Dong Fang Hotel Guangzhou

The hotel is widely recognized for its grand and spacious design, featuring an impressive lobby and a large garden that contribute to a luxurious and historic ambiance. Guests frequently highlight the spacious rooms and bathrooms, along with the hotel's excellent location and the generally friendly and helpful staff. While many appreciate the hotel's well-maintained condition despite its age, some recent reviews note that certain areas appear dated or worn. This makes the hotel a suitable choice for various travelers, including business travelers attending the Canton Fair, sightseers exploring the city's attractions, couples seeking a luxurious retreat, and families benefiting from the ample room space. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inquire about recently renovated rooms upon booking, and guests should be prepared for potential language barriers with some staff members, though many are highly accommodating.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. Many guests appreciate the heated swimming pool, though some note a specific rule requiring a cap for entry. A fitness center is available, although a few guests found it disappointing or reported it was not operational during their stay. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, though some reviews mention occasional connectivity issues. Thoughtful touches include complimentary welcome fruits and daily replenished bottled water and coffee packs in rooms. For business travelers attending the Canton Fair, the hotel provides convenient shuttle bus services, often accompanied by snacks and ice cream upon return, and an executive lounge is available for eligible guests. While some facilities show their age, the overall offering aims to provide a comfortable experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed. Most guests praise the spacious rooms and large bathrooms, often highlighting comfortable beds with high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. Many appreciate the comprehensive in-room amenities, such as a huge square bathtub, strong shower spray, heated bathroom mirror, large room table, long luggage bench, and an umbrella. Rooms are generally described as well-ventilated with adjustable room temperature and sufficient toiletries. However, a significant number of reviews point to issues related to the hotel's age, including old furniture, torn wallpaper, and signs of wear. Some guests reported more serious concerns like mold in bathrooms, sewer smell or musty smell in rooms or corridors, AC issues (being centralized or not cooling effectively), toilet issues, and even mosquitoes. While some rooms are described as nicely renovated, others are noted for their old carpets and general lack of maintenance.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback from guests. The breakfast buffet is frequently mentioned, with many guests praising its variety and quality, including a good selection of healthy options. Some particularly enjoyed the authentic Cantonese cuisine and delicious dim sum served at the hotel's restaurant. The availability of afternoon tea with a pleasant garden view is also a highlight for some. However, other guests found the breakfast to be "nothing special" or "very poor," noting that the dining areas could become too crowded, leading to long queues for certain stations. While the hotel aims to cater to diverse tastes, some international guests expressed a desire for more Western food options. The overall food quality is generally considered acceptable, though some found the specialized noodle buffet dinner to be weak and other restaurant offerings to be expensive without meeting expectations.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for both business travelers and sightseers. It is situated very close to a metro station (Yuexiu Park station on Line 2), providing easy access to various parts of the city, including the airport. Guests appreciate its proximity to numerous wholesale markets and popular attractions like Shangxiajiu Street, Beijing Street, and Yuexiu Garden, many of which are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. A shopping mall with cafes and restaurants is conveniently located directly across the road, and other amenities like a 24-hour convenience store, fast-food outlets, and a craft beer place are nearby. The presence of a taxi stand outside the hotel further enhances accessibility. While some guests noted road construction in the vicinity, the overall consensus is that the location is a significant advantage for exploring the city.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlight the enthusiastic hospitality and efficient service, particularly during quick check-in processes. A notable recurring theme is the frequent offering of room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out options, which are greatly appreciated. Staff are often described as proactive in assisting with queries and requests, and services like luggage storage are well-received. The hotel also facilitates Canton Fair badge registration on-site, adding to convenience for business travelers. However, a common point of feedback is the language barrier, with some guests finding it challenging to communicate in English with certain staff members. Despite this, the overall commitment to service is evident, though occasional check-in delays have been reported.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard offerings, the hotel provides several specific services and features that guests should be aware of. For those attending the Canton Fair, the hotel offers dedicated Canton Fair services, including convenient shuttle buses and on-site badge registration, which are highly valued. Regarding transactions, guests note that payment options at the hotel's bar or for certain services can be limited, with a preference for local mobile payment methods over international credit cards, sometimes necessitating cash withdrawals from ATMs. Some guests have also reported issues with the deposit refund policy, experiencing delays or lack of communication regarding their refunds. Additionally, the pool rules require guests to wear a cap for entry. While the hotel aims to provide a comprehensive experience, these specific operational details are worth noting for a smoother stay.