Last week, I took a vacation in the scenic coastal city of Dalian in northeastern China. I chose Castle Hotel Dalian for my stay, drawn by its hilltop setting overlooking Xinghai Bay.
Dalian
Dalian is situated at the tip of China’s Liaodong Peninsula. The city is a trading and financial centre in northeastern Asia and is sometimes referred to as the “Hong Kong of Northern China.”
With its coastal scenery and moderate climate, Dalian is also known as the “Romance City” and is regarded as one of China’s more livable cities.
Castle Hotel Dalian Location
Part of Marriott International’s Luxury Collection portfolio, Castle Hotel Dalian is a Bavarian-style castle set on a green hillside overlooking Xinghai Bay.
Its elevated location provides views across the bay and the Dalian skyline. The setting is relatively quiet, while the hotel remains within reach of the city’s main attractions.
The Castle Hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, 20 minutes from Dalian Railway Station and 50 minutes from Dalian North Railway Station.
Just a short distance away is Xinghai Square, one of Dalian’s major public spaces and a popular venue for cultural events and festivals. The nearby coastal promenade is also suitable for a leisurely walk, with views across the bay and frequent sightings of seagulls along the shoreline.
The hotel is also within reach of attractions including Lotus Mountain, Dalian Modern Museum, Sun Asia Ocean World and Dalian Forest Zoo.
Castle Hotel Dalian locationHotel Lobby
Upon arriving at the hotel, I was greeted by the doormen with warm smiles.
The grand lobby features soaring ceilings, chandeliers, plush seating areas and ornate furnishings. A glass ceiling allows natural light to enter the space during the day, while the interior’s traditional European-inspired design gives the arrival experience a distinctive character.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel features 292 guestrooms and 67 residences, with interiors that combine contemporary design with a more traditional luxury aesthetic.
The hotel’s presidential suite is its largest accommodation category, with an open-plan layout of more than 600 square metres. The suite features separate living and sleeping areas, along with a range of furnishings and decorative details.
Dining
Castle Hotel Dalian has four restaurants and a lounge and bar, covering Chinese, international and other dining options.
Royal Cellar Restaurant and Bar +86 18525369636
Royal Cellar combines contemporary décor with an ocean-view terrace, an on-site microbrewery, heritage beer, hearty dishes and live music.
The terrace provides an additional setting for dining and drinks, particularly when the weather is suitable for outdoor seating.
Zhenbao Chinese Restaurant +86 411 82280188
Zhenbao serves Dalian seafood and regional Chinese specialties in a more formal setting. The restaurant has 15 private dining rooms in addition to its main dining area.
For more on the restaurant and its culinary team, see our interview with the Castle Hotel Dalian Chinese kitchen chef de cuisine.
Collections Signature Restaurant +86 411 82280155
Collections Signature Restaurant is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The restaurant offers an international selection with live cooking stations and an outdoor terrace. Its elevated position also provides views towards the Yellow Sea.
For more information, see our interview with the Collections Signature Restaurant Western kitchen chef.
Lobby Lounge +86 411 82280156
The Lobby Lounge offers food and drinks accompanied by classical music in an elegant setting.
Its drinks menu includes cocktails inspired by local spirits, while small bites are available alongside beverages.
SPA & Wellness
Guests can work out at the hotel’s 24-hour Fitness Centre or use the indoor swimming pool, which is open from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
For families, Castle Land is a children’s entertainment area open from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
The hotel’s Cobase Spa is open from 10:00am to 11:00pm.
Cobase Spa: +86 411 8250 0190
The spa offers private rooms and a selection of treatments and wellness facilities. There is also a beauty salon, juice bar and mahjong room.
Events
With its ballrooms and landscaped surroundings, Castle Hotel Dalian caters to weddings, banquets, corporate functions and private events.
The Chengbao Grand Ballroom provides approximately 1,400 square metres of event space and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The hotel also has the Emperor Ballroom, Empress Ballroom and additional function rooms, with audiovisual facilities for events and meetings.
The Esplanade on the hotel’s 5/F provides approximately 4,000 square metres of open space. It can be used for weddings, cocktail receptions and business events.
Bottom Line
Castle Hotel Dalian’s hilltop location is one of its defining features, offering views over Xinghai Bay and the city. However, the elevated setting also means that the hotel is less convenient for guests who want to rely heavily on public transportation.
The hotel’s popularity as a wedding and events venue can also affect the atmosphere at busy times, particularly on weekends, when public areas may become more crowded.
Price is another consideration. The hotel’s grand architecture, location and range of facilities place it at the higher end of the Dalian hotel market.
For me, the hotel’s distinctive castle architecture and hilltop setting remain its strongest characteristics. The combination of its European-inspired design, views over Xinghai Bay, range of dining options and attentive service makes it a memorable base for a Dalian stay.
The restaurants also provide a good introduction to both local seafood and international cuisine. Zhenbao, in particular, offers the opportunity to explore Dalian’s regional culinary traditions in a formal setting.
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