Marriott Properties in Beihai

The hotel is located right by Silver Beach, with direct access to the sand. As expected from a five-star hotel, the facilities are top-notch. The buffet breakfast area is spacious with a wide variety of dishes. We received a complimentary room upgrade, which offered an even better view. I need to give a special mention to the service. The bellhops were very proactive upon our arrival and departure, helping with luggage, which was much appreciated. The front desk lady who checked us in was also very friendly and efficient, deserving praise. Then came the main issue. There was someone next to her, who seemed to be in training, helping write key cards. Even the ID registration was handled by the first lady. This person only wrote four numbers, then asked to add me on WeChat, saying I could contact them anytime during my stay if I had issues. They sent some Beihai travel tips prepared by the hotel and some check-in reminders (like breakfast times and WiFi password). However, I didn't encounter any issues during my stay. After checking out, this 'customer service rep' sent a WeChat message, asking me to write a positive review for her. When I didn't respond immediately, she followed up, insisting I include a specific code and send a screenshot after writing it. This made me quite uncomfortable. In reality, her 'service' to me amounted to writing one key card, asking to add me on WeChat, and sending generic automated messages. There was no other service provided. If I were to write a review, it wouldn't be for her; it would be for those who actually helped me (like the bellhops, the check-in front desk staff, and the other front desk staff I consulted later). I won't name names, as the hotel might have performance review requirements for employees in this regard. I just hope the hotel considers this situation. If WeChat is to be used, it should be by someone who is fully responsible for the customer's entire experience. Another front desk staff member worth commending: when I was on my way to the beach, I passed the front desk and casually asked the young man where to find sand digging tools. He immediately pointed me in the right direction. Also, considering I might be rushed the next day for checkout, I asked if we could have a half-hour late checkout, which he arranged perfectly for us. The overall communication was smooth, and his tone was very friendly and enthusiastic. One small suggestion: it was my birthday on the day of check-in, but the hotel didn't offer any surprise or birthday wishes (yet I was still asked to write a good review). This felt a bit below five-star standards (I've stayed at several other five-star hotels before, where either the staff proactively wished me happy birthday or prepared a surprise). Overall, the hotel is still good. The environment is pleasant, it's clean, the location is excellent, most of the staff are friendly, and it offers great value for money (I forgot to take photos inside the room, but I took a few pictures of Silver Beach from the balcony, and the view was beautiful).