Park Hyatt Beijing REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Nov 21, 2008, 6:52 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
One-Night Stay at Park Hyatt Beijing
I'm typing this from my room at the Park Hyatt Beijing now. Will be here tonight, and then off to Tianjin for one night, then back at the Park Hyatt on Sunday.
The hotel is part of the Yintai Centre complex right opposite the China World Hotel. I did call the hotel upon getting into the taxi, and the operator told me the hotel was behind the Hermes Boutique. But, the entrance to the hotel is extremely hard to find. The taxi driver has to drive behind Yintai centre and even then, the signage to the hotel entrance is very hard to read.
The ground floor entrance is minimal. Revolving door entrance with three elevators directly opposite (similar to the Park Hyatt Seoul or Grand Hyatt Guangzhou). To the left and right of the elevators would be access to the shopping mall.
Elevators whisk you to the hotel lobby, on the 63rd floor. Upon exiting, a glass elevator/stairs on the left takes you to the China Grill Restaurant on the 66th. On the right, a short walk to the checkin desks. The checkin clerk did make it a point of asking for my business card to verify my corporate rate (RMB 1,800/night). I was a little disappointed at the lack of Diamond recognition. By email from the hotel, I had been promised an upgrade to a one-category higher room, but I subsequently found out that this had not been the case. No one explained the Diamond benefits, and I finally had to ask. Basically, it was just free (continental) breakfast at China Grill, the Lounge, or via room service. I will have breakfast at China Grill tomorrow, and will report back.
Another set of elevators opposite the checkin counters takes you back DOWN to the guest rooms. The highest room is on the 49th floor, but I don't recall what the lowest-floor room is. I got a room on the 46th floor. Looked at the floorplan behind the door of my room, and counted 22 rooms (no suites on this floor). The hotel building is exactly square, so the rooms all surround the outer wall, and the back office, elevators, etc. are clustered at the core.
I was a bit disappointed in the room. Color tones are beige and brown. The floor is marble in the bathroom area, and wood flooring in the bedroom. A burgundy carpet lies under the bed. The quality of the furnishings are fine, but I did not like the layout very much. Let me try to describe it. Entering the room is a short hallway, with the toilet in a small room on the right-hand side. Incidentally, the toilet is one of those Japanese-like inventions to help clean your butt after you do your thing.
Past the toilet room, again on the right-hand side is a shower and square bathtub ensemble. The walk-in shower is quite big, with a good size and good water pressure rainforest showerhead. On the left (i.e. opposite the shower) is a tall cabinet, double-sided. The side facing the shower is a waist-high cabinet holding a teapot, ice bin, some spare towels, and a bowl of fruit. The other side of this cabinet is the vanity. Near the vanity is also a small walk-in closet.
Walking past the shower, you walk into the main bedroom area. Bed is very comfortable. Good size workdesk with two armchairs. There is a minibar (with Nespresso machine...YES!) behind one of the chairs. A Samsung LCD TV sits in one corner, by the window. Also has DVD player. Floor-to-ceiling window extends the entire width of the far wall. Electronically-operated blinds and blackout curtain. There is a sofa/daybed in front of the window. View is nothing special (what views do you expect in Beijing city centre anyway?).
What I hated most about the room is the VERY open plan concept about it. In fact, if you opened the entrance door, anyone standing there could see right into the toilet, could see also someone taking a bath/shower, could see someone sleeping on the bed, and in fact, could see right out the window on the opposite wall! Yes, it is that much of an open plan concept. Not very much privacy. So, it is a good thing that there are sliding panels everywhere to section out the entrance foyer from the rest of the room, from the bathroom to the bedroom, one for the walk-in closet, another for the toilet, etc.
To me, the room looks like a more expensively-furnished Hyatt on the Bund room, but honestly, I prefer HOTB a lot more, especially because of the views of the Bund.
It has taken me awhile to figure out the light switches and what "Scene 1" and "Scene 2", etc. mean (basically, it is just preset levels of brightness/dimness for the lights). And, there certainly are lights everywhere.
Toiletries are Acca Kappa. Developed in Italy, but produced in China.
Internet is not free (unless they do not charge me tomorrow at checkout), and it is provided via InterTouch at RMB 120 for 24 hours.
I did visit the gym for a brief workout. Good selection of weights and machines. The pool is quite nice, too. On the 59th floor. There is also a spa on the 60th floor, but didn't go take a look.
I back here for another stay in 2 days, so if anyone has anything you want me to check out, please post here. I have taken pictures of the room, but will not be able to post on Flickr until I return home next week.
The hotel is part of the Yintai Centre complex right opposite the China World Hotel. I did call the hotel upon getting into the taxi, and the operator told me the hotel was behind the Hermes Boutique. But, the entrance to the hotel is extremely hard to find. The taxi driver has to drive behind Yintai centre and even then, the signage to the hotel entrance is very hard to read.
The ground floor entrance is minimal. Revolving door entrance with three elevators directly opposite (similar to the Park Hyatt Seoul or Grand Hyatt Guangzhou). To the left and right of the elevators would be access to the shopping mall.
Elevators whisk you to the hotel lobby, on the 63rd floor. Upon exiting, a glass elevator/stairs on the left takes you to the China Grill Restaurant on the 66th. On the right, a short walk to the checkin desks. The checkin clerk did make it a point of asking for my business card to verify my corporate rate (RMB 1,800/night). I was a little disappointed at the lack of Diamond recognition. By email from the hotel, I had been promised an upgrade to a one-category higher room, but I subsequently found out that this had not been the case. No one explained the Diamond benefits, and I finally had to ask. Basically, it was just free (continental) breakfast at China Grill, the Lounge, or via room service. I will have breakfast at China Grill tomorrow, and will report back.
Another set of elevators opposite the checkin counters takes you back DOWN to the guest rooms. The highest room is on the 49th floor, but I don't recall what the lowest-floor room is. I got a room on the 46th floor. Looked at the floorplan behind the door of my room, and counted 22 rooms (no suites on this floor). The hotel building is exactly square, so the rooms all surround the outer wall, and the back office, elevators, etc. are clustered at the core.
I was a bit disappointed in the room. Color tones are beige and brown. The floor is marble in the bathroom area, and wood flooring in the bedroom. A burgundy carpet lies under the bed. The quality of the furnishings are fine, but I did not like the layout very much. Let me try to describe it. Entering the room is a short hallway, with the toilet in a small room on the right-hand side. Incidentally, the toilet is one of those Japanese-like inventions to help clean your butt after you do your thing.
Past the toilet room, again on the right-hand side is a shower and square bathtub ensemble. The walk-in shower is quite big, with a good size and good water pressure rainforest showerhead. On the left (i.e. opposite the shower) is a tall cabinet, double-sided. The side facing the shower is a waist-high cabinet holding a teapot, ice bin, some spare towels, and a bowl of fruit. The other side of this cabinet is the vanity. Near the vanity is also a small walk-in closet.
Walking past the shower, you walk into the main bedroom area. Bed is very comfortable. Good size workdesk with two armchairs. There is a minibar (with Nespresso machine...YES!) behind one of the chairs. A Samsung LCD TV sits in one corner, by the window. Also has DVD player. Floor-to-ceiling window extends the entire width of the far wall. Electronically-operated blinds and blackout curtain. There is a sofa/daybed in front of the window. View is nothing special (what views do you expect in Beijing city centre anyway?).
What I hated most about the room is the VERY open plan concept about it. In fact, if you opened the entrance door, anyone standing there could see right into the toilet, could see also someone taking a bath/shower, could see someone sleeping on the bed, and in fact, could see right out the window on the opposite wall! Yes, it is that much of an open plan concept. Not very much privacy. So, it is a good thing that there are sliding panels everywhere to section out the entrance foyer from the rest of the room, from the bathroom to the bedroom, one for the walk-in closet, another for the toilet, etc.
To me, the room looks like a more expensively-furnished Hyatt on the Bund room, but honestly, I prefer HOTB a lot more, especially because of the views of the Bund.
It has taken me awhile to figure out the light switches and what "Scene 1" and "Scene 2", etc. mean (basically, it is just preset levels of brightness/dimness for the lights). And, there certainly are lights everywhere.
Toiletries are Acca Kappa. Developed in Italy, but produced in China.
Internet is not free (unless they do not charge me tomorrow at checkout), and it is provided via InterTouch at RMB 120 for 24 hours.
I did visit the gym for a brief workout. Good selection of weights and machines. The pool is quite nice, too. On the 59th floor. There is also a spa on the 60th floor, but didn't go take a look.
I back here for another stay in 2 days, so if anyone has anything you want me to check out, please post here. I have taken pictures of the room, but will not be able to post on Flickr until I return home next week.
Last edited by Fly Me To The Moon; Nov 21, 2008 at 6:57 am
Nov 23, 2008, 2:50 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 4
Accessibility?
Thanks for the latest info! I'll be there in a few weeks but haven't been able to find many (any) other reviews online yet.
How is accessibility to public transit? Is there much to see/do in the immediate area? And do you happen to know approx how far it is from the Grand Hyatt?
How is accessibility to public transit? Is there much to see/do in the immediate area? And do you happen to know approx how far it is from the Grand Hyatt?
Nov 23, 2008, 8:18 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
Thanks for the latest info! I'll be there in a few weeks but haven't been able to find many (any) other reviews online yet.
How is accessibility to public transit? Is there much to see/do in the immediate area? And do you happen to know approx how far it is from the Grand Hyatt?
How is accessibility to public transit? Is there much to see/do in the immediate area? And do you happen to know approx how far it is from the Grand Hyatt?
The Park Hyatt and the Grand Hyatt are both on the same main street (approximately). By taxi, I would say the hotels are about 10 minutes apart (maximum) in no traffic, maybe about RMB 15 fare (flag fall in Beijing is RMB 10).
Nov 23, 2008, 8:24 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
Return for One-Night Stay in Park Deluxe Room
Checked in today for my second stay here, and this time, did indeed get upgraded to a Park Deluxe room, which is just basically, a corner room, and is exactly like the one shown on the photo of the hotel website. But, still the same issue with walking from the entrance, through the entire bathroom, to get to the bedroom. Not my thing.
Should report back on my first stay that I did go to the China Grill for breakfast. Diamonds get the Park Breakfast for free, which is basically a buffet of "continental" items, and then a selection of hot dishes from the kitchen. The range of hot dishes was actually quite good. The waitress said that I could order any hot dishes off the menu, but I didn't really go to clarify whether this meant ONE dish, or could choose a selection of dishes. I don't eat too much for breakfast anyway. The Park Breakfast normally costs CNY 240.
Today, I had a full day in the hotel, so after checking in at noon, went to the Lobby Lounge for lunch. Then, for dinner, went to the China Grill. The menu selection was ok for both restaurants, and food of good quality. Menu prices were in line with five-star hotel prices, but it was my recollection that the Grand Cafe at the Grand Hyatt Beijing had higher prices than the Park Hyatt. Food is definitely better at the Park Hyatt, though.
Should report back on my first stay that I did go to the China Grill for breakfast. Diamonds get the Park Breakfast for free, which is basically a buffet of "continental" items, and then a selection of hot dishes from the kitchen. The range of hot dishes was actually quite good. The waitress said that I could order any hot dishes off the menu, but I didn't really go to clarify whether this meant ONE dish, or could choose a selection of dishes. I don't eat too much for breakfast anyway. The Park Breakfast normally costs CNY 240.
Today, I had a full day in the hotel, so after checking in at noon, went to the Lobby Lounge for lunch. Then, for dinner, went to the China Grill. The menu selection was ok for both restaurants, and food of good quality. Menu prices were in line with five-star hotel prices, but it was my recollection that the Grand Cafe at the Grand Hyatt Beijing had higher prices than the Park Hyatt. Food is definitely better at the Park Hyatt, though.
Nov 23, 2008, 9:39 am
#6
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,855
It doesn't sound very high end overall, particularly as regards service. This is sort of like my experience at the PH Shanghai, it's more about being high up in the air than providing a luxury hotel service experience. Maybe a club room at the Grand is still a better idea? I'm beginning to think that is the case in Shanghai.
The good news is that they didn't insist on charging you rack, like the PH Shanghai did to me.
The good news is that they didn't insist on charging you rack, like the PH Shanghai did to me.
Nov 24, 2008, 8:10 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
Photos Uploaded on Flickr
Ok, I have uploaded two sets of photos onto Flickr: (1) for Park Room and (2) for Park Deluxe Room.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93128774@N00/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93128774@N00/
Dec 9, 2008, 10:46 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Programs: BA/A3 Gold/SPG Plat
Posts: 500
uploaded three sets:
Park Hyatt Beijing - Suite
Park Hyatt Beijing - Park Deluxe King
Park Hyatt Beijing - Park King
Park Breakfast offered in China Grill, located @ 65F, costs RMB$240.00 plus 15% tax/surcharge, waived for Diamond members. Served by all-you-can eat style, you can order all items at the same price if you want!
Here's some menu lists:
- waffles, canidian maple syrup
- pancakes, apple compote
- friend eggs, cherry tomato, mushrrom, ham, pork sausage
- scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, sundried tomato, cream cheese
- eggwhite omelete, herbs
- omelete, baked ham, mushrooms, tomatoes, cheddar cheese
- steamd pork vegetable bum
- bean curd custard, chicken stew, sesame pancakes
- Beijing wonton soup
- hot soy milk, twised doughnuts
- fried noodles, pork, egg, cabbage, wood ear mushroom, bamboo shoots
- cognee corn meat, pickles, preserved bean
- shirmp and egg fried rice
- coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- fresh juice
- fruit plate, yoghurt, cereals, cheese, breads, pastries
Park Hyatt Beijing - Suite
Park Hyatt Beijing - Park Deluxe King
Park Hyatt Beijing - Park King
Park Breakfast offered in China Grill, located @ 65F, costs RMB$240.00 plus 15% tax/surcharge, waived for Diamond members. Served by all-you-can eat style, you can order all items at the same price if you want!
Here's some menu lists:
- waffles, canidian maple syrup
- pancakes, apple compote
- friend eggs, cherry tomato, mushrrom, ham, pork sausage
- scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, sundried tomato, cream cheese
- eggwhite omelete, herbs
- omelete, baked ham, mushrooms, tomatoes, cheddar cheese
- steamd pork vegetable bum
- bean curd custard, chicken stew, sesame pancakes
- Beijing wonton soup
- hot soy milk, twised doughnuts
- fried noodles, pork, egg, cabbage, wood ear mushroom, bamboo shoots
- cognee corn meat, pickles, preserved bean
- shirmp and egg fried rice
- coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- fresh juice
- fruit plate, yoghurt, cereals, cheese, breads, pastries
Last edited by MattTaiwan; Dec 9, 2008 at 11:52 am
Dec 9, 2008, 5:24 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,952
Dec 19, 2008, 11:52 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Into PH PEK. Ideas please.
Hello. I am a Diamond and appreciate the posts. Can someone please comment on transit from PEK to Hotel and back? Also ideas of things to do in area. Does anyone know of a tour for the "bird nest" Olympic stadium? Thought that would be interesting. Any additional info appreciated. Thanks.
Dec 20, 2008, 4:07 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Programs: BA/A3 Gold/SPG Plat
Posts: 500
Hello. I am a Diamond and appreciate the posts. Can someone please comment on transit from PEK to Hotel and back? Also ideas of things to do in area. Does anyone know of a tour for the "bird nest" Olympic stadium? Thought that would be interesting. Any additional info appreciated. Thanks.
Dec 20, 2008, 7:48 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Beijing, China
Programs: BA/A3 Gold/SPG Plat
Posts: 500
Here's some useful infomation and hot sopts I visited late time in Beijing. All itinerary arranged by my local branch office. I have only 4 days so this itinerary may not good-enough for every vistors in Beijing. 
Restaurants
Green T House
6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 6552 8310
Green T House Living
318 Hegezghuang Cun, Chaoyang District
Tel: 136 0113 7132
www.green-t-house.com
Ultra-hip restaurant, teahouse and gallery blends whimsical white interiors with artful tea-infused cuisine.
Roast Duck - Peking Duck
Liqun Roast Duck
11 Beixiangfeng, Zhengyi lu, Northeast of Qianmen, Dongcheng Distrist
Tel: 6705 5578
Try it at the cheap and cheerful Liqun Roast Duck located in a tumbledown courtyard residence.
Dadong Roast Duck
1-2/F, Nanxincang International Plaza, 22A Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng Distrist
Tel: 5169 0329
More upscale one. Most of all tourist's choice. Personally preferred Liqun more than Dadong.
My Humble House
W307, Oriental Plaza, 1 Dongchang'an Jie, Dongcheng District
Tel: 8518 5578
A sparkling dinning room under a glass dome and creative Chinese fusion.
City Walk
-asking your hotel concierge desk for arrangement
Tiananmen Square - a part of the Forbidden City.
Forbidden City - before entering the complex, pays little extra to pick up the English-language audio tour narrated by Roger Moore.
Old Beijing Hutongs - meaning 'lane' from the Mongolian.
The best place to visit is located in Houhai (a lake in central Beijing). You may rent a Rickshaw in the Houhai area and the runner will escort you to visit the Hutongs. It has become famous for nightlife because it is home to several popular restaurants, bars, and cafes. This area is especially popular with foreign tourists visiting Beijing,
Capital Architecture
-asking your hotel concierge desk for arrangement
National Grand Theatre
Chang'an Street, west of the Great Hall of the People. Just about 10 miuntes walk from Tiananmen Square.
Olympic Park - National Stadium (Bird's Nest) & National Aquatics Center (Watercube)
North Fourth Ring Middle Road (Beisihuan Zhonglu)
CCTV/TTVC
East Third Ring Road, just North of Guomao
This building still under construction. Simply stay in Park Hyatt Beijing and asking for a view of CCTV tower or face to Forbidden City view, as your wish. I changed twice for my room-view location during my last stay in Park Hyatt Beijing.
Enjoy your trip in Beijing!
Restaurants
Green T House
6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 6552 8310
Green T House Living
318 Hegezghuang Cun, Chaoyang District
Tel: 136 0113 7132
www.green-t-house.com
Ultra-hip restaurant, teahouse and gallery blends whimsical white interiors with artful tea-infused cuisine.
Roast Duck - Peking Duck
Liqun Roast Duck
11 Beixiangfeng, Zhengyi lu, Northeast of Qianmen, Dongcheng Distrist
Tel: 6705 5578
Try it at the cheap and cheerful Liqun Roast Duck located in a tumbledown courtyard residence.
Dadong Roast Duck
1-2/F, Nanxincang International Plaza, 22A Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng Distrist
Tel: 5169 0329
More upscale one. Most of all tourist's choice. Personally preferred Liqun more than Dadong.
My Humble House
W307, Oriental Plaza, 1 Dongchang'an Jie, Dongcheng District
Tel: 8518 5578
A sparkling dinning room under a glass dome and creative Chinese fusion.
City Walk
-asking your hotel concierge desk for arrangement
Tiananmen Square - a part of the Forbidden City.
Forbidden City - before entering the complex, pays little extra to pick up the English-language audio tour narrated by Roger Moore.
Old Beijing Hutongs - meaning 'lane' from the Mongolian.
The best place to visit is located in Houhai (a lake in central Beijing). You may rent a Rickshaw in the Houhai area and the runner will escort you to visit the Hutongs. It has become famous for nightlife because it is home to several popular restaurants, bars, and cafes. This area is especially popular with foreign tourists visiting Beijing,
Capital Architecture
-asking your hotel concierge desk for arrangement
National Grand Theatre
Chang'an Street, west of the Great Hall of the People. Just about 10 miuntes walk from Tiananmen Square.
Olympic Park - National Stadium (Bird's Nest) & National Aquatics Center (Watercube)
North Fourth Ring Middle Road (Beisihuan Zhonglu)
CCTV/TTVC
East Third Ring Road, just North of Guomao
This building still under construction. Simply stay in Park Hyatt Beijing and asking for a view of CCTV tower or face to Forbidden City view, as your wish. I changed twice for my room-view location during my last stay in Park Hyatt Beijing.
Enjoy your trip in Beijing!