socalterp
Jul 10, 07, 8:33 am
Recently had occasion to stay at both the Westin Beijing Financial Street and Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, both for 4 nights on the Exec/Club floors. A comparison of the hotels is below:
Location
LM is in the middle of the action, right on People's Square and the end of the Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall. The Westin Beijing is off the beaten path a bit, in a new financial district that has little street life. Taxis are cheap, so not a big deal, but it doesn't feel as if you're in an Asian city. However, if you want a respite, it's a good location.
Rooms
Had Club Level rooms at both places, about the same size (38-40 sq meters) Both rooms were modern, though the LM more contemporary in feel with the use of frosted glass and lighter colors, while the Westin was warmer, with more wood, etc. Both had plasma tvs and small sitting areas, and the Westin had free in-room wi-fi and LAN connections while the LM was not free. More closet and drawer space at the Westin, though LM was adequate. Though both hotels are very new, the room at the Westin looked to be in better shape (possibly due to much lower occupancy rates) Complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea service offered at both.
Bath
Both had "glass windows" looking into the room, with curtains/blinds that could be drawn. Separate deep tub and shower at the Westin, with terrific water pressure in the rain forest shower. LM had a tub and shower, but both located in the same "room" L'Occitane products at the LM, not sure of the brand at the Westin
Club Level
LM larger and more contemporary, with a soaring ceiling. Westin's is smaller and more clubby feeling, but still of ample size. Both had breakfast buffets - slightly preferred the Westin's, mostly due to the availability of fresh fruit and better congee, along with the food being warmer/fresher. Both had a combo of Asian and Western selections. Evening happy hours are also offered at both, with the Westin offering better quality, IMO. Westin also started offering complimentary in-chair massages in the eveings while we were there, a nice touch. Also found the club level staff at the Westin to be more accomodating and willing to do all concierge services, while at LM some things were passed off on the very busy main concierge.
Fitness Center
Both are quite nice, with indoor pools, saunas, hot tubs, nice locker rooms, etc. The Westin's is a bit more compact, with everything down the same hall - and you can go directly from the locker room to the pool. At the LM, the pool and fitness center is on a different level from the locker room, and requires a trip down a hall and up a flight of stairs. Nice quality cardio and weight equipment in both. Only complaint about the Westin was that the air temp in the pool area was pretty chilly, and the hot tub wasn't quite warm enough...but great showers in the locker rooms.
Other
Easy to get a taxi at all times at the Westin, but can be difficult in the evenings at LM. Clientele mostly business at the Westin and a mix of Western and Asian, while mostly Western (European) at LM. The Westin is a much smaller hotel, and easier to navigate than the dual lobby/dual elevator system at LM. Prices at LM were about 750RMB higher per night than at the Westin, not surprising given the city and the occupany rates.
Location
LM is in the middle of the action, right on People's Square and the end of the Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall. The Westin Beijing is off the beaten path a bit, in a new financial district that has little street life. Taxis are cheap, so not a big deal, but it doesn't feel as if you're in an Asian city. However, if you want a respite, it's a good location.
Rooms
Had Club Level rooms at both places, about the same size (38-40 sq meters) Both rooms were modern, though the LM more contemporary in feel with the use of frosted glass and lighter colors, while the Westin was warmer, with more wood, etc. Both had plasma tvs and small sitting areas, and the Westin had free in-room wi-fi and LAN connections while the LM was not free. More closet and drawer space at the Westin, though LM was adequate. Though both hotels are very new, the room at the Westin looked to be in better shape (possibly due to much lower occupancy rates) Complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea service offered at both.
Bath
Both had "glass windows" looking into the room, with curtains/blinds that could be drawn. Separate deep tub and shower at the Westin, with terrific water pressure in the rain forest shower. LM had a tub and shower, but both located in the same "room" L'Occitane products at the LM, not sure of the brand at the Westin
Club Level
LM larger and more contemporary, with a soaring ceiling. Westin's is smaller and more clubby feeling, but still of ample size. Both had breakfast buffets - slightly preferred the Westin's, mostly due to the availability of fresh fruit and better congee, along with the food being warmer/fresher. Both had a combo of Asian and Western selections. Evening happy hours are also offered at both, with the Westin offering better quality, IMO. Westin also started offering complimentary in-chair massages in the eveings while we were there, a nice touch. Also found the club level staff at the Westin to be more accomodating and willing to do all concierge services, while at LM some things were passed off on the very busy main concierge.
Fitness Center
Both are quite nice, with indoor pools, saunas, hot tubs, nice locker rooms, etc. The Westin's is a bit more compact, with everything down the same hall - and you can go directly from the locker room to the pool. At the LM, the pool and fitness center is on a different level from the locker room, and requires a trip down a hall and up a flight of stairs. Nice quality cardio and weight equipment in both. Only complaint about the Westin was that the air temp in the pool area was pretty chilly, and the hot tub wasn't quite warm enough...but great showers in the locker rooms.
Other
Easy to get a taxi at all times at the Westin, but can be difficult in the evenings at LM. Clientele mostly business at the Westin and a mix of Western and Asian, while mostly Western (European) at LM. The Westin is a much smaller hotel, and easier to navigate than the dual lobby/dual elevator system at LM. Prices at LM were about 750RMB higher per night than at the Westin, not surprising given the city and the occupany rates.