Hmm....

Lots of places to choose from.

I've stayed in the Grand Hyatt and it's pretty nice. Modern and large. Rooms are decorated in a modern style...but the quality isn't awesome- like the TV's are still CRT, and the bath products don't seem to write anything of a manufacturer.

The Ritz- is it the one next to the JW Marriott? The location isn't the greatest unless you're going to spend your time at the Shin Kong Place. Otherwise you need to use the taxi or the subway.

Shangri-La's have a pretty good reputation in Beijing. They do have a new Traders hotel that will be opening soon, but the location is not good unless you're going to be in that area.

JW Marriott, next to the Ritz, is also very modern, and very new. Only problem I can pluck out of it is that the rooms are pretty small, and the windows are not floor to ceiling. Also, the hallways are pretty dark. But that's what you get for a new modern hotel!

Not sure if it is next to the JW but it is on Jian Guo road. It is supposed to be NOT in the financial district?

This Ritz?

No. 83A Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025 China Phone: 86-10 5908-8888 Fax: 86-10 5908 8899

That one and the JW have opened for not a long time (whole area in fact is new development (pretty much).

Pretty much depends on you. Location, where to go, what you need to do, et cetera.

Robyn,

If location is not important to you then stay at Ritz Carlton (Financial district), my husband and I have stayed both at the Grand Hyatt & Peninsula and we were really disappointed with grand Hyatt. The age of the hotel is definitely showing and the service was not 5 star either. The Penisula was ok…I liked the room but the bathroom was small, service was so so and lobby was not impressive. We are actually going to Beijing in oct and we’ve booked Ritz (financial district). We’ve always liked the Ritz, it’s new, modern and have great service. Hope it helps and enjoy my hometown!

Thanks for the advice! I booked the Ritz Carlton (not the Financial district one) since I was able to get a really really good rate online which basically is costing me $1200 USD including all of the taxes and service fees for 4 nights and breakfast, and the round trip private car transfers which is pretty cheap! Thanks again everyone.