I stopped by Qingdao for one night on my way back to Beijing. I booked Ibis for around $15 to save money. I wasn't expecting comfort or quality, but that's what I got!
The room was clean, with modern-looking yet comfortable furniture. There wasn't any smell of smoke or any other odors. (Although I had a cold, so maybe my sense of smell was off.) The internet speed was decent; I used the ethernet.
The bathroom was bright and clean, with a nice shower stall. The air conditioning was powerful, with a heating option. It kept the room warm and cozy, which I was glad for because of my cold.
The room wasn't veg, but it also didn't feel small. It was just the right size. The combination of the warm colors (light wood and blood orange) and well-designed layout made my stay very cozy.
Although not located in a great place, it was around 80 RMB and 45 minutes to the airport. The ride to the airport is traffic jam free in the early morning. There are grocery stores, a mall, and convenience stores nearby. But I don't think it's close to any tourist destinations, so that's the only downside.
I think what really sealed the deal was the price of $15, which gives me impressive value. If I can continue booking this hotel chain at $15 per night in the future, I'll definitely will on my future travels.