Grand Hyatt Guangzhou REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
May 13, 2008, 2:11 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
Grand Hyatt Guangzhou REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Let me be the first to start off this thread by giving a short review of the hotel.
Booked for a one-night weekday stay originally at prevailing rate of RMB1,200/night. A few days before I was due to check in, I checked the rate on Hyatt's website, and it had gone down to RMB1,000/night. So, rebooked at the lower rate. [Weekends can be had for RMB900/night.]
I emailed the hotel prior to my arrival and asked for directions from the Guangzhou East Train Station. Concierge emailed me back and said that "we offer complimentary shuttle from train station...just go to 2nd floor and look for representative with 'Grand Hyatt Guangzhou' sign". I was expecting this to be some sort of shuttle bus or minivan, but it turned out to be a brand-new Mercedes Benz (didn't check which class). I asked the driver whether this "shuttle" was standard for all guests, and he said no. This must be prebooked, and those just walking up to the "greeting" sign will NOT be offered this shuttle, even if they have a reservation. In hindsight, I should have asked the hotel whether this shuttle service was a Diamond benefit, a benefit during soft opening, or because I booked at the prevailing rate (which my friends have told me was quite high because local travel agents could book for less).
The benz took about 15 minutes to reach the hotel, in traffic. Probably with no traffic, could be done in 10 minutes. Taking a taxi would probably cost around RMB 12-13 (starting fare is RMB 7). Gave the driver a RMB 20 tip, and he was ecstatic. To me, the shuttle beats waiting in line for a taxi at the train station.
The hotel is situated in the Pearl River New City. Lot's of construction going on now. From my room window, I could see the Ritz Carlton Guangzhou, probably about a five-minute walk away. Other than that, not many new building completed yet.
The hotel is two towers (I think one of them may have some residences). Between the two towers is where the cars drive up, and in the centre is a stunning water fountain piece.
Walking into the ground floor, it was completely empty except for one bellboy. That's because checkin is done on the 22nd floor. So, up we go. Lot's of staff manning the reception and concierge counters. English level also quite proficient (in my opinion, better than some hotels in Hong Kong). Got a room on the 16th floor, and use another set of elevators to go back down. Note that these guest floor elevators do not reach the ground floor, so each time you go out of or come back into the hotel, you will have to travel up to the lobby and then take the guest elevators back down. A minor nuisance.
Room is very spacious and interestingly designed. The bathroom follows the open-plan layout similar to the Hyatt on the Bund. The sink and the shower/tub sit in the centre of the room, and then everything else is around it. Yes, quite strange. Hard to describe the room layout, but let's give it a try:
Entering the room, come into a short hallway. On the right, a small room with a toilet and sink sits behind the door. On the left is the entrance to the rest of the bathroom. Sink and shower/tub sit in this area. [It's quite strange to have the bathroom separated like this.] Anyway, if walk further into the entrance hallway, then come to the room itself. Farthest away is the floor-to-ceiling window. The king bed actually faces the window. An L-shaped sofa is on the left-hand side next to the window, and a desk with two chairs is on the right-hand side next to the window. An LCD TV sits on the wall above the desk, and is mounted on a panel which faces the sofa, or can be swivelled to face the bed. Behind the bed (i.e. the headboard) is a glass panel which you can look into the shower/tub area (yes, there are electronic curtains). Lighting is sufficient for the room, but light and curtain switches are all over the place. There is a dock for iPod.
Back to the bathroom. From the entrance hallway, if you turn left, you enter the bathroom. On the left-hand side is the closet. On the right-hand side is the sink island. There is another "hallway" separating the sink from the shower/tub entrance. It takes a LONG TIME for the running water to become hot. Amenities are standard China Hyatt amenities. Anyone wanting to soak in the bathtub will find it quite uncomfortable, since it is small and SQUARE. No way to stretch your legs.
I ordered room service for lunch. A chicken-and-corn soup, spaghetti, and grilled mushroom appetizer cost RMB 237 (including 15% service charge). What I liked most was that the food arrived VERY HOT. Even though they come in the food service trolley with the heated container, some other hotels don't get this right. So, I thoroughly enjoyed the lunch, and the food was actually quite good.
On the 22nd floor, there is the G Bar which is next to the G Restaurant. The restaurant is a seafood and steak house. I ordered clam chowder, side order of roasted veggies, and a waygu beef sirloin (250g), for total RMB 637 (incl. 15%). Steak was ok, but not marbled enough.
Besides these two F&B outlets, there is the Guangxi Bar, also on the 22nd floor. Actually, this is located on the sky bridge which connects the two towers of the hotel. I'm not sure whether the Bar was open. I think there is supposed to be a Chinese restaurant in the other tower, but again, not sure if it is operational yet.
I missed the opening of the Grand Club by one week (heard it was opening next week). So, as a Diamond, I was instead entitled to the full buffet breakfast in the G Restaurant. The spread was ok, but not too many choices, compared with some other breakfast buffets I have tried.
All in all, quite a good stay for a hotel which has soft opened only a few weeks.
I actually have some pictures of the room, but have not had the time to post these yet. Anyway wanting to see them can PM me; I'll email them to you.
Booked for a one-night weekday stay originally at prevailing rate of RMB1,200/night. A few days before I was due to check in, I checked the rate on Hyatt's website, and it had gone down to RMB1,000/night. So, rebooked at the lower rate. [Weekends can be had for RMB900/night.]
I emailed the hotel prior to my arrival and asked for directions from the Guangzhou East Train Station. Concierge emailed me back and said that "we offer complimentary shuttle from train station...just go to 2nd floor and look for representative with 'Grand Hyatt Guangzhou' sign". I was expecting this to be some sort of shuttle bus or minivan, but it turned out to be a brand-new Mercedes Benz (didn't check which class). I asked the driver whether this "shuttle" was standard for all guests, and he said no. This must be prebooked, and those just walking up to the "greeting" sign will NOT be offered this shuttle, even if they have a reservation. In hindsight, I should have asked the hotel whether this shuttle service was a Diamond benefit, a benefit during soft opening, or because I booked at the prevailing rate (which my friends have told me was quite high because local travel agents could book for less).
The benz took about 15 minutes to reach the hotel, in traffic. Probably with no traffic, could be done in 10 minutes. Taking a taxi would probably cost around RMB 12-13 (starting fare is RMB 7). Gave the driver a RMB 20 tip, and he was ecstatic. To me, the shuttle beats waiting in line for a taxi at the train station.
The hotel is situated in the Pearl River New City. Lot's of construction going on now. From my room window, I could see the Ritz Carlton Guangzhou, probably about a five-minute walk away. Other than that, not many new building completed yet.
The hotel is two towers (I think one of them may have some residences). Between the two towers is where the cars drive up, and in the centre is a stunning water fountain piece.
Walking into the ground floor, it was completely empty except for one bellboy. That's because checkin is done on the 22nd floor. So, up we go. Lot's of staff manning the reception and concierge counters. English level also quite proficient (in my opinion, better than some hotels in Hong Kong). Got a room on the 16th floor, and use another set of elevators to go back down. Note that these guest floor elevators do not reach the ground floor, so each time you go out of or come back into the hotel, you will have to travel up to the lobby and then take the guest elevators back down. A minor nuisance.
Room is very spacious and interestingly designed. The bathroom follows the open-plan layout similar to the Hyatt on the Bund. The sink and the shower/tub sit in the centre of the room, and then everything else is around it. Yes, quite strange. Hard to describe the room layout, but let's give it a try:
Entering the room, come into a short hallway. On the right, a small room with a toilet and sink sits behind the door. On the left is the entrance to the rest of the bathroom. Sink and shower/tub sit in this area. [It's quite strange to have the bathroom separated like this.] Anyway, if walk further into the entrance hallway, then come to the room itself. Farthest away is the floor-to-ceiling window. The king bed actually faces the window. An L-shaped sofa is on the left-hand side next to the window, and a desk with two chairs is on the right-hand side next to the window. An LCD TV sits on the wall above the desk, and is mounted on a panel which faces the sofa, or can be swivelled to face the bed. Behind the bed (i.e. the headboard) is a glass panel which you can look into the shower/tub area (yes, there are electronic curtains). Lighting is sufficient for the room, but light and curtain switches are all over the place. There is a dock for iPod.
Back to the bathroom. From the entrance hallway, if you turn left, you enter the bathroom. On the left-hand side is the closet. On the right-hand side is the sink island. There is another "hallway" separating the sink from the shower/tub entrance. It takes a LONG TIME for the running water to become hot. Amenities are standard China Hyatt amenities. Anyone wanting to soak in the bathtub will find it quite uncomfortable, since it is small and SQUARE. No way to stretch your legs.
I ordered room service for lunch. A chicken-and-corn soup, spaghetti, and grilled mushroom appetizer cost RMB 237 (including 15% service charge). What I liked most was that the food arrived VERY HOT. Even though they come in the food service trolley with the heated container, some other hotels don't get this right. So, I thoroughly enjoyed the lunch, and the food was actually quite good.
On the 22nd floor, there is the G Bar which is next to the G Restaurant. The restaurant is a seafood and steak house. I ordered clam chowder, side order of roasted veggies, and a waygu beef sirloin (250g), for total RMB 637 (incl. 15%). Steak was ok, but not marbled enough.
Besides these two F&B outlets, there is the Guangxi Bar, also on the 22nd floor. Actually, this is located on the sky bridge which connects the two towers of the hotel. I'm not sure whether the Bar was open. I think there is supposed to be a Chinese restaurant in the other tower, but again, not sure if it is operational yet.
I missed the opening of the Grand Club by one week (heard it was opening next week). So, as a Diamond, I was instead entitled to the full buffet breakfast in the G Restaurant. The spread was ok, but not too many choices, compared with some other breakfast buffets I have tried.
All in all, quite a good stay for a hotel which has soft opened only a few weeks.
I actually have some pictures of the room, but have not had the time to post these yet. Anyway wanting to see them can PM me; I'll email them to you.
May 18, 2008, 5:22 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Hyatt Dia, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Delta Gold
Posts: 240
FMTTM's descriptions are very accurate. I stayed at GHGZ days later. Due to previous arrangements and schedule, I didn't partake of the F&B outlets except for the buffet breakfast. The bed is quite soft for mainland standards (I'm very grateful for this) and there is an array of connectors (behind a hidden panel beside the desk) for you to be able plug just about anything into for controlling the large flat screen (similar to what marriott has been adverting).
In comparing GZ with the closest mainland Hyatt property in Dongguan (I've stayed during their soft opening also), I share in the commonly expressed question: what determines the "Grand" designation? I liked the GZ property fine but with the exception of being in a metro area with quick access to shopping, restaurants, etc.. it does not exceed the "regular" Hyatts in Hangzhou and Dongguan.
Of course, I make these comments cautiously and will wait until the hotel is fully open with an operational grand club, pool, and all F&B options, etc... if the service remains as earnest as it is today, this will be a fine hotel.
I'm quite happy to have a Hyatt property so close to the town where I spend so many nights in a less than stellar CY. The DG property is nearly 2 hours (and 450RMB for a private car) away compared to the 45 minutes (and 150RMB) for this property.
In comparing GZ with the closest mainland Hyatt property in Dongguan (I've stayed during their soft opening also), I share in the commonly expressed question: what determines the "Grand" designation? I liked the GZ property fine but with the exception of being in a metro area with quick access to shopping, restaurants, etc.. it does not exceed the "regular" Hyatts in Hangzhou and Dongguan.
Of course, I make these comments cautiously and will wait until the hotel is fully open with an operational grand club, pool, and all F&B options, etc... if the service remains as earnest as it is today, this will be a fine hotel.
I'm quite happy to have a Hyatt property so close to the town where I spend so many nights in a less than stellar CY. The DG property is nearly 2 hours (and 450RMB for a private car) away compared to the 45 minutes (and 150RMB) for this property.
Jun 15, 2008, 6:52 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Hyatt Dia, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Delta Gold
Posts: 240
I've stayed there 3 times now. On my 2nd and 3rd times, the Grand Club was open PM but not AM yet. The PM food was pretty good (slightly different each time) with a number of hot options, several high protein and hot veggie items, 4-5 desserts (must...resist...cheesecake like kryptonite...).
Nice layout, large screen TV turned to CNN. Each time, I was the only one in the club and the staff was very attentive but didn't hover.
For breakfast, the G restaurant had the usual high end hotel stuff. Not quite the show kitchen at Dongguan or Hangzhou but excellent for a soft opening (and after almost 10 years of these trips, seen one show kitchen...seen them all...decent hot food is decent hot food). Omlete station, the usual asian options, etc...
I toured the SPA and pool area a bit more extensively the last visit. Still not open but seemed to have more room that I expected.
Looking forward to visiting the bar/lounge on the skybridge when that opens. Perhaps the restroom will be something similar to the Penninsula HK?
I'm heading back in another week or so. I'll update with anything new. I'll be staying on the GH Beijing (my first time) the night before so I'll have another reference point.
Nice layout, large screen TV turned to CNN. Each time, I was the only one in the club and the staff was very attentive but didn't hover.
For breakfast, the G restaurant had the usual high end hotel stuff. Not quite the show kitchen at Dongguan or Hangzhou but excellent for a soft opening (and after almost 10 years of these trips, seen one show kitchen...seen them all...decent hot food is decent hot food). Omlete station, the usual asian options, etc...
I toured the SPA and pool area a bit more extensively the last visit. Still not open but seemed to have more room that I expected.
Looking forward to visiting the bar/lounge on the skybridge when that opens. Perhaps the restroom will be something similar to the Penninsula HK?
I'm heading back in another week or so. I'll update with anything new. I'll be staying on the GH Beijing (my first time) the night before so I'll have another reference point.
Jul 15, 2008, 12:49 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Hyatt Dia, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Delta Gold
Posts: 240
A some additional notes from my now 6 or 7 stays so far (the soft opening of this property has coincided nicely with my recent travel schedule). While I've been treated very well, I'm choosing to retain my business traveler's skepticism...but:
- Since my 2nd stay, I've been greeted by name upon checking (okay, by my 2nd stay I was probably already their most frequent guest).
- On a stay a few weeks ago, the hotel suffered a massive power outage that impacted most floors below the top 3 (24th floor is gym and spa, 23 floor is spa, 22nd floor is lobby/G restaurant/Guanxi lounge). The power didn't impact the electronic door locks (proximity sensor type) but did impact the A/C and lighting. The GC, on the 20th floor was also affected. They told me what happened, what they were doing about it, offered to take my bags to my room, and gave me free HSIA in the restaurant with a drink while I waited. I had some work to do so no problem.
- On my last stay, I had a flight out of CAN scheduled for 8:20am and assumed that I would need to catch a taxi at arouind 6-6:15am to allow sufficient time for traffic, checkin, immigration, security, etc... Since I had booked an "AWAKE" rate (formerly the "Bed and Breakfast" rate), I was asking about the opening time for the restaurant (GC will not be serving bkf until the official opening in August) and was told not to worry about the time that the AWAKE included in room dinning. I asked about the earliest time (the earlest time segment noted on the the door hanger for room service/free GP coffee is 6-6:16am) and they said 5am would be no problem.
- The staff doesn't hover nor try to fight me for control of my bag(s) when I get out of the elevator.
A couple of notes about transportation:
- The hotel comped me a ride in one of their MB's to the Guangzhou East Railway Station on one trip. On a trip from the GERS to the hotel, I took a taxi (had to stand in long line at the taxi stand that went pretty quickly - 'bout 10 minutes), even with the taxi driver taking a few wrong turns, the fare was 19RMB. Note that the enterprizing young men hawking taxi rides on the walk from immigration to the taxi stand will always try to get you to their car before quoting a rate (which will always be around 150RMB or more). Don't fall for it, even in very bad weather (I was there during some recent flooding...no problem).
- The taxi fare between the airport and hotel (and back) is 140-150 (with bags) for the 35 to 40 minute drive. For those who don't travel much within China, always be ready for those other enterprizing young men with the luggage carts waiting to pounce on your bags as soon as the taxi driver pops the trunk. Before you know it, you bags are wisked inside the terminal and by the time you catch up with them, you'll be charged at least 100RMB for their effort. This happened to me once my first time flying out of PVG and the same type of folks are waiting outside of CAN. Once, I had to physically overpower the dude to keep my bag off of his cart. When I went to get a cart of my own, he started yelling at me (the carts, like at PVG, HKG, PEK, HGH (my favorite IATA airport code
, and SZK are free of charge) something like, you have to pay! you have to pay!). When this happens, I just smile, shake my head, and count on the fact his yelling doesn't cancel out my 50 to 100lb weight advantage.
Oh, and the property is across the river (Pearl?) from the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Taxi can get you there in 10 minutes or less.
- Since my 2nd stay, I've been greeted by name upon checking (okay, by my 2nd stay I was probably already their most frequent guest).
- On a stay a few weeks ago, the hotel suffered a massive power outage that impacted most floors below the top 3 (24th floor is gym and spa, 23 floor is spa, 22nd floor is lobby/G restaurant/Guanxi lounge). The power didn't impact the electronic door locks (proximity sensor type) but did impact the A/C and lighting. The GC, on the 20th floor was also affected. They told me what happened, what they were doing about it, offered to take my bags to my room, and gave me free HSIA in the restaurant with a drink while I waited. I had some work to do so no problem.
- On my last stay, I had a flight out of CAN scheduled for 8:20am and assumed that I would need to catch a taxi at arouind 6-6:15am to allow sufficient time for traffic, checkin, immigration, security, etc... Since I had booked an "AWAKE" rate (formerly the "Bed and Breakfast" rate), I was asking about the opening time for the restaurant (GC will not be serving bkf until the official opening in August) and was told not to worry about the time that the AWAKE included in room dinning. I asked about the earliest time (the earlest time segment noted on the the door hanger for room service/free GP coffee is 6-6:16am) and they said 5am would be no problem.
- The staff doesn't hover nor try to fight me for control of my bag(s) when I get out of the elevator.
A couple of notes about transportation:
- The hotel comped me a ride in one of their MB's to the Guangzhou East Railway Station on one trip. On a trip from the GERS to the hotel, I took a taxi (had to stand in long line at the taxi stand that went pretty quickly - 'bout 10 minutes), even with the taxi driver taking a few wrong turns, the fare was 19RMB. Note that the enterprizing young men hawking taxi rides on the walk from immigration to the taxi stand will always try to get you to their car before quoting a rate (which will always be around 150RMB or more). Don't fall for it, even in very bad weather (I was there during some recent flooding...no problem).
- The taxi fare between the airport and hotel (and back) is 140-150 (with bags) for the 35 to 40 minute drive. For those who don't travel much within China, always be ready for those other enterprizing young men with the luggage carts waiting to pounce on your bags as soon as the taxi driver pops the trunk. Before you know it, you bags are wisked inside the terminal and by the time you catch up with them, you'll be charged at least 100RMB for their effort. This happened to me once my first time flying out of PVG and the same type of folks are waiting outside of CAN. Once, I had to physically overpower the dude to keep my bag off of his cart. When I went to get a cart of my own, he started yelling at me (the carts, like at PVG, HKG, PEK, HGH (my favorite IATA airport code
, and SZK are free of charge) something like, you have to pay! you have to pay!). When this happens, I just smile, shake my head, and count on the fact his yelling doesn't cancel out my 50 to 100lb weight advantage.Oh, and the property is across the river (Pearl?) from the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Taxi can get you there in 10 minutes or less.
Aug 17, 2008, 5:35 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Programs: BA/A3 Gold/SPG Plat
Posts: 500
Stay report on Aug 12
Booked for a one-night weekend stay in Grand King room at LIMITED TIME rate of RMB750/night plus 15% service charge. Combined with G2 promotion code and Diamond Suite Upgrade Certificate.
Arrival
GH Guangzhou arranged a complementary hotel limousine (Mercedes Benz Vito Minivan) to pick me up from Guangzhou East Train Station. One staff meet & greets outside the immigration area. Traveling time is about 15 minutes to hotel.
Check-in
The Grand Club Manager, Mr. Alex greets me in the hotel entrance and escort me to my suite directly to process check-in. The same treatment just like the Peninsula Hong Kong (Special benefits for Leading Hotel's Leader's Club member in Peninsula Hong Kong). Simply signed a register form and left a copy of passport. ^
The room number is 1815, Presidential Suite is in the same floor. A staff sat near the elevator to ensure that there wouldn't be any terrorist entering your room or eating what you've ordered through room service.
Lobby located in 22nd floor and Grand Club located in 20th floor.
Diamond Benefits
One bottle of wine, complementary
Welcome Fruits & Welcome chocolate delivered in evening turn-down service
Complementary Buffet Breakfast in G restaurant
Complementary use of Grand Club Lounge located in 20 floor
Complementary use of Health Club/Sauna/Swimming Pool
Complementary morning tea & coffee service through room service
Room
A spacious 90-sq.-meter suite offers one king bed, granite bath with walk-in shower, plus extra sitting and work areas. Panoramic city views complement modern decor and conveniences such as iPod docking station and wireless Internet. 25 inch LCD TV both in Living room and Bed room, one small LCD TV in bath room. One guest restroom. DVD player placed in advance and free of charge for Diamond member/Suite guest. ^
Restaurants
There's three restaurants and two bars in GH Guangzhou, but The Market Cafe and The Penthouse still not open yet. I ordered grilled steak and grilled seasonal vegetables for my dinner. 4 to 5 different steak sauce served with your choice. So far, the only way to taste of Chinese food is place an order thought room service.
Spa and Fitness Center
Located in 23rd & 24th floor, but I have no time to visit and take some pictures during my stay.
Service
Overall, GH Guangzhou provided excellent service and very warm greetings from Grand Club staffs. The team members of Grand Club resolved all issues during my stay. ^
A variety selections of wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks and evening hors d'oeuvres served in Grand Club Lounge from 6pm- 8pm.
The Executive Assistance Manager - Rooms, Ms. Frances Tsai coming from Taiwan and worked in Hyatt properties of Grate China for 8 years. She has previously worked in AMEX Taiwan. We shared some working experience in AMEX - it's really a small world!
Departure
Once again, GH Guangzhou arranged a complementary hotel limousine for me to Guangzhou East Train Station. But Mercedes Benz S class private car was offered at this time. ^
Picture Gallery Grand Hyatt Guangzhou @ Aug 12, 2008
Arrival
GH Guangzhou arranged a complementary hotel limousine (Mercedes Benz Vito Minivan) to pick me up from Guangzhou East Train Station. One staff meet & greets outside the immigration area. Traveling time is about 15 minutes to hotel.
Check-in
The Grand Club Manager, Mr. Alex greets me in the hotel entrance and escort me to my suite directly to process check-in. The same treatment just like the Peninsula Hong Kong (Special benefits for Leading Hotel's Leader's Club member in Peninsula Hong Kong). Simply signed a register form and left a copy of passport. ^
The room number is 1815, Presidential Suite is in the same floor. A staff sat near the elevator to ensure that there wouldn't be any terrorist entering your room or eating what you've ordered through room service.
Lobby located in 22nd floor and Grand Club located in 20th floor.
Diamond Benefits
One bottle of wine, complementary
Welcome Fruits & Welcome chocolate delivered in evening turn-down service
Complementary Buffet Breakfast in G restaurant
Complementary use of Grand Club Lounge located in 20 floor
Complementary use of Health Club/Sauna/Swimming Pool
Complementary morning tea & coffee service through room service
Room
A spacious 90-sq.-meter suite offers one king bed, granite bath with walk-in shower, plus extra sitting and work areas. Panoramic city views complement modern decor and conveniences such as iPod docking station and wireless Internet. 25 inch LCD TV both in Living room and Bed room, one small LCD TV in bath room. One guest restroom. DVD player placed in advance and free of charge for Diamond member/Suite guest. ^
Restaurants
There's three restaurants and two bars in GH Guangzhou, but The Market Cafe and The Penthouse still not open yet. I ordered grilled steak and grilled seasonal vegetables for my dinner. 4 to 5 different steak sauce served with your choice. So far, the only way to taste of Chinese food is place an order thought room service.
Spa and Fitness Center
Located in 23rd & 24th floor, but I have no time to visit and take some pictures during my stay.
Service
Overall, GH Guangzhou provided excellent service and very warm greetings from Grand Club staffs. The team members of Grand Club resolved all issues during my stay. ^
A variety selections of wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks and evening hors d'oeuvres served in Grand Club Lounge from 6pm- 8pm.
The Executive Assistance Manager - Rooms, Ms. Frances Tsai coming from Taiwan and worked in Hyatt properties of Grate China for 8 years. She has previously worked in AMEX Taiwan. We shared some working experience in AMEX - it's really a small world!
Departure
Once again, GH Guangzhou arranged a complementary hotel limousine for me to Guangzhou East Train Station. But Mercedes Benz S class private car was offered at this time. ^
Picture Gallery Grand Hyatt Guangzhou @ Aug 12, 2008
Aug 29, 2008, 4:19 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Programs: BA/A3 Gold/SPG Plat
Posts: 500
Feb 15, 2009, 11:00 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Qatar Platinum, Etihad Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 415
Recent Experience
I just returned from a one-night stay at this hotel. Overall impression: positive.
The hotel seemed deserted and empty. I was told that occupancy rate was at around 40%. The rate for a King room at the Club floor was CYN1500 ++.
While the hotel looked pretty new, I was disappointed with the quality of maintenance as several signs of wear and tear started to appear in the room. From stains on carpet, scratches on furniture, deposits in bathroom/shower, etc.
The Club lounge ambiance felt good but I was not impressed with the food served including that for breakfast. Also, they didn't deliver newspapers to room and they had only one issue of the local english newspaper in the lounge and the very few guests had to circulate the only available copy as they had breakfast.
Restaurants were of good quality. Service was good but slow.
I didn't try other hotels in town, but I would think the Grand Hyatt Club room will not score high on value for money.
My Platinum member did not receive any particular attention as I was designated the same room type and location as my colleague who did not have a Hyatt membership at all.
The hotel seemed deserted and empty. I was told that occupancy rate was at around 40%. The rate for a King room at the Club floor was CYN1500 ++.
While the hotel looked pretty new, I was disappointed with the quality of maintenance as several signs of wear and tear started to appear in the room. From stains on carpet, scratches on furniture, deposits in bathroom/shower, etc.
The Club lounge ambiance felt good but I was not impressed with the food served including that for breakfast. Also, they didn't deliver newspapers to room and they had only one issue of the local english newspaper in the lounge and the very few guests had to circulate the only available copy as they had breakfast.
Restaurants were of good quality. Service was good but slow.
I didn't try other hotels in town, but I would think the Grand Hyatt Club room will not score high on value for money.
My Platinum member did not receive any particular attention as I was designated the same room type and location as my colleague who did not have a Hyatt membership at all.
Apr 10, 2010, 10:26 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA MM, SQ KrisFlyer, SPG/Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,231
I stayed here overnight on the Hyatt Daily Rate (Y1000) and I emailed for pickup from Guangzhou East. Coming down the stairs to the arrival hall, Hyatt had a desk with my name on it. I was driven to the hotel in an Audi A6L, comfortable and discreet. Upon check in, I was greeted by name, my Diamond status was recognized and I was welcomed by the manager on duty. Check in was smooth and professional as was the reminder that I had arrived an hour before cocktail hour at the Grand Club. My room was on the Club Floor, right around the corner from the Grand Club. FMTTM's room description is actually the description of MY room so I don't have to write it again.
Cocktail Hour had a selection of snacks; the onion cake and spring rolls were excellent. The remainder were fancy eggplant, veggie and salmon type Hors D'oeuvres. I devoured spring rolls and onion cakes and a decent house label red.
The room has a flat screen TV that controls the wall mounted iPod dock. The sound quality is not the best but is passable. The bed was FANTASTIC! It was very very firm and I slept better than I do at home. There's not much of a view from here on the 20th floor because of construction leading up to the Asian Games which will be here in November. Next door to the hotel is a vacant lot. By the time I return, there will be a new high rise and a mall under the hotel.
Breakfast was VERY GOOD; it was a small selection of dishes. An egg frittata, potatoes and veggies, bacon AND pork sausage (yum), siu mai and chow siu bow (yum again!). The orange juice was fresh squeezed, the coffee fresh from the fancy expresso machine and the staff was very attentive to refilling empty glasses and clearing dishes. Possibly the best Club breakfast I've had in my brief time as a Diamond/Mattress Runner.
I found out that I needed to be back in Hong Kong earlier than anticipated when I purchased my original ticket. The concierge here offered to have one of his bellboys exchange the ticket for me; all I had to pay was for the cab fare for him to run the errand. Which was fair. The ticket was exchanged. Easy peasy.
So I guess I will be a regular guest here too, as long as the rates remain reasonable...
Cocktail Hour had a selection of snacks; the onion cake and spring rolls were excellent. The remainder were fancy eggplant, veggie and salmon type Hors D'oeuvres. I devoured spring rolls and onion cakes and a decent house label red.
The room has a flat screen TV that controls the wall mounted iPod dock. The sound quality is not the best but is passable. The bed was FANTASTIC! It was very very firm and I slept better than I do at home. There's not much of a view from here on the 20th floor because of construction leading up to the Asian Games which will be here in November. Next door to the hotel is a vacant lot. By the time I return, there will be a new high rise and a mall under the hotel.
Breakfast was VERY GOOD; it was a small selection of dishes. An egg frittata, potatoes and veggies, bacon AND pork sausage (yum), siu mai and chow siu bow (yum again!). The orange juice was fresh squeezed, the coffee fresh from the fancy expresso machine and the staff was very attentive to refilling empty glasses and clearing dishes. Possibly the best Club breakfast I've had in my brief time as a Diamond/Mattress Runner.
I found out that I needed to be back in Hong Kong earlier than anticipated when I purchased my original ticket. The concierge here offered to have one of his bellboys exchange the ticket for me; all I had to pay was for the cab fare for him to run the errand. Which was fair. The ticket was exchanged. Easy peasy.
So I guess I will be a regular guest here too, as long as the rates remain reasonable...
May 28, 2010, 9:25 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2006
Location: BKK.DPS
Programs: P THAI,Diamond HYATT
Posts: 3,290
UPDATE
Are they still doing the Audi pick up, and what is the average Diamond gift?
this Hyatt looks good, maybe spending some time here over the next couple of months, anyone found a good foodie hangout close by yet?
Are they still doing the Audi pick up, and what is the average Diamond gift?
this Hyatt looks good, maybe spending some time here over the next couple of months, anyone found a good foodie hangout close by yet?
Jun 28, 2010, 1:02 am
#15
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Hyatt Glob, Marriott Plat
Posts: 145
Grand Hyatt Guangzhou
We stayed there recently for a weekend. The hotel must have deteriorated since the earlier posts. We found the hotel to be rather disappointing.
Pros:
1) The hotel provided complimentary pick up and drop off (Audi) to/from the train station, which was very convenient.
2) The spa and fitness centre were not busy. In fact, the hotel itself was practically empty during our stay.
Cons:
1) The hotel is located in middle of nowhere. There are constructions everywhere and it's not possible to walk around the nearby area.
2) The hotel is only supposed to be two years old, but yet the wear and tear is very visible. Our bathroom had rust all over. The light switch was broken(literally). There were large cracks on the wall.
3) The design of the room is also not very functional. There were 'corners' sticking out all over. You had to be very careful when walking around the room otherwise you would bump into corners everywhere.
4) The diamond amenity must have been downgraded as we did not receive any wine, only two pieces of chocolate brownies.
5) The club lounge in GH Guangzhou is pretty miserable comparing to GH Shenzhen, or GH Macau, or even HR Shatin; both in terms of the food and also in terms of the staff.
Overall, if you go without high expectations, then the hotel is OK. But if you go there thinking it's another GH Macau (as we did), then you would be hugely disappointed.
Pros:
1) The hotel provided complimentary pick up and drop off (Audi) to/from the train station, which was very convenient.
2) The spa and fitness centre were not busy. In fact, the hotel itself was practically empty during our stay.
Cons:
1) The hotel is located in middle of nowhere. There are constructions everywhere and it's not possible to walk around the nearby area.
2) The hotel is only supposed to be two years old, but yet the wear and tear is very visible. Our bathroom had rust all over. The light switch was broken(literally). There were large cracks on the wall.
3) The design of the room is also not very functional. There were 'corners' sticking out all over. You had to be very careful when walking around the room otherwise you would bump into corners everywhere.
4) The diamond amenity must have been downgraded as we did not receive any wine, only two pieces of chocolate brownies.
5) The club lounge in GH Guangzhou is pretty miserable comparing to GH Shenzhen, or GH Macau, or even HR Shatin; both in terms of the food and also in terms of the staff.
Overall, if you go without high expectations, then the hotel is OK. But if you go there thinking it's another GH Macau (as we did), then you would be hugely disappointed.