Holiday Inn Express Harbin Central Avenue is a compact hotel of about eighty rooms in Daoli District, the historic heart of Harbin, a few minutes by car from Zhongyang Street, the long pedestrian avenue also known as Central Street. Hotels of this brand focus on the essentials, and this one has a free breakfast buffet, free WiFi, a restaurant and a 24-hour gym. It is a simple, warm and sensible base for travellers who want to be near the old city rather than in a luxury tower.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands on West 4th Street in Daoli District, close to the old quarter. Zhongyang Street is about three minutes away by car, and Saint Sophia Church, Zhaolin Park, the Harbin Institute of Technology and the Heilongjiang Provincial Museum are all nearby, as is the Harbin Flood Control Memorial on the riverfront. In winter, the short taxi rides between sights are more comfortable than long walks, though in mild weather the neighbourhood rewards exploring on foot. Ask the front desk to write your destination in Chinese for the driver.
Facilities
The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet, free in-room WiFi, a restaurant, a 24-hour gym, laundry facilities, luggage storage, a front-desk safe, an elevator and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms are described with mini-fridges, heating, LCD televisions, and free bottled water and toiletries. There is no on-site parking and pets are not allowed, so plan to arrive by taxi, metro or train. With only around eighty rooms the hotel is quiet and easy to navigate, but busy periods can fill it quickly, so book early for the winter holidays.
Who it suits
Independent travellers, couples and small groups who want a clean, warm room, a free breakfast and a short ride to the main sights, and budget-minded visitors who would rather spend on the ice festival and good meals than on a large hotel. It is less suited to travellers who want a pool, a spa or a big lobby, or to drivers who need on-site parking. Winter, from December to February, is the peak season, with large crowds at the ice and snow attractions; spring and autumn are quieter, and summer is pleasant for riverside walks.
Making the most of a stay
Start with a breakfast buffet, walk or ride to Zhongyang Street, and spend the morning among the Baroque facades, souvenir shops and ice-cream stalls. Continue to Saint Sophia Church and the river embankment, and visit the museum on a cold afternoon. In the evening, take a taxi to the Ice and Snow World in Songbei. Keep a warm layer, insulated boots, a hat and gloves, and a power bank in your bag. Confirm the details of your room, the breakfast times and the cancellation terms when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Free breakfast buffet
- ✓Free in-room WiFi
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Laundry facilities
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Elevator
Good questions
Is breakfast included?+
A free breakfast buffet is offered. Confirm what your rate includes when you book.
How far is Zhongyang Street?+
About three minutes by car, so it is a short ride to the main historic avenue.
Is there parking?+
There is no on-site parking, so plan to arrive by taxi, metro or train.
