JI Hotel Dalian Qingniwa

We stayed here January 3-6, 2019, in a double room on the 18th floor. The hotel is right in central Dalian, with Japan Street, shops, malls, grocery stores, and a bus stop nearby. Our room looked out over the city, and the beds were comfortable with clean linen, so we slept well. Housekeeping came regularly, though the windows and mirrors didn't look properly cleaned. The toiletries supplied weren't enough for two people. Breakfast on the fifth floor was decent, with lots of Chinese, European, and Japanese choices and a lovely view of the skyscrapers. On our last morning, though, we saw the cook smoking in the kitchen doorway, and the smoke smell drifted into the dining room. The room had two beds, a bar, cups, kettle, TV, air conditioning, and a safe, plus large mirrors in the entryway and above the desk. There was also a bathroom mirror, sink, magnifying mirror, tub with shower, and toilet. The room and bathroom both felt old and shabby, really in need of renovation. The lighting was very dim throughout, from the three small ceiling bulbs and bedside and table lamps to the bar lamp. The lamp above the painting didn't work at all. The magnetic key sometimes failed, too. Hall carpets and the rest of the interior looked worn and dated. There is a pool and sauna. Pool entry is free once a day, while the sauna costs extra. Both were comfortable to use, but cleanliness and upkeep were lacking. The sauna's odd homemade heater gave off very little heat, and towels and linens had been left around to dry. Staff were polite and spoke English. Reception can exchange dollars or euros for yuan, arrange a taxi, or help you work out the hotel's location. The place is okay for a stay, just not a long one.

From my 22nd-floor room, the hilltop position gave me beautiful views at both night and morning. I stayed three nights. The building next door, Mori Building, houses the Japanese Consulate General in Shenyang, which is useful for Japanese visitors, though it is closed on weekends. Lawson stores are on both sides of the building, and the subway and bus stops are close by. I went for two early runs, both around 6 a.m. One was about 2 km into central Dalian, and the other was to Dalian Port. It's a short run to either area, so the location worked well for running. You do need to watch out for traffic lights and cars driving on the right. I got lost on the second run, so checking a phone map is reassuring. Google Maps doesn't work, though. The buffet breakfast after a run was handy and had plenty to choose from. Guests can use the pool for free, but remember to bring a swimming cap. There were several frustrations. I had to replace the magnetic key for room 2202 twice because the sensor was unreliable. At reception, when I said it didn't work, they just handed me another one without even apologizing. The bathroom was large and had the amenities, but the tub's shower curtain was blackened and there were signs of several leak repairs. Shower water still ran onto the floor. The bathtub drain was especially annoying: it drained more slowly than the shower head, leaving soapy water around my feet. I also wish there had been a washlet toilet. I don't think the air conditioning was very effective. I stayed several nights from September 21, when the weather was cool, so it didn't bother me much. In midsummer, I think the room would probably be hot unless the hotel adjusted the air conditioning to suit the outdoor temperature.

The breakfast was generous and tasty, and I really appreciated it. The hotel is also close to the city center. Thank you!

I've been staying here for the past three years and like the hotel, but the breakfast isn't something to get your hopes up for.