Nestled in lush greenery, the recently renovated Hong Qiao State Guest Hotel is now open to dinners, as well.

The main draw, however, remains the grounds. Hundreds of stately big trees like white pine, camphor and gingko flourish here, while birds and woodland creatures flit about. Pure white lotuses float in three reflecting pools.

The 50 villas here, built in a variety of architectural styles that include American, British, Canadian and Japanese, have housed tens of thousands of guests over the years, including heads of state.

The hotel recently unveiled its newly renovated presidential villa. The 3,000 square-meter villa, built to meet five-star standards, features 20 rooms and three different-style dining halls.

The five restaurants in the complex make a novel choice for a quiet and elegant dinner, particularly Palm Island, located on the first floor of No. 6 building. Guests enjoy a reasonably priced buffet, featuring delicacies like fresh oysters, surrounded by coconut trees and bathed in the sunlight that flows from the clear, high ceiling.

( eastday.com July 19, 2002)