As Ngaire and some of you know, I have done a fair amount of research on Beijing hotels for those planning on staying in Beijing post-cruise and not going on the Regent post-cruise. I’ve concluded that for those not planning to use points or some other special promotion, one of the best deals is at the Peninsula Beijing, and its location is excellent. I have read reviews from TripAdvisor, Concierge.com, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, etc. This is what Frommer’s says.
The Peninsula Beijing (Wangfu Fandian) Review *** (highest rating) The range of accommodations choices in Beijing is now so vast that no hotel can claim to be the absolute best, but if a choice had to be made, it would be the Peninsula. Most international hotel management agencies are forced to work with Chinese parent companies, which typically hold the majority stake and are interested in squeezing their properties, rather than investing in staff training or renovations. The Peninsula is owned by its parent company, and it shows. Service is impeccable, and helpful touches abound: Braille on all signs; a user-friendly bedside control panel which displays the outside temperature and humidity; and tri-level mood lighting. In the exclusive shopping arcade is Jing, one of the city's best fusion restaurants.
Facilities: 2 restaurants (fusion, Cantonese); cafe; indoor pool; fully equipped fitness center; saunas and steam rooms; 24-hr. concierge; tour desk; Rolls-Royce and Mercedes limousines; business center; shopping arcade (with ATM and bank); Clarions Beauty Institute; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; same-day dry cleaning/laundry service
The rate for a Deluxe room, including Internet and Breakfast and all taxes, comes to about $222 per room per night. A Grand Deluxe Room is $257. These “Winter Escape Package†rates also include a value-added benefit, such as an airport transfer, or a SPA credit for $60, or afternoon tea (If you do not pick one of the “Winter Escape Packages†neither breakfast nor a value-added benefit is included.). Here are the specific details:
Winter Escape Package:
Deluxe Room (description below)* at RMB 1288.00 (+ 15% (surcharge-see below) = ($222 per room per night at 1 RMB = $0.15)
Grand Deluxe Room (description below)** at RMB 1488.00 (= $257) per room per night
- Rates include daily breakfast (maximum of two people) in Jing restaurant
Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection once per stay:
- Round trip airport transfers
- One set afternoon tea for maximum 2 people in the Lobby Lounge
- Spa voucher worth RMB 400 (=$60) per person per stay at The Peninsula SPA
Terms & Conditions:
-Room rates are subject to 15% surcharge (included in my calculations)
-The spa voucher applies to treatments only (it is not available for the purchase of ESPA products), and is not refundable or redeemable, in part or in full, for cash, and cannot be used for future visits
-All rates are quoted on a per room per night basis and valid for single/double occupancy.
-Advance booking is required and must be confirmed directly by the hotel.
-Room rates cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.
-Flight details for airport transfers must be received by the hotel at least 24 hours prior to the arrival date in order to guarantee airport transfers; confirmation of airport transfers will be sent by the hotel on receipt of flight details
Room descriptions:
*Deluxe Room 31 square meters (334 sq. ft.)
King or twin beds
Multi-function bedside electronic control panel
42 inch plasma screen television with cable channel
Fully stocked mini-bar
In room safe
Two line international direct dial telephones with voice mail
Executive work desk with data socket
Complimentary high speed Internet access and modern hook up
Facsimile machine
Dual voltage
Radio
CD/DVD player
Coffee/tea making facility
Bathroom
Marble bathroom with bathtub and shower
Hairdryers and bathrobes
Telephone
**Grand Deluxe Room Everything in Deluxe Room PLUS
34 square meters (366 sq. ft.) instead of 31 square meters
Sitting area
14 inch LCD television in BATHROOM
Cancellation Policy:
Non-guaranteed reservations will be held only until 6:00 pm on the day of arrival if no credit card details are provided. Cancellations/amendments to guaranteed reservations should be made at least 24 hours prior to the arrival date in order to avoid incurring a no-show charge of one night’s rate.
The Peninsula will arrange for airport transfers via hotel limousine at RMB 700.00 (=$105) one way per car.
Ngaire and I decided that it would be best if each couple (or single) handled their own reservation.
You can go to the
Peninsula Web site , pick the Peninsula Beijing, enter dates, enter number of people, pick type of room, pick package (for example, “Winter Escape Package-Spa Creditâ€), convert currency (if desired). Note the rates shown here do not include the 15% surcharge that I included in the above calculation.
If you decide to make your reservation at the Peninsula, you can let me know, and I will keep track of our group. (It is possible that we will get additional amenities depending on the final size of the group.) If you have any difficulties navigating the Peninsula's site, which is not the most straightforward, feel free to drop me a line, and I’ll see if I can provide assistance.
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Eugene
