The W Hotel Guangzhou makes an unforgettable impression from
the moment you walk in. A stylish and bold presence in the Tianhe district,
this property is a standout in the world of boutique-inspired hotels. W Hotels,
which started in the late 1990s as a trendsetting experiment in New York, have
become synonymous with modern, playful design, and the Guangzhou location lives
up to that reputation. It’s not your typical five-star hotel—it’s fun, edgy,
and caters to a younger, more hip crowd who appreciates both luxury and
creativity.
The location of the W Hotel is as energetic as its design, nestled in Tianhe, one of Guangzhou’s busiest and most modern districts. The area is perfect for business travelers or those looking to experience the city’s nightlife, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options right at your doorstep. The hotel’s proximity to key landmarks makes it a solid base for exploring Guangzhou, whether you’re in town for work or leisure.
Entering the hotel is an experience in itself. The “Living
Room” concept replaces a traditional lobby with a stylish lounge area, where
guests can work, socialize, or grab a drink in a setting that feels more like a
trendy bar than a check-in desk. The atmosphere is lively, and you’re greeted
with a sleek, dark interior that’s accented by colorful, eye-catching design
elements.
Room Experience: A Mix of Sexy Design and Comfort
The rooms at W Hotel Guangzhou are an extension of the
hotel’s daring personality. My room was filled with cool, edgy touches, from
quirky lighting fixtures to modern art and sleek furniture. However, while the
design is certainly eye-catching, attention to detail isn’t always perfect. For
instance, some parts of the room, like handles and light switches, showed signs
of wear and tear, and there were a few cleanliness issues that could have been
better addressed.
Despite those minor flaws, the room itself was comfortable
and well-equipped. The bed, though smaller than expected, was soft and
inviting, and the room’s layout was spacious enough to move around freely. One
detail I appreciated was the walk-in closet, which provided plenty of space to
store clothes and bags. It even had its own door for added privacy, which was a
thoughtful touch.
The bathroom was one of the standout features of the room,
with a tub and shower combo that made for a luxurious experience. There was
also an electric toilet—a must for any top-tier hotel these days—and dual
sinks, which added a touch of convenience. However, the room could have used a
bit more light, even with the adjustable "bright" and
"comfort" lighting options.
Facilities: Designed for Style and Relaxation
The W Hotel Guangzhou boasts several facilities designed to
impress. The fitness center is equipped with modern equipment, perfect for a
solid workout. But the real highlight is the swimming pool, which offers a
breathtaking view from high above the city. The pool area is beautifully
designed, though I was puzzled by some of the quirky design choices, like a
painted cow near the pool, which seemed a little out of place.
That said, the view of the city from the pool deck is
stunning, and there’s a certain charm to swimming while overlooking Guangzhou’s
skyline. Whether you're taking a dip during the day or lounging poolside at
night, the atmosphere is unbeatable.
Dining: A Pricey but Delicious Experience
Room service at the W is not cheap, but the quality is
excellent. I ordered a club sandwich with fries and a small salad, and while
the price was steep (around $20), the presentation and taste were top-notch.
Dining at the hotel offers a blend of casual fun and gourmet experiences, and
the playful approach extends to everything from the menu design to the food
itself.
For those looking to explore beyond room service, the
hotel’s dining options include restaurants and bars that offer a trendy, social
vibe, perfect for grabbing a cocktail or a light meal. And the “Living Room”
bar downstairs is a great spot to mingle or relax with a drink, adding to the
hotel’s lively social scene.
Décor and Ambiance: Playful, Edgy, and a Bit Quirky
True to W Hotels’ brand, the décor in the Guangzhou property
is modern and playful, with edgy design elements everywhere you look. From the
bold lighting fixtures to the dark, moody color scheme, the hotel feels like a
sleek, urban nightclub. The brand’s signature humor is also present, with
cheeky signs and quirky design touches sprinkled throughout the property.
However, some elements of the design felt a little too
experimental for my taste. For example, certain furniture pieces, like handles
and cabinets, seemed more decorative than functional, and it wasn’t always
clear what was meant to be a door or a drawer. But overall, the hotel’s design
does what it sets out to do: create a space that feels fresh, modern, and
youthful.
Service: Friendly, but Attention to Detail is Lacking
Final Thoughts: A Fun, Hip Escape in Guangzhou
The W Hotel Guangzhou isn’t your typical five-star
hotel—it’s a lively, fun, and slightly rebellious take on luxury. If you’re
looking for a place that combines high-end comfort with a youthful, playful
vibe, this hotel is a great choice. The design risks it takes, while not always
flawless, make for an interesting stay, and the views from the pool and rooms
are unbeatable.
It’s a hotel that caters to a younger crowd or anyone
looking for a non-traditional, energetic atmosphere. If you're after something
chic, fun, and full of personality in Guangzhou, the W Hotel won’t disappoint,
just don’t expect the same level of classic luxury or attention to detail as
some of the city’s more traditional five-star offerings.
- Location:
8
- Facilities:
7
- Amenities:
7
- Décor:
9
- Staff:
7
- Food:
6
- Cleanliness:
5
- Comfort:
7
- Uniqueness:
8
- Value:
6
Total: 70/100