i am a frequent traveler to Qingdao and stay at the Crowne Plaza and occasionally the Holiday Inn by the airport. Look at the location of the Le Meridien in relation to where you have to be. The Intercontinental and the Crowne Plaza are very close and the Le Meridien appears to be quite far away from those hotels. I have passed on it for that reason but would be interested to hear about it. I have to add that the Crowne Plaza is one of the best run hotels I have stayed at.
Shouldnot you consider Shangri-la as one of your choice? It is conveninently located and the service is superb.