Sofitel Shenyang Lido

BACKGROUND

The property first opened in 2002 as a Sheraton, before being taken over by Accor and rebranded as a Sofitel in January 2013. With 590 rooms, suites and apartments, it is the largest international hotel in the city.

WHERE IS IT?

Like most of the international hotels, Sofitel Shenyang Lido is located on Qingnian Street, or “Golden Road” – the main thoroughfare bisecting the city. Being further south than most, it enjoys a quicker drive (around 20 minutes) to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, and is also close to the brandnew exhibition centre and enormous K11 mall.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

A sweeping marble staircase dominates the entrance lobby, and is a popular feature with event guests. If you hover around at 6pm you’ll witness the charming candle-lighting ceremony carried out by qingpao- clad attendants. The lobby also houses a number of designer stores (though many have moved across the road to the new Jolie department store).

ROOM FACILITIES

My 42 sqm Luxury Club room was on the Executive Floor – level 26, with access to the club lounge. The non-smoking room was clean and neutrally decorated, but overall the décor was a bit drab and oldfashioned. Apparently a renovation is being discussed.

The king-size bed was exceptionally comfortable and I was seriously tempted to smuggle the pillows home. The room temperature was also pleasantly consistent – it being around -6 degrees outside the heating was firmly on, but it didn’t become too hot or dry.

The work desk and chair provided an efficient workspace, though two key musts for a business traveller were not particularly well catered to: firstly, there was a complete dearth of power points – none by the bedside tables nor the desk. The only spare socket I could find was behind the TV and had to be alternated to charge devices/boil the kettle, etc.

Secondly, the internet connection was rather sporadic – connecting via mobile was a particular bugbear – with limited ability to send images and the need to reconnect a number of times.

There were also signs of wear and tear: the digital clock by the bedside was missing the last digit, (and wouldn’t display at all unless the bedside lamp was switched on); the wardrobe hinges were slightly loose so the doors had to be shut quite carefully; and the hairdryer wires were exposed.

The bathroom was large, with a separate marble bathtub and shower, and lovely Lanvin amenities.

Service was also excellent; when I rang reception I was helped by a competent staff member who spoke good English, while on another occasion my personal room attendant arrived within minutes of making a request.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Three restaurants are available: La Bellevue on the 2/F offering some of the best French cuisine in the city; Café Lido, serving up an international breakfast and dinner buffet, plus an à la carte lunch menu; and Le Chinois on the third floor focusing on regional Dongbei dishes. Meanwhile, the Atrium Lounge offers a casual place for cocktails and afternoon tea, while the masculine Mezza Bar is the preferred choice for long-stay guests.

BUSINESS FACILITIES

There are three meeting rooms on the second floor, plus two sophisticated ballrooms. The club lounge on the 26th floor offers a more casual environment for meetings and evening cocktails.

LEISURE FACILITIES

The Lido Spa & Club is very impressive. Facilities include a gym, basketball shooting area, three ping pong rooms, a virtual golf set-up and mini putting green, yoga room and squash courts. There is also an indoor pool (though strangely more resortlike than useful for swimming laps), plus a hair, spa and beauty centre.

The king-size bed was exceptionally comfortable and I was tempted to smuggle the pillows home