A Summer Getaway: Finding a Touch of Resort-Style Ease in the Bustling City
This summer feels especially hot.
The scorching sun and relentless heat have left my restless emotions with no outlet.
Since the start of the dog days, that restlessness has soared along with the temperature, climbing to a peak and even making work seem a drag. A friend suggested: since we can’t focus on work, why not escape for a couple of days nearby and treat it as our own “summer vacation”?
But we didn’t want a long-distance trip in the summer heat, nor did we want to give up the convenience of the city, so we all agreed on Guangzhou once again.
Elegant Lingnan Charm
When choosing a hotel, our group of friends who value quality of life and crave novelty got into quite a debate—until we happily discovered that Kempinski Residences Guangzhou De’an Lishe was exactly “our kind of place.”
The hotel lobby is steeped in Lingnan artistic atmosphere. Design-wise, it’s a perfect-score hotel in my book: understated yet full of craftsmanship, comfortable, and elegant—just the ideal type.
The lofty lobby design is grand and striking. I love the light-weight, airy light fixtures that fully showcase the wood carving, brick carving, and ceramic craftsmanship typical of Lingnan gardens.
Check-in was also super efficient. The smile service was spot-on; even with masks on, you could feel the staff’s eyes brimming with smiles—so warm and infectious.
After checking in, don’t forget to join the hotel’s lucky draw!
I was especially lucky to win a bottle of sparkling wine, which I could take to my room for a little toast—such a lovely thought.
Sitting in front of the soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, I could see the real, down-to-earth streets of central Guangzhou. I felt as if I were staying in a castle, watching the stories unfold outside.
The feather-like light fixtures are airy and translucent. They may look haphazard, but each “feather” seems to have a favorite shape of its own.
The grey-plaster decorations in Lingnan style were already popular as ornamentation in ancestral halls, temples, and grand mansions back in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Artful ornaments are everywhere in the hotel.
A picture made of bamboo sticks near the elevator depicts Lingnan-style architecture—so unique I couldn’t help but look at it a few times.
Another decorative piece here has a bas-relief feel, and you can see the freehand elegance of ink wash painting in its lines.
Grand, refined, and full of Lingnan flair—that was my first impression of the hotel.
Then came the actual stay. I had a one-bedroom suite. As soon as you push the door open, the lights come on automatically, and then the curtains slowly rise—such cool high-tech touches!
The suite has an open-plan kitchenette equipped with all the modern appliances: microwave, fridge, oven, electric kettle, and coffee machine.
It’s perfect for sitting with a friend, brewing a cup of coffee, and lazily enjoying an afternoon.
The retro-style water pitcher on the bar counter is so photogenic—it caught my eye instantly. The hotel also thoughtfully provides tea bags and coffee, so you can take a little break whenever you feel like it.
I really love the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room; you look up and see the urban landscape of Guangzhou’s downtown. There’s also a chaise longue by the window, carefully paired with a side table where you can place a laptop—even working here seems doable.
The hotel prepared welcome fruits and pastries in the room. For a fruit lover like me, that’s the best possible greeting.
Elements of Lingnan charm are visible everywhere in the room, adding an extra touch of elegance to the whole space.
I spent a long time in the living room and bar area, thoroughly satisfied. When I entered the bedroom, I was even more delighted. The king bed offers a view that takes in every scene outside, practically the suite’s prime viewing spot.
The bedding is very soft, and the two pillows with different levels of firmness show they’ve considered guests’ individual needs. The sleep experience was excellent—just the right softness to deepen your slumber.
Two bottles of purified water are placed on the bedside table, so you can grab one anytime at night—and they’re imported from Malaysia.
In this hotel, these huge, transparent floor-to-ceiling windows are everywhere; even the bathroom has a panoramic one.
The bathroom’s sanitary ware system, bathtub, and even the bath toiletries are all top-of-the-line. The hotel nails its luxurious vibe flawlessly, and the bath products are imported.
What surprised me most was the electric heated towel rack, keeping towels dry at all times. It’s one of the more thoughtful designs I’ve seen in any hotel I’ve stayed at.
Then I visited the room type my friends were staying in. It’s another kind of suite, with more space and a living room that has tables and chairs suitable for hosting guests.
What I envied most was the view from this suite: standing in the living room, you can clearly see the 广州塔. This viewing spot is just way, way too appealing. Next time, I’m definitely staying in this one.
There’s also a small meeting-style table and chair set that can accommodate several people.
The overall layout of this suite is similar to mine, but it’s a bit more spacious, has two bedrooms, and offers very different perspectives.
See that? Isn’t the 广州塔 outside the window an unbeatable view? Let me stress again: next time, I really want to stay in this suite.
In the bedroom, you’re surrounded by a cityscape. Beyond that, the amenities are thoughtful and complete: a desk, a reading lamp, a soft leather chair, and power outlets by the desk—handy for anyone who needs to work.
The bathroom also has imported bath toiletries and a Dyson hairdryer. They’ve really carried luxury through to every detail.
Another friend had a room with a huge balcony, so you can step outside and enjoy the view. Seeing the buzz of central Guangzhou that way felt much more real.
In terms of space, this suite is also super large, and both the living room and bedrooms feel more spacious.
Both bedrooms have simple desks, soft leather chairs, reading lamps, ample power sockets, plus the same high-touch bedding and those stunning, oversized floor-to-ceiling windows. Whenever I check into a hotel, I always like to pick a high floor so I can have my own private nighttime city view.
The furnishings and decor in the rooms lean toward a business-like minimalist style, while the overall layout and ambiance also carry a trace of European aristocratic luxury.
Every ornament may look simple, but together they create a texture that is always comfortable and never tires the eye. Finding such a hotel in Guangdong—maybe we were just really lucky.
No hotel stay is complete without great food. At the restaurant on the third floor, we had a wonderful dining experience. I especially recommend their “Happy Hour” set menu—for just 198 yuan per person, you get unlimited tasty snacks and drinks.
The restaurant’s ambiance really won me over. If you come early, you can snag one of these window-side seats. I imagine that after dark, watching the night view outside will be just as lovely.
The snacks in the set menu are exquisite and plentiful. Even the vessels they come in are artistic and photograph beautifully.
The selection of wines and sparkling wines makes for a perfect leisurely time, whether sipping alone or gathering with friends.
If you’re indecisive by nature, I have a feeling your dilemma might get even worse here. There were so many delicate little bites I lost count; my photo album is filled with pictures of them, and I can’t decide which one to post.
My stomach only has so much room, otherwise I’d really love to try every single item. And I noticed: when you’re in a good mood, both wine and sparkling wine can be intoxicating.
The next morning, we had breakfast in the same spot. The breakfast selection is rich and varied, with all kinds of flavors—noodles, pastries, juices, salads—so everyone’s taste is well taken care of.
I agonized for a while at the drink station and ended up taking two different drinks. Luckily, the portions here aren’t too large, so even with two, there was no waste. That also satisfied my urge to try more things.
There’s no need to worry about overindulging on this food-and-drink trip, because you can go for a run or swim at the wellness centre—especially on a summer day like this, nothing beats being in the water!
Oh, and after checking in, there’s also a huge perk: the hotel offers a Tesla Model X shuttle service, which makes getting around feel extra cool.
On a sweltering summer day, I love soaking up the hotel’s lifestyle and finding that perfect blend of ease and charm. Choosing a hotel that truly pleases you adds the finishing touch to your trip, and Kempinski Residences Guangzhou De’an Lishe is the absolute best choice.
