Best Design Hotels in Guangzhou

The welcome at Four Seasons is an impressive one. As you enter the striking glass lobby with a birds’ eye view in this hotel’s skyscraper home, you know you’re in the presence of greatness. Situated close to the Canton Tower and Guangdong Museum. There are seven stylish restaurants and lounges including the Michelin-starred Yu Yue Heen, Catch, a seafood restaurant on the 100th floor and Kumoi for sushi, yakitori and teppanyaki. Meeting facilities and a business centre are available, as well as function suites for special events. And be sure to take a swim in the clouds at the hotel’s beautiful infinity pool.

Stay in Guangzhou’s tallest building, known as the ‘Mansion in the Sky’. Taking the top 39 floors of the 108-story CTF Finance Centre designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the Rosewood reaches a height of 530 metres. The interiors, by Toronto-based Yabu Pushelberg, are deeply stylish, featuring innovative installations by Chinese artists. The country’s ancient crafts are reflected with vermillion-red lacquered doors in the lobby, silkscreens in the Patina Living Room, wood-and-bronze etched mirrors and gold-leaf walls in the Grand Ballroom, lanterns by the pool, terracotta tiled exteriors and tea sets in the 251 rooms and 355 residences. The hotel also houses the region’s largest two-floor spa and fitness centre, has seven terraces, a courtyard, expansive gardens, a spa, and five places to eat and drink (including Chinese comfort food and a hibachi grill).

If space is at the top of your wishlist, book one of the Mandarin Oriental’s 293 rooms and suites. Its largest offers two bedrooms, a dining room, study, walk-in wardrobe, dressing chamber, epic views and round the clock butler service. The interiors by Tony Chi are sophisticated, contemporary and glamorous, with a mixture of deep rich colours and soothing neutrals. Chef Fei creates traditional Cantonese cuisine at Jiang, while fresh grilled seafood takes centre stage at Ebony. Situated in the vibrant downtown area of Tian He and with a renowned wellness centre and stunning outdoor pool, it’s possible to combine relaxation with excitement at this well-known five-star chain.

Perfectly placed for those visiting on business, Langham Place is found in the new Haizhu district, not far from the river. Its architecture, by Aedas International, is remarkable and makes up a part of the Nanfung Commercial Hospitality and Exhibition Complex. The hotel offers 500 rooms with floor to ceiling windows spread over twenty-three floors and is part of the famed London Langham Group. Enjoy that quintessentially British tradition of formal afternoon tea (with Wedgewood). Dine alfresco, in the open-plan buffet, or at its Michelin Plate restaurant, Ming Court, then relax over drinks on the Sky Bar’s chic and glitzy outdoor terrace with breathtaking views.

Found in Zhujiang New Town, the Park Hyatt showcases Lingnan culture and cuisine and also happens to be one of China’s tallest buildings – those who prefer Western food will enjoy the Mediterranean restaurant or snacks in the rooftop bar. Spacious rooms have a mid-century-meets-contemporary feel and many offer views of the Zhujiang River. Pay a visit to the wellness centre and you can enjoy an indoor swim with a phenomenal outlook. Business services are provided at the Park Hyatt – a longstanding favourite brand for international business people – making it a smart choice if visiting the city for work.

Marriott’s funky W hotels are popular with younger travellers, seeking trendy luxury with a fun vibe. Interiors are glamorous, with bold colourful accents. 317 rooms at W Guangzhou are spread over 30 floors, with flat-screen TVs and minibars. The top-end suites are true party pads with Bose sound systems, karaoke rooms, wine cellars, balconies and whirlpool tubs. There are two great bars for late-night libation, a bistro, a restaurant offering gourmet Asian cuisine. W also has a fantastic spa, gym and an indoor pool – a hotel highlight – with a green living wall and city views.