Spending a night in a Chinese love hotel in Guangzhou during Chinese New Year turned out to be a quirky, memorable experience that showcased a blend of eccentricity and local hospitality. These types of art-themed hotels are scattered across China, but my particular hotel went above and beyond in offering a unique atmosphere. The timing couldn’t have been more interesting either; Guangzhou, one of China’s largest cities, was eerily quiet, with many people having left the city for the holiday.
Arriving at Guangzhou South Railway Station, I could tell that the normally bustling metropolis was temporarily deserted, as is typical for many Chinese cities during the New Year celebrations, when millions of people travel back to their hometowns. The journey was smooth, thanks to the convenience of booking a first-class seat on the high-speed train the night before.
Upon entering my hotel, the first thing I noticed was that
each floor had its own distinct theme, and the interior designs were
wild, almost random, in their execution. My room, in particular, was a bizarre
mixture of eclectic styles—a large circle bed, a massive jacuzzi tub,
and an over-the-top mural featuring fish on the ceiling. It was hard to make
sense of the decoration, but that’s what made it so fun and intriguing. Despite
its peculiar appearance, the room was comfortable and clean. Plus, it was quite
affordable at 285 RMB (approximately $45 USD) per night.
Interestingly, love hotels like this one have a
reputation in China for being romantic or intimate getaway spots, but they’re
often used simply for their unique, themed environments. This one was no
exception. While it felt a little bit kitschy, the service was genuinely
welcoming. Upon arrival, the staff greeted me with apples, chocolates,
and even a roasted chicken as a holiday gift, which was a delightful
surprise. Their attention to detail made the stay feel personal, especially
given that it was during Chinese New Year.
One thing I appreciated was how, despite being allowed, I
didn’t notice any lingering smell of smoke in the rooms. In fact, the floors
carried a faint, pleasant scent of women’s perfume. The design of the
hotel was certainly intended to evoke a certain atmosphere—albeit one that felt
more humorous than sensual in my case.
The jacuzzi was a major highlight for me. After a
long day of walking around Guangzhou, exploring empty streets and taking
in the city’s holiday stillness, soaking in the tub was a perfect way to relax.
The neighborhood around the hotel was also surprisingly peaceful, with many
shops and restaurants closed for the holiday, making it feel almost like a
ghost town.
That evening, I ventured into Tianhe, one of
Guangzhou’s busier districts, to check out the New Year’s festivities. As
expected, there were crowds of people gathering for the annual fireworks
show, but with most places closed, my only dining options were McDonald’s
and Burger King. I didn’t stick around for the full New Year’s Eve
experience, but the energy in the air was palpable, and it was clear that the
holiday was in full swing for the families celebrating in the area.
The night at the love hotel ended up being far more
amusing than I anticipated. While I didn't know what to expect, the hotel
delivered an experience that was lighthearted and memorable. The unique decor,
the warm hospitality, and the quirkiness of it all made it a perfect stop during
my travels in Guangzhou for the Chinese New Year.
