Crystal Blue Bay Apartment Hotel

I was in Nanjing last month on business, and my company arranged for my hotel. The name wasn't familiar, and the taxi driver who took me from the airport hadn't heard of it either, and it didn't seem to be close to the center of town — so I didn't have high hopes. When the taxi got me there at about midnight, and the driver couldn't easily find the entrance, I was even more worried. But it turns out that this had more to do with my (bad, angry) taxi driver than anything else. From the moment I entered the Crystal Blue Bay hotel, I had the most marvelous experience: My room was huge, beautiful, and clean, outfitted with a living room, bedroom, large bathroom, walk-in closet, and even a small kitchen. The staff fell over themselves to be helpful and provide me with good service. WiFi service was as good as I've found in China. The view from my hotel room was spectacular. And if I had known in advance to bring a bathing suit, I undoubtedly would have taken advantage of the swimming pool in the hotel. I didn't have much at breakfast, but what I saw was large and impressive. The location was perfect for my needs, a 15-minute walk from my client's offices. And no, the hotel isn't that close to downtown -- but there is a subway (metro) station next door, and it took less than one hour for me to take the subway (big, clean, and easy to navigate) to the various areas of Nanjing I wanted to explore. Also next door, and next to the subway station, is a large mall, with everything from a supermarket to clothing to restaurants inside. On the few occasions when I needed service or help from the hotel, I got only the best treatment. I want to return to Nanjing, and hope that I'll be invited back to teach there. Part of that is because I enjoyed the city, and would like to explore it more. But to be honest, the hotel was so terrific that I wouldn't mind a few more nights there! Reuven