Discover a hidden gem in Beijing with great value for money
🏨 The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street: A great value for money experience!
I wanted to take my family to Beijing during the Lunar New Year. My son had just learned about Tiananmen Square and the national flag in first grade, and he was very excited to see the flag-raising ceremony. My son's birthday also happened to be during the Lunar New Year, so the five of us set off on a trip to Beijing. Considering the fluctuations in airfares during the Lunar New Year, I chose a route with relatively stable prices, such as Beijing, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen. I finally booked a flight to Beijing.
💰️ Average cost per person
I booked a room at The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street in Xicheng District. During the Lunar New Year, an executive king room costs about CNY 1,600 per night. We booked two rooms for 3 days and 2 nights. The hotel was very considerate and upgraded our room to an executive suite (although it was an open suite, it was 60 square meters). On the day we checked out, it was my son's birthday, and the hotel gave us a big cake and a little lion doll. The service was so heartwarming! Overall, the price was very reasonable for a stay at The Ritz-Carlton.
🏘️️️ Room type/layout
The basic room I booked was upgraded to a premium suite (open suite), which was a pleasant surprise. The room had floor-to-ceiling windows, which provided great lighting, but it was a bit hot in the afternoon due to the western exposure. The bathroom was spacious and well laid out. However, the room did show its age, with retro-style furniture like a sofa by the window and an old-fashioned TV, reminiscent of a Sheraton from 20 years ago. But the "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" painting on the minibar wall added a touch of Chinese charm.
🛌 Supplies/facilities
The room was equipped with a full set of Diptyque toiletries, which were of high quality. The flip-up switch panel on the bedside table was very creative and added a lot of fun. Although the hotel's hardware facilities were a bit dated, such as the small TV above the bathtub, all the necessary facilities were available to meet basic needs.
🧹 Soundproofing/hygiene
The room was clean and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and reassuring stay. The soundproofing was also good, allowing for a quiet and restful experience.
💗 Other tips
1. Lounge service: After checking in, I went to the lounge for afternoon tea. The staff was very friendly and chatted with my son, even asking for his name. When we returned to our room, we found a hand-drawn card wishing us a happy New Year and a happy birthday, which was very heartwarming. The lounge staff was very professional and could accurately call out guests' names every time we visited. During the Lunar New Year, the lounge was quiet and comfortable. Although we didn't have time to fully enjoy the five meals a day in the lounge, the service left a lasting impression.
2. Flag-raising ceremony: On the first night, we planned to attend the flag-raising ceremony. We left the hotel around 5:30 am, but it was difficult to get a taxi on Financial Street during the Lunar New Year. We needed two cars for five people, so we chose to take the subway. We took Line 1 to Tiananmen West Station, where there were fewer people than on the opposite side facing the flag-raising ceremony. The flag-raising ceremony was at 7 am during the New Year, and we arrived at 6:30 am, allowing us to stand in the first row on the west side. We had a clear view of the entire ceremony, from the honor guard crossing the Outer Golden Water Bridge and Chang'an Avenue to the flag-raising. After the ceremony, we returned to the hotel for breakfast, although we weren't used to the fried noodles.
3. Food recommendations: The hotel is close to Niujie, just one subway stop away. We got a number for Jubaoyuan in advance, but we missed our turn and had to wait until 7 pm for the next number. They called over 1,600 numbers in one night, which was incredible. The food was average. The next day, we tried Siji Minfu, and luckily, a friend from Shanghai gave us a number. The wait times for both restaurants were too long, which affected the overall experience, even though the food was good.
4. Hotel public areas: The hotel's drop-off area is a roundabout-style courtyard, which is very unique. The lobby has a high ceiling, and the golden marble columns are grand, reminiscent of the Forbidden City. The front desk and lobby bar are separated by green plants and trees, and the street-facing windows are protected by wooden screens, perfectly blending Chinese aesthetics with Western culture.
5. Hotel location: The hotel is located on Financial Street, a bustling commercial area, and is close to Nanluoguxiang and the Palace Museum. It is convenient to take a taxi, making it suitable for both business trips and leisure vacations.
Overall, The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street may not have a particularly luxurious feel, but it offers great value for money and excellent service. The location is central, although it is a bit far from the subway, so taxis are the main mode of transportation. The executive room, priced at over CNY 1,000 per night, is highly recommended!