WILLIAM N BELL
July 4, 2024
The room 1545 was dated design. It was oak wood cabinets, and did not seem like a 5 star designed hotel. It was very clean, and had a 2 bedroom with washer/dryer in the kitchen area which was convenient. We arrived late and the front desk staff did not really help us at all. They did not welcome us, and just did the check-in transaction pretty impersonal. Later during the day the staff was much better. The location is the best in Beijing, close to Forbidden city, and tons of places to eat. Some of the best restaurants in the world are near by. The breakfast buffet could be larger and have more offerings - but even though sparse the food was good and the service was excellent.
Literally no coffee machine in the room, just a tea pot for boiling water and some instant coffee! This was a huge disappointment.
Also, we called Telephone 0 for front-desk and had to do it literally 15 times to get a hotel clerk. And also the clerk did not understand English but still answered the phone as "Hello". They should never say English words if they don't speak English. It makes it very frustrating.
No ATM on site, but about 400m down the street at Bank of China. The taxi stand is down the hill but convenient, but don't use Hotel porter since they just call Didi for you.
Could be better, needs to modernize - but fantastic location.
Oh, the Patisserie / Coffee shop on Level 1 is excellent but not open until 10am. No idea why!
The indoor pool is great - but you need to get a head cap for 30 RMB.