After a physically and mentally exhausting tour of North Korea, the Crowne Plaza Dandong was the perfect place to recover. On the banks of the Yalu River, it is easily the best hotel in the city.
At a glance
Location: Yalu River, Dandong, China
Stayed in: King room, river view
Best for: travellers before or after a North Korea tour
Reviewed: July 2013
8.2 out of 10
Setting and arrival
I arrived in the morning, and check-in was fast and friendly. Staff escorted me to the room, introduced the facilities and secured a last-minute table at the Jade Garden restaurant.
The rooms
The room was comfortable and quiet, with reliable internet and television. The real attraction is the window: looking over the river and deep into North Korea, it is easy to spend hours simply watching.
Dining
Breakfast at The Waterfront is a well-stocked buffet with plenty of variety, including local Korean specialities, all excellent and frequently refreshed. Service was a little slow at a busy, full breakfast.
Location
Close to the Yalu River bridges, the hotel is a short taxi ride from the town centre and the airport, and taxis are easy to hail.
The verdict
Attentive, professional staff, comfortable rooms and a fascinating view make the Crowne Plaza the obvious choice in Dandong.
- Rooms: 8.0
- Service: 8.5
- Dining: 8.0
- Facilities and spa: 8.0
- Location: 9.0
Crowne Plaza Dandong, Dandong, China.
Based on a stay in July 2013. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
