Sheraton Changbaishan Resort

While the room was a bit dated, it was quite spacious. The window offered a beautiful, layered view of forests stretching out. The complimentary hotel perks were definitely worthwhile, and the kids had a blast. Breakfast, however, was very mediocre, with barely anything edible. The resort itself is quite well-established, and overall, the hotel still offers good value for money.

The hotel is incredibly convenient, designed like a large park with electric buggies readily available for easy transportation throughout. Our package deal offered fantastic value for a two-night stay and included numerous complimentary activities. Although the breakfast and dinner vouchers were originally only for two adults and one child, our dedicated staff member (No. 8) generously provided us with vouchers for two adults and two children. The housekeeping service was also impeccable! A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The room was clean and spotless, though the facilities felt a little dated. The bedding, however, was top-notch and incredibly comfortable. While the hotel's breakfast didn't quite live up to the standards of five-star hotels in major cities, the local Northeastern stews and meat buns were absolutely delicious and suited our palate perfectly. There are plenty of activities around; the various complimentary activities, coupled with nearby hiking and trekking options, could easily fill a four-day itinerary. The restaurants within the resort served consistently good food, and we didn't have a single bad meal during our stay. Here's a ranking of the activities by how much we enjoyed them, from most to least: various sliding activities > water park > forest hiking > pedal boats > hot springs (which were crowded and cramped, feeling more like a public communal bath). We unfortunately missed out on paragliding; otherwise, it would surely have been our number one. All in all, it's a perfect Northern getaway destination.

The hotel offers a convenient and efficient airport shuttle service. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, well-equipped with 1.35-meter wide beds, making them ideal for families and those traveling with children. The hotel provides a wealth of entertainment facilities, including an indoor pool, a kids' club, and a water park, ensuring children can have endless fun. The staff are warm, attentive, and proactive. Concierge #2, in particular, was outstanding, promptly meeting all our needs. We sincerely hope he will be our concierge again on our next visit. The hotel's breakfast selection is extensive, featuring a mix of Chinese and Western dishes to cater to all tastes.

Having stayed at two different hotels in the Wanda Resort for two consecutive nights – with the Sheraton being almost twice as expensive – I'd like to review my experience based on this comparison. What stood out positively: The service quality was excellent. The staff – from the front desk and our dedicated 'Steward No. 8' to the service teams at the Chinese restaurant (dinner) and Western breakfast restaurant – all displayed wonderful attitudes, were very prompt in resolving issues, and demonstrated a very high standard of service. The breakfast buffet was also delicious and offered a wide variety of options. What was disappointing: The location and facilities were major letdowns. The entire resort is quite expansive. For guests without their own cars, getting around relies on the resort's shuttle train. However, the Sheraton's location is a 5-7 minute walk from the train stop, which felt quite remote. Of course, there were shared electric bikes available right outside the hotel, but unfortunately, I don't know how to ride them, which was a bit frustrating. Moving on to the *in-room* facilities: the room size and orientation were good. However, for the first time ever in a hotel – something I haven't even encountered in a budget guesthouse – the shower water pressure fluctuated wildly, going from strong to weak, and the temperature constantly swung between hot and cold. Furthermore, the overhead rain shower was a mere trickle, like a gentle drizzle, forcing me to give up on using it altogether. The absence of a central overhead light in the room – perhaps a common trend in hotels? – made the lighting quite dim. Is this supposed to create 'ambiance'? Finally, the toilet paper in the bathroom. It's 2025, and I was genuinely surprised to find a hotel still providing single-ply toilet paper. It's simply unacceptable; being stingy is not the same as being economical.