B (1)

Hyatt Regency Guiyang

BACKGROUNDHyatt

Regency Guiyang was

the first international

hotel to open in

Guanshanhu District

(Guiyang’s newly

emerging business

district) in 2011. The

seven-storey hotel

features 366 rooms and is positioned as part of the

Guiyang International Conference and Exhibition

Centre. As such it caters predominantly to MICE guests.

WHERE IS IT?The hotel is about 30 minutes from the

city centre (with no traffic) and a 30-minute drive from

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport. The area

benefits from less congestion and a growing number of

banks, offices and government buildings are moving into

the area.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?The public spaces of the hotel are

beautifully designed. This is immediately apparent in the

spacious reception area, which features a suspended silver

sculpture created by the local Miao ethnic minority. The

lobby lounge and Chinese restaurant are also striking, with

an elegant Oriental aesthetic. A standout feature is the

sprawling hotel garden, complete with a cascade designed

to mimic the famed Huangguoshu waterfall. Service is

slick, levels of English are high and the staff are friendly.

ROOM FACILITIESThe first thing that struck me

about my Regency Club room were the two floor-to-

ceiling windows – a benefit of having a corner room.

Not only did this provide prime views of the lush hotel

garden, but it also allowed in lots of natural light. This

was particularly welcome as the room was otherwise a

bit dark and drab; the décor featured brown and neutral

tones and there was wood panelling on the walls. Even

the lighting was a bit dim – fine for relaxing, but not

ideal for creating a stimulating work environment.

The facilities however were very good. The large

wooden work desk had international plug sockets (with

HDMI, USB, ADTV capabilities) and was paired with

a comfortable swivel chair. Wifi speeds were excellent

(although users will need their own VPN). There were

also all the usual facilities of a five-star hotel, including

24-hour room service, an iron and ironing board, safe,

minibar, slippers, dressing gown, etc.

The bed was large with a firm mattress, although I did

find the duvet to be slightly on the thin side, particularly

given the single-digit degrees outside and the fact that

the thermostat seemed slightly unresponsive. In the

bathroom, there was a large rain shower and bathtub

with Portico Spa products, plus well-stocked amenities

including toothbrush, cotton buds, etc.

One thing worth noting is that non-smoking rooms

(like mine on the club floor) are actually in the minority,

contrary to current international trends – so book early if

you want to ensure a stale-smoke-free experience.

RESTAURANTS AND BARSFive excellent F&B

outlets offer a wide choice of options, from all-day

dining in Café to premium Western fare in the Fire Place

and popular hot pot in Re La La. The spacious lobby

lounge, designed to reflect Guizhou’s natural scenery,

offers live piano music most evenings, with views over

the rustic grounds.

MEETING FACILITIESA large pillarless ballroom

holding up to 1,000 can be partitioned into three. It

faces onto the gardens, giving the option for outdoor

events. There are also six meeting rooms (Salons) with

flexible arrangement options ranging from informal

couches to classroom-style layout. The club lounge is

basic, but offers snacks, a computer service (with VPNs

so international travellers can access sites such as Gmail

or Facebook) and a meeting room. It too offers pleasant

views over the garden.

LEISURE FACILITIESAn indoor swimming pool and

fitness centre are located in a separate building, connected

via a glass walkway on the second floor. The gym is

compact but comprehensive, with an additional yoga

studio. The hotel also provides a jogging map for guests

who wish to explore the gardens. Ling Spa is also available

with several private treatment rooms.Tamsin Cocks

VERDICTAn excellent

hotel with thoughtful

designs, good facilities and

a useful location for those

with business nearby.

PRICEInternet rates for a

midweek stay in July start

from RMB1,692 (US$260)

for a Regency Club room.

CONTACT7 Zhongtian

Road, Guanshanhu

District, Guiyang;

tel +86 851 8798 1234;

guiyang.regency.hyatt.com

The public

spaces of

the hotel are

beautifully

designed... the

lobby lounge

and Chinese

restaurant are

striking

JUNE (^2016) businesstraveller.asia
22 ITried & TestedHotel