I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Shifu - would highly recommend it. It is right on a major pedestrian mall and seemed to be central to alot of things (although taxis are the best way to get around) and the hotel itself was very clean with great rooms and service. There are alot of people and alot of industry in and around Guangzhou, so it is a busy, populated and dirty city (hope I haven't offended anyone with that comment).

But it is definitely worth spending a day in to have a look around - am sure the hotel would be able to help you out with that. Or try some google searches for a few ideas

IMO stay in Guangzhou rather than go to Hong Kong - save HK for another time.