Guangdong Victory Hotel

The restaurant on the 2nd floor was fantastic. I also liked the hotel's cozy, welcoming feel, with clean rooms and friendly staff. It's on Shamian Island, a peaceful, beautiful area with tree-lined streets, colonial-style buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere. The river and plenty of places to explore are nearby, and the island feels like a little oasis in the city. Staying here felt special.

There's a touristy area around the hotel, with eateries, McDonald's, and other shops. It's also about a 10-minute walk to a shopping mall and the subway. The rooms are a little old, but clean and well maintained. Good location.

The East location is the one I stayed at, and it's a couple of blocks from the subway, with a walk along the river where you can watch lots of fish. Shamian Island is beautiful. Across the bridge to the north, Guangzhou's old area has winding, tree-shaded streets and interesting shops. The huge open-air seafood market is to the east; Chinese medicine, vegetable, and electronics markets are to the west. The location is outstanding, and staff were attentive and very helpful. We arrived at 6 am after a long flight and were allowed into our room right away. Breakfast in the big central atrium was very good, with lots of Western and Chinese choices, and there's a small fitness room open 24/7. I really enjoyed the stay, but the East site needs a thorough cleaning and soon a full renovation. Guangzhou is warm, humid, and often rainy, and mold and mildew are the hotel's biggest problem. Note that there are two locations, one block apart, so these comments are only about the East one.

My room had a nice river view, and I thought it was very good value. The hotel is huge and could use renovation, though I had no problems during my stay. Its spot on lovely, green Shamian Island feels like an oasis in Guangjou, and the subway is only about a 15-minute walk away.