Novotel Zhengzhou Convention Centre 4 stars

I was recently traveling and working with a large touring group performing a Broadway musical in China. Accommodating a large group with varying tastes, desires and needs can be a daunting task. I must say that the Novotel Zhengzhou Convention Centre Hotel did a wonderful job of meeting our requests in a friendly and efficient manor. As is often the case in China, many people still smoke in their rooms. The staff at the hotel did a remarkable job at trying their best to accommodate those of a more sensitive nature than my own. Speaking for myself, my room was all that I hoped it might be. The air conditioner worked perfectly even though temperatures outside reached 100 degrees (F). No bath tub, but the shower was terrific. The room also came equipped with a min-fridge. Bottled water and a few sodas were gratis…Always a welcomed sign. When I first checked into my room I found a letter explaining that there might be a problem with noise due to "improvements" going on the week of my stay. I am happy to report that I was never bothered by any kind of noise whatsoever. The bed was incredibly comfortable. And the addition of an iron and ironing board a plus. The breakfast in the morning was quite nice. The menu, of course, is heavy on Chinese favorites, but there was an omelet station with plenty of breads, butter and jam for those with more Western tastes. I have to say every employee that I came in contact with was very friendly. English wasn't always spoken, but I never expect that when traveling out my own country. It's just a comfort when it DOES happen. The front desk was very helpful when I tried using the public computer and printer. (Perhaps the ink should be changed...) But I have to say that the young girl behind the counter must have noticed my hesitation and without my asking for it, she readily came to my assistance. My maid was always friendly whenever I was in need of something like shampoo, instant coffee or water, she quickly saw that I had it. I rarely use maid service when I travel so it's always nice to have a maid who will give me those things that I actually DO need from time to time. I have to say that JEREMY at the front desk, in particular, went over and beyond all my group could have imagined by helping us set up an excursion to the Shaolin Temple two hours out of town by a hired van with guide. In addition, he actually escorted the leader of our group to the train station via subway and helped arrange tickets to Xi'an, as well. It's very rare that a hotel employee anywhere shows such kindness. Whether it is encouraged by the hotel management or whether he took it upon his own initiative, we will always remember his kindness and I personally will remember the Novotel in Zhengzho with fond memories!

We stayed in the hotel for one night on a business trip. The location is great, staff friendly and the room has all the amenities that you may require. Really great shower with as many towels as you may require. Also the window can open which allows for some fresh air. Reception in and out quick and efficient and concierge friendly and can help you in English. The problems I have experienced are: The large Kingsize bed is rather old and the mattress not the best I have slept on. Lighting is poor, despite all the electronic switches in the room with crucial areas difficult to see properly. The Chinese restaurant staff cannot help you in English which makes it difficult to communicate although the food is great. For breakfast it was very disappointing that they only had hard boiled eggs and no other choices. Big spread but no “eggs” rather disappointing. Overall it seems that they are planning an upgrade in near future. I will try somewhere else on my next visit.

This has got to be one of the strangest hotel rooms I've ever stayed in. It was totally decorated with Minions. From the bed linen, to the towels, to the stuffed toy sitting on the lounge. I even had a separate area with a spare bed covered in a Minions quilt. It would have been OK if I had booked for a family but as a single business person, it was quite strange. Apart from the kid-friendly decor, the room itself belongs to the 1970s. Brown laminate, harsh fluorescent lighting, stripey orange carpet and fake lace curtains that don't quite close. Overall, a surreal experience that I would not be in a rush to repeat.

From the point of checkin, nothing was too much trouble. Clean room and bathroom. Slippers and sealed bath robes in wardrobe. Soft drinks in refrigerator included along with breakfast in my room rate of under 95 $. What more could I ask for . Oh Yeah nice coffee shop with cakes near reception. Hairdryer is in the room for those that need it!

Unfortunately, my family and I stayed here for a handful of days until we were able to find better, cleaner accommodations. We did not have a good stay, which is quite the understatement, it was an awful stay. We switched rooms twice, the first was a smoking room which we were switched from immediately to a "non-smoking" room, which still had a faint smell of smoke. To be honest, the entire hotel smelled of smoke and non-smoking versus smoking areas were not respected by guests or enforced by hotel staff. So with that being said, unless you're ok smelling like smoke don't stay here. The rooms were also outdated and musty/humid/damp... There is no nice way to word the condition of the rooms at Novotel. In addition to the moisture issues and the smell of smoke, the rooms were not clean. I found dark, long hair on my pillows and in the sink. I'm a blonde, so it definitely was not mine. We had two adjoining rooms and both were unclean and smelly. Only one room had a/c that worked (barely) and the views out of our windows were not of the Central Business District but of a rooftop and of generators - looked like a prison. The windows were filthy, caked on with pollution and other muck from the air. Therefore, the rooms were dark and depressing. This was a horrible introduction to China for my family and I. In addition to all of the hotel related issues discussed in this 1-star review, the hotel food was awful! When I say awful, I mean my entire family was hungry after each mean and ate bread because we couldn't find much on the buffet that catered to a foreign taste or that met the needs of children (basic foods) to a vegetarian (me). It was so disappointing. So much meat and seafood, the entire restaurant smelled like an aquarium - raw and unappetizing. As a loyal TripAdvisor user, I rely heavily on the reviews of others to guide my travel plans and feel it as a duty to others to share my experiences at Novotel. Typically, I have positive things to say about the places I review, but this is not the case here. We since have stayed at the Hilton and Sheraton and I would recommend both of those hotels to Zhengzhou visitors.