InterContinental Qingdao Review 2026: Location, Pool & Breakfast

Qingdao boasts surprisingly affordable hotel prices for the quality you get, making it an ideal spot for a luxurious hotel getaway.

What's more, the InterContinental Qingdao, a 5-star hotel from a renowned global brand, offers stays for as little as ~$73, and its location is unbeatable, right in front of the Olympic Sailing Center – one of Qingdao's most iconic attractions.

I was fortunate enough to receive a room upgrade and enjoyed a stay in a room with a stunning view of the Olympic Sailing Center, and I made sure to experience both the swimming pool and breakfast.

I've put together a comprehensive guide covering why I recommend the InterContinental Qingdao Hotel, along with details on its rooms, amenities like the swimming pool, pricing, and a breakfast review.

InterContinental Qingdao Hotel: Breakfast, Location, Pool & Accommodation Guide

1️⃣Why I Recommend It

2️⃣Rooms & Amenities

3️⃣Pricing

4️⃣Breakfast Experience

1. Why I Recommend It

Qingdao is incredibly close, just a 1.5-hour flight away, and what's amazing is how affordable everything is – especially accommodation costs – considering its fantastic city infrastructure.

Even a globally recognized hotel brand like the InterContinental has a presence in Qingdao, and I managed to book a stay for as little as ~$73 per night.

I truly believe the biggest strengths of the InterContinental Qingdao Hotel are its prime location and exceptional value.

With the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center right at the hotel's doorstep, you can soak in stunning sea and yacht views during the day. In the evenings, a leisurely stroll along the beautifully illuminated coastline truly felt like the essence of a perfect trip.

It's also conveniently close to May Fourth Square, making for a lovely evening walk along the coastal promenade from the square all the way to the Sailing Center.

True to a 5-star establishment, the swimming pool and amenities are exceptionally well-appointed, yet surprisingly, it wasn't overly crowded during my visit – a real bonus!

I could leisurely enjoy both the pool and the breakfast restaurant, which truly made it feel like I was getting the relaxation I deserved.

#QingdaoHotel #QingdaoAccommodation

2. Rooms & Amenities

While the room itself wasn't exceptionally vast, it was impeccably clean and thoughtfully maintained.

I got incredibly lucky at check-in and received a room upgrade, allowing me to wake up to a fantastic view of the Olympic Sailing Center!

Pool Operating Hours

06:00-23:00

There's plenty of time to enjoy a refreshing swim early in the morning before heading out for sightseeing, or to unwind with a relaxing dip after your evening adventures.

The pool boasts ample, long lanes, and conveniently, there are changing rooms and showers right next to it, so you don't need to worry about heading down from your room in your swimsuit.

Right next to the swimming pool is a 24-hour gym.

The next morning at breakfast, I was delighted to find a window seat available overlooking the Olympic Sailing Center, securing a spot with a truly lovely view.

The breakfast restaurant is incredibly spacious and offers an impressive, diverse array of dishes.

#QingdaoPoolHotel #QingdaoHotelWithPool

3. Pricing

While the InterContinental is a global 5-star hotel brand where staying can often be quite pricey in other countries, Qingdao offers surprisingly affordable rates for their luxurious accommodations.

Some dates even include breakfast for two and still hover around the ~$73 mark, which is truly exceptional value considering the hotel's outstanding caliber.

After comparing prices across several popular booking sites, I noticed some subtle differences in rates – it pays to shop around!

When I made my reservation, Trip.com offered the best price, but I've checked for October stays, and it seems Booking.com is currently the most affordable.

Hotel accommodation prices, even for the same room, can vary significantly depending on the date, when you book, and which site you use. So, it's always a smart move to compare which platform offers the best deal for your desired travel dates!

#QingdaoIntercon #QingdaoIntercontinental

4. Breakfast

#QingdaoHotelRecommendation

While the Intercontinental Qingdao is indeed a Chinese hotel, its breakfast spread goes far beyond just Chinese cuisine! You'll find a delightful array of options, with one section dedicated to fresh salad greens and dressings.

You'll also find a great selection of cereals, perfect for a familiar breakfast, alongside popular Chinese morning treats like delicious fried bread and savory fried rice.

Craving something more American breakfast style? You're in luck! They have an array of toast and various bread types, along with delightful hams like salami, and a selection of delicious cheeses.

And it's not just savory breads! You'll also discover an abundance of delicious dessert breads and vibrant fruits, perfect for a refreshing finish. China, surprisingly, is renowned for its incredibly sweet and flavorful fruits, so I absolutely recommend trying a little bit of each type!

For something warm and comforting, look for the delicious sausages and egg dishes. And here's a bonus: the eggs are cooked fresh for you right on the spot!

You can request them just the way you like them – scrambled, sunny-side up, an omelet, or even eggs Benedict!

Don't miss the steaming noodle dishes, also prepared fresh right before your eyes! You can customize them with your favorite vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms – just add as much as you want and ask the chef!

You'll also find comforting warm dishes like miso soup and silky tofu pudding, plus a fantastic array of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese side dishes perfect with rice, such as seaweed stems and flavorful kimchi!

I was absolutely delighted with the noodle dish! It had a wonderfully savory broth, much like a mild beef noodle soup, and I could customize it by adding sauces exactly to my taste.

Given that Qingdao is a beautiful coastal city, it's no surprise there were plenty of incredible seafood dishes! I found so many options that perfectly suited my palate.

While the breakfast buffet definitely features a strong presence of Chinese cuisine, there are so many delightful options that I believe most palates will be thoroughly satisfied! You really don't have to worry much about overly strong spices or not finding something to love.