In Meishan!!! This affordable hotel is simply amazing to stay at
For family trips around Chengdu, I highly recommend the InterContinental Heilongtan Resort. In early March, three families of us visited both the InterContinental and the Indigo by InterContinental at Heilongtan. These two hotels are managed by the same company and located right next to each other, but offer different experiences.
**Accommodation**
The Indigo has more of a boutique homestay vibe with a Republic of China-era aesthetic, making it perfect for younger travelers. We initially stayed here—the rooms were beautifully decorated, and free cheongsam rentals were available, ideal for photo-loving guests. However, the rooms lacked balconies, the buildings were close together with limited greenery, and many recreational facilities were at the InterContinental, requiring a 5-minute shuttle ride. This was slightly inconvenient for families, so we later requested a transfer to the InterContinental. During the off-season, the hotel even upgraded us to a lake-view room.
The InterContinental is a standard five-star hotel with rooms facing Heilongtan, offering lovely views and more spacious layouts, each with a balcony. Some online reviews mention the rooms feeling dated, but our experience was fine—the space was ample, and the balcony was comfortable. The resort’s large size means some areas feel a bit rustic in terms of upkeep. The butler service was attentive and responsive, adding a thoughtful touch.
🧹 **Soundproofing/Cleanliness**: Overall soundproofing was good, with no noise disturbances during our stay. The cleanliness was excellent, with rooms and public areas well-maintained.
🏘️ **Room Types/Layout**: InterContinental rooms are more spacious than those at the InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, with balconies and direct lake views. The Indigo rooms are stylish with a Republic of China theme but lack balconies and feel tighter due to narrow building spacing.
🛌 **Amenities/Facilities**: Some cabinets in the InterContinental showed slight wear, but overall, the rooms were well-equipped. The resort boasts multiple pools (indoor and outdoor), a small slide on the first floor of the main building, and a basement with hot springs, saunas, and a kids’ water park (off-season, only the sauna and hot springs were open; the heated pool and water park are expected to reopen after May Day, with the summer water park being a highlight). There’s also a petting zoo and horseback riding activities. The resort is vast, but shuttle carts are limited (only two), leading to long waits. Alternatively, you can rent "Hello Carts," though weekend rates are steep (¥70 for 30 minutes) and the slow speed makes them less cost-effective.
**Dining**: The Indigo has a Cantonese restaurant with decent, kid-friendly dishes. The InterContinental offers a fish restaurant, Chinese restaurant, and Western restaurant—during our stay, the Chinese restaurant was closed, but the fish and Western options were open. The fish restaurant costs around ¥200 per person (a bit pricey), featuring locally sourced Heilongtan fish with okay flavors. The Western restaurant’s breakfast buffet was solid, and their braised dishes stood out, while other dishes were average.
💰 **Cost**: Off-season rates start around ¥600, offering fair value, though prices vary by room type and timing.
💗 **Tips**:
- Indigo’s free cheongsam rentals are great for photos.
- The InterContinental is packed with family-friendly amenities, especially ideal for summer when the water park opens.
- Dining options near the hotel are limited, so plan to eat on-site.
- May and June offer the best seasonal scenery.
- Check for in-house activities upon arrival.
**Verdict**: The InterContinental Heilongtan excels with its prime location, spacious rooms, family-friendly facilities, and attentive service, making it a great off-season pick for families. The Indigo suits younger travelers who love retro aesthetics and photography. If the price is right, it’s worth a visit—especially in summer for the water activities.