The Astor Hotel, Tianjin, Tianjin

My stay at the hotel was a mix of pros and cons. The location by the river was beautiful, but the rooms were a bit cramped with a tricky entrance to the terrace. The service had some highlights like a sweet anniversary surprise, but there were instances of overcharging. The dining options were mediocre, and the facilities were just average.

The location of the hotel is charming, set in the concession period in Tianjin, with an atrium atmosphere. The rooms, however, feel a bit crowded with small beds that limit movement, and the entrance to the terrace can be tricky, posing a tripping hazard, especially at night. While the non-smoking rooms are not very clean and carry a lingering cigarette smell throughout the lobby and corridors, the staff surprised us with a cake delivery for our 29th anniversary, although the pick-up service seemed overpriced and raised some eyebrows upon checkout. The dining options were mixed, with an excellent croissant but basic overall, and the fresh seafood was a standout. The facilities are adequate but not outstanding.

The hotel's charm shines through with its luxurious amenities and convenient location, but service left much to be desired. The dining experience fell short with mediocre offerings, while the rooms, especially the four-poster bed, and bathroom with a TV in the mirror, were fantastic. The crowded layout and tricky terrace entrance detracted from the overall experience.

The hotel has its ups and downs. The room was fantastic, especially the four-poster bed and the bathroom with a TV in the mirror, but it felt a bit cramped and the entrance to the terrace was tricky. The service, while friendly, was not up to a five-star hotel standard. The setting in Tianjin was sublime, though more greenery in the atrium could enhance the ambiance. The dining was a mix of basic and excellent, with the croissants not impressing but the home-baked Alentejo bread stealing the show.

The hotel has its ups and downs, with fantastic room features like the four-poster bed and the bathroom with a TV in the mirror, but the rooms can feel a bit too crowded. The service, while friendly, may not always meet a five-star standard. The location back in Tianjin offers a unique setting, though more greenery could enhance the ambiance. Dining experiences vary from mediocre to excellent, with room for improvement. Overall, the facilities provide a decent stay.