Crystal Palace Hotel Tianjin

🙃❤️‍🩹

The park view from my east-facing room was lovely, and the city-facing rooms seemed quiet too. I was here on a business trip in June 2024. As a foreigner, checking in in China took a little extra effort, but it was fairly quick, and they sorted out the receipt and other details without trouble. The staff were helpful. My room had everything I needed, including an outlet at the desk for my computer, and the bed was comfortably soft. The bathroom was spotless, with all the amenities in place and easy to use. Breakfast had Chinese and Western choices, so I think even guests who don't enjoy Chinese food would find something. The one service drawback was the convenience store. It was closed for renovations, with no other store nearby. I heard it's meant to reopen as an unmanned 24-hour shop, which could be tricky for foreigners if there are payment issues. The lake-side rooms might have an even better view than mine.

The breakfast buffet was good, with familiar Western choices like cereal, bread, salad, and fruit, plus Tianjin specialties such as pancakes and gabacai. The service, though, was seriously disappointing. At check-in, I greeted the front desk and said I was checking in. They just demanded my ID card, in an incredibly stern, rude way, more like a police officer checking IDs. The concierge staff were gathered by the entrance chatting. When room service brought conditioner, I said I didn't need it. They told me to take it because every room has it and I'd be missing something at checkout. I was speechless. The place felt like a high-end hotel from the late 20th century or early 2000s.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the location is central with good connections to the rest of the city. I was especially impressed by the staff, particularly the attentive manager who really seemed concerned about guests. The hotel is comfortable, the views are lovely, and the restaurant serves a good breakfast with some Western options.