I like the previous reviewer Peter F have been staying at this hotel since it opened. The original builder of the hotel was a shipping mogul from Hong Kong and also the developer / promoter of the entire area of Nansha. Since his death a number of years ago the hotel has been owned by the son. When the son took over I noticed a definite change in the hotel.

When this place opened it felt a bit the like movie THE SHINNING. It was stunning and the staff top notch. I assume because there was hardly anyone here on my every visit that is was losing money hand over foot and the old man didn't care. He had his prize hotel and was rich and happy anyways.

Food was great - service was great - but not all facilities were open yet - like SPA. The pool is stunning and one of the largest I have ever seen and I have reviewed over 500 hotels for a living. The landscaping is marvelous.

Over the years - the hotel has become more affordable for Chinese guests who have acquired more wealth. And it is much busier, but rarely feels full even if it is because most people leave the hotel and go about their business.

The more trafficked areas of the hotel are becoming noticeably run down. Bathrooms have mold and the once "expensive-looking" features are now becoming worn. TVs are woefully small for the room size and with few English choices - that may or may not be working - it's a small detail in the overall scheme of things.

WI-FI is free and the rooms have wired Internet. The carpets look dirty - the furniture also. And they should probably be replaced. The counters in my room were in need of refinishing and at any other 5 star hotel would have been.

The bathrooms - once stunning - still have lighted makeup mirrors mounted in a place that make sense and women will be happy. The beds once hard as rocks - are now more comfortable and the sheets and bedding is very nice and always clean. The rooms are spacious whether you have a pool view or mountain view.

One reviewer mentioned that this hotel will get better in time - that sad to say is not true. The staff in the restaurants are woefully inattentive. The food - which was top notch and has gone down hill. I have stayed here when the free breakfasts have been marvelous and choices and when the food has been horrible and choices small. I believe it depends on the vacancies in the hotel - the more vacancies the less food. Today for example I ate just past 7 am and everything on the buffet that should have been hot, was ice cold.

Dinner used to be marvelous - prices have crept up and portions and quality has gone down. The spa treatments are very good and the spa staff is pleasant and attentive. Hotel prices apply for example a facial can run about US$85. Other treatments include full body, foot etc.

The hotel is located in the middle of no place - only convenient to the ferry terminal (also built by developer). But is has lovely sea views - if you can see it through the ever-increasing pollution.

I think this hotel is pretty typical of many China hotels - it starts up and goes down. Shoddy construction standards add to the quick downfall of finishes.

Is this the best place to stay in Nansha - yes - for sure. Other choices like the Clifford - which was the only choice initially as horrid - filled with local ladies of the evening at night and rat-infested kitchens - yes I have witnessed first-hand. So stay here before staying anyplace else.

I have not however found the staff unable to understand me nor I them. Perhaps it is because I have spent so much time here. Speak slowly and smile and usually the response is good - even if there is a problem.

So 5 stars?- some things - overall design and common areas. Rooms - need updating and a good cleaning. Common hallways smell smokey - even on non-smoking floors.

So with food and rooms being premier in many people's experience - 3 stars. But stay here before any other hotel in Nansha - at least for now.