Since its opening the hotel has become renowned for its elegant design and high-quality service. It has received over 40 heads of state and government including the British Queen Elizabeth II, President Bush of the United States, and Chancellor Kohl of Germany. The hotel has 843 rooms and suites spread over 32 floors. It is air-conditioned and has a lobby, 24-hour reception and check-out service, a hotel safe, currency exchange facility, lift access, café, hairdressers' salon, bar, games room, restaurant, conference facilities, Internet access (subject to fees), as well as room and laundry services. Bicycles can be hired at the hotel. Parking facilities are available to guests arriving by car.

The hotel is located on the historical Shamian Island, overlooking the famed Pearl River and facing the White Swan Lake. The hotel remains an oasis of tranquillity in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. The nearest underground and bus station, Huangshan, is just a 15-minute walk away, while Tianhe train station is about a 20-minute drive away. It is situated only a 10-minute drive from the downtown area.

The hotel has both a Chinese and western restaurant, offering French and Japanese cuisine, as well as a variety of other exquisite dishes.