This is not a typical Ska Overlander blog. When I booked my flight to Auckland with China Southern Airlines, somewhere on the wild internet, I saw there was free accommodation for people who layover in Guangzhou, China. That was where my layover was. I did not quite believe and too good to be true. However I was very curious to find out.
To confirm this information, I sent many emails to the airline, China Southern Airlines. However I have never heard back from them. You can read about free accommodation from their website.
On that day, I also asked about this at HCMC Vietnam airport when I checked in. Nobody knew and could not answer. I thought “hmm is it real? But maybe the stewardesses know”. So I asked the stewardesses. They had no clue.
I landed in Guangzhou without any accommodation just like old days. I decided to get out of the airport as I had over 20 hours of layover. I was a bit worried, but hey I did much worse back in the days.
I was asked to fill a different blue form at the 24h/144h transit visa section. Waited my turn. Couple in front of me wanted to leave the airport to go to eat outside. The officer denied, and said that there was not enough time for them to leave and come back on time. I think that was fair enough. 4 hours of layover, there is nothing walking distance and quite far from the city centre. Just in and out the immigration takes a few hours.
Then my turn. Skantastic!!! Mine was no problem.
After I went through immigration, I looked for the information desk. I thought they may have known something or they could book an accommodation if there was not free accommodation. Found it near the domestic terminal.
Asked about free accommodation. They said yes. Wow so it was real. Not urban legend. It’s not a myth! They took my details and asked me to choose a hotel from the list. There were quite few on the list. Had no idea. So I just picked the top of the list. Then I was told to wait 10 minutes for the driver to come.
10 minutes later, we were escorted to the departure area. And we were sent to this hotel, I think 15 minutes drive away from the airport.
Smooth check in. However I had to double check. “Is it really free?” I said. They replied “yes. And breakfast is from 6.30 to 9.30. Booked your shuttle for the next day. Please be here at 2 pm”. So I got free accommodation, breakfast and transport to and from the airport.
I think China Southern Airlines provided this service, but I’m not too confident whether China Southern Airlines or the airport provides this service. Anyway, I’m happy with the service.
So what was the hotel like? Metropolo Jinjiang hotel 錦江都城酒店
I stayed at Metropolo Jinjiang hotel 錦江都城酒店. The hotel was more than ok in my opinion. It was a solid 3/4 star hotel. Down side was the smell of cigarettes tho. But I guess many hotels in China smell of cigarettes more or less. The hotel was located in the middle of a busy area. There were many street foods, markets, and restaurants. May not be as busy as the city centre, it was nice for a night.
The room was huge and very clean. Loved the soft bed. Crazy feature was the automatic curtain. When I entered the room, the curtain opened itself. The view was not that nice tho. Breakfast was average. Has anyone stayed at any Toyoko inn? The hotel breakfast had a similar vibe. So I ate little and decided to eat more on the street.
Overall this was such a great service. Free transports, accommodation and breakfast. I would love to do it again.
Ska Overlander 