A Guangzhou institution, dating from 1983 when China first opened its doors to foreign trade and travelers, it was the first luxury hotel built to cater to the international guests of the Canton Trade Fair. Located in Shamian Island, this is in one of the few neighborhoods in Guangzhou that can boast true charm and history.
This area was formerly the British Concession and has many colonial buildings all within walking distance of the fascinating Qia Ping Market. The hotel has hosted kings and presidents over the years although it is probably better known nowadays as the "White Stork" due to its proximity to the U.S. Embassy where adoption paperwork is processed.
The atrium lobby is large and airy with a massive waterfall and an ornate eight-sided Chinese pavilion ensuring the proper feng shui. While it is impressive, it has a somewhat kitschy feel. The lobby lounge overlooking the Pearl River is a nice place to enjoy a cocktail or cup of tea. At night the hotel is brilliantly lit with neon. Staff members are English-speaking and friendly.
Eleven food and beverage outlets satiate hunger. The Jade River Restaurant serves Cantonese food for breakfast, lunch and dinner amid an indoor garden setting. The huge and rather charmless multifunction International Banquet Hall is open during the day for dim sum but is also used as additional meeting and banquet space. The Provincial Restaurant specializes in the regional cuisine of Beijing, Sichuan and Shanghai. The Coffee Shop and the Grill Room serve Western cuisine with a river view. Hirata Japanese Restaurant on the third floor overlooking the river serves lunch and dinner.
Upscale Western food is available in the Silk Road Grill Room located on the first floor for dinner only. More casual all day fare is available at the River Garden Coffee Shop on the first floor. The Song Bird Living Room serves a buffet breakfast, as well Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. Evenings, the Hare and Moon Lobby Bar has Filipino singing until 1 am. The Riverside Garden Barbecue is available for dinner and the Deli Shop outside the hotel's North Gate can take care of food to go.
Recreational facilities at this property are good. The hotel has extensive sports, fitness and entertainment facilities including two swimming pools, a gymnasium, sauna and massage, squash, a golf driving range, eight outdoor, as well as two indoor tennis courts. There is plenty of interesting shopping in the hotel's arcade with lots of intriguing Chinese traditional arts and crafts. A beauty salon and tour desk are also available.
Meeting facilities are not a strong point of this hotel. While the amount of space is adequate the decor is tired and needs refurbishment. The largest space is the White Swan Convention Center which can accommodate 700 theater-style. Meeting rooms are scattered on the first, second and third floors presenting logistical challenges. The hotel has simultaneous translation systems in-house. The business center is open 24 hours with secretarial and translations services.
Guest rooms are old fashioned and relatively small. Beds are standard Chinese firmness (rock hard) with spreads rather than more hygienic duvets. The decor is original to the 1980s with blond wood and box TVs. Minibars, safes, and broadband Internet access are standard.
Baths have combination shower and tubs. Executive rooms are on the higher floors and feature a Club Lounge with Continental buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, and a cocktail hour. Rooms on the Executive level have fresh fruits and flowers and offer free airport and train station transfers. In general the guest rooms aren't anywhere near the standard of the newer hotels in the city.
The nine suites located on the eighth floor are unique. They feature Chinese gardens, antique furniture, larger marble baths and upgraded amenities. The hotel also has 17 Riverside Garden serviced apartments for long-term lease.
The best rooms are on higher floors with balconies overlooking the Pearl River. Each floor has its own attendant to serve the needs of guests until midnight.
Room service, guest clinic, housekeeping, laundry and dry cleaning are all available 24 hours. There are 240 smoke-free rooms. Security features include electronic key cards.
The White Swan has a great location, accommodating staff and a historic ambience. For those who enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere it will perhaps make up for the antiquated guest rooms. If modern conveniences and creature comforts are more your thing, head to the Westin or the Garden Hotel.
