White Swan Hotel (Bai Tian'e Binguan)

Frommer's Review

This was one of China's first luxury hotels (1982) -- an ugly, labyrinthine monster whose dominating location on Shamian Island and views over the Pearl River have all but destroyed the island's colonial atmosphere. The more you pay, the higher your room. Refurbishment is a continuous process, and the hotel is unusual among long-standing hotels in keeping up standards and adding facilities. Some slightly larger rooms come with dataport, some with broadband Internet access, high ceilings, and new furniture. The tacky lobby features a waterfall and fish-stocked pools crossed by bridges. Former guests include Queen Elizabeth II and former U.S. president George H. W. Bush. Many agencies organizing adoptions use the White Swan: Every floor is fully stocked with diaper service, parents get a free toy for their kids, and the hotel goes quiet at nap time -- no wonder it has been nicknamed the White Stork. In early 2007, every single guest was kicked out with just 1 night's notice, when North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il paid a flying visit and was given the run of the entire hotel for the weekend. With customers like that, this is good reason to stay somewhere else.

Facilities: Multiple restaurants; nightclub; 2 pools; golf driving range; 10 tennis courts; squash court; fitness room; sauna; extensive children's facilities; tour desk; business center; forex; extensive shopping arcade w/bakery, florist, bookshop, and pharmacy; salon

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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