. The bedrooms were spacious with ample closet space. The apartment had three big-screen TVs across in different rooms. The living room had multiple couches.

We also explored the 27th floor, where residents have access to some pretty incredible amenities. As swimmers, we have experienced pools across China in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and elsewhere. The Somerset pool is one of our favorites, mostly because it was indoor, heated, immaculate and has a great view (we might go back just for this pool). The pool is big enough for laps and includes a separate kiddie pool nearby. Divided locker rooms have showers and saunas. An aerobics room with a big screen can accomodate yoga or dance. The gymnasium features a range of weights machines, bicycles, and treadmills. Finally, a children’s playground even has a ball pit, and the game room has a pool table, Chinese chess, and arcade games including basketball and car racing.

One thing needs to be mentioned is that there is a brunch buffet on the reception floor. Food includes classic western and Chinese breakfast items, like cereal, bacon, sausages, eggs, buns, porridge, vegetables, and more. There are a set of coffee and espresso machines, a bread station with toaster, and a made-to-order kitchen station that serves up eggs and rice noodles.

Another thing we really appreciated: flexibility. Breakfast is served daily from 7AM to 12PM noon. The 27th floor facilities are open from 7AM to 10PM. And, best of all, member’s checkout time was on the late side at 2PM. In terms of your stay, rooms range from Studio, One-Bedroom Deluxe and Two-Bedroom Deluxe. Some of their apartments have connecting doors, so there is the option to add space.

Some additional information: There is also a conference room, residence lounge, and business center with internet, copy services, and printing. The hotel is located above an office/mall building and includes an automated parking garage. Gym memberships for 3, 6, and 12 months range from approximately 3000-9000 RMB for a single person. Inquire directly for long-term rental or lease packages.
Whether you are a corporate road warrior, tired traveler, a visiting family, or a local just looking for a quality staycation, the Somerset will take good care of you. Let us know what you think!

西安盛捷新地城服务公寓
Somerset Xindicheng Xi’an
南二环西段64号凯德广场旁
Next to Kaide Square,No.64,West of South 2rd Ring Road.
029-8790 9888

Jin and Francis are both teachers in Xi’an who love exploring.
They can be contacted at jin@xianease.com and francis@xianease.com.