OFITEL Sunrich Guangzhou stands tall on Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, a 10-minute drive from the Guangzhou East Railway station, Check-in is swift and friendly, and a knowledgeable concierge is on hand to manage the most outlandish requests. It is this brisk can-do attitude that sets this excellent business hotel apart from the Canton Fair traveller scrum. It is an East meets West confection with French and Chinese motifs woven into the design with dollops of lipstick red and inscrutable black. Above the spartan marble lobby spot a huge crystal "flower" ensemble in changing colours

The “art de vivre” theme runs throughout the 493 lavishly appointed rooms and suites. Textures range from glossy dark wood panels and cream leather walls to the mischievous bordello-red lamps and easy chairs. Expect skyline views, 40” flat screen TVs, iPod docks, DVD players, and stylish deep soak bath tubs with padded headrests. Then sample the Lanvin and Hermes toiletries.

At every turn, expect gleaming dark-wood tones in a rich auburn hue with subdued lighting. .

With 17 meeting and conference venues, the hotel is a frontrunner in the Guangzhou MICE hotels and small corporate meetings sweepstakes. The 900sq m Grand Ballroom can accommodate 900 persons theatre style and two larger salons can host around 400 persons each. Expect an arsenal of facilities for conferencing.

Between sit-downs, you can head to one of the five bars and restaurants or take a detour to the indoor pool, where relaxing music tinkles underwater. At the SoSpa, find some unique offerings, such as the ice room, massage pool and Turkish steam bath. Try a 60-minute "De-Aging Tropical Massage". The hotel serves up just enough bling and cut-glass to entertain domestic travellers but not so much as to scare the cognoscenti who are adequately distracted by playful Parisian touches and sumptuous interiors.