Four Points by Sheraton Tai'an

Four Points by Sheraton Tai'an is a 15-storey, 300-room hotel at No. 888 Huanshan East Road in Taishan District, Tai'an, Shandong province, opened in December 2010. The hotel is described as about 5.6 km from Tai'an Railway Station, so travellers arriving by high-speed or conventional train generally take a taxi to reach it, and Mount Tai, one of China's Five Great Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is reachable by road with journey times depending on traffic. Tai'an is the base for climbing Mount Tai, a historic pilgrimage route of thousands of stone steps, and the hotel offers a comfortable international-standard option for visitors who prefer more facilities than the city's traditional mid-range hotels provide. The building follows the Four Points brand's upscale but approachable style, with a modern lobby, contemporary furnishings and a straightforward tower layout. Room categories include Deluxe Rooms and suites. Listed amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a bar, a business centre, a restaurant and wifi. Dining generally features an all-day restaurant with an international and Chinese breakfast buffet, and Shandong cuisine, including Tai'an's tofu dishes and braised meats, is available in the city. The pool and gym provide relaxation after a day of hiking on the mountain. Service suits both business and leisure guests, and the hotel can help arrange taxis, tickets and transport to the Mount Tai trailheads and the Dai Temple. Rates commonly range from about CNY 400 to CNY 800 per night, placing the hotel in the upscale category for Tai'an. The location is farther from the mountain trailhead than the traditional hotels near Hongmen Road, so climbers who want an early start should plan transport in advance. It is a good option for visitors who value modern facilities and a pool, particularly after a strenuous climb, and advance booking is advisable during spring, autumn and national holidays.