Sweet story

As quickly as its neighbors appear to be catching up, the Sheraton seems to be keeping its head above them. Two months ago, the hotel opened another 100 rooms, and yet its average occupancy rate remains at nearly 90 per cent.

There are locally managed five-star hotels going up on either side of the Sheraton, and the Haiyatt Garden (no relation to the international chain) is around the corner. But when you walk into this hotel, you know you are entering another class. The lobby, which must be the tallest in China, features a staircase without pillars, and sofas designed like alcoves.

On the day we visited, it was clear that business was good in the hotel’s MICE facilities, as one convention had tables spilling out of the meeting rooms and main hall, into the reception area around the elevators.
The rooms, though not as quiet as the Sofitel’s (a five-lane highway runs through the area, after all) nevertheless have the distinct advantage of the sublime “Sweet Sleeper” beds for which the chain is renowned. The Sheraton also has Luigi’s, the best Italian restaurant in Dongguan.

The hotel has a top-notch fitness center, while a foot-massage club is located in the same building. The KTV nightclub, which is managed by an outside contractor, is famed throughout the country.

There is not much else in Houjie by way of international restaurants and bars. A short drive away, however, is the exclusive Harbour Plaza Golf Club. If you are lucky enough to know someone who has a membership, it can be a good place to go for lunch (see golfing options on following pages).

Sheraton Dongguan Hotel 喜来登大酒
S256 Provincial Highway Houjie Town 厚街镇S256省道
(86-769) 8598 8888
www.sheraton.com/dongguan