WHAT’S IT LIKE? Don’t let its massive lobby with soaring ceilings, gold and black marble trimmings and stupendous chandeliers put you off. We promise that it’s much more intimate and tasteful in a contemporary way inside the guestrooms, which we found out upon being ushered into ours.
WHERE IS IT? Along the city’s new Metro system, which connects to Hongkong’s Lok Ma Chau border station. It’s also in the heart of the emerging CBD of Futian (where a critical mass of shiny skyscrapers is fast forming) and an easy stroll from the Shenzhen Convention Center and Shenzhen Civic Center.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 328 rooms and suites occupy two towers, each with 28 storeys. The West Wing, where my Deluxe Room 1806 was located, is nearer to the front desk.
ROOM FACILITIES: Taking pride of place is the extremely comfortable Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed (available for sale from US$700 onwards), part of an extensive complement of amenities such as the widescreen wall-mounted plasma TV, wired and wireless internet access – which connected without a hitch – dual-line phones, plush black seating that blends dramatically with the rich wall panelling and gold taffeta drapes. Being downtown, expect the view to be of the building next door.
RESTAURANTS: A show kitchen at Mezzo showcases Italian cooking, Cantonese and dim sum star at Chiuchow Garden, and an East-meets-West buffet and à-la-carte menu are featured at The Exchange – all for those times when the culinary attractions of Shenzhen’s Food Street and numerous dining options do not manage to tempt.
BARS: Afterwardz and Havana both boast live music and a wide selection of cocktails.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: The 2,036sqm pillarless ballroom takes 1,400 theatre or cocktail style, providing an alternative venue to similar spaces in the city’s nearby convention centre. The Link@Sheraton – a new business aid from the hotel chain – offers a quiet place to access the internet with the plus of free snacks, drinks and newspapers to enjoy when not surfing.
LEISURE FACILITIES: The fitness centre consists of the gym and not just one, but two swimming pools – one indoor and one outdoor.
PRICE: The internet rate for a two-night stay in late April in a Deluxe
Room King starts from US$234
a night.
VERDICT: Our guestroom had all the comforts and amenities expected of a Sheraton product. The lobby was a bit too overwhelming for our taste though. A location above the Metro wins our resounding approval.
CONTACT: Great China International Exchange Square, Fuhua Road, Futian, Shenzhen 518048, China. Tel 86 755 8383 8888, www.sheraton.com/shenzhen
