Sofitel Harbin 5 stars

overall happy with stays, and however some disappoints. 1) had room upgraded to a suite, but the room was dark with windows facing a high-rise building nearby. After talking to a hotel manager, he moved us to a suite facing a public park with better view; 2) on our last stay, found a looked-like man's underwear and a pair of socks left behind sofa (from previous guest?), disgusting to say the least; 3) upon check-in, hotel offered two drink vouchers. However, when we tried to redeem the vouchers for coffee in the lobby bar, we were told cannot, only can exchange them for some water or soft drinks because of some internal accounting issue.

Thanks to Wang Ying, director of the housekeeping department, for her warm service and timely cleaning of the room.The room is very comfortable to live in and feels like home. Very happy trip to Harbin.

We spent Xmas in Sofitel Harbin and had a fabulous break. Everything was great, from the hotel limo pick-up at the airport, to the welcome on arrival, our terrific room, the hospitality in the Club Lounge, the breakfast and the joyful Xmas Dinner, complete with Santa wearing a protective mask. Everyone knows that Harbin in the winter is really cold, but the warmth of the welcoming staff could not have been better. To name staff is difficult because I can't remember all of the names, but among them special thanks to Lydia who generally looked after us, Sybil in the Club Lounge, Guilio at breakfast and the driver who drove the airport limo as well as the bus to the Ice Festival. There's a terrific park opposite the hotel that was covered in fresh snow throughout our stay and which has an excellent walking track as well as lots of family activity playing in the snow. The Ice Festival was sensational, and a fast train day trip to the snow resort of Yabuli was also memorable. Top marks to the hotel, the staff and to the sights of Harbin. Our 2020 Xmas was one to remember.

Had recently been to the Xian Sofitel so had expected something similar but sadly not. Overall suited what we need and first impression was great with Santa greeting us at the entrance. Rooms were nice although we'd booked 2 rooms as we were a family of 5 but one room stunk of smoke so we had to move. Thankfully they acted reasonably quickly. Breakfast was solid without being delightful pretty standard fare dominated by Chinese cuisine. Might go back if I was in Harbin next time.

I have found a bit strange that the VIP lounge closes at 8 pm at night. The offered drink at the lobby bar is only coffee or soft drink. After long negotiation, we managed to have two glasses of wine. When I asked for some ice (warm wine) the attendant told rat the bar was closing at 9 pm. It was 9.09 ... I think such a level of hotel, with many international customers coming for the ice festival, should consider to have a more user-friendly service ... By the way... we have a platinum membership ... PS. The arrival at the airport was also difficult. Taxi drivers did not want to take us to the hotel. We had to negotiate with people not really willing to talk to us ...