The Lalu Qingdao

Facilities: Acceptable Cleanliness: Acceptable Setting: Good Service: Good This hotel is located in Huangdao District. If you're simply looking to relax at the hotel, enjoy some peace and quiet, and listen to the waves, then this is absolutely the best choice – even better than any hotel in Qingdao's Shinan District or around May Fourth Square. However, if you're seeking a lively atmosphere, then this hotel is not for you. The rooms themselves are actually quite decent. Considering the hotel opened in 2014, it's been reasonably well-maintained. But if you can't overlook a few minor flaws, then this hotel isn't for you either. As for breakfast, I've stayed at many five-star hotels, and the quality of breakfast here is just passable. It's worth mentioning that this hotel is definitely a top choice for photography.

The hotel's 'seven-star' reputation is a thing of the past; the entire place gave off a desolate vibe. The ceilings in the basement levels were dilapidated, and the room facilities were noticeably dated. Even the hairdryer and toiletries felt old and worn. The views and the private beach were the only redeeming qualities. Perhaps due to low occupancy, the service felt a bit lacking. Breakfast variety was poor and didn't seem fresh.

The facilities are a bit dated. Cleanliness, especially in smaller areas like the balconies and bathrooms, needs improvement. The changing rooms at the pool were unbearably dirty and smelly, which really took away from the beautiful and inviting infinity pool. However, the views are absolutely stunning. Swimming, watching the sunrise, and enjoying the ocean was pure bliss. The walk from the hotel to Golden Beach is also highly recommended.

The room was quite spacious, and the king-sized bed was very wide, making it very comfortable for a family stay with children. The hotel's location is absolutely superb, nestled against the mountains and surrounded by the sea on three sides. You can catch the sunrise in the morning and gaze at Qingdao's light show at night. The beach feels almost like a private one, primarily frequented by hotel guests, so it's rarely crowded. The infinity pool is large, and the views from it are equally impressive. There are also secluded rocky areas, which are incredibly peaceful with hardly anyone around, except for a few local fishing enthusiasts. It's very quiet, and you can have a lot of fun exploring when the tide is out.

Drawn by the reputation of this legendary ultra-five-star hotel, I arrived, only for my taxi driver to tell me that while it was top-notch a decade ago, it's now like a 'last emperor' – no longer ranking among the best. My two-day experience left me with some significant impressions: The room was indeed spacious, especially the large balcony, which was incredibly convenient for drying swimsuits after a dip in the ocean. From there, you could directly watch the tides ebb and flow, and at night, fall asleep to the soothing sound of the waves. However, the room lighting was too dim, and the furniture felt a bit dated. I noticed stains on the bath towels on the day we checked in, and overall room cleanliness was just average. The facilities felt a bit behind the times; they're still using old-fashioned hairdryers, and there was no capsule coffee machine. Through the bathroom window, I could see withered greenery, which vaguely hinted at the former glory of its design. All drinks in the mini-fridge (Coke, Sprite) were 20 RMB per bottle, whereas hotels of a similar caliber usually offer complimentary soft drinks for the first round of the mini-bar. Breakfast was standard. The Peking duck and ribs at the Chinese restaurant were quite good, and the restaurant staff were noticeably more professional than those in other departments. Changing rooms at the swimming pool were inconvenient. There was trash visible further down the beach, and the coastline lacked proper guest facilities. Unlike the more comprehensive amenities at Golden Sand Beach, there were no hotel-level lounge areas for guests on the remote part of the beach; basic items like sun loungers, parasols, and foot-washing stations were all missing. Fortunately, it wasn't crowded. There were virtually no children's play facilities. Few delivery restaurants were available nearby, and commercial facilities in the vicinity were underdeveloped. The main issue, however, was a significant lack of seamless service coordination. Before check-in, customer service called to inform us about personalized experiences. We had communicated that we were a family traveling with children, and they promised children's bath products upon arrival, but these were never delivered, even by check-out. We specifically emphasized that we had to catch a train on check-out day, leaving around 5 AM, which meant we'd miss the included breakfast. We requested some packed breakfast items, perhaps some bread prepared the day before. Both the customer service agent and the front desk staff promised to arrange this during check-in. However, at check-out, the duty staff claimed they knew nothing about it, stating the kitchen wasn't even open yet, leaving guests to depart hungry. Interestingly, they didn't forget to immediately charge us for an extra breakfast on the first day. This hotel's grand reputation, in reality, is hard to live up to. It might be suitable for a secluded retreat, but only for guests with low expectations for details and service.

During our summer family trip with children and seniors, we were looking for a quiet and less crowded place. The Lalu Hotel, surrounded by the sea on three sides, boasts a private beach where you can take a dip anytime. The sand isn't exceptionally fine, so wearing shoes is recommended. The adjacent infinity pool offers stunning views and is cleaned every morning, which the kids absolutely loved. However, many covers on the overflow drains around the infinity pool were broken or missing; maintenance definitely needs to catch up. All rooms are sea-view, offering the pleasant sound of waves and a refreshing sea breeze, creating a truly relaxing atmosphere. The only minor drawback is the inevitable humidity being so close to the ocean. In the evenings, the soft lighting creates a wonderfully tranquil and peaceful ambiance. A special mention goes to the mattress and bedding; they're excellent for sleeping, providing superb lumbar support. The bath towels are also incredibly soft and plush, making them very comfortable to use. However, the in-room hairdryer could definitely use an upgrade, as the Philips model provided has a very weak airflow. Breakfast consistently maintained good quality, with perfectly cooked soft-boiled eggs and very fresh fruit. The hotel premises are expansive, so we never had to queue for meals, and even during busy periods, it never felt crowded. We were particularly impressed when Chef Kang personally came out to solicit feedback on the dining experience; it was a very thoughtful touch. We hope this high standard of food quality continues. Buffet vouchers can be purchased online. The quality and variety of meats were good, and even without crab, it offered excellent value for money, so we were quite satisfied overall. The complimentary roasted lamb leg served to each table was also delicious. The Chinese restaurant accepts group buy deals or cash vouchers, with a 15% service charge. While the food was decent, it's a convenient option if you prefer not to leave the hotel. We didn't try the Western restaurant this time. Service was good and responses were prompt, but the staff seemed quite stretched overall, often rushing around. This is understandable, given it's peak season; there will certainly be fewer guests during the off-season. Many corridor doors leading outside on various floors were closed, with only the L floor (lobby) and the first floor accessible. These two floors lead to outdoor platforms where we saw a wedding being set up, and it looked quite beautiful once decorated. In summary, The Lalu is ideal for a relaxing getaway, perfect for unwinding, and great for a good night's sleep. If you want to avoid crowds during your holiday, it's an excellent choice.