Thanks to BYD, I recently found myself in Zhengzhou, China and as part of the brand immersion experience, we we spent a few nights at the InterContinental in Zhengzhou – and I highly recommend it.
In its simplest from, the Intercontinental is where luxury gets a plush new meaning— despite its mildly confusing entrance, that’s tucked discreetly in a side lane away from the bustling main road, as if the hotel is playing a genteel game of hide and seek with its guests.
Location-wise, the hotel is smack in the heart of Zhengzhou’s commercial buzz, adjacent to shopping heaven (Dennis David Plaza) and just a power-walk away from metros, buses, and the city’s pulse. While the journey from Xinzheng International Airport is a breezy 30-minute taxi ride (and only $12-15, lest you worry about breaking your expense account), returning to your urban sanctuary feels like entering another, far plusher universe.
Once inside, you’re greeted not only by the unmistakable scent of affluence but also by a phalanx of beaming staff who seem genuinely delighted to see you, and whose warmth is as comforting as their high-thread-count linens – more on that in a moment.
The hotel’s 268 rooms are masterclasses in design, with soothing color palettes, spacious layouts, and sincere attention to comfort, from plush king beds to bathrooms so well equipped you might be tempted to recalibrate your definition of “essential toiletries”.
The fitness centre is a 24-hour wonderland, and the 25-metre indoor pool begs you to swim laps at midnight just because you can (although I didn’t). And if you’ve ever wanted to attend a grand event in a 1000-square-metre ballroom, this is your chance to live like a Bond villain—or maybe just a sophisticated conference attendee.
Although deemed ‘classic’ and at the bottom of the hotel’s range, it really was anything but basic. The King-sized bed took pride of place and I slept in it, in all directions, and the cotton sheets were outstandingly comfortable. The shower came with two shower heads, leaving no part of my substantial-sized body dry and the entire room’s layout, while not large, was well thought out and not claustrophobic.
I had read reviews about the food not being great, however, in my personal opinion it was the complete opposite. The dinner was a smorgasbord of tasty treats, including steak and lobster, while the breakfast was a little less lavish from a ‘westerner’s point of view’. Coffee wasn’t great though.
But for all its breakfast foibles, the InterContinental Zhengzhou more than redeems itself with impeccable service, a club lounge that outshines many competitors, and a location that puts the city at your doorstep. Concierge and front desk staff don’t just solve problems—they anticipate them.
If your idea of a luxury hotel is a blend of architectural grandeur, genuinely warm hospitality, and a gym so nice you’ll actually consider using it, you’ll find the InterContinental Zhengzhou hits all the high notes. Just prepare yourself for a perilous breakfast adventure—and remember, in this plush urban haven, even a bad youtiao can’t spoil your day
