With its bounty of sea urchins, sea cucumbers, scallops, and abalone, Dalian is a quintessential port city of China’s northeast. Located just a 45-minute flight from Incheon—closer than Jeju Island—it has recently emerged as a rising destination for value-savvy travelers, offering a taste of the sea at prices far gentler than those back home.

As Dalian captures the imagination of new visitors, one question inevitably arises: Where to stay?

Surrounded by the sea, it’s only natural to crave a room with a view. For those seeking to wake up to the gentle rhythm of waves and the sweep of the Xinghaiwan Bridge across the water, there’s one name that stands out—Grand Hyatt Dalian, a modern icon that has redefined oceanfront luxury since its opening in 2014.

Every Room With a View: The Allure of Grand Hyatt Dalian

At Grand Hyatt Dalian, every guestroom faces the sea, ensuring that no matter where you stay, you’ll have one of the city’s most celebrated ocean views, framed by the graceful curve of the Xinghaiwan Bridge stretching across the bay.

The hotel’s standard Grand Room, at 45 square meters, feels generous compared to the average city hotel. Available with either a king or twin beds, each room is designed for comfort and quiet sophistication.

But what truly sets it apart is a thoughtful detail: a walk-in closet discreetly positioned beside the entrance. It’s the kind of design touch that may seem subtle—until you’ve experienced how much it elevates the sense of space and ease during a stay. The fact that this feature was built into the rooms over a decade ago speaks volumes about the hotel’s forward-thinking approach to guest comfort.

Opposite the closet lies the bathroom, another example of intuitive design. Sliding doors around the vanity area allow guests to open the space completely for a sense of openness, or close it off for privacy. It’s a simple yet elegant solution that gives travelers the flexibility to shape the room’s mood to their liking.

If there’s one minor drawback, it’s that the bathtub is tucked deeper inside the bathroom, leaving the view of the sea hidden from sight. For those who dream of soaking in warm water while gazing at the horizon, the Grand Suite offers a more indulgent alternative.

Spanning 90 square meters, the Grand Suite doubles the size of a standard room and delivers a breathtaking 180-degree panorama from every angle—living room, bedroom, and even the bathroom. Located at the building’s corners, these suites offer an uninterrupted view of the sea that defines the hotel’s reputation. Here, the bathtub is placed directly before a floor-to-ceiling window, inviting guests to unwind in a scene of cinematic beauty—where even a simple bath becomes a moment to remember.

As with most corner suites, availability is limited to just one per floor, and reservations fill quickly. Those who want to experience the best ocean view in Dalian would be wise to book early.

As Night Falls, the View Turns to Magic

As day gives way to dusk, the seascape outside Grand Hyatt Dalian transforms into something altogether different. Just in front of the hotel lies Xinghai Square, one of Dalian’s most iconic landmarks—especially after dark. Every evening—twice on weekdays and three times on weekends—the Xinghai Bridge bursts to life with a spectacular laser show, drawing throngs of visitors to the waterfront.

Guests of the Grand Hyatt, however, can enjoy the performance in quiet comfort, right from their rooms. From the Grand Suite, the entire show unfolds across the panoramic glass window—best viewed while reclining on the bed, cocktail in hand, as ribbons of color ripple across the night sky.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, there’s a way to savor the spectacle in style. Make a reservation at Dalian Dalian, the hotel’s Chinese fine-dining restaurant on the 46th floor, timed to coincide with the evening show. The restaurant serves exquisite local seafood—like freshly opened sea urchin dumplings—and authentic Peking duck, a dish that would cost nearly triple in Seoul.

After dinner, head one floor up to Viva Bar, where signature cocktails and the illuminated bridge below set the perfect tone for the night. It’s a fitting finale to a day at Grand Hyatt Dalian, where luxury meets the rhythm of the sea—day or night.