Super 8 Hotel Quanzhou new station

I haven't been to any other hotels in Quanzhou so don't know what to expect and can't compare, but this hotel seemed fine for the price, it just needs some TLC and maintenance. It's in a central location and the staff were really lovely and very patient. The air conditioning wasn't wonderful, and with humidity at 95% it made for some uncomfortable nights, but I'd had a lot worse. The bed was comfy and shower was nice and hot. There wasn't enough toilet paper, but we have found there never is in Chinese hotels (is there a shortage or something?) but there were extra pillows which many hotels don't have. The breakfast is included and is Chinese but is worth trying, I enjoyed the congee so give it a go if you haven't yet. Bus 3 or 17 will get you there from the train station, it's 2 yuan and you pay on the bus (exact change only). Follow signs for buses from the train station, go past the customer service desks and walk along all the buses until almost the end (the path becomes really uneven). The bus stop to get off at is the bus station, but look out for a big statue in the middle of the road (the bus actually goes past the hotel, on the same side of the road, so keep a look out). A cab cost us 25 yuan. There is a McDonald's and KFC over the road and they have an English menu if you ask. To the left of the hotel, as you come out, walk to the bridge over road, cross over and you wil come to a supermarket. Quanzhou has really lunatic traffic and watch out on all pavements as mopeds use them, often at speed! We booked on Booking.com and it really confused them. Perhaps try booking on their website or use a Chinese site like Ctrip. The hotel also took a really random deposit amount, but didn't explain this so I was confused about what I paid until I got the deposit back.

Super 8 are generally thought of as a budget or low-end option, but in this case at least this is a surprisingly comfortable and attractive hotel. Judging from the decor and fixtures, it seems likely this is not a purpose-built Super 8. It was probably originally a fairly fancy business hotel that had gotten a bit old. Super 8 probably bought the property, which is why the carpets, corridors and fixtures seem to be trying for more of a luxurious feel. The location is central to downtown and it is also within walking distance of a number of the main historical sites in town. As always in China, shop around on price. If you can get this for less than 250 yuan for a double online, it's good value for money.

I arrived very late in Quanzhou at about 10pm and went through about 4 hotels and found that it wasn't what I expected. I bumped into a Chinese guy and he showed me the way to Jian Fu hotel. The staff did not understand much English but what surprises me was that they immediately call someone to the front desk. This Chinese guy spoke English like a native English speaker and in less than 5 minutes I was up to my room. A king size bed, a living room with fridge, microwave and computer ;all for 260rmb ...a real bargain. I stayed there for 6 days and had a real good time. That guy who spoke English was really great. He showed me around for a couple of days and help me to travel around. I understand that they are also bring in water sports to the beaches of Quanzhou. He told me the hotel will be making windsailing, windsurfing and all sorts of water sport available by March 2009