Cruise Inn

The Cruise Inn in Shekou, Shenzhen, is the most creative idea for a hotel we have seen in China. A former ocean liner, it was set in concrete more than two years ago, and renovation work was finally finished earlier this year. It boasts 111 rooms of varying sizes, looking out over either the golf driving range set behind it or the plaza in front (we suggest asking for the green view if you like privacy).

Rooms are cleverly and comfortably furnished. We particularly appreciated the bathtubs, which are mostly quite wide – a rarity in China. The ocean-going motif has not been lost, obviously, and the interior décor is a mix of modern-Chinese and art deco.

Service is not exactly top of the range, but that didn’t spoil the experience a bit, especially with room rates around 450 yuan a night. If you call ahead before your arrival, you can avoid the only inconvenience – getting across the plaza to the boat – by having a golf cart meet you at the top of the street where the taxis stop.

Seaworld Plaza, Shekou
南山蛇口海上世界广场商场
(86-755) 2681 6666