Zhongnanhai

I have very mixed feelings about our stay: Positives: - location (close to subway, supermarket next door,etc) - friendly and helpful reception staff (don't really speak English but use a translator device and keen to help). - big room with a separate area for kids Negatives: - overall decor and cleanliness - as children stay free no amenities were provided for them. Had to ask for bedding and towels on arrival. Their bed never got made or enough towels left. - very rude staff in the breakfast bar (apart from the young guy on a couple of mornings) - rooms only cleaned superficially, sink and floor dirty, mushrooms sprouting in the shower. - limited breakfast options for western palates, not much variety from day to day. - no free ice-cream in lobby. My kids were disappointed. We stayed for 9 days and it wasn't available once. Don't advertise if you're not going to restock it. - view from our winfow: ask for street view if you can!

The staff were very welcoming, courteous and helpful throughout. Our room was excellent, very large, and with all you might need for luxurious stay in Beijing. We look forward to staying longer soon to enjoy all the facilities available.