Where to Stay

Tianjin possesses more hotel rooms than some nations have people. Yet, due to antiquated restrictions imposed by China's Public Security Bureau not all are open to foreign guests (Tianjin, unlike many other coastal cities such as Dalian and Qingdao does not enjoy Special Economic Zone status). And the ones that are accessible charge do-I-look-like-King-Farouk-type rates. Your best option is to resign yourself to the hefty prices and try to snatch a room at one of the hotels located in or near central downtown and its wealth of attractions.

For some major pampering, have your travel agent get a reservation at the Sheraton Tianjin Hotel. Even though it dwells 10 minutes away from downtown, it more than compensates for this inconvenience by being one of Tianjin's few bona fide five star hotels. It exhibits everything that is grand about lodging luxury, including four restaurants. Close proximity to the Economy Trade and Exhibition Centre endears it with the business crowd.

Four-star options are plenty. The Hyatt Regency, located along the scenic Hai River, spoils guests with special amenities and quick access to such photo snapping hotspots as the Confucian Temple and Ancient Culture Street. The Holiday Inn lacks the access to downtown, but enjoys walking proximity to the Tianhuo Temple and Ancient Culture Street as well. The Marriott chain's Renaissance Tianjin Hotel, redefines the definition of contemporary. Prime time room amenities match its prime time look. Wild architecture lends the Crystal Palace Hotel instant distinction, subconsciously creating a buzz of inner excitement and heightening the sense of being on vacation and away from the "usual." Its lakeside location lends it a sense of calm, rare for Tianjin. The Astor Hotel transports guests back to 19th century colonial ambience. Built in 1863, its mural and photo filled lobby creates the feel of lodging in an inordinately ornate museum whose curator just happens to dress as a bellhop. For great views of the city snare a room at the towering Tianjin Evening News Hotel. It stretches 40 floors into the sky and is crowned with a helicopter landing pad. The Tianjin Geneva Hotel offers all of the normal four star pamper amenities, but distances itself from all other hotels with an amazing seven restaurants.

Most of Tianjin's three star hotels offer reasonable rates without sacrificing amenities or location. The Tianjin First Hotel is a sound of example of this by offering guests what-have-I-done-to-deserve-this downtown decadence. Built in 1922, its regal architecture looks deliciously proud amid a forest of skyscrapers. A massive outside fountain sets the tone for the equally massive Grand Hotel. Boasting 596 rooms, this night nest is large enough to apply for statehood. On busy weekends, this is a good place to keep in mind when lodging appears scarce. The Cairnhill Hotel rates as a good choice for those who need to be close to either Tianjin University or Nankai University. As an added bonus it also offers quick access to the famed Food Street. If being close to the city's Tianjin Radio and TV Tower tops your agenda the Sinta Hotel stands as your best choice. Not only is it close, but also affords "almost-being-there" views of the tower. The prices here are cheaper than most. Long term lodging can be found at the Ocean Hotel. Tastefully decorated with continental European designs, it is popular with traveling business folk. If location is of no concern and you are only motivated by the need for a room to crash in consider the Friendship Hotel. Because of its surrounding bleak industrial district landscape, it compensates with reasonably inexpensive rates.