Novotel Hefei

I stayed 2 weeks here on a business trip and found this hotel a relaxing place to stay. Although the staff had limited English they were always pleasant and helpful. The room I had was located at the rear and so was not subjected to the traffic noise of the main road. The wifi installed in my room was quite quick and always available. Even though there were 30+ TV channels there was not one that had English programs. The French channel sometimes had a show with English sub-titles. The Hotel eateries - Brazilian BBQ and Street Food restaurant both provided good meals and the breakfast catered adequately for western tastes even though I seemed to be the only western person staying in the hotel. Hefei is not a tourist destination but the lake almost opposite provides a pleasant area for relaxation and walking. The nearby shopping plaza is about a 13 minute walk and provides plenty of choices for eating out and of course shopping. Walmart is located here also and is a convenient supermarket outlet if needed.

Usually stay here when in Hefei. The location itself is quite good as far as Hefei is concerned. There's not really a lot to see or do in Hefei but the Hotel itself is across the road from Lord Bao's Park. If you can, get a local or knowledgeable tour guide to show you around the Park as it's worthwhile seeing - not everything has an English translation and there is a lot of history and context that needs explaining. The rooms themselves, to be honest, are quite tired and well and truly due for a refit (which I believe is happening this year - 2012). As with anywhere in China there is always road and building works going on and the resultant dust has impregnated the carpets and spaces within the rooms. Def. try to get a room in the top floors at the front of the hotel overlooking Lord Bao's Park, not at the back (have a look at the attached photo to see what the view from a rear room is like!). Service can be somewhat spotty, for instance, getting access to an iron and ironing board can be a hellish experience! Be aware that any particular staff member at reception may or may not speak English. A tip (holds for anywhere in mainland China) - if you don't speak Chinese (Cantonese) yourself and you ask someone at reception if they speak English and they reply "Little bit", don't even bother - this will be the extent of their "little bit" of English. Make sure you get a staff member who genuinely can. It will just be a frustrating experience for everyone concerned otherwise The on-site restaurant is a Brazilian BBQ - quite a novelty in China!

Across from lovely park. Small rooms, average bathrooms. Brazilian BBQ restaurant quite good, a nice change from 100% Chinese food. Okay breakfast. Due to be remodeled later this year, according to our travel guide. Not sure about price/value as it was organized by an agency.