The Shangri-La I Was DYING to Roast... But It's My Kid's Fave. Go Figure!

[Kristopher Schultz PhD]

Let me tell you, my kid recently gave a travel talk in kindergarten, saying her favorite place was "Shangri-La," because there is a beautiful garden that she adores! I was stunned to hear it, as I always thought of the luxurious Shangri-La hotels, but my daughter has made it her dream destination!

• The “Shangri-La” my child mentioned refers to the Shangri-La hotel chain in Guangzhou, not the picturesque Shangri-La in Yunnan Province. What a misunderstanding!

• Why did we book this hotel? Being a member of the hotel group, we obtained a discount by booking in advance. Since Guangzhou is a big city, I believed that staying at a Shangri-La should be a good experience. However, it turned out differently:

  • The location almost feels like it’s in the countryside: look around and find nothing lively or commercial areas.
  • Many stores were closed during the Chinese Lunar New Year（Spring Festival）: During this period, all shops will take a break, making the streets less busy than usual.
  • It's so hard to get a taxi during the holiday: With drivers returning home to their families, the service became poor after getting off a train.
    • A note for foreign friends: If you plan to travel during Chinese Spring Festival, it’s better to arrange for transportation ahead of time and be prepared for possible shop closures or reduced service hours!
  • The facilities in the room were pretty old: feeling like stepping back into the last century.
  • The services were just average.

• We had planned to have our New Year’s Eve dinner with our family in the Chinese restaurant named “Summer Palace,” but the service from the waiters was terrible, making me feel like I was dining in a local street side restaurant!

  • Special Note: During peak holidays in China, even a highly-rated restaurant may suffer service due to the lack of workers or too many guests; it might be better to lower your expectations if you must dine out on important days or confirm meal details if possible.

• On the second day, thinking that there were no welcome fruits provided, I mentioned it to the front desk. The next morning, I received only a couple of small but sweet tangerines (satouju), which made me both laugh and cry! Also, the mineral water being provided by the supposedly high-end hotel isn’t even satisfying mom-in-laws who are usually not fussy – it’s just basic supermarket water.

• My first stay in Shangri-La was in Nanjing. Though the hotel looked aged, its services were fantastic! A fruit platter, delicious snacks, toys and bags for my kids, they’ve won total trust in me again.

  • Alas, my heart shattered when comparing it with the rest of the Shangri-Las that ever given me no longer that sense of enchantment.

• My determination was solidified that I wouldn't stay at this hotel again when coming to Guangzhou. But here comes my daughter's opinion towards the garden – she’s got eyes only for it!

  • The garden was tiny with some kids' slide and swing. Even during Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), it still charges extra for its lantern show!
  • But it’s just a kid’s world – she enjoys everything about it!

[Benjamin Dooley]

When is the fishing season opening event scheduled for May?