Grand Hotel Haikou (Managed by Accor)

I originally chose this hotel because it was 'about to become a Fairmont,' and even though the sign outside no longer says that, my overall experience far exceeded my expectations. The hardware was particularly surprising: the hotel extensively uses carpeting, both in the rooms and public areas. Knowing that maintaining carpets in a high-humidity, high-salinity coastal area is extremely difficult (most seaside hotels opt for wood or tile floors – I still remember the indescribable smell at The Royal Begonia, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya), the carpet condition in my room this stay was excellent. It's clear they put a lot of effort into maintenance, especially for a hotel that's already nearly 20 years old (or even older?). Check-in was seamless (I didn't catch the name of the kind lady who helped me). There was also a follow-up call to the room after I settled in, which very few hotels do. While the hotel's pool isn't huge, it's very well-designed, encircling the garden with both deep and shallow areas. Seating is well-spaced out (unlike the packed rows at Sheraton, for instance), offering a genuine resort feel where guests can relax without disturbing each other. Swimming and sunbathing there were very pleasant. From the pool, you can walk out to the seaside boardwalk, which leads all the way down to Wuyuanhe National Wetland Park. It's perfect for an evening stroll or a morning workout. Coming back from a run along the beach in the morning and then soaking in the hot spring really brings on that holiday vibe. Even though it hasn't become a Fairmont yet, the hospitality lives up to the 'Royal Service' mentioned on the phone. Thank you for the hospitality, and special thanks to Megan for her thoughtful touch. For someone who loves carpets and a resort atmosphere, this is a place in Haikou worth relaxing at, and I'd definitely want to come back again.

The environment and service are top-notch, as expected from a five-star hotel. They upgraded my room for free during check-in, and the staff were very enthusiastic. The pool and gym were also quite good. When I checked out, the front desk even gave me a small gift.

This time, I brought my family to experience the Haikou State Guest Hotel. All rooms offer sea views, providing a wide and open vista. The bedding is soft and comfortable, and the mattress offers excellent support. The amenities are extensive, offering a comprehensive resort experience, especially the outdoor garden pool which is perfect for families with children. There's a wide variety of dining options, and the Chinese and Western breakfast has a good reputation. The environment is upscale and grand, with 'a new view at every turn,' creating an immersive design and a strong holiday atmosphere. The hotel's service team is very professional, and their attentive service makes guests feel the warmth of home.

The room was cozy and they even provided toiletries for children, which was a nice touch. The breakfast spread was excellent and offered a great variety.

To be honest, it wasn't perfect, but the several positive experiences I had with the front desk and concierge service left a great impression, so I'm giving it a high rating. **Pros:** Clearly, the hotel's environment and dining are good. During the off-season, the value for money is excellent. The concierges were always very proactive and friendly (every single one of them), even helping with luggage and escorting guests to their rooms. The front desk was also great; they helped mail a lost item back to Shenzhen for me. Being close to the sea was convenient, although the view was just average. The lobby is very clean and beautiful, and it's clear they've put effort into maintaining it. **Cons:** Although my room was upgraded to the best floor, there was a decades-old musty smell coming from the carpet. Closing the balcony door would immediately make me dizzy. The outdoor pool was very dirty, filled with trash and various dead things. It's the dirtiest outdoor pool I've ever seen at a hotel, at least visibly so. The breakfast chefs and the pool lifeguards largely lacked service awareness. Especially the lifeguard: he didn't say anything when two adults repeatedly washed their slippers in the children's pool, but as soon as a child accidentally stepped into the pool, he immediately jumped out and yelled. Foreigners always had towels delivered to them by the pool, but Chinese guests had to walk a long way to the front desk to get one. If you don't speak a foreign language to explain yourself, then learn it. Otherwise, I think you've been kneeling for so long you can't stand up. And the children's play area – I've never seen one so dirty and messy. I wouldn't have known it was a hotel; I would have thought it was a defunct institution that hadn't had time to move out.

The room was quite clean, and the hotel's overall environment was very good. However, the facilities are quite old. We got a free room upgrade, but the breakfast selection was limited and nothing special.

The hotel boasts a beautiful environment and convenient transportation. It's close to nearby malls and the International Duty-Free City. The front desk and concierge staff are very welcoming, especially Xiao Sui.

My stay at Haikou State Guest House was an absolutely perfect experience, definitely deserving of a five-star rating! The hotel is located on the West Coast, boasting expansive tropical gardens and a prime beachfront view. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I felt right at home. The room was spacious and comfortable; opening the balcony door revealed lush greenery and a refreshing sea breeze. The hotel's outdoor pool and hot springs were fantastic for relaxation, and the buffet restaurant offered an exquisite and abundant selection of dishes, providing excellent value for money. It's also just a 10-minute drive from the world's largest single duty-free shop, Haikou International Duty-Free City (CDF), making shopping incredibly convenient. The hotel's service was impeccable; every staff member, from the lobby manager to the housekeeping attendant, greeted me with a genuine smile, making the entire trip feel wonderfully warm. Whether for leisure or business, this is undoubtedly the best choice in Haikou. I highly recommend it to everyone!

This is a great resort for families with kids, offering excellent service. I've tried both the buffet and the Chinese restaurant at the hotel, and the ambiance and food were both fantastic – great value for money. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time I visit Haikou.