JW Marriott Hotel Harbin River North

My Platinum status got me upgraded to the lounge floor, and the lounge staff were great and helpful. It also meant free breakfast downstairs on the 3rd floor and dinner in the lounge. The hotel is across the street from a nice path by the water, though quick food takes a much longer walk. My room was nice, but the heat was too high and couldn't be controlled. There was also a bad pipe smell in the bathroom, like in many places in China. The only way to fix that is to change the plumbing and add traps.

The Executive Club was a highlight, with a nice selection of food and drinks and excellent service from the lounge staff. The suite itself was spacious and came with lovely Aromatherapy Associates bath amenities. I liked soaking in the bathroom, which had a heated floor and a view over snowy Harbin. My Deluxe Suite City View averaged IDR 5,032,075 per night. It didn't face the river, but the cityscape was picturesque. The hotel is in a well built riverside area, conveniently placed for the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. In the freezing evenings, I enjoyed walking around there, either toward the city center or a nearby grocery shop. Service felt warm despite the language barrier, and body language helped when words didn't. The facilities weren't new, though they were well maintained, and the gym felt a little dated. I couldn't use the pool because I didn't have a hair cap, and the hotel didn't offer complimentary rentals like other places I've stayed in winter. That limited my swimming. Still, the comfortable suite, snowy city views, and Executive Club made this a memorable stay, and I'd like to return to JW Marriott, Harbin North River.

Really liked the room and enjoyed the stay. The bed was firm, with a big, fluffy pillow, and breakfast was yummy.

The views were excellent, and the amenities were really nice. There are at least three restaurants in the hotel, the late night room service tastes good, and the executive lounge compares well with some of Marriott's best. Staff were incredibly eager to help and followed through on things. The hotel runs shuttles to nearby local attractions. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to explore Harbin or just relax at the hotel. Have fun in Harbin, and the stay will be better if you choose this place.