We stayed at the relatively new Howard Johnson New Port Resort Haikou. It’s about a 15-min ride away from the town centre and bustling crowd. Accommodation at RMB1,850 for 3 nights with breakfast in this 5-star hotel. Not cheap for the locals if you see it in the context that it is in the range of a waitress’ monthly wage (saw an ad with that rate at the dumpling place we patronized).
Occupancy rate was not on the high side, so we were greeted with a musky smell when we entered the room. We aired the room by opening the balcony door. Otherwise, it was a comfortable stay.
As it’s in a relatively newer part of the city, do note that taxi drivers or locals may not be that familiar with the way there. We even had to commit to memory the sights near the hotel and guide a couple of drivers on our way back. This is likely to get better as more locals get to know the hotel. Even so, we’re glad we made the choice to stay here. Our rooms offered good views of the new neighbouring low-rise residential district:
We even had a sisterly bonding session over the hotel’s high tea set one afternoon. Interesting pairing of Western pastries (macaroons, cakes and biscuits) with Chinese tea at RMB88 for 2.
Breakfast was included in our room rates. The variety of food items served in the international buffet breakfast was good. Luckily they did some rotation of the menu for the hot food and noodles. Otherwise we’ll be eating the same stuff for 3 straight mornings. Do try and get a table at the outdoor veranda area or close to the doors as the indoor space was kind of stuffy.
The hotel has 3 hot spring pools near to their swimming pool. We had 2 consecutive days of relaxing soaks in the water. Unfortunately we don’t have any photo of the area to show. Do pack a swimming costume into your luggage though. We had to go shopping for ours just to use this facility.
