Harbin Central Avenue Binlizi Hotel: European Charm in the Heart of the City
Where to stay in Harbin? On Central Avenue, there's a hotel that offers a European experience, captures the city's character, and provides a one-stop solution for diverse experiences.
The Ritz Hotel is adjacent to Central Avenue, just a few hundred meters from St. Sophia Cathedral, the Flood Control Monument, Zhaolin Park, and Hongzhuan Street Morning Market—all within a ten-minute walk. It's also conveniently close to the train station and subway station, making transportation a breeze.
The hotel is housed in a European-style building with a striking blue-and-white color scheme. The ornate decorations on the windowsills and columns exude grandeur. Stepping into the lobby, the retro European decor immediately catches the eye: candle-shaped wall lamps, exquisitely carved wooden furniture, a fireplace, classic bookshelves, antique chairs, and lavishly framed, intricately detailed oil paintings on the walls. Every angle is photogenic, perfect for snapping pictures with your camera or phone.
The hotel's corridors and rooms follow the same elegant, vintage style, with compact yet refined layouts. Rooms are equipped with sofas, coffee tables, automatic curtains, and capsule coffee machines—everything you could need, even high-quality disposable slippers. The bathrooms feature dark-patterned wallpaper and tiles, creating a dignified and understated atmosphere. The faucets are also retro-styled, and the smart toilets offer not only bidet functions but also automatic flushing and seat heating, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail. The hotel also provides a laundry room, gym, and robot delivery service, ensuring comprehensive and attentive hospitality.
After dropping off your luggage, head to St. Sophia Cathedral for photos, pay respects at Zhaolin Park, stroll along the Songhua River, or take a cruise or cable car to Sun Island. Return to the hotel via the Flood Control Monument and Central Avenue. The restaurant serves afternoon tea with delicate pastries, fresh fruit, freshly ground coffee, and freshly squeezed juice. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in the same restaurant, with a rich variety of delicious options, including freshly made wontons and noodles, roasted lamb leg, cold dishes, hot dishes, bread, and desserts—over 30 choices in total. While the food is excellent, the highlight is the restaurant's ambiance, transporting you to medieval Europe with its timeless elegance.
With its prime location, comprehensive facilities, warm service, delicious dining, and elegant environment, the Ritz Hotel enhances the travel experience, adding another highlight to my Harbin trip.