Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley

This is a resort/conference center hotel set on a beautiful grounds on the edge of one of Wuhan's many beautiful lakes. That's good, and it is quite self contained, but it does mean that downtown restaurant districts are a taxi ride away. Close to the Wuhan high speed train station, but about an hour by taxi from the airport. Close to one of the emerging high tech entrepreneurial zones, so very convenient if that's where you're meetings are (mine were). The design of the entire facility is wildly, almost ridiculously over the top, in a good way. They must have more pools, ponds, waterfalls and fountains than Disney World. But, it's huge, with over 500 rooms and a rather complex and confusing room layout. You will want a bellhop to show you your room the first time, and leaving a train of breadcrumbs or pebbles not a bad idea.

On-site restaurants were good, but not brilliant for the price. Breakfast buffet had something for everyone, almost no matter where you come from. Most of the staff speaks at least minimal English, which is huge if (like me) you don't speak Chinese.