Brief weekend relaxation at Futian Shangri-La
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
4088 Yi Tian Road, Futian District Shenzhen, CN 518048
Brief weekend relaxation at Futian Shangri-La (12 Photos)
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Disclosure
This review is unsponsored and room cost was about RMB1,000 for one night.
Check In
Upon entering the hotel through giant revolving door security guards make sure that you are masked. Infrared camera takes body temperature from a distance and alcohol pumps are easily accessible if needed.
There was no queue at check-in desk. Receptionist Lyon was charming and efficient. He quickly checked me in and proactively offered extended check-out.
Room
Did not get a upgrade with basic “Gold” level membership. However, receptionist Lyon had kindly assigned a north-facing room at 20-ish floor. The large widow offers excellent views of the Shenzhen government building and civic plaza.
The basic level “Deluxe” room is spacious enough for me. Bedding not exactly to my liking but this is each to their own.
I did enjoyed the large bathtub and the walk-in closet was very handy.
Welcome fruits were offered.
Service
Most staff members were warm and hospital. Unlike other branches of Shangri-La the staff members did not wear smiles that much or greet customers that often in comparison. But I am perfectly fine with it. All interactions with staff members (gym, changing rooms, receptionist) were pleasurable.
Dining
Futian Shangri-La is close to major shopping malls (Coco Park, Wongtee plaza, etc.) and so I did not dine on-site. In addition to buffet breakfast, there is onsite bakery for a morning bite to go.
On Friday night the nighttime bar by the street was full of customers and blasting with energetic music.
In-room dining cost is tolerably reasonable. For example (before tax):
Four-piece siu-mai: RMB58
Congee with assorted condiments: RMB88
Nasi Lemak: RMB98
American breakfast: RMB128
Curry Laksa: RMB128
Penny pasta with basil pesto cream sauce: RMB138
Mapo tofu: RMB114
Juice (e.g. watermelon, apple, honeydew, OJ): RMB55
Of course, in mainland China Meituan app will get you delivered food real fast.
Location
Location is excellent, right in the centre of the Futian central business district area and next to Futian high-speed rail station. From two short blocks away three key shopping malls are located and there is some nightlife scene in the vicinity. Also, Shenzhen expo hall is not far away.
Although at the time of writing (June 2021), due to the COVID-19 pandemics, many trains which original called at Futian were scrapped since there was no thoroughfare to Hong Kong, Futian high-speed rail station is still reasonably well connected to the national high-speed rail network with reasonably sufficient services.
In addition, the hotel is situated next to a metro station of 3 lines, and also within walking distances to other metro stations of two lines.
If your business area is in Futian, the location of this Shangri-La hotel cannot be wrong. In fact, I would prefer the location of Futian Shangri-La (and similarly Shearton, Four Seasons , Park Hyatt) over Langham (northern Futian) or Wyndham (eastern edge of Futian central district).
However, if your main activities are in Nanshan or other districts of Shenzhen, you are advised to stay in respective districts instead since traveling between districts during peak hours can be a headache. In addition, there are a number of nice hotels in Nanshan, Luohu, etc.
Amenities
The hotel has a souvenir shop, a hair saloon, clothing shops, etc. In the room, small-items can be purchased through WeChat mini-program but prices are on high side (Geez RMB35 for a cup noodle and RMB30 for Tsingtao beer). Fortunately Family Mart is just half a block from the hotel. So instead of waiting for room service to get you a box of condoms at RMB116, a quick trip to convenience store will get it done.
Shuttle is available for hire at RMB600 to 750.
In-room Wifi was fast, easily reached 1-2MB/s to overseas websites.
Gym
The gym, which is on 4/F, was supposed to open 24 hours but due to COVID the opening hours were cut to 6am to 23pm. However this was not announced on website.
After being trapped in COVID quarantine room for 21 days, I welcomed the large, modern and well-equipped gym and its associated facilities. It has multiple weight machines, treadmills, ellipticals, free-weights for many guests to use at the same time. I saw fitness instructors providing personalized training.
The sauna and steam rooms are opens from 6am to 11pm. Sauna room was roomy and had nice, darkened lighting. The steam room was strategically placed near Jacuzzi and cold bath. There are a few lounging chairs, first-come-first served, in private rooms of the changing room to relax after workout sessions.
There is an outdoor garden and two tennis courts next to the gym.
I enjoyed the gym facilities very much.
Pool
There is a medium size indoor pool with life guards at all time. I did not use it.
Overall
People sometimes say Futian Shangri-La is aging, but I am certain that it is still very well maintained and retains the familiar splendor and comfort of other Shangri-La hotels. It strikes a good balance between value-for-money, locality, comfort and amenities. While other top hotels in the same district will claim titles for being the most luxurious and modern, Futian Shangri-La remains a true gem among its peers.