Guangzhou Yuehai Hotel — Hotel in Guangzhou City

The cumbersome title describes two hotels: Customs House and Shamian Clubhouse (aka Red Mansion). Customs House is starkly neoclassicist and lacked kerb appeal. We stayed in the far more attractive annex - Shamian Clubhouse - a well renovated, redbrick Edwardian building. We only came here because of the amazing place known as Shamian Island. We live in Hong Kong, but tiny Shamian has more historic buildings than the whole of HK. In many ways the island is a colonial time warp and it attracts locals by the thousands each weekend. It is particularly popular for wedding photography. There are some excellent renovations, among which Shamian Clubhouse is in the minority: renovated and in use. ||||Our corner room was massive, with shuttered doors opening on to two communal balconies, but the whole place is very bare, lacking personal touches such as photographs and paintings. The building may have been renovated but the service hasn’t. The reception staff are pleasant and smile a lot but couldn’t give us a map or tell us where to find the dock for the Pearl River evening boat trip (which is well worth doing for a glimpse of 21st century China). The security guards were more knowledgeable and very helpful. The communal rooms are uninviting. We felt like we ought to ask permission before venturing in. Breakfast is served in the nearby Customs House but we didn't bother, heading to Starbucks, a couple minutes further away. We can usually resist the call of the ubiquitous coffee chain not many Starbucks are in a beautifully renovated building with a colonial veranda complete with ceiling fans. ||||There is nothing unpleasant about Shamian Clubhouse and we would probably stay there again but the charm is in the fabric of the building and sense of history rather than in...

Good points - the location was delightful, quiet and peaceful after the hype of downtown Guangzhou. Set amongst lovely old buildings and gardens. Near to metro (15 min. walk). Several good restaurants nearby. Rooms were adequate, clean and comfortable. We had a suite and it was well furnished and spacious. ||Bad points - the 'western breakfast' was the worst I have ever tasted. We stuck to the Chinese and it was delicious. (If you can cope with congee rice, steamed buns and stir fried veg. for breakfast.)||T.V. reception was poor as was wi fi. However they had broadband as well but the power cord was not working into the wall..||The main problem was - the poor English of the reception staff made it very hard to resolve any problems or issues, book a taxi, ask for any room service etc. I hate to complain of this as I don't speak a word of Cantonese and it is their country after all.. However if they are promoting the Hotel to an English speaking clientele this should be addressed.||We booked and paid extra for an additional bed and it was a old, hard, narrow folding type that was really third rate for the amount charged. It was also not in the room on arrival and as we arrived late at night it was a real hassle to sort out.||On booking - Even though you think you are dealing directly with the hotel you are probably dealing with a booking agent so take care you have all your prices correct and take a copy of your email or whatever with you.Even though I did all of this they still charged me more than arranged and just said the booking agent was sorry.||We checked out the Shamian Club house - it was lovely but too...

Located in the unique historic colonial Shamian sector, this hotel provides the traveller with a welcome relaxing break from the concrete and bustle of Guangzhou amongst the shady, beautifully restored colonial buildings of the 19th century.||The hotel rooms are first class, spacious, clean, well maintained and above all comfortable. The staff are professional and helpful. The restaurant has a large Chinese menu, but was always crowded and noisy as is typical in large hotels here. ||Location is amongst the trees of Shamian, easily walking accessible to the old walking street area of markets and traditional shops across the highway and a 20 minute walk to the sophisticated shops of the mall area. Easy access to the great Guangzhou underground railway to get around.||My only criticism was the uncontrolled children in the hotel's atrium, with parent who don't understand quality hotel noise decorum and hotel staff not enforcing quiet late at night noise levels. There were small kids running around screaming out until 10.00pm three nights. ||Otherwise I'd highly recommend the hotel on...