Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin

The hotel works well for international travelers and business stays, and the concierge is very helpful with language barriers. Service overall was solid. It's a very good option in Tianjin, though it doesn't quite match the highest Four Seasons standards. The modern building has lots of artwork, and the lobby looks beautiful when you arrive. Rooms are spacious and contemporary, the restaurants are excellent, and the rooftop terrace has a sensational atmosphere. The spa feels a little dated, and the fitness area's flooring could use renovation. The hotel is popular with Chinese guests and families with children, so breakfast and the pool sometimes feel less exclusive.

The location is the one drawback for us. The hotel connects to the MIFC mall and is close to Isetan department store and the St. Joseph Cathedral, but it's not very near the concession area or the riverside neighborhood. There aren't many places to walk to, and getting to sights like Wu Da Dao or the ancient cultural street can mean a 10-15 minute taxi ride. We stayed in room 1509, a Four Seasons Room, with plenty of space for the three of us, a huge king bed, and a standalone hot tub by the window. The views weren't as distinctive as the ones at St Regis or the Ritz Carlton, though we could see Tianjin Tower and St Joseph Cathedral. Throughout the hotel, from the 8th-floor Skypool to the lobby and dining areas, everything looked modern and clean with some deliberate Chinese touches. The indoor pool felt like a little oasis, with bamboo trees, a gorgeous skylight, and two jacuzzis, one by the floor-to-ceiling pool windows and one spa pool in the locker area. We really enjoyed the food, too. Jin House, the flagship restaurant, blends Cantonese and Tianjinese dishes. I'd recommend the typhoon-shelter-style prawn dimsums, pork-abalone dimsums, and the chef's signature fried ribs. CIELO's breakfast buffet had plenty of local food, including Qianbing pancakes and traditional bean curd soup, along with lots of Western choices. Tianjinese small bites were delivered to our room daily, and with the tea selection they made for a lovely afternoon tea after sightseeing. You do have to choose that option when booking on the official website. The staff were kind and gave us great, personal service. Our butler, Qi Qi, was always happy to suggest nearby restaurants or book meals at Jin House downstairs. The CIELO manager was also very attentive, checking each morning whether we liked the food or wanted more tea. Whether you're in Tianjin for work or a holiday, the Four Seasons is a strong choice, with facilities that stand out against the city's competitors. The hotel made our trip much more interesting and outstanding, and did well on both facilities and service. I'd definitely return unless a newer, better luxury hotel arrives in Tianjin.

Great bar with an amazing range of cigars and bourbon. Google Maps has the location wrong right now. It's a little south, above Opus, and oddly hard to find.

Really good buffet and steaks. I like the Western-style cooking without Chinese flavors. My favorite lunch spot in TJ.