The Zhongzhou Pavilion Hotel in Shenzhen stood as an intriguing blend of business practicality and understated luxury.
When I arrived, the city was quiet; its usual hustle subdued by the Chinese New
Year holiday. Business hotels like this often experience a lull during such
times, and the reduced demand worked in my favor—I was upgraded from a standard
room to a more spacious option without any additional cost. It felt like an
auspicious start to my stay, though the experience would reveal both pleasant
surprises and notable shortcomings.
Walking into the hotel, I was greeted by a classic lobby with a professional and slightly corporate feel. The check-in process was smooth, and the staff was both friendly and efficient. As I took the elevator to my room, however, the hallways struck me as unremarkable, even a bit drab. The muted lighting and plain walls felt incongruous with the hotel’s five-star branding. Still, I reminded myself that first impressions could be deceiving and focused on exploring the space I’d call home for the next few days.
The room itself proved to be a step up in terms of comfort
and style. The upgrade was well worth it, offering a spacious layout that
included a soft bed adorned with colorful linens, a seating area with a coffee
table, and an office setup complete with a truly comfortable chair. The
bathroom had both a standing shower and a separate bathtub. One feature that
stood out was the desk drawer, meticulously stocked with a ruler, pen, and
other small office supplies, even down to perfectly aligned paperclips.
Attention to detail like this spoke volumes about the hotel’s intent to cater
to my high standards.
Despite these strengths, the room wasn’t without its flaws.
The minibar was stocked but inexplicably warm, rendering its offerings less
appealing. Even more surprisingly, there was no iron or ironing board—an
omission that felt out of place in a property aimed at professionals. A few
stains on the carpet further underscored the sense that the hotel, while
well-maintained, might benefit from a refresh to meet modern expectations.
The Zhongzhou Pavilion was more than just a place to sleep.
Its range of amenities showcased an effort to provide a comprehensive guest
experience. The fourth floor offered an outdoor recreation area, including two
tennis courts, an aerobics room, and even a mini-golf course. The indoor pool,
which stayed open until midnight, was a welcome feature, though it lacked lap
lanes or a hot tub. The expansive fitness facilities and late pool hours added
a layer of convenience for guests looking to unwind after a long day.
Dining options within the hotel were similarly diverse.
There were multiple restaurants, including a Japanese venue and other
international offerings, though some were closed due to the holiday. Room
service was a reliable fallback, delivering a satisfying club sandwich that I
enjoyed while watching Western TV channels like HBO and CNN—a rare treat in
China.
Beyond the hotel itself, the location was undeniably one of
its greatest assets. The Zhongzhou Pavilion offered easy access to corporate
offices, shopping hubs, and public transportation. But of course, it’s part of
the Huaqianbei area of Shenzhen so if you’re a tech shopper of any kind, this
is an incredible base of operations for you.
The nearby Shenzhen Central Park added a touch of greenery and
tranquility, while the city’s efficient metro system made exploring other areas
straightforward and stress-free.
The hotel’s juxtaposition of strengths and weaknesses
reflected its age and the challenges of maintaining a high standard in an older
property. The Zhongzhou Pavilion opened as part of Shenzhen’s rapid urban
expansion, aligning itself with the city’s growing reputation as a global
business hub. While it retained much of its initial charm, small
oversights—like the lack of an iron or the warm minibar—hinted at areas where
modernization could make a significant difference.
I recognized that the Zhongzhou Pavilion delivered good
value, especially for the price I paid during the quieter holiday season. It
might not have been perfect, but it provided a comfortable base for my time in
Shenzhen. The thoughtful details in the room, the range of amenities, and the
prime location all contributed to a positive experience overall. With a few
updates and refinements, this hotel could easily elevate itself from a good
choice to an exceptional one for business and leisure travelers alike.
Rojo Rating:
- Location: 7
- Facilities: 6
- Amenities: 7
- Décor: 7
- Staff: 6
- Food: 5
- Cleanliness: 8
- Comfort: 7
- Uniqueness: 6
- Value: 7
Total: 66/100