Wyndham Grand Xian South

BACKGROUND Opened in August 2014, the Wyndham Grand Xian South is one of the Wyndham Hotel Group’s latest additions, and the largest property in China under the Wyndham Grand brand, with 565 rooms. WHAT’S IT LIKE? From the outside, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Wyndham Grand Xian South for a government headquarters: an imposing structure in both size and geometry. The inside is another matter; spacious, elegant and dictated by the auspices of feng shui. The Lounge is the lobby’s central feature, set with traditional Chinese red doors at opposing ends with plush armchairs scattered between. Thirty metres above, a large skylight floods the space with natural light. WHERE IS IT? A ten-minute drive from Xian’s famous city wall, the hotel is described by locals as central, but the size of Xian affords many hotels the same description. It is 40 minutes from Xian Xianyang International Airport.

In terms of local attractions, the Terracotta Warriors are a half hour journey by car, while Dayan Pagoda, a Buddhist relic brought from India to China in the 7th century, and Xian’s legendary Bell Tower are both a 15-minute drive away. Meanwhile, the Xian Qujiang International Conference Center is within walking distance. ROOM FACILITIES Nine room types are available, ranging from the standard Deluxe Room to the Presidential Suite. The Deluxe, Club and Premier Room categories offer a generous 55 sqm, while the larger Deluxe Suite measures 95 sqm.

I stayed in a Deluxe room, which was lavishly furnished and offered a balance of traditional Chinese accents with modern facilities such as an ergonomic desk chair, 50-inch LED television and charging docks compatible with both iPhone 5 and 6 models.

International plug sockets are available at the desk, although nowhere else in the room. Suites feature air purifiers and doubleglazed windows to ensure respite from the city outside. Wifi is available throughout the hotel, although connection speeds can be unstable.

Ample-sized bathtubs are a feature in every bathroom, set against a glass wall to allow a view of the bedroom’s TV with optional blinds to offer privacy. Showers and toilets are in adjoining cubicles, with toiletries by Gilchrist & Soames. One highlight is the walk-in wardrobes in every room – the only hotel in Xian to offer such a feature. RESTAURANTS AND BARS Casual meals are offered in the Tang Café, and breakfast is an eclectic affair with Western and pan-Asian cuisines available at different stations. A steaming bowl of Xian’s specialty green fei cui noodles, made from wheat flour and spinach, are a wholesome start to the day.

Yan Ming Xuan is well suited for elaborate dinners and functions, offering a range of traditional Chinese menus together with unusual regional delicacies. The restaurant’s lavish interiors and unique dishes make this restaurant ideal for hosting international travellers who want a traditional experience of Chinese haute cuisine.

Open, well lit and spacious, The Lounge is a comfortable venue for afternoon tea, coffee and bar snacks. Cocktails are on offer from early afternoon and later on, live entertainment can be enjoyed via the lobby’s exceptional acoustics. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The hotel’s 1,500 sqm pillarless Grand Ballroom is popular for banquets and product launches – Rolls-Royce previewed the Ghost Series II here – and can be divided into three by moveable partitions. Eleven breakout rooms are available with advanced audiovisual equipment, conferencing services and meeting support systems. A luxurious Executive Lounge shares the hotel’s top floor with the Presidential Suite, while Executive Rooms are housed one level down on the 7th floor. A dedicated business centre can be found on the ground floor. LEISURE FACILITIES There is a fitness centre available for guests on the ground floor and a swimming pool opening soon. VERDICT Stylish and luxurious, the Wyndham Grand South is an excellent option for business travellers keen to experience quintessential Chinese hospitality.