Section I: Exterior Lobby
After leaving Qingdao, I continued southward to Rizhao. Unfortunately, the weather was not very favorable, so I opted to stay one night at the more affordable Hilton Garden Inn. In Rizhao, there are very few international chain hotels – there is one Sheraton, three Hilton properties (Garden, Hampton, and Hui Ting), and another hotel under the Huaren brand called Mumianhua that is soon to join the Hyatt system.
Among the three Hilton properties, the authentic choice is clearly the Garden Inn. The other two cost around 100 RMB more, while this one was only 268 RMB that day, which led to my decision.
Opened in 2024 with 147 guest rooms, the hotel is a standalone building. Its location is not particularly advantageous – it is neither close to major tourist attractions nor near the sea. Its sole benefit is its proximity to the university town, which is within walking distance, offering access to many inexpensive and authentic local eateries.
The hotel features its own building with an underground parking lot. The lobby is decorated in the standard Garden Inn template; if there is any local character, it is only evident in a few wall decals by the entrance.
Section II: Guest Rooms
In Room
Before checking in, I noticed an option on the app to upgrade to a Premium King Room, which appeared to simply be a standard room on a higher floor. When I inquired at check-in about obtaining a suite, I was informed that only three suites were available and that upgrades for Diamond members were not typically offered—unless there was an overbooking in standard rooms or if one happened to be the first Diamond guest at a newly opened hotel. Upgrading to a suite here was indeed a stroke of luck.
After asking about the fee for a suite upgrade, I was told it would cost 460 RMB, so I decided against it and instead chose a corner room. This room had the advantage of glass windows on two sides, offering a more open view; the layout also suggested a slightly larger area.
Upon entering, the view was expansive, with an almost full-length glass wall on the right side that occupied a large area, making the space feel significantly larger than a standard room.
To the left was the bathroom; however, the luggage rack and wardrobe were relatively small and could only accommodate a small suitcase. On the bright side, they provided some cover and maintained the privacy of the bed area.
A standard yet heartwarming business hotel – Rizhao High-tech Zone Lvzhu Hilton Garden Inn
The bedroom featured a double sofa and a small tea table beside the bed, and surprisingly, there was a bench at the foot of the bed. A standard desk was available, and the partition for the TV cabinet was narrow, barely fitting a television and offering minimal storage.
Although the room is nominally 35 square meters, it felt relatively spacious. However, as a hotel opened in 2024, the maintenance was only average, with some noticeable wear on the furniture.
Section III: Breakfast
Breakfast is served on the first floor and exceeded my expectations. There was a noodle and dumpling stall offering choices such as beef noodles, Rizhao’s signature “haisha zi” noodles, and wontons. However, the “haisha zi” noodles lacked distinctiveness, with only a few pieces and no pronounced freshness, whereas the beef noodles were far superior.
There were four Chinese hot dishes and four cold dishes. Arriving rather late, I noticed that most items had nearly run out by the time I sat down. Nonetheless, a chef came over with a fruit plate exclusively for Diamond members, which was both surprising and heartwarming. The green cherry tomatoes were exceptionally tasty—a local specialty from somewhere in Shandong—and the perfectly ripened yellow-fleshed kiwi was also commendable.
Section IV: Facilities
Facilities
The hotel’s gym, for a Garden Inn, was quite good. It featured all the basic equipment and boasted a spacious, bright layout.
Section V: Conclusion
Conclusion
If you have business needs in the vicinity, this hotel is a good choice; and if you don’t mind taking a taxi, the scenic spots are not too far away. After all, it is inexpensive and relatively new. Petroff’s amenities are consistently good, although the absence of bathrobes in the room is a slight inconvenience.
For travelers seeking a comprehensive experience, this property stands out as an Affordable Rizhao hotel near tourist attractions and a Budget-friendly Rizhao hotel with easy access to scenic spots.