The Ritz-Carlton that was born in the wrong place, Crowne Plaza Dongying Hotel

All I can say is that this Crowne Plaza hotel being built in Dongying is truly an act of kindness, giving a huge face to peers across the country who champion classical luxury. If it were really considered a competitor in reality, it would be a public execution and a crushing blow.

The hotel exterior resembles a towering castle. At first glance, it looks three parts like Dalian Luxury Collection, five parts like Nanjing Zhongshan Golf, and eight parts like Sofitel Xining or Sheraton Yinchuan. The architectural layout and courtyard corridor settings completely mirror the Ritz-Carlton Tianjin. I can’t even imagine how the one in Suzhou with only a playground view would cope if this whole hotel were moved there.

The owner was probably saved by a crystal chandelier or sponsored by the Zhongshan Ancient Town Lighting Association. As a result, every space inside the hotel seems ready to host a grand palace ball. This atmosphere even spreads to the guest rooms, where besides the crystal ceiling lights, there are dozens of table lamps, wall lamps, floor lamps, and so on. When all are lit, the orange glow flickers, making the whole room charming like an ancient painting.

It seems to exaggerate the effect of the complex lighting, so everything is huge in scale. From the reception lobby, elevator hall, corridors to guest rooms, the elaborate carved beams and painted rafters are everywhere, making one marvel at how landlords really have surplus grain during economic upturns.

Passing through the lobby into the four-sided enclosed courtyard corridor, beneath the stacked rockery is an outdoor pool that is neither very attractive nor very practical. It has been drained this season, looking somewhat desolate. Behind the mountain-blocked rear buildings hides an indoor pool decorated like the Venetian shopping street in Macau, with a ceiling painted with extravagant blue skies and white clouds.

The fitness center is on the second floor, very large and impressive, with over a hundred pieces of equipment, comparable to a professional gym. There is also a spin bike room, yoga room, table tennis, billiards, taekwondo and martial arts rooms, and most ridiculously, an archery room. However, there is no drinking water or towels provided, and during peak times, various classes are held, which is a minus.

Breakfast is quite abundant, a paradise for carbohydrate lovers, deeply reflecting the abundance of the Shandong Peninsula, which is also famous for large peanuts. The offerings are somewhat rough and ready, good enough to get by. For example, using hot and sour soup as a substitute for tofu pudding. Specialties include handmade large steamed buns, marinated small seafood, sushi, and more.

To wrap up, after all, it’s just a Crowne Plaza that has been operating for several years, so some local wear and stains are inevitable. Several oddly shaped shops in the public area are still for rent. There are also small issues, such as poor air quality in the corridors due to good sealing. To save electricity, many gorgeous chandeliers are only for decoration and not lit. There are cockroaches in the bathroom, etc.

They are quite friendly to members, with advance phone greetings and a lake view suite prepared. They offer double breakfast, welcome fruit, and drinks. Unfortunately, the lounge is closed all year round, compensated by a simple set meal or a 90 yuan voucher, which is better than nothing.

Overall, it has distinctive features. Whether counted as a People’s Luxury Collection or a Vienna Upgrade Plus, it’s worth checking in.

Room details:
Room number: 1752
Official name: One-bedroom king suite
Area: 90 square meters

Mattress: King Koil
Bedding and linens: Canasin
Living room and bedroom TV: Philips

Shower and faucet: Moen
Sink and bathtub: TOTO
Main and guest toilet: manual TOTO
Hairdryer: Philips
Scale: Xiangshan
Amenities: large bottles of Biotherm

Electric kettle: Philips
Drip coffee: Douwe Egberts
Tea bags: Chali
Drinking water: Pure Joy
Minibar: none