Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou

The five-pearl Mandarin Oriental is located inside a glass skyscraper in Guangzhou. It stands out from other luxury properties in the area thanks to work by New York-based designer Tony Chi. The interiors merge Chinese minimalism with Western sophistication. Wingback chairs offer stylish seating in lounges and a dried, white tree at the entrance creates an artistic touch. Black-and-white floors have a psychedelic effect in the grand hall that features a cherry sculpture covered in Mandarin Oriental fan logos. The elevators provide leather benches for guests to rest in between floors. Encased in glass by the front desk is a rainbow-colored fan that was created by designer Vivienne Tam. The courtyard offers a respite from the busy city setting with a lovely outdoor lap pool and well-maintained gardens that include trimmed hedges. On the 24th floor is the Oriental Club Lounge, where VIP guests can grab free breakfast, beverages all day, and canapes and cocktails at night. This hotel is a top pick for well-heeled travelers who are willing to pay top renminbi for luxurious rooms.

This Mandarin Oriental is in a convenient location in Tianhe on a highly trafficked street that offers tons of shopping and close access to public transportation. Connected to the property is designer shopping at the TaiKoo Hui mall (with shops like Burberry and Coach) and in walking distance is the OneLink Walk. There’s an air-conditioned walkway that leads to the Shipaiqiao Station. Guests can also hop on the hotel’s free shuttle to reach the Guangzhou East Railway Station in 15 minutes, the station is by the Guangzhou Metropolitan Shoe Market and Bu Yun Tian Di Metropolitan Shoe Market. It’s a 10-minute walk to the high speed rail link that goes to Hong Kong. The Tianhe Sports Centre is a 24-minute walk from the hotel. Limousine and Mercedes-Benz car service can be arranged to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which is one hour away. 

Guest rooms feature stylish contemporary designs that blend Western and Chinese decor. The result is a high-end look that’s welcoming and not stuffy. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the city, and some corner suites have panoramic views. Throughout, materials are rich but understated, such as the crisp white bedding, variegated-wood tables, and dove-gray headboards. Flat-screen TVs are on shelves above circular dining tables and safes are stashed inside closets. All rooms have minibars stocked with drinks and snacks, coffeemakers, and turndown service with free bottled water. Spacious spa bathrooms are elegant with wood and marble details and feature separate showers, round soaking bathtubs beside windows (in many), and double sinks.

In addition to rooms, there are 30 suites with living rooms and dining areas. The Presidential Suite has 240 square meters of space. Two- and three-bedroom apartments are available for long-term stays and offer sleek kitchens and laundry facilities.  Club Deluxe Rooms and one-bedroom Club Premier Suites and Club Executives Suites have access to the Oriental Club. This space serves free breakfast, daily happy hour, and includes a private check-in service. One- and two-bedroom Mandarin Suites are on upper floors; each has two sitting areas, a study, and 24-hour butler service. Past guests have occasionally complained about thin walls between the rooms.

Features at the Mandarin Oriental are as luxurious and stylish as one would expect from this brand. Nestled in the hotel’s courtyard is a 24-meter pool and hot tub set next to a concrete wall with pavilions for outdoor massages. Locals can purchase passes to the pool and the gym, which has modern Technogym cardio machines by floor-to-ceiling windows and a beautiful yoga studio with wooden cutout screens. There’s also a health station with blood pressure and body-fat measuring machines, and beverages and fruit in gym kitchen. The elegant spa features private curtained off lounges, nine treatments rooms, including three couples suites, vitality pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

The on-site restaurants are equally stylish, including Jiang by Chef Fei, which serves Cantonese fare, and Ebony grill with seafood and steak. Breakfast isn't included in the room rate. TaiKoo Lounge has a piano for live performances and pastries are available in the Mandarin Cake Shop. The Loft bar is decorated like a lodge. Catering is provided for receptions and weddings at five meeting spaces and a ballroom that fits up to 500 people. Wi-Fi is offered for free throughout the hotel.