Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou

The Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou is set on 12 acres, making this urban hotel feel like it’s isolated in the forest. The location is indeed removed from city center, but it’s also within walking distance to the Canton Fair, so many corporate travelers are drawn to this hotel. The spacious lobby has cathedral ceilings and gold designs that create a warm and luxurious vibe. A grand staircase is surrounded by tiered chandeliers and lined in blue carpeting that matches the motif in the Lobby Lounge bar -- which features live entertainment. This 36-floor glass building overlooks the Pearl River from the rear, providing scenic vistas when the air isn't too smog-filled. Lighted pathways offer walkways through the gardens, where there are lily ponds and sandy playgrounds for travelers with kids. A kids' club with colorful decor and floor-to-ceiling windows on all four sides also appeals to traveling families. 

This hotel is set on 12 acres in an area that’s outside of the Tianhe central business district, but the property is conveniently located beside the Canton Fair and provides free hotel shuttle service there. The Guangzhou International Convention Center is a 30-minute drive away. The location isn’t ideal for tourists since there are no shops or restaurants in the immediate area. However, the Guangzhou tram is outside the hotel and transports guests within 10 to 15 minutes to the Canton Tower, Pier Bar District, and other attractions. The Gold Coast Water Park is a 20-minute drive. On the other side of the river are the Guangzhou Opera House and Guangzhou Museum, both of which are about 15 to 20 minutes away by car. The drive to the Guangzhou East Railway Station takes 20 minutes. The Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a one-hour drive and the hotel also offers limousine, Mercedes Benz, and shuttle transfers for an extra fee. Parking is available at the hotel. 

The 704 rooms feature classic designs with Asian artwork above beds, red-toned wooden furniture, brown-patterned carpeting, and earth-tone decor; some also have brown glass chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. The focal point of the rooms are large windows that offer great views of the Pearl River, the city, or the hotel's manicured grounds. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Elegant marble bathrooms feature separate showers and bathtubs, toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers; some upgraded rooms have small flat-screen TVs in front of the bathtubs. 

Every suite has separate living rooms and butler service, while Shangri-La and Yangcheng Suites also have kitchenettes. There are also 26 Studios, and One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments that feature kitchens, washing machines and dryers, and housekeeping services. Guests in Horizon Club Rooms are greeted at the airport by a hotel staffer with private check-in/out service in the lounge, evening cocktails and appetizers, and free breakfast. 

The Shangri-La Hotel has extensive facilities and a fairly isolated location, so many guests rarely leave the property. The outdoor pool offers a sense of privacy with canopies stretched overhead and tropical landscaping. In addition to the adjacent kiddy pool, children can play in the colorful kids' club, which has an indoor area and an outdoor playground. The elegantly designed 11-room Chi spa features a sauna, a whirlpool tub, and a steam room. On the rooftop are tennis courts, where lessons can also be arranged for a fee. A modern fitness center includes LifeFitness cardio equipment and bottled water. There are tons of meeting spaces here, including 15 rooms, foyers, and two ballrooms. Several Internet areas are available and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. 

The property boasts five restaurants that serve international fare. Want poached lobster in miso soup or a steak? The Nadaman restaurant offers Japanese and RIBS restaurant serves ribs and pizza. S.E. Asia has Southeast Asian cuisine with a bar and the Summer Place offers Chinese fare. For buffet lovers, there’s the Wok Too Cafe with Asian fare. Breakfast is only free for Horizon Club guests. A snack bar is also by the outdoor pool.