This is a massive hotel situated a long way from the center of Chengdu but just a short shuttle bus ride from the Panda Base. The reception area was huge and had the appearance of a western hotel, not surprising as it is part of an international chain. The service did not match though and was chaotic, with reception staff returning wrong passports to us and even losing one for a brief period. Our room on the 19th floor was massive with a wall of glass looking out over the hotel gardens and surroundings. It was spotlessly clean with a beautiful bathroom behind a Chinese screened wall that could be drawn back to allow uninterrupted views whilst bathing. The inclusive buffet breakfast was plentiful and provided food from many different cultures. We chose the hotel specifically for its shuttle bus service to Panda Base, but you need to book when you arrive as it is clearly the reason most of the guests have chosen it too. The early bus avoids the queues and is very punctual – picking up at the main hotel entrance and dropping you off at the ticket booths. You are picked up at the same spot but you must book your departure time in advance and can’t just turn up when you’re done. The hotel has beautiful gardens at the rear with a small chapel and walking trails making it a great place to sit and relax. There are also lovely communal gardens in front of the hotel with pretty water features and further walking trails. The Club Lounge was calm and a great place to relax but it was only open for the first few hours of our stay. After a day at Panda Base we were looking forward to spending some time there only to find it closed and re-routed to the Lobby Bar. This bar boasted a long and comprehensive menu of international beverages but on ordering we were told they were out of stock for each choice until the only remaining choice was Tsingtao beer! On our second day we became aware that the huge showpiece hotel seemed to have very few guests, in fact we appeared to be the only ones on our floor. Being our first hotel in China we were surprised by the lack of caring service but we soon learned this is common and most service is less attentive!
PROS: Location close to Panda Base. Huge, clean, quiet rooms. Good choice of breakfast. Beautiful gardens. Efficient, free shuttle bus to Panda Base.
CONS: Chaotic check-in. Long way from Chengdu. Club Lounge not always open although paid for. Limited/misleading bar menu.
Hotel Website: https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/chengdu/ctupg/hoteldetail
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