A Guide to Staying Overnight at Baiyun Airport: Hilton Garden Inn Guangzhou Huadu

I'm almost as familiar with Guangzhou Baiyun Airport as I am with my own home. I've lost count of how many early mornings and late nights I've spent there, and I've stayed at almost every international chain hotel near the airport. In terms of location, the Pullman and Novotel, directly opposite the T1 entrance, are the best. Both are standard airport hotels directly connected to the terminal. There's also a newly opened Fairfield by Marriott in the airport area, but it requires a shuttle bus. Apart from these three, all other hotels are only in the general airport area, and there are many to choose from. One subway stop south of the airport, in Gaozeng, there's a Hampton by Hilton. North of the airport, in the industrial park, there are Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton, Holiday Inn, and Mercure hotels, all within varying distances and offering free shuttle buses. However, these hotels are built solely for transit and layovers, and staying there is just a way to kill time. I prefer staying in the Huadu District, southwest of the airport. It's a well-established area with plenty of dining, entertainment, and amenities, and it's just one subway transfer away from the airport. There's a Crowne Plaza, an Aloft, and two Hilton Garden Inns here. I stayed at one of the Hilton Garden Inns in Huadu this time. The hotel is about 12 km from the airport and right next to Ma'anshan subway station, part of a shopping mall complex. It's easily accessible from the main road out front and backs onto a quiet park. When choosing a room, try to avoid facing the main road and opt for a park view. The hotel has a U-shaped layout, with long wings extending outwards. If you're unlucky enough to get a room at the far end, it's a long walk to the lobby. Both the east wing and the rooms are standard Hilton Garden Inn style – instantly familiar. I stayed in a "Dynamic King Room," a slightly upgraded room that was square, quiet, and equipped with a coffee machine. I'd recommend they clean the windows, though, as they were so smudged it was hard to see out. I had an early flight the next day, so I didn't have time to try the breakfast or other services. There's an hourly shuttle to and from the airport, which needs to be booked in advance. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Overall, the hardware is new, and the service is good. It's worth staying here. Room details: Room number: 485 Official name: Dynamic King Room Size: 30 sq m Mattress: Serta Bedding, linens, and bathrobes: Stefford TV: Hisense Shower and metal fixtures: Moen Toilet: Electric Hairdryer: Aoiga Toiletries: Peter Thomas Roth (large bottles) Electric kettle: Aoiga Coffee machine: Aoiga Coffee capsules: 3 Tea bags: Chali Bottled water: Jingtian Minibar: None