China World Hotel

“Helpful service, comfortable rooms and connected to a useful mall.”

This luxurious hotel has been around for years and it is still one of the best. It offers a lower price than the Grand Hyatt and some other international competitors especially if staying 3 days or more. Location is a bit further from Tiananmen but taxis aren’t expensive. During evening rush hour… more

This luxurious hotel has been around for years and it is still one of the best. It offers a lower price than the Grand Hyatt and some other international competitors especially if staying 3 days or more. Location is a bit further from Tiananmen but taxis aren’t expensive. During evening rush hours it can be hard to get a cab so plan in advance. Surprisingly there isn’t a line of cabs waiting outside the hotel. I guess Beijing isn’t like that. Always have to call. The sprawling China World shopping mall is connected to the lobby. Very handy especially in bad weather and has great restaurants and lots of high end brands. Not many mid range shops. Ole supermarket is a long walk through the mall. Confusing layout, must follow the signs. The Atm is in the mall and a bit hard to find. There were some VIPs staying in the hotel and we had to go through airport style security checks each time we entered the hotel. Apparently this happens quite often at this hotel. Would have been useful to have a bakery near the lobby area in case you need a snack because the mall bakeries open late and close early. Live music in the lobby is a classy touch. Service: Professional and helpful. Must praise the concierge and bell desk. Helped me get train tickets, taxis, book museum and forbidden city tickets. Because reading some Chinese and having a local cell phone number is sometimes required for such things. It is quite hard to use the new apps Wechat for advance reservations for sights and Alipay for payment of taxis and restaurants and shops. The Room: Not the most modern and that is good. No silly glass walls between the bathroom and bedroom like some new places. Aircon is good and adjustable. Beds are comfy and duvets just right. A few points for improvement. Bathrooms have a separate shower but water temperature can fluctuate. Pump bottles for hand soap and shower gel would have been better than the soap bars and small bottles. Also facial cotton pads ought to be provided. Bedside USB outlets would be handy. A washjet toilet bowl would be a good upgrade. Internet login is tricky requiring cell phone verification. Should just make it immediate login and not require a password. One night I smelled cigarette smoke coming from a neighboring room. The hotel was apologetic and I know it is not their fault since the guest violated the no smoking rule. Highly recommend this hotel if you don’t need to be next to Tiananmen Sq.

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