Lonely Planet Review
Your excitement at the thought of staying in the oldest hotel in Beijing may dim somewhat at reception, but questionable service aside, the hotel has a sumptuous interior extending over multiple wings that beats all others. Rooms cry out, however, for a skillful designer to bring them to life.
The hotel is divided into alphabetised sections, each with its own distinct lobby and check-in counter. While each unit is seamlessly connected with the others, they do all have their own stylistic theme, which creates the illusion of separate spaces. Building B, for example, is Versailles-themed, while C is Chinese. We aren't terribly impressed by how these themes were translated into room designs. The Chinese style seems almost lazily applied, with just a few traditional elements existing in an otherwise modern room. The French-themed rooms were much more detailed, though a little frilly for our tastes. Some rooms have a very attractive view of the Forbidden City, which for many customers may be all the style they need. Where the Beijing shines is in its ornate public spaces, its seemingly endless food and beverage options, and its prime location.
Review by author
Robert Kelly