Hey bros,

Does anyone know where to go in SZ for a decent international buffet (at a hotel) and where to find a trendy lounge/bar with live music, not super noisy kind.

Thanks for any help.

Try the Crowne Plaza - one of my favorite hang-outs when wanting to go a bit more up-market.
Googled this for you

Crowne Plaza 深圳突尼斯酒店, Shenzhen
Crowne Plaza Shenzhen is the first international Venetian-themed hotel in China. Crowne Plaza Shenzhen reflects the way most of us would like to live: among sleek designs and eclectic art pieces, and with great style and comfort. All 372 guest rooms, including 70 suites, are calm, cozy and uncluttered, equipped with modern amenities. Four restaurants and three lounges/bar; meeting and convention venue can accommodate up to 400 people for dinner or 700 people for cocktail reception. Attentive service and facilities for total relaxation or endless entertainment are just some of the things that make the Crowne Plaza Shenzhen stand out. The Crowne Plaza Shenzhen is a relaxing retreat minutes away from Futian Center District and the Hi-Tech. Zone, and 25km from Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l Airport. Right to next to it, you will find some of China's most famous and scenic spots.

SEAJ

Lifted from the web...

Shenzhen has two famous streets noted for their large number of bars and clubs. One street is located in Huaqiao City. The bars on this street are popular with young people. The other street is located in the Sea World Square of Shekou District of Shenzhen. There are more than a dozen bars and cafes here, many of them catering to foreign visitors. Below are some recommendations:

True Color Bars
There are three locations in Shenzhen. These bars feature live bands and jazz music.
Guoqi location: the 25th floor of Guoqi Mansion, Shanbu South Road, Futian District. Buses routes 4, 8, 12, 25, 29, 202, 302, 414, 416, 421, 426 and 523 stop here.
Dongyuan location: the 3rd and 4th floor of Dongyuan Mansion, Dongyuan Road, Futian District. Bus routes 7, 8, 14, 23, 24, 29, 30, 33, 352, 353, K302, 548B, 406, 408, 416, 421, 426, 428 and 446 stop here.
Dongmen location: the 4th floor of Gold World Business Center of Dong Men, Jiefang Road, Luohu District. Bus routes 3, 10, 103, 113, 215, 220, 223, 309, 311, 351, 454 and 483 stop here.

For the buffet - as suggested by SEAJ, stick to the large upscale hotel chains - Marriott, Ritz, Sheraton, Shangri La, etc.

If your hotel doesn't offer one, I'm sure the staff can help lead you the right direction.

Might also consider Holiday Plaza near Windows of the World.

For buffet, I'd definitely go to the Grand Hyatt in Lou Hu, excellent and great view if weather is nice! For music, there's a restaurant called LSD in OCT area, they used to have a jazz singer. also check C Union but I think they changed their name.....all in an area called LOFT behind Huge KONKA bldg.

The Panglin hotel I went to - pretty formal and the restaurant is pretty high up for a hotel - and rotates a full 360 I believe! Good place for special occasion but isnt cheap - around 400 pp.

On Shekou Seaworld, it is being dug up as we speak so it won't be the same as before for a while yet

Thanks for the recommends.  Will check a couple those places out.

Check out King Glory Plaza (Jin Guan Hua), KAMII JApanese Resto =- 7th Floor.
Ambience is excellent.

Price RMB188.

Been there few times.

All you can eat Shashimi.

Cant remember if there was any live music.

But cant go wrong in this resto.

My colleague, GF, friends, uncle all love it.

Just wanted to give a short report on what I did in SZ following the advice of some bros.

I ended up rooming at the New Century Hotel which is a stone's throw from the Shangri-La.  Not a bad room for 538 RMB.  Had tea at the Laurel restaurant which is on the 1st floor of the hotel.  I like this restaurant cuz it's clean, food is excellent quality and service is good.

Also went to Queen's Spa to get massage.  This place is much bigger and more expensive than other places, 188 for 90 minute Thai massage.

Went to check out the buffet on the 50th floor of the Panglin.  Not what I thought it would be in terms of the ambience and quality of food for a revolving restaurant up high. Decided to go to King's Glory.  Ended up going to Kamii under Hunter's recommendation.  But I got there pretty late and had to order everything I wanted in one shot (it's all you can eat Jap).
Got to a point where 1/4 of my order didn't arrive, which was fine since I was full already. Bill was 350 RMB for two.

Then went over to Soho Bar just across the street.  Read a very old review which said it had live music.  Well yes it did, long time ago on the second floor, but no more now.  second floor lounge was all but empty except for the bar, some DJ equipment on stage and a bunch of staff resting.  In the main bar downstairs was busy, everyone drinking and playing dice at tables, very smokey.  I decided to have a drink on the second floor patio/open area which overlooks the street.  This was much quieter and more comfortable for talking.  I was tempted to go to the lounge at Shangri-La but was late and was tired.