BACKGROUND
While many hotels have chosen to open in Guangzhou’s newer business districts, such as Tianhe and Pearl River New Town, Doubletree by Hilton decided to launch its new property in an old business district – Yuexiu. When it opened at the end of December last year, it therefore became the first and only international hotel brand in this part of the city.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The hotel has worked hard to create a “home-from-home” vibe to make guests feel comfortable. Upon entering the hotel we were greeted with signature Doubletree freshly-baked cookies from friendly, tie-less staff members. Calming feng shui elements can be found throughout the property, from the cotton tree and water fountain at the entrance, to the wooden goddess at reception, all of which are meant to bring good fortune.
WHERE IS IT?
Located in Yuexiu business district, the hotel is a ten-minute drive from government offices, restaurants and popular attractions such as Yuexiu Park and Dr Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall. It’s easy to reach from Dongfeng Road and two nearby metro stations – Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Xiaobei. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a 45-minute drive away, and the hotel is less than a ten-minute drive from Guangzhou Railway Station.
THE ROOM
I stayed in a king guest room and was pleased to discover ample power sockets, particularly in the wall behind the work desk, under the 40-inch TV, and by the bedside. While designed to accommodate most plugs, international adaptors are also available from reception. The desk is spacious and the table lamp can be adjusted to three degrees of brightness. In-room temperature is comfortable thanks to the automatic climate control setting. There’s another LCD TV at the front of the bathtub, so guests can catch up with news or a movie while bathing in Crabtree and Evelyn products. In-room wifi is available for RMB60 (US$10) per day, or free for guests staying in executive rooms located on the 38th to 41st floor. Smoking rooms are located on the 26th and 27th floor.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
The event space offering may not be as big as other hotels, but Doubletree by Hilton Guangzhou still offers a total of 1,100 sqm, including the 430 sqm Yuexiu Ballroom that can accommodate around 500 guests; The Panorama multi-functional room holding up to 200 persons; a 400 sqm boardroom; and three multi-sized meeting rooms. A business centre is conveniently located next to all meeting and conference facilities, giving guests immediate access to photocopiers, fax machines and other services. A spacious executive lounge is located on the 39th floor, with great views over the Yuexiu district and complimentary refreshments. There is also a boardroom, which can accommodate ten people, plus two computer terminals.
LEISURE FACILITIES
A 20-metre outdoor swimming pool is located on the eighth floor, equipped with water massage beds. There is also a fitness centre, which includes a yoga room, chess room, snooker room, and mahjong room. The Escape Spa, located on the ninth floor, opened in August and each room is named after the 24 Chinese solar terms such as “Xiao Man” (Corn Forms) and “Bai Lu” (White Dew). Treatments range from moisturising facials to fragile capillary treatments and body care using red wine, flower, honey and milk. The hotel’s signature massage, performed by two therapists, incorporates techniques from Indian Ayurvedic treatment and western massage in order to make energy flow and balance the body’s system.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
There are four restaurants in the property. The beef burger from Open restaurant (RMB88/US$14) is definitely worth having a cheat day. It features 150g of Australian M4-grade beef tenderloin seasoned with black pepper and paired with home-made ketchup. The Hainan chicken rice (RMB128/US$21) and green curry salmon (RMB208/US$34) are also must-try dishes.
Nodu is another restaurant option, serving a variety of Asian noodle dishes from Guangdong to Tokyo and Singapore-style. It also offers a variety of steamed and pan-fried dumplings such as different flavoured xiao long bao (steamed buns). The lobby bar, next to the main entrance, hosts daily live band performances and you can enjoy the signature cocktail – Hilton Pina Colada (RMB65/US$11).
VERDICT
With its convenient business district location and various options for recreation and dining, Doubletree by Hilton Guangzhou is an ideal option for both business and leisure.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 310 guest rooms including 25 suites, taking up the 25th to 41st floor. Four room types, range from guest room (39sqm) to presidential suite (388sqm). (Levels 5-7 and 10-24 are privately owned.)
- HIGHLIGHTS Ample meeting and leisure facilities; special fresh cookie welcome gifts.
- PRICE The rate for staying in a king guest room in mid-November is about RMB900 (US$147) per night.
- CONTACT 391 Dongfeng Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510030; tel +86 20 2833 2888 doubletree3.hilton.com
