A Bryson in China

Another New Hotel in Dongguan

I thought we were entering a junkyard. In the dim light, I was squinting to watch my step to assure I didn’t step in something deep or slick. At the same time, I was glancing right and left for any strange movement, fearful that this was a great place to get robbed. “You sure this is the right way?” I kept asking of my friend Mitchell. He assured me our destination “was right up here.”

Up a final incline to a lighted area, and suddenly an opening revealed itself to our left with a lane leading to a beautiful fountain and wonderful new buildings! It was if magically this oasis had appeared out of the deepest, darkest area of Dongguan.

We were at the new Pullman Dongguan Forum Hotel. My friend, Mitchell, had just returned from the US and when I had called him to get together for dinner, he had asked me to join him for the soft opening of this “new” hotel. Yes, another new hotel for Dongguan! Another friend, Joseph, had moved over from management of the Royal Lagoon to startup and serve as General Manager of this new divisional offering of the Accor Hotel chain.

When Mitchell and I had heard about the location of Joseph’s new hotel, we had just smiled politely to our friend. Later we had privately shared our mutual concern over its rough neighborhood. Wow! Were we ever surprised to find this paradise behind the rougher stretch along the street!

The hotel is nestled back into a small valley under Qifeng Mountain. The red observation ball sits beautifully right over the complex providing spectacular views from restaurants and rooms.

Touring the facility, we saw several of the 260 rooms. Granted the “city side” does not have very good views, but the other “mountain view” side is spectacular. And rooms are pleasantly appointed with beautiful, fresh appointments, including flat screen televisions, chaise lounges, and desk for the traveler in need of getting some work done on the road. Suites are spacious with large bathrooms. Filtered water is even available on tap in all rooms, along with bottled water for drinking.

We had a delicious meal at the café on our visit. Serving a reasonably priced buffet, the chef, Jack, was gracious in accommodating and worked to please our palate of senses from pastas to steak to goose liver. They topped it off with Haagen Dazs ice cream served directly to your table. All in all the service was exceptional, and the food wonderful.

But the setting made it all the better. Sitting in the twilight we had the Qifeng view out our window while in a pleasant dining room. There is even a patio for a better view of the “big red ball,” stars, and Qifeng Mountain.

Joseph even shared some of the expectations of the hotel as it completes construction. A museum will be housed in some of the beautiful buildings directly under the mountain’s shadow. Large convention or ballroom needs can be met on a lower level under the garden. A beautiful, comfortable lobby bar will include jazz offerings and soft piano sounds.

Located near the Dongguan City convention center and centrally located for golf courses and other area attractions, staying at this hotel will be like staying in a resort right in the middle of the city.

Labels: Hotels, Life in China, Pullman Hotel, Qifeng Mountain

posted by A Bryson (formerly) in China @ 5:47 PM Comments: 0