Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou

This sleek, 103-story skyscraper that's home to this Four Seasons towers in the skies of Pearl River New City -- as such, it's all about the views here, which are stunning (except on days where smog and haze don't cooperate). The hotel occupies the 74th through to 98th floors of this glass high-rise, with the atrium lobby on the 70th floor -- overhead, concentric rings of floors sparkle in the sunlight, while all of the white marble and sleek, curvilinear furniture seems to shimmer and glow below. Bustling with guests, the lobby has a business vibe -- as do most luxury hotels in this commerce-fueled city -- and features a blend of modernist and ultra-contemporary design like large exposed pillars, two intertwining spiral staircases, low-rise Van der Rohe-inspired seating, and abstract sculptures. Interiors pair Chinese artwork -- like white and gold panels -- with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Pearl River and Canton Tower from certain angles. The hotel has plenty of spots for guests to relax or conduct business, including multiple restaurants and bars, so those looking to soak up all of the luxury won't have to travel far. Unsurprisingly, many guests here are business travelers, though well-heeled tourists do pass through occasionally.

This hotel is in the bustling Tianhe District, overlooking -- but not directly on -- the Pearl River. The immediate area feels every bit a business district, and restaurant and shopping options nearby are limited. The few options include a Starbucks and a McDonald’s, and the Pearl River New Town Metro station is just around the corner form the hotel. The Guangzhou Library, the CTF Finance Centre, and the Guangdong Museum are within a 10-minute walk. Within five to 10 minutes by car are Canton Tower, Tianhe Stadium, and the Guangzhou Opera House. One of the city's few historical neighborhoods, on Shamian Island, takes about 25 minutes to reach by car, or 50 minutes by metro. The drive to the Baiyun Mountain takes 30 minutes, and it's 50 minutes to the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (an hour and twenty minutes by train). Limousine service is available on request.

In a city where many so-called luxury hotels have rooms that are dowdy and bland, the Four Seasons is a breath of fresh air. Rooms are undeniably sleek, with a blend of classic and contemporary design motifs. There are bold patterned carpets, block-print wall art featuring cherry blossoms and bamboo, and a healthy dose of sexy gray and black colors to punctuate the soft creams and maroon hues found throughout. Curved floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the city, and some of the similar deconstructionist design elements found in the hotel's common areas -- like large exposed pillars -- are used to dramatic effect in the rooms' open layouts. Black lacquer furniture further completes the look, and the hotel has dedicated a Couples Floor, with extra in-room perks like roses, tea service, sweets, and other romantic bonuses.There are a variety of room types here; Premier Rooms and Deluxe Rooms are the largest options, and Tower Rooms have views from the 93rd to 98th floors. Tower Rooms are the Four Seasons' entry-level category, but even these have massive 560-square-foot floor plans (52 square meters). The most coveted rooms have river views, but there’s often low-visibility from the pollution. Suites have one or two bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining areas, and the two-bedroom Royal and Presidential Suites also have butler’s pantries. All rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Illy coffeemakers, minibars, DVD players, safes, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryers, and irons. Fax machines, humidifiers, and PlayStation consoles can be requested. The marble bathrooms in all rooms are truly impressive, with contrasting red and white marble tones. They come with high-end L'Occitane toiletries, soaking bathtubs, walk-in rainfall showers, and TVs in mirrors. 

As with much of this hotel, the views figure large in its features as well, and nearly every major offering provides some glimpse of the city (smog aside, of course). There are floor-to-ceiling windows in each of its four restaurants, which serve international cuisine. On the 72nd floor, Caffe Mondo serves Italian food, while Kumoi offers Japanese fare. Catch is on the 100th floor and offers seafood, and for Chinese cuisine there’s the Yu Yue Heen on the 71st floor. The lobby is home to the Atrium lounge bar and the sleek Tian Bar is situated on the 99th floor. Lounge chairs line the deck of the lap pool and hot tub, which are also set against large windows. Open 24 hours, the gym also offers city views and modern cardio and weight equipment. The six-room spa is on the 69th floor and has a steam room, a Vitality tub, a Finnish sauna, and other luxury amenities. This hotel attracts business travelers with free property-wide Wi-Fi and 18 function spaces, including three ballrooms. The 99th floor Executive Club Lounge offers more meeting space, breakfast, and evening cocktails. Secretarial services, computer access, and currency exchange are available in the 24-hour business center.