The glittering maritime city of Guangzhou, formerly Canton, is also one of China’s wealthiest cities. The dazzling city straddles the lovely waters of the Pearl River and is a heady mix of old-world China and its 21st-century variant. Guangzhou is best known for being home to some of the world’s most skyscrapers and its delicious Cantonese cuisine. What’s more, there’s a whole lot to explore here, right from showstopping modern architecture to Lingnan and colonial-era structures, traditional restaurants, and more. Likewise, staying in the city is an equally exciting adventure. The best hotels in Guangzhou, China range from grand culture-rich places to boutique hotels sitting pretty on leafy boulevards. In fact, Guangzhou is known to be home to as many luxury hotels as hotels with deep cultural significance.
So, where can one find these amazing places to stay in the city? For one, Tian He with its bevy of luxury hotels is where you should stay for all possible creature comforts under one roof. Moreover, Tian He is most-known for botanical gardens, museums, and the sky-scraping Canton Tower, one of the best sights to see in the city. For nightlife and shopping, there’s no better place to stay than Hai Zhu Square. However, culture buffs will love the historic and ancient neighborhood of Yue Xiu the most. It is home to some of Guangzhou’s best attractions including temples and zen gardens. Finally, Li Wan on the western banks of the Pearl River also makes for an excellent place to stay.
So, if you’re looking for an accommodation in one of China’s most prosperous cities, here are the 11 best hotels in Guangzhou, China.
White Swan Hotel Guangzhou
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The picturesque White Swan Hotel is one of China’s first five-star resorts and one of the best hotels in Guangzhou. The historic hotel lies along the Pearl River on the iconic Shamian Island, right in the heart of the city. It also enjoys splendid views of the Shameen White Swan Lake and has seen more than 150 royalty and heads of state stay here.
There’s nothing not to love about the scenic hotel. A gleaming outdoor pool peppered with daybeds and chaise lounges sits right by the Pearl River. It is the beating heart of the hotel for enjoying a laid-back, lazy day. Four restaurants offering Chinese and international cuisines are great for satiating any cravings. Enjoy an evening cocktail or two at two trendy bars on-site. If you feel like working off those Cantonese calories, the well-equipped gym should interest you. Finally, pamper yourself with a massage at the zen spa at the end of a long, busy day.
Expansive rooms and suites at the White Swan feature modern Lingnan architecture with luxurious comfortable finishes and lavish bathrooms with jacuzzis. What’s more, every room has floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Pearl River.
Lazy Gaga Hostel
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The cheerful and cleverly-named Lazy Gaga Hostel lies in the buzzing neighborhood of Yue Xiu and is the perfect place to crash for budget travelers. The fact that many cultural attractions and the metro stations lie within walking distance only ups the appeal of this fun-filled hostel. In fact, Lazy Gaga is the very first hostel to have been built right in the center of Guangzhou.
Those staying at Lazy Gaga can choose between dorms and private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. What’s more, this place has one of the biggest bunk beds you’ll ever see, complete with soft mattresses and duvet pillows and blankets. However, it’s the pleasant and lively communal spaces that are the highlight at this hostel. Two comfy setaing areas with small tables, chairs, and cushioned couches is a great place to catch up with hostel mates and make new friends. Since the common areas are far away from the sleeping accommodations, this hostel famously has no curfew. So, right from movie screenings to playing Wii, foosball, and what-not, there is literally no bad time. From bicycle hire to board games to book exchange, this fun hostel offers it all.
Apart from the above, there’s a well-equipped kitchen to whip up quick and cheap meals. Plus, the fridge at the reception is well-stocked with lots of instant noodles, potato chips, chocolate, and beer!
Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou
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Sitting right next to the Pearl River, Shangri La Hotel Guangzhou is much like its eponymous namesake. Think still-water lotus ponds, enchanting landscaped gardens, Asian-inspired decor, and birds-eye views of the Pearl River. What’s more, it lies in the exciting business district right next to the Guangzhou International Convention Centre, which hosts the famous Canton Fair.
The lobby of this luxury hotel glittering chandeliers, a gorgeous fountain, and lots of golden-bronze installations that will leave you gobsmacked. Two lovely pools, both indoor and outdoor, are sprinkled with daybeds and make for a heavenly swim on hot days. The aptly-named Chi spa with 11 treatment rooms is the perfect way to relax at the end of a long day. With six bars and restaurants, one can dig into a gamut of cuisines. Plus, the lobby bar with live music is the ideal place for a nightcap before you retire. Finally, the tennis courts and fitness center allow fitness fanatics to stay in shape.
Guests at Shangri-La have lots of choices for rooms and serviced apartments. Fluffy, kingsize beds and lavish bathrooms with excellent toiletries make staying here very comfortable. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room leave one slack-jawed at the spectacular views of the Pearl River.
W Guangzhou
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Marriott’s funky younger sister W Guangzhou is very popular with the younger travel set looking for a luxurious yet chic place to crash.
A glamorous lobby complete with an LED waterfall and bold, vibrant accents set the tone for the rest of the place. The hotel is home to one of Guangzhou’s most popular nightclubs, as well as a fabulous bistro and restaurant. It also has a fabulous spa that harps about its much-lauded multisensory spa therapies. However, it’s most eye-popping and yet most soothingly striking highlight is the indoor pool with a green foliage wall and sweeping city views.
If the hotel’s amenities are celebratory, it’s rooms and suites are no less party-worthy. All of them boast of all the latest mod-cons like minibars, flat-screen TVs and, what-not. The best ones, though, are absolute Hangover-esque party pads with whirlpool tubs, terraces, and even excellent karaoke rooms and sound systems.
Aiqun Hotel
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The Aiqun Hotel in the Yue Xiu neighborhood is one of the best hotels you can stay at in Guangzhou, China. The hotel was dubbed the ‘hotel champion of North China’ since it is China’s first building to imitate the neo-Gothic architecture of modern skyscrapers from 1930s New York. It even has holds the record of being the tallest structure in the city between 1937 and 1967! What’s more, the Aquin Hotel is one of Guganhzou’s best budget hotels.
Guests at the hotel have lots of options when it comes to choosing rooms, right from European-style Economy Rooms with no views to the Deluxe river-view rooms. Even though all rooms are modern, they’re interestingly furnished with assorted old furniture. Moreover, the rooms also have comfy beds, a good climate control system, and ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs. Apart from this, the hotel also has massage treatments, room service, and a rooftop restaurant with excellent views of Pearl River.
Apart from a historic structure, the hotel’s location next to a wide walkway along the river is scenic and perfect. Also, it’s a mere 20-minute walk to the iconic Shamian Island, which is one of the top sights in Guangzhou.
Guangdong Victory Hotel
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If you want to stay in a place full of culture and history, look no further than the neo-classical Guangdong Victory Hotel. Lying amidst the gorgeous green of Shamian Island, the hotel was formerly a bank before transforming into the 20th-century Victoria Hotel. Today, it’s a superb hotel with the best of the old and the new worlds.
A white-and-pink classic European facade has twin domes and a majestic portico sits amidst lush-green trees. On the inside, the hotel radiates an ethereal ambiance with lovely lighting and marble-like floors. On the topmost floor, one will find a soothing sauna and spa where a massage after the day’s end seems perfect. Gym rats will find the fitness center is more than adequate. When it comes to food, the on-site cafes serve delish afternoon tea and hearty buffet breakfasts, combined with 24-hour room service.
Rooms at the Guangdong Victory Hotel are contemporary yet elegant and are furnished in everything fro French to Japanese styles. They feature pleasing neutrals accented by vivid pops of color and jaw-dropping views of the landscaped gardens or the city.
Chimelong Hotel Guangzhou
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If you’re traveling with children to Guangzhou, the sprawling amusement-park-like Chimelong Hotel is the perfect place to stay. The Guangzhou resort is one of China’s biggest ecological hotels with as many as 1,500 eco-themed rooms! However, it’s most delightful aspect is its live animal island located right at its center!
Harmony with fauna and nature is what best describes the Chimelong Hotel. Its famous live animal island includes everything from snow tigers to flamingos. Heck, one can even dine alongside which has five neighboring theme parks, and nine premium dining spots. Guests can dine across nine restaurants while watching animals in close proximity. Moreover, every Saturday night, the hotel has a fantastic fireworks display that lights up the Guangzhong skyline. If that wasn’t enough, the resort has a laundry list of facilities. These include indoor and outdoor pools, massage and sauna, and even a fitness center.
All 1,500 rooms at the Chimelong Hotel boast all modern creature comforts like comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, and even room service and wake-up service. If that wasn’t enough, the Chimelong Hotel sits half-an-hour from the city center in the lush environs of Chimelong Paradise.
Crowne Plaza Guangzhou City Centre
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If you enjoy birds-eye views from your hotel room, then you will love the Crowne Plaza. Located in busy Yue Xiu, the sleek hotel is also one of the former tallest buildings in the city.
A vibrant lobby with dynamic lighting designs, marble floors, and gray seating gives the whole place an utterly modern look. As a huge city center hotel, Crowne Plaza has all amenities one could possibly want, and then some. A heated outdoor pool with sweeping views of Guangzhou’s skyline makes it great for a swim even in cooler months. Daybeds and lounge chairs, on the other hand, are antidotes when it’s hot and humid. An impressive gym with floor-to-ceiling windows might just provide the drive for one to work out. Three restaurants and a bar, complimentary breakfast, and a host of wellness facilities like massages and sauna wrap up what is a very appealing offering.
Rooms at the Crowne Plaza feature earthy hues complemented prints of tree branches and flowers inspired by Eastern art. Rooms are all equipped with hi-tech mod-cons, plush marble bathrooms, a very cozy turndown service, and mesmerizing views of Guangzhou.
Oakwood Premier Guangzhou
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Travelers planning to stick around in Guangzhou for a longer while will do well to choose Oakwood Premier, a 39-story highrise in the Tain He neighborhood. The luxury aparthotel blends the best ofeerings of a service apartment and a luxury hotel.
The classy reception features dark furniture complemented by earthy interior designs and Chinese art. An additional 15th-floor lobby boasts a whimsical chandelier, fresh flowers everywhere, and views of the city framed by two stories of glass windows. An outdoor pool underneath a low-hanging ceiling is inviting and cozy to the hilt. A wooden deck sprinkled with lounge chairs is the perfect spot for sunbathing and lounging around. A gym that is open round-the-clock and has views of the city is a great motivator for working out. The aparthotel even has entertainment for children in the form of a children’s playroom. What’s more, the on-site restaurant serves everything from buffet breakfasts to dinner.
All rooms at Oakwood premier are apartment-style ones and one can choose from studios or 1/2/3/4-bedroom apartments. All rooms feature hi-tech modern touches, lavish, snazzy bathrooms, and earth-hued furnishings. Apart from that, they have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sensational views of Guangzhou.
South & North International Apartment
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If a well-connected accommodation is important for you, then the South & North International Apartment in the heart of the Yue Xiu neighborhood is perfect. The serviced apartments lie right near the dining and transport hub of Beijing Road. Plus, with even car hire service being available here, getting anywhere around Guangzhou isn’t an issue at all.
Guests at the South & North International can choose from a host of units, all of which come with a lovely, well-equipped kitchenette, washing machines, and flatscreen TVs. What’s more, the serviced apartments even feature grocery delivery services. So, whipping up quick and cheap meals, especially if you’re staying around for long, is easy. Moreover, ensuite bathrooms with all amenities make staying here all the more comfortable.
Apart from excellent accommodations, the aparthotel even offers a shared lounge and two dining options that serve everything from Cantonese to world cuisines.
Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou
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If space is what you’re looking for, then the Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou is your answer. The stylishly designed luxury hotel boasts of some of the largest rooms in the city.
Mandarin Oriental’s interiors meld western chicness with Chinese minimalism with white-and-black psychedelic floors and stylish wingback chairs. Artistic touches like a white tree at the entrance complemented by a rainbow-colored fan. A gorgeous lush courtyard features manicured green spaces and a lovely outdoor lap pool with daybeds. A wellness center is just what you need for some R&R, while the lounge and restaurant offer everything from all-day beverages to lip-smacking Cantonese seafood.
Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental feature elegant contemporary designs with dove-grey headboards, warm wood furnishings, and rich but understated textiles. Spacious spa-like bathrooms, hi-tech mod-cons, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city complete the luxurious spaces. For true indulgence, go in for the largest room which has dressing chambers, walk-in wardrobes, and round-the-clock butler service.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: Dig into the very best of delish Cantonese cuisine on this food tour along the vibrant streets of Guangzhou.
- Panxi Restaurant: You cannot go to Guangzhou and not head to Panxi, one of the few old-fashioned garden-style Cantonese places in the city. The restaurant has been around for more than 70 years and is the perfect historic sanctuary to dig into traditional Cantonese fare.
Recommended Activities In Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Full-Day Tour: Explore the best sights and attractions of the Pearl River city on this wonderful and comprehensive tour.
- Guangzhou – Cantonese Opera and Night River Cruise: Glide along the waters of the Pearl River at night while delving into the city’s rich culture by watching a traditional Cantonese opera.
