The Westin Guangzhou

A favorite among corporate travelers, there's nothing to complain about when it comes to style here, but nothing exactly remarkable either. Warm wooden decor and lots of polished marble create a pleasant atmosphere in the lobby, which like the Tianhe District itself, attracts mostly business travelers, although child-friendly amenities like a kids' pool and kids’ menus attract families too. A large chandelier hangs in the center of the minimally decorated lobby, where flavored water welcomes guests. Several check-in counters with glowing facades sit in front of wooden backdrops. Striped carpeting and white hallways create a clean look. Overall, the impression is modern and upscale, but simple. It all feels like a straightforward business hotel, albeit with just a bit more polish than some of its competitors. Given the hotel's size and the popular brand name, things here can be bustling and busy, from the lobby to the many restaurants and bars.

The hotel is located in the northern reaches of the Tianhe business district, just a five-minute walk from Guangzhou East Station Square, which connects Guangzhou to Hong Kong in six and a half hours. The CITIC Plaza is across the street, and there many corporate headquarters and offices within the immediate area. There's not too much to see or do within walking distance, with the exception of the Popark Shopping Plaza, as well as Chinese and Western fast-food restaurants plus a Starbucks. Within 10 to 15 minutes by car are the Guangzhou Zoo, Guangzhou Library, and Guangzhou Museum. It’s a 25-minute drive to the Pearl River Night Cruise, and a free one-way shuttle takes travelers to the train station and the Canton Fair, which is about 15 minutes away. The drive to Baiyun Mountain takes 30 minutes. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a 50-minute drive from the hotel.

The 446 rooms at The Westin Guangzhou have a pleasant and modern vibe, thanks to warm wooden paneling, recessed lights, executive-style desks, beige carpeting or hardwood floors, and neutral furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling windows face a park, the city, or Tianhe Stadium. The look is the definition of simple, and there's almost nothing in the way of wall art to perk things up. Additionally, we spotted a bit of wear, like water rings and nicks on furniture, which is a bit disappointing for a hotel with the Westin brand name. Features vary a bit from one category to the next. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, irons, minibars, safes, kettles, and 24-hour room service.  Deluxe, Renewal and Executive Rooms don’t have free Wi-Fi, unless guests are SPG members who book directly. Higher-priced rooms do include free WI-Fi.  WestinWORKOUT Rooms come with treadmills or bicycles, weights, and yoga mats. Westin Renewal Rooms and Suites offer massage chairs. Executive and Royal Suites have separate living and dining areas. The Presidential Suite has a dining area for eight, a whirlpool tub, kitchenette, and butler service. Sliding doors separate marble and granite bathrooms, which have showers and bathtubs; some with city views. 

As is the case with most four-pearl hotels in the Tianhe area, there are a number of features that are geared to business guests, though leisure travelers are also in luck. For starters, this hotel has more pools than most in the area. Modern high-rises tower around the sleek seventh-floor outdoor pool, which also has a kids' pool and drink service on lounge chairs. Inside is a heated pool and two additional hot tubs. The spa offers Western and Chinese treatments with a sauna, Vichy shower, and steam room. Additionally, there's a modern fitness center with cardio equipment and weight machines. It gets a god deal of natural light and is open around the clock.There are also five restaurants and bars offering a nice range of international dining choices. White Scent serves coffee, tea, and cocktails. QBA is a Latin bar with a live DJ, Mexican cuisine, and a cigar bar. Prego serves Italian fare, and Seasonal Tastes has international buffets. Hong Mian is on the fourth floor and serves Cantonese food. Kids menus are also available. Executive Rooms and Suites provide access to the Westin Executive Club Lounge with free breakfast, use of a meeting room, and other VIP perks.Computers with internet access, as well as other business services, are available in the 24-hour business center. Conferences can be accommodated in seven meeting rooms with two ballrooms that each fit up to 140 people. Internet is free in the lobby with a virtual private network to log in to Facebook and Google. The hotel has a dedicated concierge that can help with transportation arrangements and other bookings. There's a gift shop as well. One-way shuttles to the train station and Canton Fair are offered, and car rentals can be arranged.