Where to Stay

To appease its internationally growing reputation as China's "Hong Kong of the North," Dalian has recently experienced considerable hotel expansion. The majority of accomodation is in the four and five star range, but more budget offerings are opening all the time, so travelers have a myriad of options ranging from big cheese expensive to cut-rate thrifty.

Because of Dalian's status as both a business center and as a vacation resort, lodging rates fluctuate. During the off-season from September through March (excluding Spring Festival), rates hover in the wow-what-a-deal range. From April through August, Dalian's beach season, the rates escalate into the who-do-I-look-like-Bill-Gates realm.

Despite Dalian's girth of hotels, room availabilities tighten during the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), the Acacia Flower Festival and the immensely popular International Fashion Festival. Advance reservations during these crowded times are highly recommended.

Zhongshan 

For downtown convenience, indoor opulence, and shameless pampering have your travel agent lasso a reservation at the Furama Hotel. This coddle palace could have seven more stars added to its already five-star rating and still seem a few stars short. Celebrities and visiting dignitaries favor it for its downtown convenience and list of amenities that include five restaurants and an indoor golf drive. The Swissotel Hotel also enjoys rarified five-star status in close proximity to downtown's shopping districts and major sites. The Hotel Nikko Dalian, Dalian's freshest five-star, wonderfully meshes with the city's cosmopolitan look. In addition, the Harbour View Hotel, another five-star gem, offers first-class amenities as well as stunning maritime views. Palace-like Dalian Hotel is as much a destination as an accomidation

For downtown convenience, but at slightly lower rates, budget-savvy travelers can choose from either the Bohai Hotel, or the four-star International Hotel. Both are just minutes away from Zhongshan Square, making them suitable for both business and leisure. 

Xigang

The Xigang District's numerous hotels rank high with those intent on strolling barefoot through the surf. The Sea Horizon Hotel, on scenic Binhai (Beach) Road, also provides instant beach connection. A four-star rating ups its room tags to the high-end range, but the amenity factor is huge and includes an on-site beer garden. For an inexpensive stay try the Xiuyue Hotel. Wedged between the mountains and the sea on a view friendly slope it serves as the perfect lair for both hikers and sunbathers. Not far from Renmin Square, the four star Wanda International Hotel offers the best of all worlds; great location, comfort and professional service, plus affordability for this prime area. Modest but cheerful, the Sunshine Hotel in Shahekou has the basics for a good price.

If budget restrictions demand bargain-basement lodging seek a room at the Yadesi Bathhouse. The room amenities rank just above that of a tent, yet the on-site massage possibilities are a plus.

Development Zone

The Economic and Technological Development Area, Dalian's foremost business center, possesses several convenient on-site hotels. The East Hotel offers both location and the kind of five-star luxury that would even embarrass members of England's royal family. Visiting government officials and look-at-me celebrities are routinely seen padding through its halls. Every top shelf amenity is offered from childcare to mind-soothing saunas. The Kerren Hotel is far easier on the wallet and also offers a quick recreational escape (16 kilometers) to Gold Pebble Beach, known for its scenic string of tiny coves. The glass pyramid shape of the Dalian Inn Fine Hotel has become a symbol of the Development Zone, and its reputation continues inside with five star service and ever imaginable comfort.