Hotels met Pools in Shandong, China

While visiting Qingdao, I decided to spend a day in Jinan and chose the Shangri-La. Before checking in, I called to confirm that my room was ready. The lobby is impressive, and the room was spacious, quiet, and well-equipped. The toiletries were excellent, and I particularly liked the eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes and combs. The hotel is conveniently located opposite Quancheng Square, perfect for an evening stroll to watch the musical fountain. Baotu Spring is also within walking distance. There are plenty of malls nearby, and both takeout and dining options are easily accessible. The old city, however, is genuinely congested; it took almost 40 minutes to get to Jinan Station by taxi, and I barely made my train. The hotel also seems to offer intangible cultural heritage activities, but I didn't have time to participate. I would definitely choose this hotel again for a more leisurely trip to Jinan.

I brought my mother to Yantai for a few days, and after researching many hotels, I still chose this Hilton. It's mainly because it's very close to Golden Beach, and the room type we picked directly faces the sea. Watching the ebb and flow of the tide was very energizing. The room was comfortable, and all the amenities were sufficient. Anina was genuinely kind and patiently answered all our daily inquiries. The hotel's leisure facilities are complete, and the breakfast offers a wide variety of choices. The sea cucumber and rice from the internal restaurant was also delicious. After dinner, we went to the beach to enjoy the sea breeze – it really felt like a perfect vacation.

Just checked out of the Crowne Plaza Qingdao Ocean Spring Resort, and this 3-day, 2-night 'lie-flat' vacation was truly therapeutic. We didn't have to rush to any attractions, making it perfect for families with kids or those looking for a quiet escape. The hotel has a European castle style, and the high-ceilinged lobby with a crystal chandelier immediately sets a holiday mood upon entry. We were lucky enough to get a complimentary upgrade to a sea-view room. The room itself was generously sized, but the real highlight was the large balcony. Stepping out, you're greeted by an unobstructed view of Aoshan Bay. We enjoyed watching the sunrise from bed in the morning and the sunset over the sea in the evening – simply an amazing view. While some areas of the facilities showed a bit of age, the overall cleanliness and tidiness were quite good. Downstairs, there's a beach where you can wade in the water or dig in the sand – the kids absolutely loved it. There's also an outdoor children's swimming pool, and hotel guests have unlimited access. Next to it, there's a small petting zoo, where feeding the animals easily fills up a whole day.

My stay at Westin this time was quite unique. The staff were all very friendly. I arrived at the hotel early with my child, before 2 PM. The front desk kindly pre-assigned a room and allowed us to wait in the Executive Lounge until the room was cleaned, then issued the key card directly. We could also enjoy afternoon tea there. The Executive Lounge is on the 54th floor and offers excellent views. However, perhaps due to the hotel's age, some room facilities seemed old. They probably prioritize cleaning king-size rooms. The front desk initially gave me a room that they said had a leaking sound in the bathroom and was under repair. I immediately requested to switch rooms. After some time, they said it was fixed, then admitted that only the pipe was repaired and there was still a water sound. They also said there were no other vacant rooms of the same type, and other available rooms hadn't been cleaned yet. By this time, it was probably 4 PM. They took me to see the 'leaky' room. There was an obvious dripping sound in the bathroom. It might not be a problem during the day, but it would be annoying during sleep at night. Moreover, there were clear signs of water damage (swelling) on the bathroom ceiling from the leak. I still insisted on changing rooms. A manager came to resolve the issue, and her attitude was very good. She informed me that another room was being cleaned and would be ready in about twenty minutes, so I returned to the lounge to wait. Twenty minutes passed, and I also heard the female front desk staff in the lounge on the phone, helping me to urge them along. Finally, the key card was issued, and we checked in. They sent some small cookies and fruit to the room. My child was tired, so after checking in, she went to sleep with the lights off. Unexpectedly, there was a sudden, urgent doorbell sound. When I opened the door, there were two men, not in hotel uniforms! They said they needed to come in to check the blanket. I was a bit confused at first. I asked who reported the issue, as I knew nothing about it when I checked in. A female staff member in uniform passed by and mentioned some name to the maintenance workers, then asked me if it was convenient for them to come in and check for nails on the carpet! When I heard 'nails', I was furious. No one told me this room had a problem when I checked in, and no one told me someone would come to inspect the room after a repair request! For safety during my stay, the staff came in and felt around the carpet several times, saying it was fine, just a slightly sharp edge that needed caution. Okay, fine, they finally left. On the day of checkout, I requested a late checkout until 1 PM. Around 12:40 PM, as I was doing a final check of the room and packing my luggage, the room door suddenly opened with a swipe, and a person who seemed to be a cleaner entered. Since I was standing facing the door, I came face-to-face with the woman, and I think we both froze for a few seconds. Then I said I hadn't checked out yet, and she apologized profusely and quickly exited the room. Perhaps the information between the front desk and housekeeping wasn't synchronized or something like that. It was the first time I'd encountered such a peculiar situation! Overall, though, the hotel's location is very convenient, close to the Olympic Sailing Center and the Third Bathing Beach, and directly opposite MixC Mall. The breakfast is also very rich, and my child said she really liked it.

Extremely satisfied with my stay! From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I felt the hotel's warmth and professionalism. The front desk staff were enthusiastic and attentive, and check-in was quick and efficient. The room was spacious and bright, tastefully decorated, and impeccably clean. The bedding was especially comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep. The hotel's location is also very convenient, with plenty of amenities nearby. The breakfast offered a wide variety of choices and tasted good. This will definitely be my first choice next time I visit this city!

This hotel is located in Huangdao District, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it perfect for guests who prefer a quieter environment without large crowds. The indoor pool is spacious and well-lit, with depths ranging from 0.8 to 1.3 meters, which is great for families and those learning to swim. The beach is a mere 3-minute walk away. It's a public beach, not a private one, so swimming isn't recommended. However, it's fantastic for clam digging, playing in the sand, and wading in the water in the mornings and evenings. It offers a more private beach experience compared to the crowded public swimming beaches, making it an ideal compromise. There are also water sports facilities operated by third parties on the beach, offering additional options. The hotel features a resident band performance in the evenings, which can be enjoyed directly from the outdoor terrace dining area. I recommend booking a room with a terrace so you can dine and drink while listening to the music. Alternatively, a sea-view room with a balcony also offers a good view. The hotel also has an outdoor mini zoo with cute animals like miniature horses, which is a fun attraction for both adults and children. The breakfast is decent, meeting the standard for a five-star hotel. This room type offers excellent value for money, so remember to book in advance during peak season. By the way, a little heads-up: Qingdao is under a fishing ban throughout July and August, so there's no such thing as ”freshly caught seafood” during this time. Most seafood is frozen or imported from other regions. Friends, be wary of false advertising from some seafood stalls.

Right by Shilaoren Beach, this hotel boasts its own exclusive stretch of sand, which is less crowded and offers beautiful scenery. We got upgraded to a sea-view room, and the view was absolutely stunning. The breakfast buffet was extensive and high-quality – a true feast! Many people choose to stay here for a few days during their summer vacation.

Exceptional VIP Stay! Cindy and Reya are the True Face and Soul of Crowne Plaza Qingdao!We are absolutely thrilled with our stay at Crowne Plaza Qingdao, and it has become truly unforgettable solely due to the incredible efforts of two outstanding professionals at the Front Desk — Cindy and Reya.From the very first second of our arrival, they welcomed us with world-class hospitality and high-level care. Thanks to their exceptional dedication, we were granted a spectacular, breathtaking panorama room on the highest 38th floor, which made our stay absolutely magical. Furthermore, their outstanding generosity, exceptional VIP compliments, and a highly personalized approach to our family and our child touched our hearts deeply.A premium international hotel brand builds its reputation and positive image only through such exemplary employees. Without Cindy and Reya, an elite hotel is just a building with furniture. They are the ones who breathe life into it, holding the entire guest experience on their shoulders and making the brand's identity truly prestigious. They didn’t just do their job; they went above and beyond to deliver pure hospitality from the heart.I sincerely request the General Manager and Senior Leadership of Crowne Plaza Qingdao to highly praise and officially reward Cindy and Reya for their brilliant work. They are the absolute best assets of this hotel and the ultimate reason why guests will always want to return here. Thank you, Cindy and Reya, for making our family stay so special!P.S. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to another incredible team member, Yu Fei (于菲). During our check-out process, she showed exceptional care and professionalism. Understanding our travel plans, she personally helped us book our next stay at the beachfront sister hotel within the Crowne Plaza network. Her initiative completely saved us from any language barriers and made our transition seamless. Along with Cindy and Reya, Yu Fei represents the gold standard of IHG service. This trio of brilliant professionals makes Crowne Plaza Qingdao an absolute benchmark of luxury hospitality!

We chose Shangri-La Qingdao for our family trip with kids, and the entire stay exceeded our expectations! The check-in process was incredibly thoughtful, with a warm welcome tea and complimentary beer offered, instantly washing away our travel fatigue upon arrival. The staff proactively introduced the hotel's kids' craft area. My child absolutely loved the various clay DIY and creative craft projects, especially playing with Cherry – they had so much fun they didn't want to leave, which was a lifesaver for us parents. We even added Cherry on WeChat, and she patiently answered all our questions, meticulously recommending nearby attractions and authentic local restaurants tailored to our family's itinerary. She also distinguished between trendy spots and family-friendly places, helping us plan routes that saved time and effort. The hotel's location is excellent, with easy access to May Fourth Square and the Olympic Sailing Center. Our room was clean and comfortable, and service responses were prompt. We felt the meticulous and thoughtful care everywhere. It's perfect whether for a short break or as a base for exploring Qingdao. With its superior facilities, warm service, and fun kids' activities, it's highly recommended for family travel. Next time we visit Qingdao, Shangri-La will still be our top choice. I genuinely recommend it to anyone planning a trip with children!

The room faced the sea with a fantastic view, and the soundproofing was excellent, ensuring a good night's sleep. 👍 I was traveling with my mother and child, and the hotel upgraded our room type, which was very much appreciated! The hotel's dinner buffet offered great value for money! The seafood was fresh and there was a wide variety, so much so that we ate dinner at the hotel's buffet for 3 consecutive nights. It was so convenient not having to stress about finding a restaurant. The hotel's backyard connects to a seaside promenade, perfect for walking or cycling. Along the way, we saw many people fishing, catching huge mantis shrimp and blue crabs. It was wonderful to enjoy fresh seafood right by the ocean!