The Garden Hotel Guangzhou

The hotel offers a truly memorable experience, distinguished by its beautiful garden featuring waterfalls and a delightful fragrance of fresh flowers or bamboo and lotus that permeates the lobby. Guests consistently praise the hotel's excellent service, prime central location, overall cleanliness, and the quality of its breakfast offerings. This makes it an ideal choice for various travelers: business travelers attending exhibitions or on corporate tours, sightseers keen to explore the city's attractions, and both couples and families seeking a comfortable and convenient base. For an enhanced stay, guests are advised to consider requesting a room away from the ongoing construction noise, which can be disruptive, and to double-check any minibar deposit charges during check-in to avoid unexpected surprises. Additionally, be aware that some twin rooms feature a shared bathroom door, which may impact privacy.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, though guest feedback is mixed regarding their condition and functionality. While the gym is generally well-regarded, multiple guests reported that the sauna and steam room were not operational. A significant and recurring concern is the hotel's Wi-Fi, which many found to be slow, unreliable, or even non-existent, often requiring guests to use their personal data. Furthermore, some noted the absence of USB charging ports in rooms. While the hotel maintains a traditional aesthetic, some guests felt that the overall facilities and furniture appeared dated and could benefit from renovation, with one guest mentioning the pool was closed for works. The air conditioning in public areas was also occasionally described as too cold.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests consistently praise the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, often describing them as spacious and well-maintained. The beds are generally found to be comfortable, contributing to a restful stay. However, a significant and frequently mentioned issue is the bathroom configuration, particularly in twin rooms, where a shared sliding door serves both the toilet and shower, leading to a notable lack of privacy. Some guests also reported unpleasant odors, including smoke smell in non-smoking rooms or a moldy smell, which occasionally necessitated a room change. While generally quiet, some rooms experienced noise from external construction or metro maintenance. Additionally, a few guests found the furniture to be dated or the rooms to be on the smaller side, and one mentioned a dripping ceiling in their bathroom.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast generally receives high praise for its extensive variety and quality, with many guests appreciating the wide spread of options, including numerous vegetarian choices. The revolving restaurant on the top floor is a popular spot for breakfast, offering panoramic views of the city. The Chinese restaurant on the third floor is particularly lauded for its amazing food, with the dim sum being a standout. However, some guests found the breakfast choices to be repetitive during longer stays, and there were specific comments about the coffee service, including the use of cardboard cups. While overall food quality is considered a strong point, one guest reported a very negative experience at the "Peach Blossom" restaurant due to slow service and high charges. A noodle restaurant on the first floor provides a convenient option for quick meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and central location, making it highly convenient for guests. The subway station is directly accessible just outside the hotel, offering easy and affordable transit throughout the city, including a direct connection to the airport. This prime position is ideal for exploring local attractions and reaching various destinations. However, a significant and frequently mentioned drawback is the pervasive noise from ongoing construction and roadworks in the surrounding area, which can be disruptive, especially for rooms facing the city. While the location is praised for its accessibility, some guests noted it might not be the best for immediate proximity to a wide variety of restaurants and shops for evening strolls. The hotel also provides a convenient direct bus service to Hong Kong International Airport.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, courteous, and efficient. Many guests highlight their professionalism and the fact that most staff speak English, which greatly enhances the experience for international visitors. Instances of exceptional service, such as room upgrades and providing packed breakfasts for early flights, are frequently mentioned. However, a recurring point of frustration for some guests is the check-in and check-out process, which can be slow and busy, leading to long waits. While the concierge staff are particularly commended for their helpfulness, some guests experienced communication challenges with other staff members, especially at reception, due to limited English proficiency. Issues with luggage service and unexpected minibar deposit charges were also reported.

Additional Information
Beyond the main categories, guests noted a few specific details that contribute to the overall stay. The hotel features an on-site museum, offering an interesting cultural diversion for guests during their free time. Some guests observed the absence of a water hose or bidet in the toilet, which might be a consideration for those accustomed to such amenities. A recurring issue for some guests involved billing discrepancies, particularly concerning deposits for minibar usage or breakfast inclusions that were not accurately reflected, requiring guests to follow up for resolution. Additionally, the lobby was noted by some to lack sufficient seating, which could be inconvenient during busy periods, especially during peak check-in or check-out times.