Three nights in a row in Foshan!! The best choice was this cost-effective hidden gem hotel

Foshan Marriott Hotel 🏙️ Location is unbeatable! Quietness hidden within the bustling city The hotel is located in the core area of Guangdong Financial High-tech Zone, right below is a shopping district, but once you enter the lobby, the outside noise is instantly blocked, giving a “quiet oasis in the midst of chaos” feeling. It’s about a 20-minute walk to Qiandeng Lake Park, perfect for an evening stroll to catch the sunset’s glow on the lake. The subway is also nearby, making it convenient to visit Lingnan Tiandi and Zumiao without wasting much time on the road. Worth noting, this building operates under two brands: floors 14 and below are Courtyard by Marriott, and floors 15 and above are Marriott. The lobby is on the second floor, so first-timers shouldn’t mistakenly go to the Courtyard lobby on the first floor. Taxi navigation is accurate, but parking signs are not very clear, so self-drivers should pay extra attention to the directions. 🛏️ Room details hit the spot 🌆 This time I chose the terrace king room, about 58㎡ including the balcony, with a very spacious feel. The balcony requires contacting housekeeping to open and signing a waiver due to the low railing for safety reasons. In the evening, enjoying the breeze on the balcony, you can see the shimmering Qiandeng Lake and the distant city skyline—every snapshot is atmospheric. The room facilities are very thoughtful; even the basic room type comes with a bathtub, perfect for soaking away a day’s fatigue. Dyson hairdryer and standard Marriott amenities are provided, and the toothbrush quality was surprisingly good. I informed the hotel in advance that it was a birthday trip, and the room was simply decorated, showing sincerity in the details. The welcome gift included fresh lychees and tiramisu; the lychees were authentically sweet, and the small cake tasted great. 🍴 Dining was flawless 🍤 The executive lounge is on the top floor with an amazing view; sitting by the window at dusk watching the sunset is especially pleasant. However, the entrance requires a room card swipe and has no obvious sign, so at first, I thought it was closed and wandered around before getting in. Happy Hour exceeded expectations with hot dishes, cold dishes, desserts, and a made-to-order noodle station—wontons on the first day and fish balls on the second, with a very fresh broth and quick replenishment so plates never ran empty. There’s a wide selection of drinks, and the staff can even mix cocktails, making a small drink very comfortable. Breakfast is served downstairs at the Zhenchu All-Day Dining Restaurant. Marriott and Courtyard guests dine separately, so no crowding and a great experience. There are many Foshan specialties; the pork rib rice with a spoonful of soy sauce is especially fragrant, and the freshly made rice rolls are very authentic. The freshly squeezed orange juice tastes like it’s made from fresh fruit. If you wake up late, the Chinese restaurant’s dim sum is also worth trying; the shrimp dumplings are full of bouncy shrimp meat, paired with a pot of Pu’er tea, making for a very relaxing experience. 🏊 Relaxation facilities are super stress-relieving 💆 The indoor heated pool on the 13th floor is my favorite, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows letting sunlight flood the pool, making you feel one with the city while swimming. I went at noon on the weekend and had the pool all to myself—so awesome. Next to the pool are dry and wet steam rooms; after swimming, a steam session melts away all fatigue. The changing room is well stocked with bottled water, showing attention to detail. The 24-hour gym is fully equipped, and after working out, you can get a spa treatment. The therapist’s technique is professional, and I fell asleep comfortably right after the massage. However, the hotel is business-oriented and doesn’t have a children’s play area, making it more suitable for couples or solo travelers. 📍 Nearby food and shopping guide 🌟 - Qiandeng Lake Park: A 20-minute walk, very lively by the lake in the evening with residents strolling and street vendors. The other side connects to a commercial area with many cafes and light meal shops, perfect for resting after shopping. - Denghu West Street Night Market: Very lively at night with a wide variety of snacks, offering authentic Foshan local delicacies at affordable prices. - Financial Museum: Great for those who like niche attractions, not far from the hotel, where you can learn about the history of financial development and take great photos. - Shopping malls cluster: Right downstairs are Wanda Plaza and Poly Shopping Center, providing one-stop shopping and dining without needing to travel far. 💡 Practical Tips Redeeming points is super cost-effective; usually around 12,500 points can get you a basic room, which is very good value compared to cash prices—point users must go for it. Printing in the executive lounge is free; although it says limited to 10 pages, staff won’t restrict you if you print more, very convenient for business travelers. If you want to book a terrace room, it’s recommended to communicate in advance; the balcony view is more open than a regular lake view room, with better ventilation and lighting. Avoid the 9 AM breakfast peak to enjoy fewer crowds, no queues, and fresher, more complete dishes.