Meritus Shantou China — Hotel in Shantou

There's not a lot of great choices of high standards hotels in Shantou area when you consider this city is one of the 4 special economic zones (SEZ) established in 1979 to fast track development and investment that's more free market-oriented along the southern coastal area of China. The other 3 being Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Xiamen. Fast forward today all 3 have way surpassed Shantou by most metric measurements including tourism development.||This hotel is a 5 stars hotel but in my humble opinion star rating in China are not exactly the same standards as most first world countries. The facade and operation may appear 5 stars but look closely there's a lot of room for improvement.||Case in point, not to nitpick, caulking and maintaining around bathroom area in the room consistently poor throughout many hotels I've stayed in.|Guests behavior such as observing No Smoking area seems to be ignored oftentimes.||Anyway all amenities such as safe, hot water pot, WIFI, strong AC etc were all there.|Bed was comfortable.|Breakfast buffet was quite good but with emphasis on Chinese choices though Western selections were fairly represented as well.||Service overall was...

There's not a lot of great choices of high standards hotels in Shantou area when you consider this city is one of the 4 special economic zones (SEZ) established in 1979 to fast track development and investment that's more free market-oriented along the southern coastal area of China. The other 3 being Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Xiamen. Fast forward today all 3 have way surpassed Shantou by most metric measurements including tourism development.||This hotel is a 5 stars hotel but in my humble opinion star rating in China are not exactly the same standards as most first world countries. The facade and operation may appear 5 stars but look closely there's a lot of room for improvement.||Case in point, not to nitpick, caulking and maintaining around bathroom area in the room consistently poor throughout many hotels I've stayed in.|Guests behavior such as observing No Smoking area seems to be ignored oftentimes.||Anyway all amenities such as safe, hot water pot, WIFI, strong AC etc were all there.|Bed was comfortable.|Breakfast buffet was quite good but with emphasis on Chinese choices though Western selections were fairly represented as well.||Service overall was...

Have stayed here a few times now and it’s a luxurious hotel and reasonably priced. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable . You get a little room treat on arrival. ||There is a nice bar beside reception and usually has piano player : nice and not intrusive. Note Bar can be quiet and was never more than three tables taken . But relaxing for one or two drinks after long work day. |There is also regular bar within 50 meters of the hotel ( to the right as you exit hotel.) Good for a night cap.||Gym and pool are good and practical for exercise without being brilliant.|Lastly the staff are very pleasant and helpful and the breakfast fare is as good as you will find everywhere. ||Will stay again :...