Chenlong

We arrived in the city of Qinhuangdao at nightfall without lodging reservations. We had originally planned to watch an Olympic soccer game and take a middle-of-the-night train back to Beijing. However, after discovering that the earliest train back was 11AM the next day, we knew we had to find a hotel and quick. The train station at night did not feel safe and the hotels immediately surrounding it seemed sketchy, run-down, with rates aimed to gouge the unlucky stranded traveler. Fortunately, we were able to call a travel agent who immediately made a reservation for us at the 4-star Chen Long Hotel. We climbed into a waiting taxi (there are many, many taxis lined up at the station), which took us on a 15 minute ride through unlit and deserted streets until we finally arrived at an oasis of light and modernity. Although we stayed at this hotel for just 1 night, we were impressed by the modernized, comfortable, safe, and relaxing facilities. The receptionist spoke English moderately well and had our reservation already on hand. Our double room, though small, was quite nice with comfortable beds, simple but elegant decor, and even a computer with free internet access. Our only complaint was that the buffet breakfast/brunch included in the room rate only covers 1 person, but at an additional charge of 36RMB, was well worth it with made-to-order egg omlettes, fresh fruit juice, coffee, Chinese breakfast foods, etc. The doormen out front were also very helpful in finding a cab for our drive to the stadium as well as back to the train station. In the end, this hotel was probably more luxurious than we needed, but it was such a relief in a foreign city.