We stayed for night while visiting the terra cotta warriors. We had arranged for the hotel to send a van for our party of 4 to meet us at the airport. The van was brand new and very comfortable. Our room in the hotel was excellent (we were upgraded using the Sofitel frequent guest card). The high speed internet connection worked well. The next morning we savored the breakfast--up to the quality of the best hotels in Shanghai or Beijing. We used the hotel van to tour the historic sites and then flew off to Guilin that evening. I highly recommend this hotel for tourists visiting Xi'an.

Although I was slightly worried about some of the reviews, and some past experience with Sofitel hotels in Paris, I went ahead and booked a room through hotel's website. We were greeted by a native English speaker (Kevin), who was very friendly and very helpful with all matters during our stay. It was a great relief after having bad experiences in other hotels in Beijing. The rooms were very comfortable and modern. I agree that in some rooms having a transparent toilet door may not be ideal, but we found out there are other rooms with less transparent design. Hotel is not right in the center, but taxi only costs 6 yuans (about 60 euro cents) to go to the city centre. Swimming pool and sauna was not bad, although it was freezing when you left the pool (we went there for Xmas). The concierge service was also very good in Chinese standards. Even after we left the hotel, they were very kind to ring us in our Shanghai hotel rooms to tell that we forgot something back in the hotel (we did not need it anyway, but it was thoughtful of them). If I go back to Xian, I would certainly stay in the same place.

No privacy at all when you're in the bathroom! Great buffet restaurant and breakfast! Very confusing when you arrive; they have 2 wings and you will discover which is your's only triyng. if your driver choose the wrong one you have to carry your luggage for 200 meteres by your own!
Anyway,very clean and well located.

Our travel agent said this was a great hotel: Really modern and new. However, here is what I wrote to the manager:

1. Glass between the bathroom and bedroom (no privacy).
2. Room was stuffy and the airconditioner did not work sufficiently well to get the room to below 76°. We had the thermostat at 40° and the room was stuffy and uncomfortable.
3. Lighting system was confusing and later we were told you need to hold down the light switch. (I think this is so electricity could understand that I wanted it off.) Lights went on at 3AM (testing of system) and we could not turn the lights off.
4. Restaurant was good and service was good.
5. Ceiling showed signs of water damage and desk lamp did not work. This was indicative of "little things" that a five star hotel addresses.

Generally, I like Sofitel, but this was frustrating and not a five star experience. I'd recommend a different hotel for Xian.