Mercure Changsha South

A nice hotel in Changsha.

On my second business trip to Changsha, my local company booked me into the mid-range Xinyuan Swan Hotel for three nights. The Wi-Fi worked throughout the rooms, restaurant, and lobby without a password, and it was strong with fast uploads. I also liked the spacious, clean, comfortable king room, the genuinely smoke-free non-smoking floor, and the slip-resistant tiles beside the bathtub. Breakfast had three standouts, fried dough sticks, coffee, and homemade yogurt rather than packaged cups, better than what I've had at many five-star hotels. A couple of things could be improved. Since the hotel is between Changsha city and Changsha county and transport isn't very convenient, breakfast starting at 7 a.m. is late for business travelers. Half an hour earlier would help. The three elevators were also slow and often seemed to travel up or down at the same time, which meant a lot of waiting. I'm satisfied and would give it four stars. My company arranged the stay, so I don't know the room price.

I had a very nice room, and the lobby was spacious and pleasant for sitting and waiting. The coffee area was good too. Reception staff spoke only a little English, but were friendly. There's an indoor pool around 20 meters long and a gym. I was picked up, so I can't really judge the location, though it worked for my destination. The train station and airport were each about 40 minutes away.

Sophisticated and high-class, with the kind of luxury feel you expect.