South China Laguna Hotel

Went there on my first business trip to Shenzhen. The rooms are pretty big but the feeling I got was that they are a bit "dated" and could use a bit or retouch. Wallpaper peeling a bit in spots and carpet a bit worn out. The hotel is situated a bit out of the main points of interests in Shenzhen and even though it is easy to reach by taxi, finding a taxi around the hotel is challenging especially during rush hours. A few times it took me up to 45 minutes to get a taxi on weekday mornings! There is a metro station about 5 minutes walk from the hotel but it is on the green line and was not really convenient for me. The food at the breakfast buffet is decent but mostly targeted at Chinese people who make up the vast majority of the clientele. Staff was friendly but most will not speak English so bring your Mandarin phrasebook with you!

First of all the correct name of the hotel is South China Harbour Plaza hotel. I mention this because Harbour Plaza is shown high up on the building and that is the only way to recognize it. The hotel is part of a commercial building and takes up the 16 - 21st floor with a concierge on the ground floor to welcome you. There are outstanding views across the city, especially if you take a sea-view room. The best part of this hotel are the bedrooms, which are very spacious, and the restaurant/breakfast buffet. Our bedroom was fitted with a Queen bed, lounger, desk and chair, and satellite TV (HBO and Cinemax were not available, though). For a large room it is sparsely furnished, but still relatively comfortable, though the carpet could have been better. A glass paneled bathroom has walk in shower with hand and overhead shower heads. Fresh fruit is provided when you arrive and the mini bar is well stocked and very reasonably priced compared to most hotels. The breakfast buffet (38 RMB for an extra person) is very good if you are Chinese. For Western tastes you can order fried eggs and there are fried potatoes and sausages and French bread plus fruit, yoghurt and coffee and tea. Fresh rolls are over-sweet, butter and Austrian strawberry jam is nice. Most residents are Chinese so the breakfast is aimed more at their tastes. The Western buffet items don't get used much so sit there getting cold. Best to order fried eggs as you like them as these are made to order! Staff are very helpful and nothing is too much trouble. But the hotel is situated away from any areas of tourist interest, though a 10 minute taxi ride will get you to Coastal City shopping area and 15 minutes to Shekou Seaworld. So this hotel is only good if you want a large room and good breakfast in the area and would not be a good recommendation for tourists in my opinion. If you prefer to stay in Shekou then try the Fuzon hotel instead.