Dali's Hidden Gem: Cato's Inn — Unforgettable Stay in China's Ancient City
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into Dali, China, and specifically, the promised land that is Cato's Inn. This isn't your average hotel review. This is… well, it's me. Let's get messy. Let's get real. Let's see if Cato's Inn lives up to the hype, shall we?
Cato’s Inn: Is This Ancient City Gem REALLY a Gem? (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated…and Excellent)
First things first: Location, Location, Location. This place is smack dab in Dali's Ancient City. Which means… cobblestone streets, bustling markets, the smell of delicious (though occasionally mysterious) street food, and… well, the charm. Okay, and occasionally, the chaos. But that’s half the fun, right?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly. Cato's Inn tries. They really do. The website claims certain accessibility features, but lemme just say, China and "accessibility" are still figuring each other out. Elevator? Yes! Thank god. You'll need it to get up to some of the rooms. But navigating the uneven cobblestone streets of the Ancient City with a wheelchair? Nightmare fuel! However, once inside, the staff are super willing to help. Big points for effort, folks!
Cleanliness & Safety: My OCD Soul Sighs with Relief. Okay, I'm a germaphobe. No shame. Cato’s Inn… Nailed it. They’re all over the Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. They even had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. They’re practically spraying this place with holy water. This really helps with peace of mind, especially right now.
The Room: My Sanctuary…and Occasional Frustration. Okay, let's be real. The rooms themselves are generally beautiful BUT… They have the standard stuff… Air conditioning (yes, thank god), free Wi-Fi (YES!), a mini bar (always a win), and a truly wonderful bed. This is where I'm going to stop and gush. The bed. God bless the bed. Honestly? I could have stayed in bed for a week and been perfectly happy. Additional toilet? Check! Bathrobes? Check! Complimentary tea? You betcha. My room also had a bathtub, perfect for soaking after a long day of exploring.
The frustrating part? The lighting! It was a bit…moody. Okay, it was dim. Reading in bed was a battle. Interconnecting room(s) available. But my other gripe was the lack of window that opens. Fresh air, people! Fresh air!
Food, Glorious Food: A Banquet of…Choices! Listen, I love to eat. And Cato's Inn doesn't disappoint. Let's break it down.
- Breakfast: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant. The breakfast buffet was… interesting. I mean, there was a lot of variety, but sometimes the choices were a little… exotic. The Asian options were definitely for the adventurous palate! Coffee? Good, not great.
- Restaurants: The restaurants themselves were pretty decent. I particularly loved the vegetarian restaurant. They also had A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. Be prepared to use Google Translate. My Mandarin is… well, it’s essentially non-existent. The meals were good, with interesting combinations. Definitely have some soup!
- Snacking & Drinking: Poolside bar? Yes! The Poolside bar and Coffee shop were great. Also, they have Happy hour! Also, they had Bottle of water. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver in the jet lag hours. They also had Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant,.
- Extras: The Breakfast takeaway service, Individually-wrapped food options, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Relaxation Station: A Deep Dive into Bliss…and a Few Minor Flaws. Okay, this is where Cato’s Inn REALLY shines.
- Pool with a view: Seriously, it's stunning. The swimming pool [outdoor] is lovely, surrounded by lush greenery, and has that perfect "escape the world" vibe.
- Spa/Sauna: Sauna, Spa, Steamroom. Look, the Sauna was okay. The Spa… well, I went for a Body scrub and a Massage. And it was…divine. The pressure, the smells, the whole experience. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The Body wrap was also a plus.
- Fitness center: Gym/fitness. The Fitness center isn't the biggest, but it's got the essentials, and hey, you can't beat a quick workout before you go for another slice of cake!
- Foot bath: I did not try it
Services & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag…but Mostly Awesome.
- The Good: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Currency exchange, Safety deposit boxes, and Elevator. These guys really think of everything!
- The Less-Good: My experience with Food delivery was inconsistent. Sometimes it was brilliant, other times… well, let's just say Google Translate will become your new best friend.
- Things to do: Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Doorman, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms,
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, Taxi Service, Car park [free of charge], Bicycle parking. Getting around the Ancient City is easy on foot or by cheap taxi.
For the Kids: This place seems very Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, and Kids facilities.
Internet: FAST and FREE…Mostly. The Free Wi-Fi in all the rooms! worked perfectly. The Internet [LAN]? I didn't try it. I'm way too lazy for wired internet.
Things to Do: Exploring the Ancient City…and Beyond.
- Shrine. The Shrine is a cool extra
- Exterior corridor, Terrace, and Smoking area.
- Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display.
The Fine Print (and Other Quirks):
- Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, I appreciate the steps taken for guest health and well-being.
- Cashless payment service. A plus.
- Pets allowed unavailable.
Cato's Inn: The Verdict?
Alright, no more hemming and hawing! Cato's Inn is a gem. It has some quirks – the accessibility could be better, and the breakfast buffet can be a bit of a culinary wild card. But the location? Unbeatable. The staff? Incredibly friendly and helpful. The spa? Heavenly. And the overall vibe? Pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Here's My Recommendation:
For whom? Couples, solo travelers, anyone who wants to experience the magic of Dali's Ancient City in style while ensuring a solid degree of cleanliness and safety.
Here's the Deal:
Don't think about it
Don’t miss out and book directly with them.
Book Now and receive:
- Free upgrades
- Welcome drinks in the bar
- A guaranteed magical vacation
- and Instant Bliss
Book Now.
Ximending Emei C: FREE Lift & Drop-Off in Taipei! (Skip the Taxi!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Dali, China adventure that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "genuine, slightly chaotic, but ultimately awesome human experience." We're talking specifically about base camp: Shaxi Cato's Inn in Dali, China. And trust me, this isn’t your grandma's itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Wall of Anxiety (aka, Transportation Woes)
- 7:00 AM (Beijing Time/aka, the time I was rudely yanked from a perfectly good sleep): Okay, so this trip started before it started. The flight. Ugh. Let’s just say I’m not sure if turbulence is worse than the screaming toddler behind me. I landed in Dali and the air felt…different. Cleaner? Like the universe was breathing a sigh of relief that I'd finally arrived.
- 9:00 AM: (Give or take…my internal clock operates on "island time" these days). Negotiating a taxi at the Dali airport. This is where my complete lack of Mandarin became a real issue. Lots of pointing. Lots of frantic waving of my phone with the Cato’s Inn address displayed. I think I paid too much. Definitely paid too much. But hey, I'm here!
- 10:30 AM: HOLY. MOLY. Shaxi. It took nearly two hours, winding through stunning, almost alien landscapes. Cato's Inn is a hidden gem! It’s like stepping into a time machine to a more peaceful era. The inn itself? Gorgeous. Rustic. Charming. (I briefly considered fawning over the owner for a free stay. Don't judge.)
- 11:30 AM: Unpacked (which is code for "dumped everything haphazardly on the bed"). Took a deep breath, which, surprisingly, didn't smell like exhaust fumes. Success!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the inn's restaurant. The staff are lovely, even if my chopstick skills are… still evolving. Ordered the local Yunnan cuisine. Spicy. Delicious. Brought me to tears. In a good way! Okay, maybe a little bit because food is so good.
- 1:00 PM: Wandered around Shaxi old town. This is where things got real. Cobblestone streets! Ancient buildings! And a sense of peacefulness that nearly made me cry again. (I'm a sensitive travel writer, okay?!) The market square was bustling with locals. It's a sensory overload… in the best possible way. I saw a man selling bamboo hats and almost bought one, but I'm not sure if I can pull it off. Maybe I should still buy it.
- 3:00 PM: Explored the Sideng Sifang Market. This is the heart of Shaxi. The sights, the smells, the energy…It’s just…wow. I ended up spending an eternity haggling over a hand-carved wooden flute (which I can't play, but hey, it's pretty!). I think I overpaid. I don’t care.
- 5:00 PM: Found a tiny tea house. Oh. My. God. The tea. The setting. The sheer tranquility. I sat there for an embarrassingly long time, staring at the mountains. Honestly, I’m fairly certain meditation is easier when you’re not actually trying to meditate.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the inn. Wine and more local cuisine. I’m pretty sure I'm addicted to this food. It’s going to be impossible to go back to normal life.
- 8:00 PM: Sat up on the roof of the inn. I'm not sure how to even try to describe how beautiful the sky is. The stars are INSANE. I felt a profound sense of peace. And mildly terrified of all the things I don’t understand about Mandarin.
- 9.00 PM: Sleep.
Day 2: Cycling & the Beauty of Imperfection
- 8:00 AM: Morning! The inn's breakfast is just… chef's kiss. I had the local rice porridge and all the other little plates of deliciousness.
- 9:00 AM: Rented a bike (this is where the “messy” really starts). I thought, “Hey! I can ride a bike! This will be great!” Famous last words. The streets are rough. The traffic… well, let’s just say horn-honking is a national pastime. I almost ran over a chicken. (I’m so sorry, little chicken!)
- 10:00 AM: Attempted to bike to Shibaoshan Mountain. (Emphasis on attempted). Gorgeous scenery though. I managed to get about halfway before I hit a pothole the size of a small car. My chain came off. I tried reattaching it. Failed. (My mechanical skills are… lacking.) Sat on the side of the road, defeated, for a good twenty minutes.
- 10:45 AM: Two local women saw my plight (and probably my misery). They started helping me. They barely speak English. I barely speak Mandarin. Somehow, between pointing and laughter and a lot of hand gestures, we fixed the chain. Pure. Joy. This is travel magic, folks. This is what it’s all about.
- 11:30 AM: Finally made it to a viewpoint for Shibaoshan! The view was worth the bike mishap. Spectacular rock formations, ancient carvings, temples… I felt like I was in a movie.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch: Back in Shaxi, some delicious noodles.
- 1:30 PM: THE DAY OF THE ANCIENT THEATRE. This is where I’m going to double down on the experience. This is where the trip really changed. The Shaxi Theatre (I'm not making this up, it's a real thing).
- Here’s the deal: The Shaxi Theatre is an ancient theatre, like, super-duper ancient. Not a polished, Broadway-style production. This is about as authentic as it gets. The theatre itself is in the middle of an old village square, and it feels like the past and present have completely dissolved together.
- The Performance: The music started. The costumes! The colors! The DRAMA! Yes, some of it was lost due to language barriers, but the energy, the passion of the performers, washed over me – it was a communal experience. The crowd was laughing, crying, cheering. Even though I had no idea what was happening, I was completely swept up in it.
- The Emotional Fallout: Afterwards, I sat in the square, feeling… full. The performance was a reminder that, even with all our modern technology and distractions, the fundamental human experience – the joy, the sorrow, the laughter – it’s all still there. It’s timeless. And, honestly, it moved me to tears. Again. (Okay, maybe I need to get a grip.)
- 5:00 PM: Back to the inn. Needed a strong cup of tea (and a bit of a lie down).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. More food. More wine. More happy.
- 8:00 PM: I sat on the roof again. It's almost like there's a secret pact between the moon and the stars.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Departure (with a little heartbreak)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast (the delicious porridge!).
- 8:00 AM: One last wander through Shaxi. Said goodbye to the friendly market vendors. Wished I could buy everything (the hat, the flute, the little wooden toys.)
- 9.00 AM: Packing. I’m going to miss this.
- 10:00 AM: Checked out. Said a fond farewell to the Cato's Inn staff. They were so damn nice. This place has seeped into my soul.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Wondering when I can go back.
- 1:00 PM or later: Flying home. Already planning my return.
Final Thoughts (aka, my rambling, slightly obsessive, Cato's Inn love letter):
This trip was… messy. It was imperfect. There were moments of frustration, moments of sheer joy, moments of sheer terror (thanks, bike!). But it was real. And Cato's Inn was the heart of it all. It's a place that makes you feel welcome, a place that lets you breathe, a place that reminds you to slow down and actually experience the world. I’m pretty sure I left a piece of my soul behind in Shaxi. And I wouldn’t have it any other
Escape to Paradise: Letsatsing Lodge, Rustenburg Awaits!
So, Cato's Inn... What's the Big Deal, Exactly? (And Should I Even Bother?)
The Rooms – Are They Actually Livable, Or Should I Pack My Hazmat Suit?
Food, Glorious Food! What's the Grub Like at Cato's?
Location, Location, Location: Is Cato's Inn Actually *in* the Middle of Nowhere?
The Staff: Are They Actually Friendly, Or Do They Just Want My Money?
What’s the best time to visit Cato’s Inn? (And avoid the tourist hordes, if possible)
Is Cato's Inn Instagrammable? (Because, let's be honest, it matters.)
Any major downsides I need to know about before I book? (Be honest!)
Okay, I'm intrigued. Sold. What's the ONE thing I absolutely *must* do while staying at Cato's?
