Swissotel Beijing

Swissotel Beijing was the five star hotel chosen by our tour group for our eight night stay in Beijing. In my opinion they could not have made a better choice. Everything ran seemlessly and with Swiss perfection. When our group of 38 arrived for checkin, all our rooms were ready and keys handed to us with no delay. Our bags were whisked to our rooms.

We had a large and spacious room on the ninth floor, with every comfort (including a pillow menu!). The beds were rather hard, but in fact very comfortable. The view of this impressive city from our room was wonderful.

Housekeeping kept the room immaculately clean and replenished towels, linen, and bathroom products as we needed. Even slippers were replaced without being requested when they got a bit tatty looking.

Breakfast every morning was superb, with every sort of European and Oriental dish you might wish for. Similarly, the buffet type dinner left absolutely nothing to be desired.

In the evening we regularly met our friends in the Flow Bar for a cocktail or cold beer, welcome after a long hot day's sightseeing. Prices are European, but you'd expect that here. The bar is very comfortable and stylish - I loved the brightly coloured silk cushions. Every night a music group performs here and they are first rate.

There are a couple of shops in the lobby area with very nice souvenirs, reasonably proced jewelry, and fine cigars.

Unique Quality: There's a gorgeous indoor pool on the third floor which, I believe, is unusual for Beijing. There are also a couple of outdoor tennis courts, a gym, and a great spa.

The staff are wonderful, always smiling as they greet you each day. Some of them even made an effort to say "Mornin'" with an Irish accent for our large Irish group.

The location is about as central as you can get, with a subway station right on the doorstep.

Outside the hotel, and right round the corner, there's a good Starbucks with outdoor seating in case you long for something American.

I highly recommend this hotel.

I have stayed here several times and it has never disappointed me as a business hotel and as a location for this purpose.
The first thing I look for when I enter a hotel room on a job related trip is writing and computer space and the hotel's business centre.
In this respect the Swissotel is great, even if the business centre's prices are a bit over the top, with photocopying and printing being very expensive.
Rooms vary a bit in size and convenience, but I have always slept well in good beds here, too, even if jet lag has been haunting me from time to time.
Convenient location for subway and airport access.

Unique Quality: The evening dinner buffet at the hotel lobby area restaurant is excellent, and I have taken delight in seeing noodles being made from raw materials and cooked to order for me.
The breakfast buffet here is also fine, but I'm just not much of a breakfast person... Don't ask for a large cappuchino here, though, they will be coming with a pint of it - seriously!
For very good in-hotel dining, try the eclectic and upmarket Asian Happy Valley restaurant here. Steamed fish is excellent; romantic place, too....
For some souvenir, clothing and antiques shopping there is a good place past the stationary/book shop which you see to the left of the lobby. Further in the corridor is an ATM of Bank of China, very convenient. The postal office/EMS counter in the same area offers its services sourly and reluctantly in my experience, but then it's government...
The lobby bar area could do well without the singing ladies with splits up to the armpits in their new style qipao outfits; Swissotel - why not have two bar areas - one for the music thing and one for quiet after-the-day contemplation?

Directions: 12-14 Yuan by taxi from Wangfujing/ Tienanmen Sq.
Located 15 minutes walk west of the Workers' Stadium on the 2nd Ring Road, north-east of teh Forbidden City.

Located in
No 2 Chao Yang Men Bei Da Jie
Very comfortable, located close to the forbidden city and Tinamien square.
Nice rooms, beautiful atrium, great fitness center and swimming pool.
lease note that you have to pay for the breakfast howver - And at RMB158, it is very exhorbitant.

Unique Quality: You can get from here to most of the places comfortably. Located very near the Subway terminal. Very good restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Do not eat in the hotel. Much cheaper and better food available in a wide selection within walking distance.
Beautiful pool and very well equipped fitness center.

I was at the Swiss hote Beijing which was very good.
About 80-100 USD a night pp

Here another icture of the summer palace