GUANGZHOU is probably not top of most peoples' list of romantic destinations, but for a weekend break, the busy city's hotels have a surprising amount to offer.
Not least is the appeal of privacy - the odds against bumping into familiar faces from Hongkong are far lower say than in Macau.
The spectacular 702-room Gitic Plaza Hotel, the tallest hotel in Asia, dominates the skyline.
Newly completed and strikingly attractive, this hotel is totally China-backed but run by expatriates, with an impressive level of sophistication, especially in its 14 restaurants. It even boasts a French pasty chef.
The Gitis has spent US$500,000 on sound equipment for the latest in hi-tech disco and karaoke equipment, and employs a British disc jockey from Liverpool, Neal Chase, who makes regular forays to Hongkong to buy the latest music.
General manager Mr Peter Sun puts great emphasis on quality throughout the hotel and is confident the Gitic can compete with the best Hongkong can offer.