Ascott Raffles City Beijing

“北京聖誕節 (Christmas in Beijing)”

Last year seems so long ago, already missing our recent holiday in the mainland. Visiting different provinces in China during xmas was interrupted during covid years. So it was a relief when the wotld re—opened this year, as we resumed our tradition, choosing Beijing. We stayed with the Capita... more

Last year seems so long ago, already missing our recent holiday in the mainland. Visiting different provinces in China during xmas was interrupted during covid years. So it was a relief when the wotld re—opened this year, as we resumed our tradition, choosing Beijing. We stayed with the CapitaLand Group, this time the Ascott brand (previously stayed with a Somerset). The location of the hotel, Ascott Raffles City Beijing (ARCB) is perfect, specifically if underground train system is your go-to means of transport for sight-seeing destinations, shopping, etc. (eg WangFujing). It was SO easy to travel to and from UNIVERSAL STUDIOS BEIJING! The Airport Express Line station is also walkable from hotel, as was ‘Gui Jie’ (street). And as mentioned in previous previews, hotel guests have private access to connected Raffles City mall. The grocery, Food and Beverage outlets in the mall, makes your hotel stay efficiently comfortable. And since we were in city central, it never felt far going to/coming back from the iconic Great Wall, Palace Museum, But this review focuses on our hotel/service apartment experience, starting from the airport pickup and transfer to hotel via hotel car, driver Donald who remained courteous and friendly upon greet, even as he took us ‘home’, after waiting for our arrival after midnight. Check in (on the 6/F, complimentary coffee/tea available) was smooth and quick, having been pre-paid vis agent, being assigned to the executive apartment, 2 bedroom on 21/F. We were high enough to see above buildings across from the hotel, to have a skyline and see the sunrise for the next 3 days. It’s an apartment, meaning it has a proper dining area and fully equipped kitchen, with crockery, cutleries, etc, which we did utilize, coming back from day trips into the city. Housekeeping did a very good job, servicing the apt, refilling/replenishing, etc, while we were gone, having us come back to a clean home…it was like checking in to a brand new room each time. Water pressure is strong, wifi is stable…room temperature was comfortably kept at 23-25’c vs the cold weather below 0 outside. Breakfast room is on the 6/F, basic fusion of western & asian foods. Guests continue to feel right at home, thanks to the care and attention of Franco, Cassie and team. Yes, the hotel is not new ∨ has the bling as some others. It falls more under the classics style of the 90s-early 2000s, which was fine for us, per our trip’s itinerary. We did our homework, looking into various hotel’s background, before deciding on Ascott, which is really what people should do, instead booking/gking in blindly then complaining when facilities are below (their) expectation. We have none and were happy with what ARCB has to offer, from arrival up until departure car/svc to airport. But the loudest shout out goes to Miki Wu of Guest Services, who I had been in contact with pre-arrival, during stay, up until check out day when we finally met. She always found the time to reply to queries, incl assisting with day tour+guide arrangement, authentic peking duck lunch location…. even going beyond than what her responsibilities entail, specifically on arrival day and xmas eve, which me & fam sincerely appreciated. It is employees like Miki that makes a hotel stand out, no matter new or old, no matter what facilities/services are offered. The hospitality industry will always only succeed, fully dependable on the good relationship formed between management/site staff and guests. So, bravo, Miki and staff…Thank you for sharing your home, making it ours, even for awhile last Christmas…

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