Nanyuan Hotel

Great quality service in downtown Ningbo

I have stayed here on business trips, 4 times in 2007-8, typically 2 - 3 days. Good service and a friendly staff. English speaking capability is good.

All the facilities you would expect from a hotel of this caliber: restaurants, bar, fitness center, conference facilities, business center, etc. I have used all of these other than the conference facilities with good results.

Breakfast (included with most room plans) is excellent. There is also a dinner buffet which is very good, although in my recollection a bit pricey.

About my only beef is that the main lobby bar's entertainment usually quits early
(9:00 pm on week nights); I would prefer to have later programming. (They also have a KTV center open later, but this isn't my taste (KTV rooms are private; you either bring a group of friends or hire a hostess.))

The location is convenient for the train station (about 5 minute cab ride). The nearby neighborhood has several convenience shops and several small restaurants; for more involved shopping there are department stores a short cab ride away.

With regard to the price stated below: Check the current prices. With the 2008 changes in exchange rates, many hotel costs (for those paying in US Dollars) may rise sharply.

When booking be careful to book the Nanyuan Hotel. The same chain operates another hotel named the Nanyuan Inn (oriented toward Chinese speaking business travelers); they are also building a new hotel in town, the Nanyuan Galaxy.

Unique Quality: The view from the east side overlooks the city and one of the rivers-- quite nice but unfortunately city smog often fouls the view, as is true in many Chinese cities.

If you are interested in seeing true Chinese urban life, walk the nearby neighborhood and see the businesses: one block just west of the hotel is apparently the place to go for the clothing producers; stores specialize in buttons, trim (ribbon, etc.), zippers, etc. Another block has a great assortment of plumbing and electrical goods.

A few blocks north of the hotel, there is a riverside park, great for a relaxing walk when weather is good.

If you're looking for lots of restaurant, shopping and bar choices within walking distance, this would not be a great choice.