Asia - Novotel Oasis Beijing

I have the opportunity to stay at this hotel for next to nothing next month, but depending on travel costs to/from the major sights, it may not be worth it.

I can find precious little about this hotel online, other than that it is in the Yan Jiao Economic Development Zone, which apparently is about 30 KM from downtown. Now, if there is some kind of mass transit to/from this area, I can deal with that; if not, I'll probably pass.

Anyone familiar with the area?

I think you have nothing to loose by staying there for a day or two after you arrive because it looks pleasent enough and it is close to the airport. It is far away and there's no public transit out there, but the good news is that it's to the east of town (rather than north, south, or west). In fact, I bet I could get from where I'm staying (Palm Springs) to there in less than 15 minutes, assuming light traffic (that means 20 minutes from Sanlitun). It would also be a good staging area for a trip to Huanghua or Simatai (because it's past most of the traffic), I think. However, I would advise against daily trips to Tiananmen.

It depends on how much 'next to nothing' is. There are some good budget places near the center. There really isn't much for public transport, so you might have to cab it all the time, which could get expensive.

When you try to get a cab from alot of hotels near the airport they call a cab for you that turns out to be some guy that has a car that someone at the hotel gets a kickback from. This results in a $40US plus 'cab ride'. You can insist on a metered cab, but if you don't speak any mandarin this could be a process.

Depending on your requirments, the Far East Hotel is a great deal with a great location. I paid around $20US/night for a single. It was basic, but nice and clean. It is located in a traditional hutong near the center.

Another place to look for good deals Beijing hotels is www.sinohotel.com

When you try to get a cab from alot of hotels near the airport they call a cab for you that turns out to be some guy that has a car that someone at the hotel gets a kickback from. This results in a $40US plus 'cab ride'. You can insist on a metered cab, but if you don't speak any mandarin this could be a process.


I honestly wouldn't worry a bit about such funny business; BJ is in the process of getting its cabbies prepared for the Olympics and they're increasingly above board. And, in the unlikely event you find yourself in a pinch, call me and I'll send out my Palm Springs guy.

In any event, I would defintely take advantage of the "next to nothing," hook-up for a few days because anything with "oasis" in its name sounds good to me. (You're talking about $15 at most to get in and out of town; sure the road time sucks, but your bed will be a lot softer than those at the cheap places downtown.)

Hotels in Beijing are pretty inexpensive if you are willing to move outside the US/European chains. Cabs cost very little her in Beijing with flagfall starting at $1.25. The average cost from the airport to my place bordering south Chaoyang Park is around 50-60 RMB depending on traffic/time. During rush hour Beijing traffic is horrid. You might be able to coordinate a driver to take you around cheaply. Send me a PM and I help you coordinate something with a driver that my wife and I use on a daily basis.

PS. Moondog--you live right next store. I live in Park Avenue.