We stayed at the Huiquan in late September. Loved the location right across from the beach-- but had to be extra careful crossing the busy road to access the beach. Too bad it wasn't bathing suit weather, nevertheless, strolling on the beach in the late afternoon was refreshing.

The hotel is managed well, and the staff are trained well. We especially noted that the staff spoke in quiet voices, as opposed to the annoying shouting that we've experienced at other hotels in China.

Our room faced a park in the back of the hotel. The night we stayed, there was an outdoor concert in the park, but it was over by 9 p.m., and things were quiet after that. Our room was clean and comfortable. All electric appliances were in working order. We had no problem with the internet connection either. We really liked that the linens, towels, and bathrobes were really white, and not grayish that's so common at other Chinese hotels. I keep wondering when the Chinese will learn to use some bleach in their laundry process.

Be aware of a few drawbacks of the rooms: First, the bedsheets are way too crisp, to the point of being annoyingly noisy and uncomfortable every time one moved or turned in bed. The hotel should definitely switch to sateen sheets. Second, the "wall" between the shower stall in the bathroom and room itself is an opaque glass. This design is really awful because of lack of privacy, especially when the bathroom light is on. Third, when using the wash basin, the water splashes everywhere, and this was with the water flow on low. This is because of the basin's design as well as the fact that the drain was clogged. We had to surround the basin with a couple of towels to soak up the water on the counter top.

I would recommend this hotel mainly for its great beachside location.

For those of you looking for the ultimate in luxury, look elsewhere. For those of you wanting a great hotel at a very reasonable rate, in the best location in Qingdao... look no further than this hotel! Some of the older rooms are in need of renovation, but the seaview rooms on the front are excellent. Food in the revolving restuarant is a delicious mix of many cultures, so there should always be something even for the most discerning visitor, and that view makes every meal a real pleasurable experience.

I have found the staff to be very helpful without being intrusive. Almost all speak English, sometimes limited, but quickly find all the help you will need. Of course you may encounter slight problems, but no major dramas. I have lived in this hotel on business for many occassions, and extended periods, and find it both charming and modernly efficient.

Qingdao is full of every style of restaurant you could want, but for my taste there would be no need to eat out too often. In fact I'd choose to dine in the hotel not just for the convenience but the variety and quality. Want to impress a friend, family or business collegue? Dine in the sky in the evening!

I am informed that the hotel will be demolished in 2010 to be completely rebuilt in the same location as a genuine 5 star-deluxe hotel, but I am sure the new prices will reflect the upgraded status. But in Qingdao you will not find better value with this view!

Like so many things in China, consistency is a problem. So those expecting an all round 5 star experience should move on to the Shangrila or the Crowne Plaza and pay accordingly. In some ways the Huiqan Dynasty is definitely worthy of 4-5 star status but in other ways it falls short. For example, Lobby and main floor are spotless, but rooms in the south tower have not been renovated since the addition of the tower in the early 90's. I had to swap rooms until I found one that had a door lock in proper order and a more functional bathroom. While clean, carpets and furniture were worn. Travelers should choose a room in the newly renovated North wing as these rooms are far nicer, which I was unfortunately unable to secure

Amenities of the hotel were also hit and miss. Pool and health club need renovation. The sushi restaurant and the Shandong restaurant were quite poor. But the rotating restaurant on the 25th floor offered great views and tasty buffet breakfasts and dinners. Everything was very fresh and well prepared. Even more of note is the Hong Kong restaurant. During my stay we ate dinner there most nights because it was simply offered the best Southern Chinese cuisine- certainly equal to the Shangrila. And it was far from expensive.

Despite these deficiencies I have to recommend the Huiqan Dynasty for it's level of service and location. Most staff could speak some English and were very helpful and considerate. The location of the hotel could not be better, since it is right on No. 1 bathing beach and conveniently placed between the old town of Qingdao and the new downtown. The scenic Badaguan area and the buildings of the old town are all in walking distance.

Reasonable rates, good service, great scenic location and one of the best restaurants in Qingdao would have me happily check into the Huiqan Dynasty once more.

We arrived at the hotel, and although we were like first in line, it look like 20 minutes to check in. Reservations were written by hand. There were no computers.

We arrived at the rooms. Two tiny beds. My dad could barely fit in it alone. The TV was tiny and even had pornography on it. We booked an ocean-view room, but we had to stick our head out the balcony until we almost fall off in order to see the ocean. The disgusting bathroom was most disappointing. The toilet, sink, and shower were at least 10 years old. There was mold everywhere. Definitely never staying here again.