Victory Hotel

My husband and I spent four nights at the Victory Hotel. After a couple of weeks in China we were happy to have some western style choices at the breakfast buffet, even if they never taste quite the same as at home. Fortunately, you can't go far wrong with toast, and a chef will fry you an egg while you wait. We had a primo room with a small living room area. The room was clean, washroom was great, wonderful shower and lots of freebies, the internet was the best we've had in China, and the housekeeping staff left us milk to help us sleep well (but I'm sure this service was provided only because we had a primo room). The elevators are a bit slow. The location is very good, in the new Binhai district, not in the main part of Tianjin. The hotel is just across the street from a shopping district. Go upstairs and bargain hard for some great deals on brand-name goods. We also enjoyed the restaurant in the hotel, accessible from the first and fifth floors.

The carpet in my room was completely filthy and the wall paper is beginning to peel. The wifi is non existent and the TV channels come and go. The refrigerator kept soft drinks barely cool - mostly warm. The closet doors don't open only with a crowbar. The beds are unspeakably hard and crumply. Without hot water for the shower, this room was a total loser. As a final insult, the game room/bowling center was shut down. Find another hotel in Tanggu, any hotel will be a step up.

My previous two stays at the Victory Hotel were disappointing, but decided to give it one last try for sentimental reasons. This time I was pleasantly surprised. Their remodeling efforts have paid off nicely. The room's decor was tastefully done. Everything was very clean, including the carpet. The bed was very comfortable and the room's climate control was also excellent. The bathroom was spotless. However, you must be willing to have a room with no door to the bathroom. This has been done by design, and it's a little unsettling to western travelers. Beyond that, the room was very, very good. Breakfast the next morning is good although it is all Chinese food with no western options. I had a Chinese friend help me with check in and check out, and it went very smoothly. The girls at the desk were very courteous and helpful.