Hotel Check: Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: Like the Hyatt House on the other side of the shopping center that connects the airport with the hotel, this luxurious option has a full-service spa, indoor pool, and convention facilities to attract groups.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? This glass-lined hotel is integrated into the modern architecture surrounding the airport and features ample natural light throughout its marble-laden public areas. The staff speaks exceptional English and does a marvelous job of catering to guest needs.

HOW MANY ROOMS? 335 rooms and suites

WHERE IS IT? The hotel is connected to the airport, a multi-modal transportation center with metro and ferry connectivity, and a growing office park. The metro ride into the city center takes less than an hour and is much faster than sitting in traffic. It takes only five minutes to get from the guest room to the check-in hall of the airport.

ROOM FACILITIES: Guest rooms have walls of triple-glazed windows providing plenty of noise protection. The moment you enter the room, the sheer curtains automatically open with blackout shades adjusted via a button by the bed. Pillowtop mattresses have cozy duvets and a quartet of oversized pillows. Bedside power outlets are a great addition especially since there is an option for both USB and standard American-style plugs. Rooms vary in size and view with higher floors facing the runway and terminal being among the most popular. Deluxe rooms are among the largest with the best views. Regency Club rooms and many suites enjoy access to an 11th floor lounge, which opens at 2pm with light refreshments as well as a light dinner buffet and complimentary wine, beer, and spirits. Regency Club guests also enjoy complimentary breakfast in the restaurant. Marble bathrooms feature some of the largest showers I have ever seen plus soaking tubs, spacious vanities stocked with Pharmacopia toiletries, and walk-in closets. Some of the suites come with soaking tubs by the windows so guests can watch planes coming and going as they soak.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS: The Lounge is a popular spot for afternoon tea and all-day refreshments plus light meals. Market Café is the three-meals-a-day buffet restaurant with live cooking stations offering international cuisine. Given the easy connectivity to the airport, the hotel is popular with locals waiting to pick up friends and family. They can dine before or after heading to the airport and can stay updated on flight information thanks to monitors in the hotel providing flight details. The most popular dining venue is Xiangyue serving authentic Cantonese fare in the bright dining room or one of ten private dining spaces that are ideal for small business gatherings. In addition to Cantonese food, the chef also specializes in spicy Szechuan options plus well-known dishes from northern China.

LEISURE FACILITIES: Those with long layovers can pop in for a spa treatment or meal. The fitness center is open to guests 24 hours a day, and the indoor swimming pool is heated and ideal for swimming laps. There’s also a steam room, sauna, and whirlpool for guests.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES: Meeting space is ample and modern with a pillarless ballroom that can seat as many as 1,000 or be divided into smaller sections. A variety of smaller breakout rooms is also in the mix.

VERDICT: This is the most upscale hotel by the airport and features the comfort that Hyatt Regency guests and conferees expect as well as the convenience factor of being connected to the airport itself. The nearby office park and exhibition center (said to eventually be the largest in the world) will surely add to the demand of this new hotel.

PRICE: Internet rates for a traditional room start at $101 on the random dates we checked.

CONTACT: Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Shenzhen, China, 518128, Phone 86-755-2345-1234. https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/hyatt-regency-shenzhen-airport/szxra