I have lived in Dalian for 14 years and the Kempinski was one of the few four star hotels in the area. I have eaten there many times at the Pauliner restaurant, which is fabulous for its German food and beer but this was the first time to stay. We actually booked just one night and then extended the booking by one more night. COVID precautions were in full view from entering the hotel to seeing the disinfectant team going to our room as we were leaving the floor to check out. Service and location are the greatest assets of the Kempinski. Room amenities were the best I have seen in China. It had all the normal stuff but also a luffa pad, a nail brush and mouthwash. The Kempinski's condition is a bit worn now, compared to the new five-star hotels in the city. I enjoyed the swimming pool and gym (new equipment there) but on our last morning, the swimming pool was closed for a problem of some sort. The men's locker room was splendid with sauna, a cold tub, a hot tub, and a really hot tub. It was very clean (some Chinese locker rooms can be pretty shabby) and spacious. However, my wife told me that the women's locker room didn't have the hot tubs and perhaps wasn't as nice as the men's. Its location is right next to the fabulous Labor Park where there are all kinds of activities. So, I plan to go back for another mini-break as we confine our travel. There are more restaurants and bars to explore in this wonderful classic.