White Swan Hotel

I booked an Executive Room, and it was unexpectedly perfect! Service: I was escorted from the front desk on the first floor to the Executive Lounge on the third floor for check-in. It was quiet and efficient; I just sat comfortably and waited. The staff on this floor were noticeably a cut above – all tall, beautiful, and with lovely voices. They could all provide service in three languages, and their Cantonese was perfectly modulated, soft and soothing, truly melting your heart. While I was in a blissful daze, the staff even arranged a room upgrade and late check-out for me – super happy! 🥳 On the night of check-in, they gave us a welcome gift and a handwritten card as a small anniversary present. 🥰🥰🥰 Perhaps due to the late check-out service, the room card's magnetic strip had a slight issue, but it was resolved quickly and smoothly – excellent job! Every staff member I encountered, at all levels, had genuinely radiant smiles, not forced at all. The entire team is well-trained, and the salaries and benefits must be good around here – truly living up to the 'White Swan' name. ☺️ Dual Executive Lounge Privileges: By the time we checked in, it was past afternoon tea, so we enjoyed the evening cocktail hour. There was a variety of basic mixes, and they could even make non-alcoholic versions for ladies and children. Besides small snacks, there were various Western appetizers, nuts, cookies, and cheese to pair with red wine. Vegetable salads and fruits were also available, along with Chinese dishes like chicken wings and braised ox tongue – you could easily have a full meal! 🤣 Unfortunately, we only had a little bite before heading to the pool. Cleanliness: All mirrors and metal surfaces in the room were sparkling clean, the bathtub was spotless, and the bedding was soft and comfortable. Facilities: The heated infinity pool has an accompanying hot tub and changing rooms with showers. The large towels were clean and soft. Right next to it is the spa, separated for men and women, with both dry and wet saunas. There are attendants to guide and introduce you, so you won't feel lost. What's particularly worth mentioning is the landscaping. The gardeners have meticulously trimmed and maintained all the flowers and trees. The plants are thriving and blooming, with no obvious signs of being haphazardly planted and replaced when they die. Especially those very old staghorn ferns – their blossoms smell wonderful, giving a full tropical vibe. The Koi pond's water quality is excellent, and the fish are healthy and lively! The White Swan finally showed me the true meaning of 'feeling at home.' When checking out, the staff member bid me farewell with 'see you next time,' and I genuinely look forward to it.

As a prominent representative of China's hotel industry, the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou boasts uniquely decorated interiors, featuring traditional Chinese elements like small bridges and flowing water. It's conveniently located right on the Pearl River, directly across from Shamian Island with its distinctive European-style architecture. The area offers excellent transport links and a full range of amenities. Upon check-in, our room was proactively upgraded. Although we encountered a minor issue with the room due to ongoing renovations, it was promptly resolved, and we were even given complimentary breakfast, which was a fantastic gesture.

I had heard about the White Swan Hotel for a long time, so when I visited Guangzhou, I immediately booked a room. I chose a river-view room, and the view of the Pearl River from the large window was absolutely delightful and quite atmospheric. The room itself was spacious; although the carpet showed some age, which is understandable given the hotel's history, it was acceptable. The bed and pillows were incredibly soft and conducive to sleep. There were two separate sinks in the bathroom, allowing for independent use without disturbing each other. Both a shower and a bathtub were available, and soaking in the tub while enjoying the view was a lovely experience. The hotel breakfast was a bit monotonous, with fewer Guangzhou specialties than I expected, though the overall variety was still decent. There were no outlets by the bed, but surprisingly, there was a port inside the bedside table. The transportation wasn't particularly convenient; the subway was about 1 kilometer away, shared bikes couldn't access the area, so we mostly relied on taxis. The heated pool was excellent. The hotel even has its own pier, but it was a shame that guests weren't allowed to take a boat trip on the Pearl River. The koi fish in the pond were all plump and healthy. I also tried the morning tea at Yu Tang Chun Nuan, which was good, but the sunflower chicken was a bit too tender for my elderly companion, almost impossible to bite. The 'Hometown Water' design was truly beautiful. The hotel staff cleaned the room twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, which was a nice touch. However, the toilet seat wasn't very convenient for using disposable seat covers, requiring extra cleaning. Also, the trash can in the toilet was poorly designed and made a very loud noise when stepped on. Otherwise, everything was excellent, and being right by Shamian Island added a lot of charm to the stay.

This hotel truly lives up to its reputation as a seasoned five-star establishment. It's incredibly grand, boasting its own driveway and private garden, and the location is superb. We were upgraded to a river-view room, and the vista was absolutely stunning. The restaurant was also fantastic, and the service was impeccable. I would definitely want to come back again in the future!

Although it's an older five-star hotel, it's been well-maintained and feels very new after a renovation. Both the river view and city view rooms are spacious, which makes up for the slightly lower ceiling height. The large space makes it perfect for families. It's located right in Shamian, making it very convenient for getting around and dining. The hotel also has two Michelin-starred restaurants that guests can book; non-guests have to queue.

The room isn't huge but it's spotless. The service was very Hong Kong-style (a big thanks to the lady who made up the bed and tidied the room as soon as we stepped out). The lobby with its pavilions, rockeries, and colorful koi fish creates a really warm and inviting atmosphere. The three characters for 'Hometown Water' (故乡水) are truly the perfect touch, and the gentle sound of the flowing water makes you want to linger. The hotel's restaurant and the entrance of the lobby face a really beautiful boat-shaped building across the way.

Although it's an older hotel, it's very well-maintained, clean, and tidy, with excellent service. The river view room offers a fantastic panorama, perfect for enjoying the Pearl River night scenery. Since it was my birthday on the day of check-in, they even surprised me with a birthday cake – a really thoughtful gesture! Shamian Island is right downstairs, offering direct access for sightseeing. Plus, guests get priority reservations at Yutangchunnuan and Hongtufu restaurants, making it ideal for those visiting Guangzhou specifically for its culinary scene.

The river view room offers a fantastic view! The room is spacious and the bedding is clean. Housekeeping cleaned the room daily, brought fresh cookies, and refilled our drinking water – I was so pleased! We stayed for three days over the Dragon Boat Festival and didn't want to leave.