I finally found the coolest hotel in Suzhou!
A weekend staycation in Suzhou is truly delightful!📍 Hotel Indigo Suzhou Jinji Lake is the perfect choice.
▪️ On the weekend, I checked into the long-awaited Hotel Indigo Suzhou Jinji Lake, and the experience was flawless. Whether it was the location, service, room views, or dining, everything was highly satisfying, making for an amazing weekend. As a premium brand under the InterContinental Hotels Group with "Neighborhood Culture" at its core, Hotel Indigo always centers on local stories, creating immersive "one-hotel-one-theme" experiences. Hotel Indigo Suzhou Jinji Lake is the third Indigo property in Suzhou by IHG, drawing inspiration from the Jinji Lake Ferris wheel, the "Eye of Suzhou," weaving together elements of ancient Gusu to showcase the city's unique charm to every guest.
▪️ Designed by CCD, the hotel blends the fantastical height of the "Eye of Suzhou" Ferris wheel with the poetic elegance of Jiangnan gardens and the vibrant colors of a modern metropolis. The lobby atrium features blue-grid LED lights that create flowing light and shadow, crafting a distinctive cyberpunk style. Abundant greenery is also incorporated, skillfully merging nature with modern technology to create a space that balances traditional garden aesthetics with futuristic vibes. The famous garden design technique of "borrowed scenery" is also employed to present guests with stunning views.
▪️ The room windows face the Jinji Lake Ferris wheel, just about 200 meters away—so close you can even see the gradient colors of the cabins! By day, the Ferris wheel looks like a giant windmill from a comic, and by night, it transforms into a neon-lit spectacle. Lying in bed, you can watch it slowly rotate—the "Eye of Suzhou" truly has outstanding aesthetics, and the new Ferris wheel is incredibly photogenic! The corner suite offers an extra surprise: a window-side soaking tub paired with the Ferris wheel creates an unbeatable combo. In the 270° panoramic-view soaking tub, you can relax while watching the Ferris wheel glide by (tip: capture the reflection on the water at dusk for stunning shots with the sunset). It’s a photographer’s dream!
The room is Ferris wheel-themed, located right next to the wheel, and features a separate dining area and lounge space. The bedroom can be closed off or left open, making it ideal for couples. The soaking tub and bathroom are spacious, with two showerheads—perfect for a shared bathing experience. I’ve stayed in this room type twice already, and it’s fantastic.
▪️ For me, breakfast is an essential way to start the day. While the breakfast selection at Hotel Indigo Suzhou Jinji Lake isn’t extensive, every dish balances looks and flavor! Sleeping in on the weekend and enjoying a mix of Chinese and Western breakfast options is the perfect way to kick off a vibrant, happy day.
▪️ In the evening, I also experienced the newly reopened "Eye of Suzhou." Boarding at 6:30 PM, as the cabin rose to 128 meters, the sunset dipped into Jinji Lake, scattering golden light across the water, blending with the nightscape of Suzhou’s CBD. The Ferris wheel lit up with neon bands, offering a bird’s-eye view of the "Gate to the East" light show in the CBD and the sparkling lights of Moonlight Wharf. The cabin felt like it was floating at the cosmic center of a cyberpunk Suzhou.
🏘️ Room Types/Layout: Ferris wheel-themed, located next to the wheel; rooms feature a separate dining area and lounge space, with bedrooms that can be closed off or open; corner suites have a 270° panoramic-view soaking tub; the lobby blends traditional garden aesthetics with futuristic elements, using "borrowed scenery" techniques.
🛌 Amenities/Facilities: Spacious soaking tub and bathroom (with two showerheads); breakfast that balances looks and flavor; nearby attractions like the "Eye of Suzhou" Ferris wheel, with convenient transportation.
💗 Extra Tips:
- Within 3 km of the hotel, you’ll find popular attractions like the "Eye of Suzhou" Ferris wheel, Suzhou Contemporary Art Museum, and Angel Wings, with direct access via Metro Line 8 for easy travel.
- The window-side soaking tub in the corner suite is perfect for dusk photos with the Ferris wheel and sunset—highly photogenic!
- Breakfast offers a mix of Chinese and Western options; while not extensive, the quality is excellent, ideal for a leisurely morning.
- At night, experience the "Eye of Suzhou" Ferris wheel—boarding at dusk lets you enjoy the blend of sunset and city lights.
- The room design is couple-friendly, with a spacious soaking tub and bathroom to enhance your stay.