69 Parallel - 1 Housing

The location was easy to find, and the room was surprisingly good, though I wasn't a fan of the smell. The cabins below were absolutely stunning, and it's a shame I didn't book one this time. If I get the chance to return, I'll definitely stay in one!

The hotel is pretty average, with outdated facilities, but it's clean and tidy. It's much cheaper than downtown hotels, and for just over 200 yuan, what more could you possibly ask for? The front desk staff didn't speak English and came across as a bit gruff, but fortunately, they were efficient and by-the-book. Upon check-out, they proactively offered assistance with the visa-on-arrival paperwork. Be aware that there's a coffee machine on the first floor that swallowed my 130 'Lu' (currency) without dispensing any coffee. The location is quite remote, situated in the suburbs. The steep driveway at the hotel entrance can be slippery for cars, and you'll need a taxi to reach the supermarket. However, the major upside is that if you're incredibly lucky, you might get to witness the Northern Lights. Breakfast is served on the third floor, costing 450 'Lu' if you pay on-site. The staff at the breakfast counter might not always be present, possibly helping in the kitchen, but they'll appear to collect payment once they see guests. The food selection is very basic. Daily cleaning service is provided every morning, with prompt trash removal and replenishment of toiletries and supplies. The hotel's internet speed is decent; you can stream videos without any buffering. Overall, if you're out exploring all day and just need a place to sleep at night, the service is perfectly fair for the price.

My parents and I stayed in a standard family suite. The room was very spacious, featuring a 1.5m bed and a 1.2m bed, which was more than enough for us. Outside the window, we could see charming small wooden cabins, creating a truly whimsical, fairytale atmosphere. The hotel's location was also very easy to find and quite prominent. It's located near a colorful, miniature Canton Tower. The front desk proactively handles temporary residence permits, which are usually available for collection on the second or third day.

The room was decent – clean and tidy, and there was enough hot water. However, it lacked several basic amenities: no hairdryer, no bottled water, no screen door, no window screens, and no air conditioning. I'd strongly advise caution if you're planning a summer stay. The balcony was unkempt, and the walls were stained and peeling. What a shame!

I've stayed in two different room types here. I definitely recommend their wooden cabins; they are cozy and spacious, with a rustic, charming aesthetic. I also tried a twin room in the main building, but it felt a bit like a basic massage parlor room you might find in China, and the beds were rather small. Despite that, it was clean and comfortable. Overall, it offers pretty good value for money.

Given that this isn't a major city, perhaps my expectations for the hotel shouldn't have been too high. Upon entering the room, I found it quite bare – no slippers, no hairdryer. The bathroom facilities were extremely basic; the sink was so tiny, barely big enough for two hands, there wasn't even space for a toothbrush cup. The restaurant's ambiance was decent, but the food selection was very limited. However, given it was peak tourist season in Murmansk, simply securing a room at this hotel felt like a stroke of luck. Overall, my experience was average. If Azimut or Meridian are available, I would definitely recommend booking one of those instead.