Smart Bear Hotel (Dalian Railway Station Zhongshan Square Subway Station Branch)

Facilities: The hotel provides daily necessities such as water, disposable towels, and the rooms have basic facilities. Some rooms also have washing machines (need to bring your own detergent), and there are nearby convenience stores.(based on 78 reviews)

This hotel's location is genuinely brilliant, right in the city centre next to the Zhongshan subway and plaza, and for this price point, you really can't ask for better. The staff were friendly and helpful despite the language barrier (Google Translate sorted us out fine), and the cleaning team were lovely too. The room was decent and properly clean, I checked for dust and there wasn't any. However, the hotel is quite old, and there was some mould on the ceiling and in the bathroom and shower curtain. It didn't bother me personally, but worth noting, and a bit of spray would be great. That said, Dalian was incredibly humid when I visited in late August, so I suspect this is partly a climate issue. Even my own towels wouldn't dry properly. The place was quite busy, mainly Chinese customers, but they were quiet and discreet. Practical bits: they provide two bottles of water daily and disposable paper towels (which actually came in handy given the humidity). The room also had a washing machine (bring your own detergent) and you can hang clothes outside on the 9th floor veranda. There's a bus stop right outside with direct services to Xian Lu (shopping and basement food market) and the Transport University area night market, the subway goes straight to the airport, and you're walking distance from the main tourist spots like Russian Street, the old tram etc. Plenty of restaurants nearby too. And two convenience stores on ground floor. This place accepts foreign tourists and check-in was quick and easy. Internet was fast but slower in the evenings. Honestly, some of the complaints I've read here seem a bit harsh considering what you're paying. You get what you pay for, and at this price point in this location, I think it's fair value. I'd stay here again, especially if travelling on a budget. Thank you, we had a lovely time in Dalian!

Location and amenities of the hotel are good. Overall I was satisfied. I requested a non smoking room but was given a room clearly meant for smoking. However, since I only stayed one night I didn’t bring it up and can’t comment on the hotels willingness to change rooms for me.