Beijing Hotels: Seriously, None of Them Actually Impress.

[Ms. Cecilia Lowe]

Sigh, my stay in a hotel in Beijing this time was not so pleasant.

• There are plenty of hotels that claim to be "luxurious," but the truth is:

  • Old and Outdated: The facilities seem to have fallen behind the times.
  • Tiny Rooms: The space feels confined and suffocating.
  • Pricey As Hell: The money spent does not match the experience provided.
  • Subpar Service: Oftentimes, it feels like the staff aren't fully dedicated.

• This time, let me focus my complaints on hotels within the Marriott Group in Beijing, although frankly, I feel that many other international brands also have similar issues.

️ Travel Tips and Advice for Foreign Friends (Very Important! Please Pay Attention!)

• Potential Problem: Beijing, being the capital of China, has numerous historic five-star hotels. However, "historic" can sometimes mean that facilities may be outdated, and room designs could be old fashioned, resulting in cramped space. Additionally, prices might still be high due to location and brand.
• How to Avoid:
  • Before booking a hotel, thoroughly review recent reviews from other travelers—pay close attention to photos they have posted from their stay. Do not rely just on the beautiful promotional photos from the hotel!
  • If your budget allows, prioritize hotels that are marked as "recently opened" or "recently renovated."
  • For very old luxury hotels, be aware that hardware conditions might not be as good as newer ones unless you have a preference for specific historical charm.

Good News Update (May 27th):

• Later on, during my stay at The Peninsula Beijing, a duplex suite in the Wangfujing area, I had an improved experience. I would certainly recommend it.(Photos shown in P2-4 if visible)

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

If you've got the money, Beijing has plenty of great hotels: Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood (a bit old but still very good), Waldorf Astoria, Peninsula, the InterContinental in Sanlitun, Aman at Summer Palace, and Bvlgari.

[Sally Breitenberg]

Haha, I just feel that when you compare the same hotel brands, Beijing's offerings don't quite measure up to those in other cities.

[Jeannie Parisian]

You've probably only stayed in a few.

[Ken Fahey]

For Marriott Bonvoy properties in Beijing, I've stayed at two JWs, two Ritz-Carltons, a St. Regis, Jinmao Renaissance, two Westins, and probably some others I can't recall. For non-Marriott hotels, I've stayed at Park Hyatt, Rosewood, China World Hotel, Hotel Jen Beijing (New Traders), and The Puxuan. This trip, I'm staying at The Peninsula Wangfujing and Waldorf Astoria. If I were staying longer in Beijing, I'd choose the MO.

[Maryann Daniel IV]

The Waldorf Astoria and The Peninsula are also quite good.

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

The suites at the Waldorf Astoria are quite spacious too.

[Mattie Lockman]

Beijing has tons of hotels, many of which have been around for ages. Constantly comparing after staying at just one or a few shows a lack of worldly experience. People who are truly knowledgeable, cultured, well-mannered, especially those who grew up with a sense of inner richness, wouldn't obsess over such comparisons.

[Dr. Israel McLaughlin]

You're right, perhaps I wasn't 'spiritually wealthy' growing up. I've studied for a long time but feel I haven't learned much, and yes, my age and experience are limited, so I haven't seen much of the world, which is why I 'nitpick.' But as a consumer, it's my right to make comparisons. Having spent my money, it's also my right to choose products and a lifestyle that suit me. If you don't like 'endless comparisons,' you can simply ignore these posts. The more you reply, the more the algorithm will show them to you.

[Mr. Nathan Waelchi]

Exactly... I didn't think so before, but after staying at a few hotels in Shanghai, the difference is just so stark, sigh...

[Linda Dietrich]

Hahahaha, next time I'm in Beijing, I'll have to try the MO to see how good their 'top tier' (ceiling) really is.

[Marcos Goodwin]

Well said!

[Miss Angela Cormier]

It drives me crazy every time I go.

[Rafael Rau]

Mandarin Oriental, InterContinental Sanlitun.

[Karen Bruen]

I'll try the InterContinental Sanlitun next time!

[Emma Kihn]

Stop talking nonsense. Go check out the Grand Hyatt, China World Summit Wing, or Park Hyatt at Yintai Center. You really talk so big.

[Elaine Boyle PhD]

Didn't I specifically mention Marriott properties? Besides, how do you even know I haven't stayed at the ones you mentioned?

[Delia Jast]

Rosewood.

[Miss Alison Collier]

What kind of room would be a better choice?

[Wayne Marvin]

I think the Grand Hyatt is pretty well-balanced in all aspects; it's decent. But prices really shoot up during summer vacation. For summer, maybe China World Hotel (by Shangri-La) is a good bet – you can eat five meals a day there, so you won't have to worry about finding food in a 'culinary desert.' If budget is no object, go straight for the MO Wangfujing.