Tried & Tested

Hotel review: Hilton Shenzhen Futian

13 Nov 2017 by Tamsin Cocks
Hilton Shenzhen Futian lobby

Background

Opened in 2015, the 320-room hotel is the third Hilton-branded property in Shenzhen. There are now five Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Shenzhen in total, including the more resort-like Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai, Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao’an by the airport and the most recent Doubletree by hilton, which opened at the start of 2017.

Where is it?

Conveniently located in the heart of Futian CBD, the hotel is within walking distance of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre and Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and a five-minute taxi ride from the Hong Kong border. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away, while Hong Kong International Airport is also accessible in under an hour by car.

Hilton Shenzehn Futian Entrance - Night

First impressions:

The ground-floor lobby of the Hilton is awash with polished marble, covering the floors and pillars. A concierge desk is immediately to the right, while the two reception desks are tucked in an alcove opposite the entrance. A standout feature is the adjoined McLaren car dealership boasting a bevy of sleek motors.

The hotel was clearly busy during my arrival, so there was a slight wait at check-in. A minor hiccup with finding my reservation was ironed out professionally and with apologies. A porter offered to take my luggage, but I declined – it was just a small carry-on I could easily manage.

Hilton Shenzhen Futian Executive Twin Room

Room facilities

All rooms are generously sized, hovering around 40 sqm. Executive rooms pip this slightly (at 42 sqm), and also benefit from higher floors to enjoy city views and of course Executive Lounge access.  

I was a little disappointed to find I had been checked into a twin room – which I put down to the hotel running at high occupancy.

A muted colour scheme of dusky pinks, bright creams and dark woods offered a clean, contemporary look. Some well-chosen design details offered a bit of personality, including a bamboo mural above the headboard and panelling effect on the walls.

Despite my initial disappointment, the twin queen bed was comfortable with plenty of room for one. I was happy to see international plug sockets for both beds with USB ports – though unfortunately, the plug on the side of the bed I chose didn’t work. An iHome alarm clock, radio and docking station with pairing facilities was also next to the bed.

I was also pleased to see a simple master switch option that plunged me in to darkness as soon as I wanted to sleep. Heavy curtains also kept the sunlight out effectively, for those who may have jetlag concerns.

Opposite the beds is a large 42-inch LCD TV screen. Beneath is a cabinet containing the minibar, (a local beer is RMB30/US$4.5). Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities are also available. To the left of the TV was a comfortable work desk, complete with ports, plugs and cables, as well as a hard-backed armchair.

By the front door are electronic “do not disturb” and “cleaning” request signs, while facilities such as iron, ironing board, umbrella, safe etc, are neatly concealed in cupboards in the corridor. An adjustable thermostat is also on the wall, though I didn’t have any need to change the settings as the temperature remained consistent throughout my stay.

The bathroom was nice and large, fitted out in streaked marble. A frosted-glass door shower with a rain shower and separate toilet room. The vanity area was well-stocked with lovely Peter Thomas Roth amenities, while shower products were by Crabtree and Evelyn.

Club lounge

There is a club lounge on the 20th floor. It sports a dramatic design, with textural brown walls and floor to ceiling windows, and there was ample seating with a variety of social and more private seating arrangements. Buffet breakfast, cocktail, snacks and drinks available, as well as a private meeting room.

Restaurants and bars

Buffet breakfast and dinner service is available in the Mis.U all-day dining restaurant (open 6.30am-11pm all day). The quantity and quality of choice at the dinner buffet was fantastic – a seafood counter with lobster, crab, mussels and prawns, through to fresh sashimi and a range of curries, Western dishes and more. An a la carte option is available as well. For more upmarket affairs, the hotel’s Lan Ting is ideal for business entertaining, with a number of private rooms available. Contemporary Cantonese and Sichuan food can be enjoyed Afternoon tea and refreshments are served in the lobby lounge bar, a small deli shop is also located in the lobby. In the evening head up to Mr Wong – a cooler-than-usual hotel bar, with sounds of jazz and spectacular city views. Open till late.

Leisure facilities

A generous sized fitness room is available 24 hours a day, with park and city views through floor to ceiling glass windows. There is an outdoor pool suitable for laps, with loungers and city views – though reports from previous guests indicate the pool is often closed.

Hilton Shenzhen Futian Meeting Room - Boardroom

Meeting facilities

While one of the key attractions of Hilton Shezhen Futian is its close proximity to the Shenzhen Exhibition Centre, it also offers its own range of facilities. These include a 600sqm Grand Ballroom and 16 flexible meeting and function rooms.

Verdict

A solid five-star business hotel in the middle of Shenzhen’s CBD. The bustling environment was good with a hotel bar worth checking out.

PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in an Executive Room start from RMB1,800 (US$272).

CONTACT Tower B, Great China International Finance Centre, 1003 Shennan Road, Shenzhen; tel +86 755 21308888; hilton.com

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