Victoria International Hotel

I stayed here for a conference and can firstly say the conference amenities were very nice. The hotel is not in the prettiest spot in Tianjin but is convenient for restaurants and has a subway stop right across the road. It's also walking distance from several of the big attractions in Tianjin. Checking in in English was a little problematic but we got there eventually and it is China after all, they're not obliged and I appreciated the effort! I had a deluxe queen room and although a little older it was very comfortable and spacious. The value is also excellent, I had breakfast included for just over £40 per night. In comparison I paid double in Beijing, got no breakfast, the room was half the size and the bed was terrible. Not so here, very comfy bed, nice bathroom, a desk to work at and sofa. I used the restaurant for breakfast and two lunches as that was part of the conference. It is very traditionally Chinese but also they will set up a hotpot for you and you can help yourself. On a last note, I was really struggling to get back to Beijing for my flight as the trains were all full and the rains had came down. The two young guys at the concierge desk spent ages getting me a taxi to take me all the way and then wouldn't even take a tip. All in all, this hotel does so much that bigger, more glamorous hotels don't. Thanks for a lovely stay.