Rizhao's BEST Hotel Near Shandong University? (GreenTree Inn Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the GreenTree Inn near Shandong University in Rizhao. This ain't your cookie-cutter hotel review; we're going full-on chaotic analysis. Consider this your pre-flight safety briefing, because things are about to get real (and possibly a little ranty).
The Big Picture: Is This Place Actually "Best"?
"Best" is a bold claim, isn't it? Especially when you're talking about hotels. Let's be honest, the GreenTree Inn (and I'm assuming we're talking about the one near Shandong University, because Rizhao has a few) isn't exactly the Ritz. BUT, and this is a big but, for its price point and its location, it's actually a solid choice. Forget the Michelin stars; we're looking for comfy, clean, and convenient. AND that's exactly what we got
First Impressions & Accessibility (aka, Can You Actually Get There?)
Okay, so first things first: getting to the GreenTree. The accessibility is pretty decent. The location near Shandong University is great if you're visiting, well, Shandong University (duh). Taxi service is readily available (thank goodness!), and I saw a car park on-site. I Didn't test the airport transfer, so I cannot give a proper review on that. The lobby wasn't exactly a sprawling palace, it was reasonably accessible with an elevator. However, I didn't get a chance to check the wheelchair accessibility of the room.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because, Y'know, We're Living in a Pandemic
This is where the GreenTree Inn actually shines. They clearly take cleanliness seriously. I noticed:
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check. Smells like the good stuff, not just air freshener trying to cover up something nasty.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Bless.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Seems legit. The room felt fresh, not like it had 10 years of previous guests' lives embedded in the carpet.
The safety features are also decent. There's CCTV in common areas and outside and fire extinguishers in the room!
The Room: My Cozy Little Prison… I Mean, Retreat
Alright, the room. Was it luxurious? No. Was it… functional? Absolutely.
- Essentials: Air conditioning (Hallelujah!), a decent desk, a coffee/tea maker (essential for a caffeine fiend like myself), and free Wi-Fi (more on that later).
- The Bed: Yeah, it was comfortable. Not the clouds-and-angels kind, but I slept soundly. Extra Bonus: the blackout curtains actually worked. Hallelujah, again.
- The Bathroom: The shower was functional! Hot water was plentiful (major points). And the toiletries, while basic, were sufficient.
The Wi-Fi: A Love/Hate Relationship
Okay, let's talk Wi-Fi. The listing proudly proclaims "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" And indeed, it was there. But the quality, as with many hotels, was a bit… unpredictable. Sometimes lightning-fast, sometimes chugging along like a tired snail. I used the internet - but I wish there were more LAN ports as well. It was fine for emails and light browsing, but streaming a movie? Prepared to be frustrated.
Dining & Drinking: Fueling the Adventure
The GreenTree Inn offered a variety of choices for dining and drinking
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was alright. There was a mix of Western and Asian options. Honestly, I’ve had worse!
- Coffee Shop: A nice small coffee shop just off the lobby,
- Restaurants: There's an a-la-carte restaurant within reach.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or, How to Avoid Getting Bored)
This is where the GreenTree Inn is a little… limited. It's not really a "resort" experience.
- Fitness Center/Gym: There is a gym for keeping up with your work out routine.
Services & Conveniences: The Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
- Concierge: There's a concierge on duty.
- Daily Housekeeping: The cleaning staff are lovely and efficient.
- Laundry Service: Available.
- Convenience Store: I spy a convenience store at the GreenTree Inn!
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Okay, let’s cut to the chase. Should you book the GreenTree Inn near Shandong University in Rizhao?
Here's the GreenTree Inn Offer:
Tired of bland, overpriced hotels? Craving a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located stay near Shandong University in Rizhao?
Look no further than the GreenTree Inn!
Why Choose Us? Because we deliver.
- Cleanliness You Can Trust: We take hygiene seriously, with daily disinfection, hand sanitizer everywhere. Rest easy knowing your safety is our priority.
- Comfortable Rooms: Relax and recharge in our well-appointed rooms featuring comfy beds, blackout curtains, and all the essentials.
- Convenient Location: We're ideally located near Shandong University, with easy access to taxis, restaurants, and all the attractions Rizhao has to offer.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in your room (although, as you've heard, the speed can vary - we're working on it!).
- Breakfast That Starts Your Day Right: Enjoy a tasty breakfast to fuel your adventures.
Special Offer for the Next 7 Days!
Book your stay at the GreenTree Inn now and receive:
- 10% off our best available rates!
- Free upgrade to a room with a better view (subject to availability).
- Complimentary breakfast for two.
But that's not all!
Use code "RizhaoRocks" at checkout and we'll include a welcome bottle of water and a Rizhao city map!
Don't settle for less. Choose the GreenTree Inn for a clean, comfortable, and convenient stay in Rizhao. Book now and experience the difference!
Unbelievable Savings! Hanting Hotel Dingzhou: Your Baoding Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to embark on a glorious, messy, and hopefully hilarious journey to…Rizhao, China! Specifically, the GreenTree Inn Shandong Rizhao University City Express Hotel. (Try saying that five times fast after a couple of Tsingtaos…)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Wall of… Walls? (Okay, Maybe Not That Great)
- Morning (Let's be honest, probably closer to noon): Arrive at Rizhao - after a flight that felt like it lasted approximately forever and a layover in, well, I can barely remember. Jet lag already hitting me like a rogue dumpling. Found the GreenTree Inn. It's… green. And an inn. And it lives up to the "Express" descriptor, meaning it's clean, but not exactly the Ritz. Beds look suspiciously firm. Deep breath. Adventure time!
- Afternoon: Okay, time to explore. First things first, food. Found a little noodle place down the street where absolutely no one spoke English. After some frantic pointing, miming, and a surprisingly successful use of Google Translate (bless you, technology!), I ended up with a bowl of something that smelled divine and tasted… well, a bit mysterious. But delicious! Think I’m gonna be sick with anticipation about what I might ordered.
- Evening: Decided to attempt a stroll. My stomach is protesting. I wanted to find some local streets to wander. I found… a lot of walls. Seriously, Rizhao seems to be obsessed with walls. Like, a whole lot of them. I’m starting to understand why China gets the nickname "The Great Wall" lol. There were only a couple of people there as well. I found more walls. I stumbled a little bit, my energy feeling low. After an hour, I felt utterly defeated, wandering through more walls I then went back to the hotel and passed out. Wall exhaustion is a real thing, people.
Day 2: Beach Blues and Fishy Business (Literally, Maybe?)
- Morning: Woke up with a vengeance. The jet lag had finally hit proper. I actually slept! Ate a mysterious breakfast at the hotel. The "fruit" looked a suspicious shade of yellow. Decided to be brave and try it. It tasted like… nothing. Just a texture. Ah well.
- Afternoon: BEACH TIME! Rizhao boasts a beach, the brochures promise. It's true. It exists. The sand is… well, it's sand. The water is… water. I spent a good portion of the afternoon just staring at the ocean. The waves were a bit small, but hey, ocean is ocean. Felt strangely peaceful, despite the slight chill in the air. And the fact that I was pretty sure the seagulls were eyeing me as a potential snack.
- Evening: Determined to have a seafood dinner. This is Rizhao, after all! Found a restaurant that looked promising (the fish tanks were impressive). Ordered a dish that looked like it might be crab. Turns out it was crab. After a valiant struggle involving chopsticks, questionable translations, and a lot of mess, I emerged victorious… and covered in crab juice. Worth it! Though, I'm pretty sure I now smell faintly of the sea.
Day 3: University City Shenanigans, and a Surprise Encounter
- Morning: Ventured into the "University City" part of Rizhao. You know, the one the hotel is named after. Wandered around, feeling like a bewildered foreigner. So many students! So much… youth. I felt ancient. Ate a delicious pastry (a win!). Got lost. Found a park. Got lost again.
- Afternoon: This is where things get interesting. While wandering, I stumbled upon a small park, and I saw this man and his grandma, and he told me to sit down. He spoke to me a lot English, and was really kind. We talked for hours. He explained things about China and its culture. It was fantastic.
- Evening: I then had a late night dinner. I saw some people on the street selling meat skewers. I felt so full in happiness and joy. I had the skewers, they tasted amazing!
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Taste of Adventure (and Maybe Crab Juice?)
- Morning: Woke up. The sun was shining. Packed my bags, a little sad to leave, a little exhausted. Realized I still have sand in my boots.
- Afternoon: Ate a final, completely unidentifiable breakfast. Said goodbye to the GreenTree Inn. Made it to the airport. Feeling nostalgic. The memories are all jumbled up, but overall, I had an amazing experience. The people were kind. The food was… interesting. The walls? Well, they were definitely there.
- Evening: On the plane. Looking out the window. Already planning my next adventure! China, you crazy, wonderful place. I'll be back. And next time, I'm conquering those walls! (Or at least finding a decent map.)
So there you have it. A whirlwind tour of Rizhao, warts, crab juice, and all. This is the honest truth.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Tulum Beachfront Hotel Awaits
Okay, so is this GreenTree Inn near Shandong University REALLY the "BEST" hotel in Rizhao? Like, seriously?
"BEST" is a loaded word, isn't it? Look, I've stayed there twice now, and here's the honest truth: It's close. Like, REALLY close to Shandong University. Walk-out-the-door-and-you're-almost-on-campus close. That's a massive win for students, parents visiting students, or anyone who needs to be there. But the "best" part... depends on what you need.
I'm not going to lie, the first time I booked, I was expecting something… well, fancier. My expectations were probably waaaay too high. I mean, Google Maps made it look all shiny and new. It wasn't *exactly* that. Let's just say it had that certain GreenTree Inn smell. You know the one. Like, a vaguely clean but also *slightly* musty aroma clinging to everything? But hey, for the price? I’m not complaining.
What's the *actual* room like? Is it a shoebox or a palace?
Okay, the room… okay. Think compact. Not a palace, definitely. More like a...functional space. My first room was on the third floor, and the view was, um, a brick wall. Lovely, the view of a brick wall. But it had the essentials: bed (kinda firm, but passable), a TV with channels I didn't understand (mostly Chinese dramas featuring people yelling at each other – very authentic, though!), a tiny desk, and a bathroom that… let's just say I wouldn't want to spend *too* much time in there. The shower was a little… enthusiastic with its water pressure. Almost enough to blast the paint off the walls.
Here’s the REALLY human bit, the second time, I got a room facing the street. At least the view wasn't brick! At least I could see a little slice of Rizhao life. Plus, a funny thing happened… I woke up at 3 AM one night to some guy drunkenly belting out karaoke in the street below. Now, that’s a *memorable* experience. You can't buy that kind of authentic Rizhao charm. And it made me laugh so much I lost sleep.
Is the breakfast any good? Because I *need* my coffee.
Breakfast… alright. It's included, which is ALWAYS a bonus in my book. Don't go expecting a gourmet spread. Think… standard Chinese breakfast fare. Congee (rice porridge), some questionable-looking steamed buns, hard-boiled eggs, and maybe some pickled vegetables. The coffee… I'm just going to say it: it's not great. It's the kind of coffee that stains your teeth and maybe keeps you awake. Not exactly what you want before a long day of… well, whatever you're doing in Rizhao.
But here's a confession: I actually kind of *liked* the congee. Comfort food, you know? And the staff were super friendly (despite my terrible Mandarin). Always a plus. Also, sometimes they had these little fried dough sticks (youtiao) which, when dipped in soy milk, were pure bliss.
Okay, so what about location, location, location? Besides being near the university, is it close to anything *else*?
It's all about the university, really. It's a major plus if you have anything to do with it. Think good for being close to the university's gates, if you want a stroll. You're not exactly in the heart of the city action. It's not within walking distance of the beach, shops, or main attractions, honestly. You'll need a taxi or a Didi (Chinese Uber) to get to most places. Public transport is an option, but… let's just say my Mandarin isn’t quite up to navigating the bus system. But, there are small restaurants and local shops nearby, which is a blessing in disguise. You can find some amazing, cheap eats if you’re brave enough to try the local street food. I’m thinking of that one place with the amazing dumplings... sigh. It’s a good spot, for students, or researchers.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because I can't live without it.
Wi-Fi... hmm, the Wi-Fi was a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute, it was lightning fast, streaming anything and everything. Next minute, it would cut out in the middle of a crucial game or a video call with the family. I am pretty sure I spent a lot of time standing in the corridor trying to get a better signal because that seemed to happen more often than not. It was definitely more reliable if you weren’t trying to do anything too demanding, like downloading huge files.
Make sure you ask reception for the log-in details on arrival!.
Any major downsides I should know about? Like, anything that would make me run screaming?
Okay, let's be real. The walls are thin. Really thin. You will hear your neighbors. Snoring, coughing, conversations… everything. Bring earplugs. Trust me.
Also, the cleanliness, whilst, *mostly* fine, wasn't exactly pristine. I found a hair in my shower once. Not a deal-breaker for me, but if you’re super picky about cleanliness, maybe pack some antibacterial wipes. Oh, and the air conditioning struggled a little on those hot, humid Rizhao days.
But the biggest thing? The language barrier. If your Mandarin isn't up to snuff, it can be a challenge to communicate with the staff. But they are generally helpful.
So, bottom line: Would you recommend this GreenTree Inn?
Honestly? Yeah, I would. But with caveats. If you're looking for luxury, keep looking. If you are there for the university, fantastic! If you're on a budget, and want to be *near* the university, it's a perfectly acceptable, practical choice. It's not glamorous, it's not perfect, but it's functional, affordable, and the staff are friendly. And the congee? Well, it’s a small pleasure in a world of questionable travel experiences. Worth it. Just don't expect too much, and pack those earplugs. Seriously, pack the earplugs.
