JW Marriott Hotel Harbin River North is a five-star luxury hotel in the Songbei district on the north bank of the Songhua River, the part of Harbin where the big winter attractions are concentrated. With more than three hundred rooms, an indoor pool, a spa, a sauna, a 24-hour health club, three restaurants and a bar, it is the kind of hotel where you can spend a cold evening entirely indoors. It is also close to the action, with the Harbin Ice and Snow World only about six minutes away by car.
Location and getting around
Songbei is the modern, spacious side of Harbin, a district of wide roads, new towers and riverside parks that contrasts with the Russian-era streets of the old city across the water. From the hotel, the Ice and Snow World is about six minutes by car, and the Siberian Tiger Park, the Heilongjiang Science and Technology Museum, Harbin Polarland and Sun Island Park are all in the same part of the city. Central Street and Saint Sophia Cathedral lie across the river, so allow time for a taxi ride in winter traffic, and ask the concierge to arrange a car for the evening return.
Facilities
The hotel offers an indoor pool, a sauna, a spa and a 24-hour health club, as well as an on-site golf facility, a garden and three restaurants and a bar. A concierge, laundry and dry-cleaning services, express check-in and check-out, free WiFi, free self parking and air conditioning round out the picture.
In a Harbin winter, with temperatures far below freezing, a warm pool and spa are a real luxury after hours at the ice festival. Check which facilities are open in your travel month, since some leisure areas have seasonal hours, and ask about heated transfers.
Who it suits
Couples on a special trip, families who want a spacious, comfortable base for the ice and snow season, business travellers, and anyone who values service and a calm, high-quality environment. It is less suited to visitors who want to walk out of the door into the old-town streets. The big winter peak runs from December to February, with the largest crowds around the holidays, so book early and expect higher rates. In summer, the riverside parks and Sun Island offer a different, green face of the city, and rates are usually gentler.
Making the most of a stay
Spend the day at the ice and snow sculptures, then return for a swim and dinner. Take a morning excursion to the Siberian Tiger Park, then cross the river for a walk along Central Street, a visit to Saint Sophia Cathedral and a bowl of local dumplings or a plate of Harbin sausage.
Dress in layers, with thermal underwear, insulated boots, a hat and gloves in winter, and carry a power bank because phone batteries drain quickly in the cold. Confirm breakfast, airport transfers and cancellation terms when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Spa and sauna
- ✓24-hour health club
- ✓Three restaurants and a bar
- ✓On-site golf
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Concierge
Good questions
How far is the hotel from the Ice and Snow World?+
About six minutes by car, which makes it one of the more convenient luxury bases for the winter festival.
Does the hotel have a pool and spa?+
Yes, there is an indoor pool, a sauna, a spa and a 24-hour health club. Check opening hours when you book.
Is it near Central Street?+
No, it is in Songbei across the river, so allow a taxi ride to Central Street and Saint Sophia Cathedral.
