We had two nights here on our own after a three night paid-for stay at the plush Beijing Shangrila. This was just what we wanted. In the heart of the historic centre, with the Forbidden City a 5-minute walk away and Tiananmen Square not much more. Also minutes away was the upmarket shopping area of Wanfujing with excellent malls and great food- including the
not-to-be-missed Quanjude Roast Duck restaurant. The famous Snack Street is just around the corner with snake, dragon-fly, scorpion, silk-worm, and run-of-the-mill fish and fowl, fruit and vegetables on the menu!
The hotel is shiny, clean and modern. Our twin-room was spacious with lots and lots of cupboard space, large bathroom, robes, slippers, electronic safe...all the mod cons. Only minusno free tea and coffee in the room. The facilities were there, from kettle to the sachets of milk and sugar, but all chargeable. Luckily we knew this rom previous Tripadvisor reviews so we carried our own! Oh yes! While the bathrooms and cupboards lit up very brightly, the light in the room was a little dim- not good enough to read comfortably. But no matter. We weren't in Beijing to read.
The staff was excellent. With passable English, always attentive and smiling and helpful with directions. Previous reviews suggest they aren't too forthcoming with nearby-restaurant recommendations. No wonder. We found the Chinese eateries across the hotel rip-offs. Definitely charging more than double for the English-language menus.The exception being Grandma's Kitchen for a European menu with free delivery for a minimum order of 50 yuan. Try them for breakfast. The hotel's rate is 80 yuan for middling fare.
The Reception gives out the hotel's card with its address in Chinese and a small list of phrases one might need to use. English for us, Chinese equivalent opposite. Very handy.
I loved this place. Hated leaving! Made our trip to
Beijing a happy one.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene, Pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites