“Oasis”

The open area of Crown Spa Resort was a beautiful oasis in the midst of a not so great area. There are unfinished building projects or renovations in all of the surrounding properties. However, our purpose in being there was to relax. The resort was not crowded and the atmosphere was quiet and pe… more

The open area of Crown Spa Resort was a beautiful oasis in the midst of a not so great area. There are unfinished building projects or renovations in all of the surrounding properties. However, our purpose in being there was to relax. The resort was not crowded and the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful. The beach in front of the hotel is clean and well cared for, but the waves were rough and there were warnings that it was not safe at this time of year. The pool was clean and delightful. The weather was perfect. We had a sea view room that was spacious. We enjoyed the staff. Although their English was not great and our Chinese was even worse, they made every effort to answer any questions we had and help us in many ways. We appreciated the communication that resulted from these efforts. I would stay here again.

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“Our go-to Haikou resort; perfect for quick getaways”

We have extended family that live in Hainan, and every time we come to visit, we stay at this hotel. (We've tried a few--this is our favorite.) It's a very "American-style" hotel: anything you could ask for, you can probably find it within resort boundaries. The resort has its own section of beach… more

We have extended family that live in Hainan, and every time we come to visit, we stay at this hotel. (We've tried a few--this is our favorite.) It's a very "American-style" hotel: anything you could ask for, you can probably find it within resort boundaries. The resort has its own section of beach, which it grooms well (moonlit walks on the beach are divine!). There are extravagant pools and fancy landscaping. The staff speak English and are well trained, and the spa is very nice. Honestly, it feels just like a typical Hawaiian resort--which is precisely why we come here when we're visiting family (which is stressful enough!). The rooms are standard sized, and cookie-cutter type. Hardwood floors, a small sitting area, clean. The spa is our favorite--we always get the fish therapy treatment (it tickles, but it's fun! Plus the spa attendants are sweet). On-site restaurants: The complimentary breakfast is wide in variety but average in quality (offers both western and Chinese dishes). The other restaurants are awesome though--in particular the noodle shop! No trip is complete without these fresh noodles (you watch them make it! It's beautiful. I particularly recommend the tomato egg noodles....drool....). Pricey in comparison to the real cost of food in China, but hey, you're in a resort (prices still come out ok when converted to USD) Crown Spa seems to have closed off a few of their buildings, so the property looks a little derelict on the outer edges. The resort is located in a really random, out of the way corner--close to the airport, but not much else (it's barren, practically). Also, Hainan in July/August is HOT HOT HOT and HUMID. You've been warned. It's not a JW Marriott (for that quality, you should go to Sanya. Now that's classy!). But for Haikou, and for the price we paid, it's very solid. Makes for a good 2-3 night getaway (I think I'd be bored if I were to stay much longer).

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“Right on the South China Sea on China's largest tropical island”

Good hotel with fabulous swimming pool right on miles of sandy beach. If swaying palm trees, lying by the pool and balmy weather are in your plans this is a good place to stay. People said the spa facilities and services are first rate. Adequate English spoken at the front desk and currency exch… more

Good hotel with fabulous swimming pool right on miles of sandy beach. If swaying palm trees, lying by the pool and balmy weather are in your plans this is a good place to stay. People said the spa facilities and services are first rate. Adequate English spoken at the front desk and currency exchange with a good rate. Located out of town there is a shuttle bus to the nearest store where you can get cabs for $10 to anywhere in town. The Haikou museum is right across the street from where the shuttle bus drops and it is a beaautiful and excellent museum with a vivid history of this area. Concierge arranged a driver for us to tour the Central Highlands countryside for about Y400/day ($65). We went to the Volcanic Cluster Park in Shishan town where we climbed to the rim and descended into the volcanic crater which is overgrown with vegetation (excellent value at about Y60 or $10). Also spent several hours at an extensive Buddhist Temple complex that climbs a mountain (sorry I can't remember the name) but well worth finding.

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