Howard Johnson Nanshan Plaza Bengbu

I stayed for a week and booked a suite at the Howard Johnson in Bengbu. This hotel is really nice and has everything you need. I stayed in a suite on the 21st floor and loved the views. The suite had a nice living room along with 2 bathrooms. Location: Located in the center of the city, nothing is too far away. There is a new mall just across the street which has 2 supermarkets/department stores, various other stores and a few restaurants. In the other direction, about 15mins walk is a park with lots of activity on the weekends. Across the street is lots of street food which was nice! Room: The room was always cleaned well and service was prompt. When we requested extra towels or coffee it was always done. When we first arrived I noticed the carpets had a little stain, but that's the only negative. The room comes with slippers, a robe and was always very comfortable. Service: The service was always friendly. Most staff try to help in English, but there are only a few that can actually provide assistance in English. Amenitites: I chose not to get the breakfast included so the room was cheaper. Plenty of people would show up for breakfast, and I wished I tried it once. The fitness center is larger than most hotels and has everything you need from dumbbells to machines and treadmills. There is an indoor pool as well but I did not use it, but it looked good. Reputation: The hotel has a beautiful lobby, has 26 floors and stands out as a top hotel in the city. When we had guests over, or people stop by they always commented how nice it was. Taxi drivers all know the hotel as well. When booking ahead, we weren't sure if this was the right place or not. Now after the trip, we are so happy we stayed here!

Very nice rooms, hot shower, clean and well appointed but there was clear evidence of shortages or a misinterpretation of what a western guest might like (of course there was, well over 90% of the guests were doubtless Chinese if the breakfast room was any indication). For example, there was a kettle and coffee cups in the room, but no coffee. A very nice desk lamp but no place to plug it in if you had your computer plugged in too. Unexpectedly, an iron and ironing board (not seen often in China). The Chinese food in the restaurant was good, but of course regional. The western food was a bit sketchy, but as I was the only westerner in the room, I understand why. The attendant had no English at all, and coffee was indescribable. The exercise room/spa was closed, and I could have used it.

Overnight stay, many features of the hotel look tired but staff are very friendly. Price is on the high end for a 3rd tier city like this in China. Close to the new speed train station which is nice too.